In the NFL, teams are only allowed 53 men on their active roster. With offense and defense each comprised of 11 starters respectively, there are 31 non-starters making up the remainder of the roster. Because of this limited roster space, savvy teams like the New England Patriots know that versatility matters. Bill Belichick believes the more roles a player can fill as a back-up, the more valuable he is to the team.
Among the many disappointing developments of this Patriots off-season was the loss of some of their most versatile players:
- Plucky running back Danny Woodhead was a solid weapon in the backfield as both a runner and a pass catcher. Poaching him from the NY Jets and making him a star in New England was especially satisfying for the Patriot faithful. An undrafted and unheralded star from Div 2 Chadron State, Danny was the true embodiment of an NFL underdog. He unfortunately was a victim of a crowded group at RB and ended up signing with the San Diego Chargers.
- Arguably the greatest slot receiver of this or any generation, Wes Welker could move the chains on offense or field punts on special teams. He was an integral member of many great Patriots teams. Wes and the Patriots couldn't agree on contract terms (thanks to Welker's overzealous, unrealistic agent). He instead signed with current Conference foe, the Denver Broncos.
- Tight end Aaron Hernandez could line up just about anywhere as a receiver, H-back/TE or running back and create mismatches all over the field. The former Florida Gator went from 4th round disappointment to explosive NFL playmaker almost overnight. Troubled and volatile, he couldn't escape the demons he had off the field. Sadly, we all know what happened to his wasted career.
