Part of the Patriots' offseason strategy was to build better depth on the roster, and the goal seems to have been accomplished. The club looks to have a stronger "middle class" than it did last year.

This thought was reinforced when our team put together its first 53-man roster projection of the year (three versions), and there are some tough cuts.

Training camp could be the most competitive in Bill Belichick's 13 years as head coach, which is the way Belichick likes it. As always, an injury can alter the picture quickly, and a player's projected performance might unexpectedly head in a different direction. Those potential changes will be monitored in ensuing 53-man roster projections.