BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Torry Holt Among Those On the Bubble Following 27-24 Patriots Win in Preseason Opener

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Aug 12, 2010

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Torry Holt Among Those On the Bubble Following 27-24 Patriots Win in Preseason Opener FOXBORO, Mass. — After 22 training camp practices and one preseason game, the Patriots’ depth chart and roster predictions have come a little more into focus. Here’s our latest crack at the 53-man roster, and make sure to check back every Friday for the newest edition.


Defensive Linemen (7)
Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren, Mike Wright, Gerard Warren, Damione Lewis, Myron Pryor, Brandon Deaderick


Note: Deaderick is a big question mark. He’s going to get a good push from Kyle Love.


Linebackers (9)
Jerod Mayo, Tully Banta-Cain, Brandon Spikes, Gary Guyton, Tyrone McKenzie, Jermaine Cunningham, Pierre Woods, Rob Ninkovich, Marques Murrell


Note: Murrell takes over in place of Thomas Williams this week. Murrell had a decent game Thursday night.


Cornerbacks (6)
Leigh Bodden, Darius Butler, Jonathan Wilhite, Devin McCourty, Kyle Arrington, Terrence Wheatley


Note: The Patriots are using a lot of nickel formations, so they could very likely carry a half-dozen corners again.


Safeties (4)
Brandon Meriweather, James Sanders, Patrick Chung, Brandon McGowan


Note: This appears to be a good group, but the Saints picked on them during this week’s practices. Then again, the linebackers shared some of that blame, too.


Offensive Line (9)
Matt Light, Dan Koppen, Stephen Neal, Sebastian Vollmer, Dan Connolly, Mark LeVoir, Ted Larsen, Ryan Wendell, George Bussey


Note: Kaczur comes off the list this week because we’re projecting he either hits injured reserve or the physically unable to perform list. Bussey is added.


Quarterbacks (2)
Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer


Note: No change here. Not now, and not unless something crazy happens.


Wide Receivers (6)
Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, Sam Aiken, Brandon Tate, Taylor Price


Note: Torry Holt lost some momentum last week, and his recent undisclosed injury hasn’t helped that cause. His value would be in his chemistry and veteran presence as a compliment to Brady. However, it’s hard to create chemistry when you’re not on the field.


Running backs (4)
Fred Taylor, Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk


Note: BenJarvus Green-Ellis’ fate is entirely in his own hands. If he plays well over the next few weeks, he’ll make the team.


Tight ends (3)
Rob Gronkowski, Alge Crumpler, Aaron Hernandez


Note: The rookies are remarkably talented pass-catchers, and this could be a big statistical year for New England’s tight ends.


Kicker (1)
Stephen Gostkowski


Note: The reliable kicker booted a pair of field goals Thursday, including the game-winner in the final minute.


Punter (1)
Zoltan Mesko


Note: Mesko averaged 43.8 yards per punt in five attempts Thursday, and three kicks landed inside the 20.


Long Snapper (1)
Jake Ingram


Note: Linebacker Rob Ninkovich has actually taken some very light reps as the long snapper, so it’s something to consider going forward. It’s not due to Ingram’s performance, but Bill Belichick’s desire to keep as many defensive players as possible.


On the Bubble (11)
Linebacker Eric Alexander, defensive lineman Ron Brace, outside linebacker Derrick Burgess, running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, wide receiver Torry Holt, safety Bret Lockett, defensive lineman Kyle Love, offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger, wide receiver Matthew Slater, offensive lineman Thomas Welch, linebacker Thomas Williams


A Little Further Away (4)
Linebacker Dane Fletcher, offensive lineman Eric Ghiaciuc, defensive lineman Darryl Richard, defensive tackle Kade Weston


Long Shots (12)
Safety Josh Barrett, safety Sergio Brown, tight end Carson Butler, running back Thomas Clayton, wide receiver Darnell Jenkins, cornerback Terrence Johnson, tight end Rob Myers, wide receiver Rod Owens, quarterback Zac Robinson, running back Chris Taylor, safety Ross Ventrone, defensive back DeAngelo Willingham


Holding Out
Left guard Logan Mankins


Missed Due to Injury (PUP or IR)
Offensive lineman Nick Kaczur

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