Gronkowski’s return not only affects the tight ends group but it alters how the team views its H-backs, Michael Hoomanwanui and James Develin, which in turn affects how the team views its running backs group. Leon Washington’s job didn’t survive the weekend, mostly because Develin provided more value than Ballard, Fells or Washington could on offense and special teams. If Gronkowski couldn’t play, any one of those players could still be playing for the Patriots.
Those three players can contribute to any number of NFL teams right now. The same can be said for punter Zoltan Mesko, who was released Saturday. Mesko’s release, on the other hand, has nothing to do with Gronkowski. He lost his job to rookie punter Ryan Allen, a two-time Ray Guy award winner from Louisiana Tech. Mesko was slated to earn $1.323 million this season. Allen will earn the rookie minimum, $405,000. You do the math.
Finally, in the team’s most noted roster move, the Patriots cut popular third-string quarterback Tim Tebow. Tebow’s release means a couple of things for the offense and a certain subset of plays, including the wildcat and read option. The team can either ignore the trend entirely, as has been custom, or turn to other players on the roster with the skillset to play that role. While Tebow appeared to run those plays exclusively during the preseason, he is not the only player that can handle those packages. Julian Edelman has yet to show off his quarterback roots from Kent State.
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Roles in the Patriots depth chart
After the cuts and an entire preseason to evaluate the Patriots’ roster, this depth chart tries to identify the role of each player on the team. Of course, this doesn’t take into account select plays set aside for certain players. For instance, Shane Vereen’s flexibility allows for him to do things outside his role as the team’s third down running back. And in the wide receiver’s group, a player like Josh Boyce, who is further down the depth chart, will likely contribute more on the offense in certain situations. The same can be said for linebacker Jamie Collins as well as cornerbacks Logan Ryan and Marquice Cole, who will likely see a lot of action in passing situations.
Quarterbacks
Tom Brady
Ryan Mallett
Primary running back
Stevan Ridley
LeGarrette Blount
Brandon Bolden
Third-down running back
Shane Vereen
LeGarrette Blount
Fullback
James Develin
Michael Hoomanawanui
Primary tight end
Rob Gronkowski
Zach Sudfeld
Flex tight end
Zach Sudfeld
Michael Hoomanawanui
Slot wide receiver (Z)
Danny Amendola
Julian Edelman
Josh Boyce
Outside wide receiver (X)
Kenbrell Thompkins
Aaron Dobson
Matthew Slater
Left tackle
Nate Solder
Will Svitek
Left guard
Logan Mankins
Chris Barker
Center
Ryan Wendell
Braxston Cave
Right guard
Marcus Cannon
Dan Connolly
Right tackle
Sebastian Vollmer
Will Svitek
Defensive end (1)
Rob Ninkovich
Jake Bequette
Defensive end (2)
Chandler Jones
Michael Buchanan
Nose tackle
Vince Wilfork
Tommy Kelly
Defensive tackle
Vince Wilfork
Tommy Kelly
Joe Vellano
A.J. Francis
Strongside linebacker
Dont’a Hightower
Jamie Collins
Weakside linebacker
Jerod Mayo
Chris White
Middle linebacker
Brandon Spikes
Dane Fletcher
Steve Beauharnais
Left cornerback
Aqib Talib
Logan Ryan
Right cornerback
Kyle Arrington
Alfonzo Dennard
Marquice Cole
Safety (1)
Devin McCourty
Duron Harmon
Safety (2)
Steve Gregory
Tavon Wilson
Nate Ebner
Specialists
Stephen Gostkowski (K)
Ryan Allen (P)
Danny Aiken (LS)
Julian Edelman (PR)
Josh Boyce (KR)
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Tweet of the week
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Input this
Boston.com user “993TT” writes:
I really wish they would have tried [Tim Tebow] in the TE position, it seems like he would excel there. I'm not shocked about the releasing him as a QB, but I am surprised they didn't try to use him elsewhere. I would like him to still be a Patriot. Mesko you could see coming. He had a rough year last year, and this new kid looks incredible. When you look at the cost differential, it's a no-brainer.
A couple of things here, Tebow could never play tight end. Trying him there is not anywhere near the best use of his talents. But more so, he wouldn’t have been able to compete with veteran tight ends on the roster.
For Tebow, his release doesn’t change much in regards to the scouting report on him. He’s never had the accuracy or ability to make quick decisions necessary for an offense like the one the Patriots run. But he can play quarterback for a team willing to stray away from being so pocket passer focused, something similar to what can be found in college. But professionally, his options are limited.
Second, it’s tough to see Mesko go. Despite the difference in salaries (Mesko was slated to make more than double that of Ryan Allen), he was an excellent locker room presence and was very giving in the community. I’d almost equate him with Matthew Slater, who is well regarded by the team in the same respect. It’s no surprise that they are both the last two Ron Burton community service award winners. It’s very much a surprise that these non-football intangibles he brought to the team couldn’t push him over the edge, especially after this summer.
What’s to come
- On Wednesday the Patriots will release their first injury report following practice.
- Also on Wednesday, I’ll be publishing for my first weekly installment of NFL picks. We’ll be tracking my progress throughout the season.
- On Thursday, the NFL season kicks off with the Baltimore Ravens visiting the Denver Broncos. The game is set for 8:30 p.m. on NBC.
- At 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, the Patriots will open their 2013 regular season at the Buffalo Bills. That’s 6 days from now.
Zuri Berry can be reached at zberry@boston.com. Follow him on Twitter @zuriberry.
