Analysis of the Final(-ish) roster of 53

Today was impacted by a slew of cuts, with 20 men making their way off the roster. If you've been following my roster projection series, you'll see that I had 5 players on the roster that were cut today (Roy Finch, Jon Halapio, Steve Beauharnais, Danny Aiken and Jerel Worthy), so here's a bit on why I thought each would make it, and why they may not have. Also, a note or two on people who did make it as surprises.

Roy Finch

Finch is a speedy back who draws comparisons to the Shane Vereen/Danny Woodhead type. I thought he'd have an honest crack at the roster because there isn't a backup for the Vereen style player, and that could be valuable with his injury history. From the Patriot perspective I'd guess they believe that White can handle some of that responsibility while allowing for depth at other positions such as offensive line.

Jon Halapio

I didn't believe Halapio was a roster lock, in fact I had Chris Barker on my first projection. A lesson in sticking to my guns. The Patriots may believe that Halapio can slip to the practice squad to get some seasoning, or it could be a case of draft picks not living up to the slot. It happens every year. Halapio must've disappointed them in some way with Barker getting the nod over him.

Steve Beauharnais

This was a stunning turn of events to me, as the depth at linebacker was already thin (even if counting Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich). The Patriots may have valued keeping extra size on the defensive line, or using a bigger corner as an inside backer in some sets (much like Browner's build upon his return). I don't have a lot of insight into the why, as I'm still grasping at straws over this surprise.

Jerel Worthy

It's not often that the Patriots make a trade for players that they won't keep, and that was really my logic in keeping Worthy. They obviously like the play of rookie Zach Moore far more than I assumed. I believed that the hype was more fan and media driven, but clearly that was an error on my part. Worthy does have practice squad eligibility if he clears waivers, so that should be something to watch.

Danny Aiken

Anybody who said they saw this coming is lying. I have a theory on why the team decided to make this move, but that'll fit more in the area below. A stunning cut but I believe that he will be the week one long snapper for the Patriots.

Ryan Mallett

I still don't believe he's safe. You don't cut Aiken to put a starting defensive player as your long snapper (Ninkovich), so I believe he'll be back. If he is a player seen as likely to clear waivers, they could have cut him to buy time in facilitating a Mallett trade with another team. They clearly don't want to give him up for nothing. Mallett fans can celebrate for now, and tell me how wrong I was, but I think I may end up having the last laugh.

Brandon Bolden

How you keep this player over Finch is a bit of a mystery to me, but I'll try to explain. While Finch was looked at in kickoff return, that is typically a touchback, so other areas of special teams are more important. Bolden can be a special teams contributor and that likely gave him the edge. I suppose it also puts some pressure on Stevan Ridley to produce, which may not be a bad thing.

Overall, it was an interesting day for the Patriots, but I'll take 50 of 55 correct, especially when one (Danny Aiken) was on everybody's final projection. I wouldn't say players like Mallett, Bolden, or Chris Barker are in the clear yet. Waiver claims are an interesting time, and could lead to a few moves.