New England Patriots: Predicting 5 most surprising roster cuts of 2018

4. RB Mike Gillislee

Normally, having a plethora of capable running backs is a good thing. However, as seems to be the case every year, the Patriots have too many mouths to feed and only so many touches to go around.

At this moment, there are six legitimate contributors on the Patriots running back depth chart. It’s my belief that Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead and James White are all locked in to roster spots, while Brandon Bolden figures to stay put due to his special teams value. If New England even decides to keep five, it’ll come down to either Jeremy Hill or Mike Gillislee.

Even then, keeping five seems like a stretch. So unless Hill or Gillislee (or Ralph Webb) can beat out Bolden (unlikely), both veterans could be gone. Considering how Gillislee came to New England, though, I would absolutely peg him as the bigger surprise cut of the two.

There just hasn’t been a lot to be excited about with Gillislee since the Patriots stole him from the Buffalo Bills last offseason. He served primarily as the short-yardage back, vulturing five touchdowns while averaging only 3.7 yards per carry. With Michel now in town, it appears he offers little value — especially considering his ineffectiveness as a receiver.

I thought Gillislee was a steal when the Patriots plucked him from their AFC East rivals. However, a year later, it looks like losing him won’t mean much to the club’s Super Bowl aspirations.