One of the fun things for outside observers, the media and us bloggers is the speculation on who makes the 53-man roster.  This does not include the practice squad that should include some of the draft picks and rookie free agents that do not appear on this list.

New England PatriotsHere is my take on the 53-man by position:

Offense – 24

Quarterback – 3

  • Tom Brady
  • Brian Hoyer
  • Ryan Mallett (R)

Running Backs – 5

  • BenJarvus Green-Ellis
  • Shane Vereen (R)
  • Danny Woodhead
  • Kevin Faulk
  • Stevan Ridley  (R)

Tight Ends – 3

  • Rob Gronkowski
  • Aaron Hernandez
  • Lee Smith (R)

Wide Receivers- 5

  • Wes Welker
  • Chad Ochocinco
  • Deion Branch
  • Taylor Price
  • Brandon Tate

Offensive Linemen – 8

  • Dan Connolly G
  • Dan Koppen C
  • Mark LeVoir T
  • Matt Light T
  • Logan Mankins G
  • Sebastian Vollmer T
  • Chris Morris C/G
  • Nate Solder T (R)

For a look at the defensive projections, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

Defense – 24

Defensive Linemen – 9

  • Andre Carter DE
  • Shaun Ellis DE/DT
  • Albert Haynesworth DT
  • Vince Wilfork DT/DE
  • Gerard Warren DE
  • Eric Moore DE
  • Myron Pryor DT
  • Kyle Love DT
  • Mike Wright DE

Linebackers – 7

  • Jerod Mayo OLB/ILB
  • Rob Ninkovich OLB
  • Brandon Spikes ILB
  • Gary Guyton ILB
  • Jermaine Cunningham OLB/DE
  • Dane Fletcher ILB
  • Tracy White OLB

Defensive Backs – 8

  • Devin McCourty CB
  • Leigh Bodden CB
  • Brandon Meriweather S
  • Patrick Chung S
  • Ras-I Dowling CB
  • Darius Butler CB
  • James Sanders S
  • Sergio Brown S

Special Teams – 5

Kicker – 1

  • Stephen Gostkowski

Punter – 1

  • Zoltan Mesko

Long Snapper – 1

  • Matt Katula

Kick Returner – 1

  • Matthew Slater (WR)

Punt Returner – 1

  • Julian Edelman (WR)