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QB snapshot

(First in a series of position snapshots leading into the start of Patriots training camp, July 28.)

Quarterback

STARTER: Tom Brady (7th year)

RESERVES: Matt Cassel (2nd year), Corey Bramlet (rookie), Todd Mortensen (1st year)

2005 QUARTERBACKS: Brady, Doug Flutie, Cassel

2006 ROSTER LOCKS: Brady, Cassel

OUTLOOK: In Bill Belichick’s previous six years as head coach, he’s always favored having a veteran backup. But barring a free-agent signing in the next few weeks -- Tony Banks, Vinny Testaverde, Tommy Maddox, Shane Matthews and Jeff Blake are among those available -- this will mark the first season under Belichick that Brady will be the most experienced quarterback on the roster. Furthermore, with Bramlet and Mortensen longer shots to make the final 53-man roster, this could be the first year under Belichick that the Patriots have only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. The Broncos, under Mike Shanahan, have favored the two-quarterback approach in recent years. Ditto for the Colts under Tony Dungy. The possible reward for such an approach is that it allows a team to keep an extra non-quarterback on the 53-man roster. The risk is that if the top two quarterbacks get hurt, there is no third option on the active roster (only on the practice squad).

QUOTE OF NOTE: “I would feel very confident if he became the No. 2 this year. He’s bright and can grasp it all. He can do the things that Tom does mentally. Not everyone can handle that end of it, and I think he can.” -- Doug Flutie on Matt Cassel’s chances of moving from No. 3 to No. 2 on the depth chart (Boston Globe, May 16, 2006).