A year ago, projecting the Patriots’ 53-man roster was a challenging task.
The main reason was the team’s roster and lack of talent. By August, it was clear that the Patriots would struggle, and attempting to find 53 players deserving of a roster spot was challenging.
That’s why it wasn’t a complete surprise that the team won four games.
This year, it’s much different under new coach Mike Vrabel. The Patriots have had a competitive offseason on both sides of the ball. Their free agent additions have completely revamped the roster. The rookie class also looks like it’ll produce multiple starters.
Projecting a 53-man roster this time proved to be difficult for different reasons. The Patriots are going to cut some good players. There are also some interesting trade candidates here due to better depth and competition.
Here’s a look at our projected Patriots 53-man roster after the first two weeks of training camp:
Quarterbacks
Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs
Cut: Ben Wooldridge
There’s no question as to who the Patriots believe is the future of their franchise. Maye looks improved, and Dobbs is an ideal veteran backup.
Running backs
Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson
Cut: Lan Larison, Terrell Jennings
The Patriots have really nice depth here. Henderson is one of the fastest backs to be in New England in recent memory. Larison has a chance to make this roster with a strong preseason.
Wide receivers
DeMario Douglas, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker
Cut: Kendrick Bourne, Efton Chism III, John Jiles, Isaiah Webb
The Patriots have too many receivers on this 90-man roster. They might only keep six. In this exercise, Polk and Baker make it due to their potential. Bourne is a great locker room presence and a tough cut, but he’s been mostly working with the second team this summer.
Tight ends
Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Gee Scott Jr.
Cut: Jack Westover, Jaheim Bell, C.J. Dupree, Tyler Davis, Cole Fotheringham
Westover could make a push here. Scott has been one of the better undrafted free agents this offseason for the Patriots. He’s outperformed every other tight end behind the two veterans.
Offensive line
Will Campbell, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Michael Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Demontray Jacobs, Caedan Wallace, Cole Strange, Ben Brown, Marcus Bryant
Cut: Layden Robinson, Sidy Sow, Alec Lindstrom, Tyrese Robinson, Mekhi Butler, Jack Conley / Vederian Lowe (PUP)
Bryant has been the Patriots top backup left tackle this summer. Wilson looks like the team’s starting left guard. Strange started camp as the starting left guard and is now fighting for a roster spot.
Defensive tackles
Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Jeremiah Pharms, Joshua Farmer
Cut: Jacquelin Roy, Jahvaree Ritzie, David Olajiga, Isaiah Iton
The Patriots have great depth here. Williams and Barmore could be one of the best defensive tackle pairs in the NFL. Roy showed potential last year, but he needs a strong preseason to make it.
Edge rushers
Keion White, Harold Landry, K’Lavon Chaisson, Anfernee Jennings, Bradyn Swinson
Cut: Truman Jones, Elijah Ponder
White, Landry, and Chaisson have looked good in camp. Jones might make a push for a roster spot. It could come down to him or Swinson.
Linebackers
Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai
Cut: Marte Mapu, Monty Rice, Cam Riley, R.J. Moten
Patriots want faster, lighter linebackers now. Does Tavai fit into Vrabel’s defense? That remains to be seen. He’s also been hurt, so it’s tough to evaluate. Can Mapu make this team? We have him as one of the final cuts.
Cornerbacks
Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Alex Austin, D.J. James, Marcus Jones, Marcellus Dial
Cut: Isaiah Bolden, Kobee Minor, Miles Battle, Jordan Polk, Brandon Crossley
Gonzalez and Davis need to get healthy. They have the potential to be a dangerous duo in the secondary. James is one of the most improved players this offseason. Dial is on the bubble but makes it as a backup slot cornerback.
Safeties
Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson
Cut: Dell Pettus, Marcus Epps, Josh Minkins
The Patriots have great depth here. It’ll be fascinating to see how it all shakes out. Pettus is one of the final cuts in this exercise. He could certainly make the team. Epps also has a lot of experience and could make the roster.
Special teams
Parker Romo, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby
Cut: Andy Borregales
Will the Patriots cut Borregales after making him the first kicker drafted this year? It would be a surprise, but Romo has been perfect in training camp, connecting on 18-of-18 attempts. Borregales is 15-of-18. This competition is far from over.
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