Are these players roster locks?
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| Butler makes his case. (Geoff Burke - USA Today) |
Brian Tyms - WR
The first player he believes should be a lock for the roster is WR Brian Tyms. The 6'3" wide receiver has flashed at times during the preseason, with a pair of spectacular games against the Redskins and Eagles. He has gotten 148 yards on eight receptions, including two touchdowns (and you could argue he should have another). But it is hard to argue against his success so far.
There are several things to note though. Tyms has rarely played against a top flight secondary, taking almost all of his reps against second and third string defenders, which makes his success more difficult to put into perspective.
One factor that Gottlieb highlights is his four game suspension, which he believes will help his case to make the team given that it will allow the Patriots to fill his roster spot with another player until he returns. I'm not sold on this. While it could do that, being away from the team for four weeks is not easy on anyone, especially in New England where the playbook is difficult enough as it is.
One thing that isn't nearly mentioned enough is the fact that Tyms is already 25 years old, and has been on three other teams already. Something just hasn't clicked with him with each team he's been with. Even though Kenbrell Thompkins is up there in age for being a sophomore player, Tyms hasn't been able to perform for his previous teams.
Who would Tyms have to beat out to get a roster spot? More than likely it would be Josh Boyce. The second year player was taken in the fourth round in last year's draft. I personally like Boyce, and his athleticism is his biggest advantage over Tyms, but not by much. Could the Patriots keep eight WRs? It's possible, because I don't see the Patriots cutting Edelman, Amendola, LaFell, Dobson, Thompkins, Slater, or Boyce, but at this point it seems irrational. Just have to wait and see.
Jordan Devey - OL
The second player Gottlieb takes a look at is OL Jordan Devey. Devey came to the Patriots as an undrafted free agent and was on the team's practice squad last year. So far this preseason he has played every single one of the offense's 91 snaps.
In a Providence Journal piece by Mark Daniels, Bill Belichick mentions the improvement of Devey this offseason and how the he has been used.
“I think he’s improved a lot from last year,” Belichick said. “He’s had a good offseason. He’s worked really hard. He’s a smart guy. His fundamentals have improved. His strength is better. His offseason program was very productive. … He really was able to take advantage of that and put himself in a very competitive position.”
Given his play time the last few weeks, it is hard to see Devey not making the roster, that being said we should pump the brakes before announcing him the starting RG. With Dan Connolly and Ryan Wendell battling over the C position, it has allowed Devey to take all the RG snaps, but Connolly is still a better OL than Devey and could take the job back if Wendell takes control or Bryan Stork comes back healthy.
With the offensive line shuffling around in so many ways, at this point in time it is hard to see who has control over roster spots. Potential contributors include Wendell, Connolly, Devey, Stork, Josh Kline, Marcus Cannon, Jon Halapio, and Cameron Fleming. Devey may be a roster lock, but I would not doubt he easily makes the team.
Roy Finch - RB
The flashy speedster made his case for a roster spot in last week's preseason game. After struggling with ball handling the first week, Finch came together against the Eagles and showed he could contribute on special teams and offense. On offense, he ran the ball 7 times for 37 yards and a TD, including 2 receptions for 34 yards. On special teams he returned the two kickoffs he got a hold of for an average of 26 yards.
Brandon Bolden, who has struggled before doing well in the Eagles game, is the competition for Finch right now, and I like his odds. While he may not be a member of every special teams unit, he can be utilized as a return man, and also on offense as a change of pace scat back who can catch passes out of the backfield.
I won't lie, I love Roy Finch, but my opinion doesn't matter to Belichick, but if he keeps performing like he did in his second preseason game, Finch will have shown he has what it takes to deserve a roster spot.
Malcolm Butler - CB
This kid is this years' undrafted free agent to become an impact player for the Patriots. I cannot argue with Gottlieb at all with this one. Butler took first team reps across from Darrelle Revis against the Eagles, making a number of plays. With two strips of receivers, blanket coverage, and an ability to make open field tackles, Butler played an outstanding game.
So far, Butler has played the most snaps of any defensive player for the Patriots. With Belichick trying out Logan Ryan and Kyle Arrington at safety, the injury of Alfonzo Dennard, and with the four game suspension of Brandon Browner, Butler may be a game day starter for the Patriots when all is said and done.
I would not be surprised if Butler contributes on special teams, and the base defense, even when Browner returns. His play hasn't shown many weaknesses, and he appears to have a nose for the ball. Butler could become an everyday presence for the Patriots for years to come.
While there is still time for these players to hurt their chances, each of them have made a strong case to make the team.
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