5 New England Patriots on the Roster Bubble In 2015 Training Camp

5 New England Patriots on the Roster Bubble In 2015 Training Camp

By Derek McVay

July 25, 2015

5 New England Patriots on the Roster Bubble In 2015 Training Camp

New England Patriots — The roster bubble for every team as they enter training camp is large. Trimming a roster down from 90 players to 53 is no easy feat. While the vast majority of cuts are expected, there is always a handful of moves that could be classified as a surprise. Here are some of the more notable names on the Patriots' roster bubble as the team enters camp.

The roster bubble for every team as they enter training camp is large. Trimming a roster down from 90 players to 53 is no easy feat. While the vast majority of cuts are expected, there is always a handful of moves that could be classified as a surprise. Here are some of the more notable names on the Patriots' roster bubble as the team enters camp.

5. Aaron Dobson

Aaron Dobson

5. Aaron Dobson

Aaron Dobson — This is an important training camp for Dobson. He has battled through two disappointing seasons with the Patriots, highlighted by a foot injury and inconsistency. After showing flashes of talent in his rookie year, Dobson had just three catches in four games last year. Along with the return of their top three wide receivers, the Patriots brought in five-year veteran Brandon Gibson to add some competition to the position.

This is an important training camp for Dobson. He has battled through two disappointing seasons with the Patriots, highlighted by a foot injury and inconsistency. After showing flashes of talent in his rookie year, Dobson had just three catches in four games last year. Along with the return of their top three wide receivers, the Patriots brought in five-year veteran Brandon Gibson to add some competition to the position.

4. Josh Boyce

Josh Boyce

Advertisement

4. Josh Boyce

Josh Boyce — Selected in the second round in 2013, along with Dobson, Boyce has been another disappointment at wide receiver. He has just nine catches in two seasons and appeared in just one game last year. His speed is the main reason he is still around at this point. His chances of making the team are smaller than Dobson's. Barring a serious injury to a teammate, or a major breakthrough in his progression, Boyce will likely be cut this summer.

Selected in the second round in 2013, along with Dobson, Boyce has been another disappointment at wide receiver. He has just nine catches in two seasons and appeared in just one game last year. His speed is the main reason he is still around at this point. His chances of making the team are smaller than Dobson's. Barring a serious injury to a teammate, or a major breakthrough in his progression, Boyce will likely be cut this summer.

3. Jake Bequette

Jake Bequette

3. Jake Bequette

Jake Bequette — Bequette's facing an uphill battle when it comes to making the team. The Patriots drafted heavily on the defensive line and also signed Jabaal Sheard in free agency to bolster their depth. An underachieving defensive end, Bequette actually took some reps at tight end during OTAs; an indication that the coaches think Bequette's best shot to make the team is by changing positions.

Bequette's facing an uphill battle when it comes to making the team. The Patriots drafted heavily on the defensive line and also signed Jabaal Sheard in free agency to bolster their depth. An underachieving defensive end, Bequette actually took some reps at tight end during OTAs; an indication that the coaches think Bequette's best shot to make the team is by changing positions.

2. Joe Vellano

Joe Vellano

2. Joe Vellano

Joe Vellano — After Vince Wilfork tore his Achilles in 2013, Vellano stepped up and played about as well as you could have hoped for given the circumstances. However, last season he appeared in just five games and lost reps to the likes of Alan Branch, Sealver Siliga and rookie Dominique Easley. For the second year in a row, the Patriots chose a defensive tackle with their first-round pick, putting yet another name in front of Vellano's on the depth chart.

After Vince Wilfork tore his Achilles in 2013, Vellano stepped up and played about as well as you could have hoped for given the circumstances. However, last season he appeared in just five games and lost reps to the likes of Alan Branch, Sealver Siliga and rookie Dominique Easley. For the second year in a row, the Patriots chose a defensive tackle with their first-round pick, putting yet another name in front of Vellano's on the depth chart.

1. Tavon Wilson

Tavon Wilson

1. Tavon Wilson

Tavon Wilson — The Patriots reached for Wilson in the second round in 2012. It appears they have done the same thing this year with the drafting of Jordan Richards. Now, Wilson finds himself battling for a roster spot. He's been in and out of the lineup during his three underwhelming seasons in New England, and he's most known for allowing long touchdowns.

The Patriots reached for Wilson in the second round in 2012. It appears they have done the same thing this year with the drafting of Jordan Richards. Now, Wilson finds himself battling for a roster spot. He's been in and out of the lineup during his three underwhelming seasons in New England, and he's most known for allowing long touchdowns.

Teams in this article »

New England Patriots

Share On Facebook

Share