The Patriots settled on their final 53 on Saturday, sticking with 23 offensive players, 27 defensive players and three special teamers. However, it’s almost a guarantee this list of 53 will not be the same roster they roll out for the season opener against the Dolphins in Miami on Sept. 12. The Patriots have always made moves between the final cuts and the start of the regular season, and given the way things shook out on Saturday (where they appear a little thin at guard and tight end), look for moves to be made sooner rather than later.

Quarterback (3): Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett.

No surprises here at the Patriots keep three quarterbacks on the roster for the first time in a few years. However, New England was forced to make a cut in another area as a result.

Offensive line (8): Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Dan Koppen, Dan Connolly, Sebastian Vollmer, Ryan Wendell, Nate Solder, Steve Maneri.

The Patriots were pretty much slotted into 8-10 offensive linemen, and with the move of Rich Ohrnberger to injured reserve and Marcus Cannon to the reserve/NFI list, that’s what happened. Ohrnberger is a bit of a surprise — he struggled a various time throughout the preseason. (As an aside, he wasn’t hurt all preseason, but ended up on season-ending IR. That’s odd...) With the lack of depth and a possible question about Wendell’s health, the Patriots continue to search for help at guard. (Brian Waters? Andre Gurode?)

Tight end (2): Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez.

Interesting the Patriots only kept two after a strong summer from undrafted free agent Will Yeatman, who is almost certainly a practice squad candidate. Fifth-round pick Lee Smith, who was also cut, is also a possibility for the practice squad. And as I have stated all along, Alge Crumpler will be head from at some point this season.

Running back (4): BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, Shane Vereen, Stevan Ridley.

You knew it was coming, but when the news broke that Sammy Morris was released, it was still a sad moment. Few players in the New England locker room are as well liked as Morris, and his professionalism and good nature will be missed. Kevin Faulk, as expected, starts the year on PUP. One thing that’s important to note: with no Morris and Faulk on PUP, the Patriots will put an awful lot on the plates of rookies Vereen and Ridley in the early going. It will be interesting to see how they respond.

Wide receiver (6): Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Chad Ochocinco, Julian Edelman, Taylor Price, Matthew Slater.

Brandon Tate clearly struggled at the end of last season, as well as this summer, which paved the way for his departure. Tiquan Underwood will be remembered fondly for his high-top fade, while Andover’s own Buddy Farnham is seemingly a practice squad lock. Good for Matthew Slater, a good person who had a very good summer, and who is now the closest thing to a burner this team has.

Special teamers (3): Stephen Gostkowski, Zoltan Mesko, James Dearth.

The first two are no surprise — Gostkowski appears to be over his quad injury from last year, while Mesko has been the best and most consistent special teamer of the preseason. Dearth now has just over a week to get completely up to speed as the new long snapper.

Defensive end (4): Jermaine Cunningham, Shaun Ellis, Andre Carter, Mark Anderson.

Mark Anderson over Eric Moore was one of the biggest surprises of camp — Anderson showed a lot early on, but did many of the same things that Carter did. (Moore, who joined the Patriots last December, also had more experience in the system than anyone else at this spot other than Cunningham.) But the sight of the first three on that list of DE’s on the final roster is no shock.

Defensive tackle (6): Vince Wilfork, Albert Haynesworth, Mike Wright, Myron Pryor, Kyle Love, Gerard Warren.

The only mild surprises here as far as we are concerned is the inclusion of Gerard Warren, a wily veteran who made it ahead of youngsters Landon Cohen and Darryl Richard. Ron Brace and Brandon Deaderick start the season on PUP. If everyone is healthy, this has got to be considered one of the deepest spots on the team.

Linebacker (7): Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dane Fletcher, Rob Ninkovich, Gary Guyton, Tracy White, Jeff Tarpinian.

The first five were locked in at the start of camp, while White wins the annual “Larry Izzo” award, given to the linebacker who is more of a special teamer than anything else. (White beat out Ricky Brown and Niko Koutouvides for the honor.) Tarpinian, who was sidelined by a leg injury for much of the summer, could be a candidate to be moved if the Patriots spot an extra body they want to target between now and the start of the season.

Cornerback (6): Devin McCourty, Leigh Bodden, Kyle Arrington, Ras-I Dowling, Darius Butler, Antwaun Molden.

Butler, who was likely on the bubble for much of camp, survives the cuts, while Molden, who was in Foxboro for less than 24 hours before turning in a nice effort in the preseason finale against the Giants, is also a bit of a surprise. (With Tate gone, Butler could be a possible option at kick returner.) McCourty, Bodden (if he’s healthy) and Arrington figure to be the top three options at this position.

Safety (4): Patrick Chung, Sergio Brown, Josh Barrett, James Ihedigbo.

The most interesting position throughout the summer certainly didn’t disappoint over the last week, as Brandon Meriweather was released and Barrett solidified his spot with a good preseason finale against the Giants. In addition, Ihedigbo (who was acquired two weeks ago) played his way onto the roster ahead of Ventrone. However, it certainly feels like there are still moves to be made at this position between now and the start of the season. (Darren Sharper?)