Patriots 53 roster predictions

[Cman]

I wonder if this spells for a return of Crumpler...I think the pats are going to have to pick up another tight end...especially with hernandez/gronkowski playing a large part of our offense and running alot of two tight end sets.

Yes, i think its likely that crumpler comes back -- its a move that I think is prudent.

[Donoghus]

Love the Brian Waters pickup.  An extremely solid guard.  Should help shore things up a bit on the right side of that line.

[cman88]

Love the Brian Waters pickup.  An extremely solid guard.  Should help shore things up a bit on the right side of that line.

ya, that right side seemed to be a weak spot against the Jets last year and against detroit..and waters should help shore up that side...If we can put consistent pressure on the quarterback and our offensive line can hold up, I think we're in good shape

[Jon]

I wonder if this spells for a return of Crumpler...I think the pats are going to have to pick up another tight end...especially with hernandez/gronkowski playing a large part of our offense and running alot of two tight end sets.

Yes, i think its likely that crumpler comes back -- its a move that I think is prudent.

I don't recall where, but Aaron Hernandez made some reference to Nate Solder possibly playing tight end in a pinch.  Granted, it was just him speculating, but I wonder if it's something that Bellichick has run in practice. 

[Bahku]

Love the Brian Waters pickup.  An extremely solid guard.  Should help shore things up a bit on the right side of that line.

Yup, I was very pleased with this as well ... we needed a bit more solidity on that end of the line.

[Chris]

I wonder if this spells for a return of Crumpler...I think the pats are going to have to pick up another tight end...especially with hernandez/gronkowski playing a large part of our offense and running alot of two tight end sets.

Yes, i think its likely that crumpler comes back -- its a move that I think is prudent.

I don't recall where, but Aaron Hernandez made some reference to Nate Solder possibly playing tight end in a pinch.  Granted, it was just him speculating, but I wonder if it's something that Bellichick has run in practice. 

I mentioned this before, but I think its something they would absolutely do.  Over the past few years, they have used other linemen at TE, particularly on short yardage.  I would be surprised if they have him run many patterns, but when they need a third TE on running plays, or for max protection, I think they will take that opportunity to get Solder on the field.

They also could send him out on a couple routes, on the goal-line with the hopes that defenses just don't cover him.

[Cman]

I wonder if this spells for a return of Crumpler...I think the pats are going to have to pick up another tight end...especially with hernandez/gronkowski playing a large part of our offense and running alot of two tight end sets.

Yes, i think its likely that crumpler comes back -- its a move that I think is prudent.

I don't recall where, but Aaron Hernandez made some reference to Nate Solder possibly playing tight end in a pinch.  Granted, it was just him speculating, but I wonder if it's something that Bellichick has run in practice. 

I mentioned this before, but I think its something they would absolutely do.  Over the past few years, they have used other linemen at TE, particularly on short yardage.  I would be surprised if they have him run many patterns, but when they need a third TE on running plays, or for max protection, I think they will take that opportunity to get Solder on the field.

They also could send him out on a couple routes, on the goal-line with the hopes that defenses just don't cover him.

Or can't cover him, because he's do darned big!

[Donoghus]

Solder does have some TE experience from his Colorado days and has extremly quick feet for an OL so its certainly within the realm of possibility that he could step in as the #3 TE in certain situations.

[Cman]

Another Gronkowski with the Pats?

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4702044/another-gronkowski-in-new-england

[Donoghus]

Another Gronkowski with the Pats?

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4702044/another-gronkowski-in-new-england

Curious what differentiates him from Yeatman in the Pats eyes.

[Cman]

Another Gronkowski with the Pats?

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4702044/another-gronkowski-in-new-england

Curious what differentiates him from Yeatman in the Pats eyes.

Me too. if true, I hope it is a practice squad signing, not one of the 53.

[Cman]

It seems more and more official: Dan Gronk to sign with New England:
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extra_points/2011/09/dan_gronkowski.html

He's not eligible for practice squad, so they got to cut one of the current 53. I'm guessing the move the Pats will make is to put Tarpinian on IR?

But knowing them, they'll probably do something crazy, like cut Deion Branch....

[Evantime34]

It seems more and more official: Dan Gronk to sign with New England:
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extra_points/2011/09/dan_gronkowski.html

He's not eligible for practice squad, so they got to cut one of the current 53. I'm guessing the move the Pats will make is to put Tarpinian on IR?

But knowing them, they'll probably do something crazy, like cut Deion Branch....

They Cut Darius Butler for his roster spot.

I have a question, the Patriots were at 53 players before they signed Waters. Does anyone know who they cut when they signed him?

I think D. Gronk is more game ready than Yeatman (more experience).

[Roy H.]

I have a question, the Patriots were at 53 players before they signed Waters. Does anyone know who they cut when they signed him?

To make room for Waters, the Patriots released tackle Steve Maneri and long snapper James Dearth.  The team also claimed rookie free agent long snapper Danny Aiken from the Buffalo Bills.

Link

[Donoghus]

Can't say I'll miss Butler.

Cringed everytime someone threw his way.