NFL Draft 2011: Projecting the New England Patriots Depth Chart After the Draft
The New England Patriots had one of the more controversial drafts in the league; some NFL draft pundits are raving about it, while others aren't sold on some of the picks. The Patriots seemed to build for the long haul more than the immediate future, but that shouldn't surprise anyone, because that's usually how Bill Belichick approaches the draft.
Thus, we are left with a starting roster that could look extremely familiar and some young depth that will grow into the system along the way.
Of course, there are phases of the offseason that haven't even taken place yet. Among those are free agency and undrafted free agency. When those two have taken place, the picture will be much clearer as to who will play.
For now, let's take a look at my entirely-too-early potential Patriots depth chart after the draft.
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Quarterback
1 of 14
QB1: Tom Brady
QB2: Brian Hoyer
QB3: Ryan Mallett
Somehow, guys, I doubt Ryan Mallett is going to take Tom Brady's starting spot at quarterback that easily.
After a second MVP season in which Brady threw for 36 touchdowns and only four interceptions, he looks just as good as ever before.
Any questions about his motivation need to die now. Brady is just as hungry as ever before, especially after losing to the Jets in the playoffs. We all know how much he hates the Jets, and he would love to come back and prove them wrong in 2011.
As for Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett, I just have a feeling Hoyer will hang on to the spot for his experience in the system. I'm sure Mallett will get a chance or two to showcase his talents in blowouts, or maybe even in the preseason (if it happens), but Hoyer will remain the primary backup.
Running Back
2 of 14
RB1: BenJarvus Green-Ellis
RB2: Danny Woodhead
RB3: Shane Vereen
RB4: Stevan Ridley
RB5: Kevin Faulk
Naming a "starter" in New England's backfield is as easy as treading water, so I'll just go with my gut on who will get the most carries. The Patriots have four talented running backs on their roster and will use all of them to their strengths.
Green-Ellis became the first Patriots back since Corey Dillon in 2005 to exceed 1,000 yards rushing. That, to me, earned him the lion's share of the carries for 2011.
Of course, he'll be competing with three talented backs, so in the end, it's anyone's guess.
Danny Woodhead really came on strong last year, and I anticipate him continuing to fill the Kevin Faulk role. Faulk could come back for one last year to mentor New England's young backfield.
As for Ridley and Vereen, I think there's more flexibility in Vereen's game than in Ridley's, and that will help Vereen earn more playing time.
Wide Receiver
3 of 14
WR1: Wes Welker
WR2: Deion Branch
WR3: Brandon Tate
WR4: Taylor Price
WR5: Julian Edelman
The smurfs return for a second year together. Some may be upset that the Patriots didn't target a wide receiver in the draft, but history shows that Tom Brady does better with experienced receivers than younger guys. Most of these guys have that going for them.
We all know what we're going to get out of Wes Welker and Deion Branch. The short, underneath stuff is covered with these two handsy receivers.
Brandon Tate and Taylor Price are both question marks. With Tate entering his third year in the system, it's do or die time. Luckily, that happens to be when most receivers hit stride and really take off if they ever do.
From this group, expect a lot of what we saw in the last three quarters of the season.
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Tight End
4 of 14
TE1: Rob Gronkowski
TE2: Aaron Hernandez
TE3: Lee Smith
The Patriots have one of the most prolific groups of tight ends in the NFL. With Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots have one of the most complete tight ends in the NFL. He's a stout in-line blocker in the running game and a well-versed pass catcher with 10 receiving touchdowns last year.
Aaron Hernandez is a great "move" tight end in the passing game, a guy who acts more like a receiver than a true tight end. He fills that H-back role well and became a hot target for Brady quickly in 2010. That rapport should continue to develop next year.
As for Smith, he's also a stout in-line blocker. I'm still a little unsure as to how this situation will break down, with both Alge Crumpler and Smith vying for the same role. Will Belichick go for the veteran over the promising young rookie? Only time will tell.
Tackle
5 of 14
LT1: Matt Light
RT1: Sebastian Vollmer
T2: Nate Solder
T3: Mark LeVoir
T4: Steve Maneri
This will definitely be the battle to watch in training camp. That is, if the Patriots are able to bring back Matt Light.
The longer the lockout drags on, the more likely it is Matt Light will take that hometown discount and sign with the Patriots. Likewise, the longer the lockout lasts, the less likely the Patriots will be able to get Solder comfortable with the system before the season begins.
This situation is becoming very urgent for both sides.
As for Vollmer, that right tackle spot is sewn up for him barring some freak injury or incident. Mark LeVoir isn't much but experienced depth, although a solid swing man.
Guard
6 of 14
LG1: Logan Mankins
RG1: Dan Connolly
G3: Marcus Cannon
G4: Rich Ohrnberger
I firmly believe that Logan Mankins will suit up for the Patriots next year. The franchise tag will remain, and those players will have to play for the teams that tagged them. Even if Mankins is somehow free to walk in free agency, the Patriots have solid depth behind him. In fact, that may swing the negotiations in favor of the Patriots.
Steve Neal has retired, thus opening up the right guard spot. My bet for the starter is Dan Connolly, though either Cannon or Ohrnberger could push him for the job.
Center
7 of 14
C1: Dan Koppen
Yup, just one here.
Last year, the Patriots had Matt Katula as their long snapper, but by drafting Lee Smith, they have added a player who can be their long snapper. If something were to happen to Koppen, I'm sure they would just slide one of their guards inside.
Defensive End
8 of 14
LDE: Ty Warren
RDE: Brandon Deaderick
DE2: Ron Brace
DE3: Mike Wright
DE4: Myron Pryor
Somehow, I doubt one year off is long enough for Ty Warren to have lost it completely. He may be getting older, but he still has his place on the starting lineup at defensive end.
Ron Brace has finally started to come on, and Bill Belichick has continued confidence in him to finally turn the corner in his career. Myron Pryor is better as a rotational guy in the pass rush, especially in sub packages. He and Mike Wright will contend for time there.
The training camp battles to watch are all down in the defensive trench. Guys like Pryor, Brace and Marcus Stroud will be competing for roster spots. Kade Weston could also be in the mix, or maybe he's better suited to play on the nose. It will be an interesting competition to watch.
Nose Tackle
9 of 14
NT1: Vince Wilfork
NT2: Kyle Love
It seemed like whenever Vince Wilfork would play end in the three-man front, it was Kyle Love who would slide in and play nose tackle. That, to me, says Belichick really has confidence in this guy. Nose tackle is one of the most important positions in the system, and Belichick wouldn't put someone there he didn't think could do it.
Outside Linebacker
10 of 14
LOLB: Jermaine Cunningham
ROLB: Rob Ninkovich
OLB2: Eric Moore
OLB3: Markell Carter
OLB4: Tully Banta-Cain
The position where everyone wanted improvement, but none got their wish. The Patriots are clearly confident in the group of guys they already have.
Jermaine Cunningham was injured for last year's playoff loss to the Jets, and starting in his place were Ninkovich and Moore. Regardless of the outcome, the confidence Belichick showed in those guys in that big of a game was enough to believe in them both improving in 2011.
As for Carter vs. TBC, let's just say I'm hopeful that's the outcome. Tully Banta-Cain is somewhat skilled as a pass rusher, but he's too easily neutralized by tight ends.
Inside Linebacker
11 of 14
LILB: Brandon Spikes
RILB: Jerod Mayo
ILB2: Dane Fletcher
ILB3: Gary Guyton
There's virtually no debate that Spikes and Mayo have locked down the starting spots inside in the Patriots' base 3-4 defense.
Gary Guyton had two touchdown returns last year, but let's face it—both were on right place, right time plays. The Patriots need to improve in pass defense against running backs and tight ends, which is where, as Mike Dussault points out, they were exposed the most in 2010.
Cornerback
12 of 14
CB1: Devin McCourty
CB2: Leigh Bodden
CB3: Ras-I Dowling
CB4: Kyle Arrington
CB5: Darius Butler
The Patriots have a lot of depth at cornerback with the addition of Dowling. All these guys are physical cornerbacks that can both press and disguise well. One of the best ways to produce a pass rush is to have top-notch cornerbacks to blanket receivers, allowing the pass rush those precious extra ticks to reach the quarterback.
Darius Butler will make the roster this year because keeping Jonathan Wilhite around for over $1 million just isn't worth it.
Safety
13 of 14
FS: Brandon Meriweather
SS: Patrick Chung
S2: James Sanders
S3: Jarrad Page
Fans may not have a whole lot of confidence in Meriweather, but it seems Belichick does. Meriweather played over 80 percent of defensive snaps last year. Having moved former linebacker coach Matt Patricia to the safety spot, I think Belichick wants to push Meriweather and get the most out of him.
Patrick Chung continues to develop and could really come on strong in his third year in the league. I like the attitude and physicality he brings to the secondary. He'll have to overcome the mental hurdle of his fumble in the playoffs.
Sanders and Page are both solid depth at the position.
Special Teams
14 of 14
K: Stephen Gostkowski
P: Zoltan Mesko
LS: Lee Smith (TE)
No surprises here. Not sure if anyone else knew, but Smith has skills as a long snapper, having done so a bit at Marshall.
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