"Although much of the team has improved this offseason, the issue persists this year, as well. The primary focus surrounds the offensive line, as different starting groups were put onto the field almost every week during the 2024 season, and while that's not the case under Mike Vrabel so far, it's not great to see that some of their potentially usable backups are being poached from the practice squad to other teams."
"Although practice squad players are far from starting-level talent, the Patriots have already elevated a few to the game day roster through the first three games, so seeing talent sign elsewhere could become problematic if they had the talent they could have used. That is especially true for the offensive line, which already has limited depth as it is, which is likely why they chose to sign Royce Newman almost immediately after the news broke about Munford Jr. moving on to Cleveland."
Roster depth remains a primary problem for the Patriots, affecting nearly every position despite offseason improvements. The offensive line remains a focal point after multiple starting groups rotated during the 2024 season, and usable backups have been taken off the practice squad by other teams. Linebacker Mark Robinson was signed by the Jets, removing a potential replacement from the pool. Offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. was signed to Cleveland's 53-man roster, exacerbating line concerns. New England responded by signing Royce Newman to refill a practice-squad spot. Continued poaching of practice-squad players could strain the team's limited depth.
Read at Musket Fire
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