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Patriots Offensive Depth Chart

With the draft behind us and training camp just a couple months away, I think it’s about time to start thinking about the 2008 Patriots. After a few underwhelming free agent signings, the Patriots tried to use the draft to stock up on defense and try to fill the gaps left by Asante Samuel and perhaps Junior Seau. Here’s a quick breakdown/analysis of the current depth chart heading into the season:

Quarterbacks -

1. Tom Brady
2. Matt Cassell
3. Matt Gutierrez
4. Kevin O’Connell

Analysis: It’s no secret who ‘the man’ is for this group, but the 3rd round pick of O’Connell in the draft makes the backup roles quite interesting. My guess is that we see Matt Cassell traded before the regular season, seeing as he’s a free agent after the 2008 season and as we saw with the Falcons and backup Matt Schaub, teams will pay a decent price for a potential starting QB.

Runningbacks -

1. Laurence Maroney
2. Sammy Morris
3. Kevin Faulk
4. Heath Evans

Analysis: Of all the positions on the offense, runningback is the one where I see the most likely place that the Patriots will go out and get another guy. Maroney played well at times last season and is the starter from day one, but with Sammy Morris going down last year with injury, the Patriots really could use another jolt in the backfield. Faulk should be his usual self, utilized most of third down, but someone like Shaun Alexander would be a nice pickup. Don’t laugh, he has his money and is looking to join a winner for a chance at a Super Bowl title. He would be a monster near the goal line.

Wide Receivers -

1. Randy Moss
2. Wes Welker
3. Jabar Gaffney
4. Kelley Washington

Analysis: The re-signing of Randy Moss was huge for the offense. It wouldn’t have made sense for Moss to leave after the year he had with Tom Brady, and said quarterback would have been understandably at a loss as to what the team would do this season. The Pats lost Donte Stallworth to free agency, but it doesn’t seem as though we’re losing all that much in sliding in Jabar Gaffney. It’s a make or break year for Chad Jackson; this is the perfect opportunity for him to learn from veterans, step in and earn his place on the team. He has the size to dominate in the NFL, he just needs to stay healthy. Welker should have another huge year. I don’t expect 23 TDs from Moss, but maybe if he takes it easy in the regular season he’ll be more rested for the playoffs; he was noticeably worn down in the playoffs and the Super Bowl.

Tight Ends -

1. Ben Watson
2. Marcus Pollard
3. David Thomas

Analysis: The signing of Pollard is a little odd simply because the Patriots have spent much of the decade owning him but must have seen something which lead them to sign him. Kyle Brady is gone after a ho-hum season and David Thomas – if he can stay healthy – should bring more pass catching options from the TE position. The jury is still out on whether or not Ben Watson will ever become an elite NFL tight end, but his speed is unquestionable. If he improves his hands, he can take the next step.

Offensive Line -

1. LT Matt Light
2. LG Logan Mankins
3. C Dan Koppen
4. RG Stephan Neal
5. RT Nick Kaczur

Analysis: Look, we all know the Pats O-line got owned in the Super Bowl. Koppen, Light and Mankins dominated the left side all season yet the Giants super big and quick defensive line ate us for lunch and Tom Brady was tasting turf all night. We can’t forget that for the first 18 games of the season, this was arguably the best unit in the NFL. Light is getting a little long in the tooth and Neal struggled with injuries in 2007 (including the aforementioned SB) so backups Russ Hochstein and Ryan O’Callaghan need to be able to step in when needed.

Final Thoughts: Overall, the 2008 Patriots offense should look a lot like the 2007 unit, which bodes well. The only significant loss is Stallworth, and if the Pats can add another runner to the back field and Chad Jackson can start living up to the hype, they should be able to run and throw all over the AFC again in 2008. Keep checking back for the defensive depth chart for the 2008 Pats.

Tags: Laurence Maroney, Patriots, Randy Moss, Tom Brady