With Training Camp officially being less than three weeks away, let’s take a look at how the Patriots roster could shake out come cut down day.
Quarterbacks (3)
-Mac Jones, Brian Hoyer, Bailey Zappe
Since the end of the draft, the quarterback room will continue to look exactly as is until the end of training camp. The only way this changes is if there’s a need to stash a player on the roster, which results in cutting Hoyer, then resigning him to the practice squad.
Practice Squad: None
Running Backs (4)
-Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, James White, Pierre Strong Jr.
After a career year, Harris looks to continue his stretch as the Patriots bell-cow. After a solid rookie season, Stevenson looks to earn more touches. James White is the wild card in this projection. Unless White starts the season on the PUP list while he continues to recover from his hip injury, he will settle in to his usual role as the pass catching back. 4th round pick Pierre Strong rounds out the position in a reserve/special teams role.
Practice Squad: Kevin Harris, JJ Taylor
Wide Receiver (6)
-Devante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor, Tyquan Thornton, Tre Nixon
The main difference from one year ago to today in this group can be summed up in one word: SPEED. After trading for former Pro Bowler Devante Parker and drafting the receiver with the fastest 40 time, Tyquan Thornton, the Patriots look to reinvent their receiving corps. Ernie Adams gets his last dividend check with a strong minicamp from Nixon helping him crack the roster. Free agent signee Ty Montgomery is among the final cuts.
Practice Squad: Kristian Wilkerson, Ty Montgomery (No N’Keal Harry slander as he’s been out of mind)
Tight End (3)
-Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Devin Asiasi
Henry was the target for Mac Jones in the red zone last year, continuing the trend of Patriots quarterbacks relying on their tight ends inside the 20. Jonnu Smith, the most expensive offensive player of the group in terms of total money looks to rebound after a shaky inaugural season in Foxboro. The Dalton Keene pick, goes down as a complete whiff.
Practice Squad: Dalton Keene
Offensive Line (8)
-Trent Brown, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Isiah Wynn, Justin Herron, Yodny Cajuste, Andrew Stueber
The starting offensive line seems to take shape. Brown was much better as a left tackle in 2018 than a right tackle in 2021. This could be one of those small changes that no one talks about, but makes a huge difference in the offensive output the Patriots have this year. Herron remains the top swing tackle choice as Stueber sneaks in past fellow draftee Chasen Hines due to his versatility across the line.
Practice Squad: Hines, Will Sherman
Defensive Line (6)
-Lawrence Guy, Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Deatrich Wise Jr., Byron Cowart, LaBryan Ray
The streak continues!!! Bill Belichick loves his undrafted players. Ray was hurt during a large chunk of his time at Alabama, but has shown flashes of disruptiveness when on the field. Christian Barmore is also on Pro-Bowl watch as he looks to build off of his stellar rookie campaign.
Practice Squad: Sam Roberts
Linebacker (7)
Matthew Judon, Ja’Whuan Bentley, Josh Uche, Cameron McGrone, Raekwon McMilllan, Mack Wilson, Ronnie Perkins
This is the area of the team that can make or break the season. Judon had a spectacular first 11 games, slowing down in the back half of the year. With Belichick not addressing the position during the draft, he’s relying on journeyman McMillan, trade acquisition Wilson and unproven 2021 draft picks McGrone, and Perkins to make an immediate impact.
Practice Squad: Anfernee Jennings
Cornerback (6)
Jalen Mills, Malcolm Butler, Jonathan Jones, Jack Jones, Marcus Jones, Shaun Wade
This position could ever change this year. The starters in Week 1 will most certainly not be the same by the end of the season, mark my words. This position has a very 2009-esque feel to it. With unproven, inexperienced players in 2009 like Jonathan Wilhite and Darius Butler had to play in big moments. Veterans who had been there before like Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden also existed. Shaun Wade makes the team over JoeJuan Williams and Myles Bryant (controversial I know) as a special teams player/project. The Jones triplets will make it difficult for every fan this year trying to figure out which one is which.
Practice Squad: Myles Bryant
Safety (4)
Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, JaBrill Peppers
Dugger has come in to his own having to replace Patrick Chung, and with Phillips signing his contract extension at the end of last year, locks him in to this defense. Peppers looks to use his ability as a dynamic and reliable punt returner along with his ability to make tackles in the box as his best way to make the team.
Practice Squad: Joshua Bledsoe
Special Teams (6)
Matthew Slater, Justin Bethel, Jake Bailey, Nick Folk, Joe Cardona, Cody Davis.
The conversation for Matthew Slater to be in the Hall of Fame should start this year, as it is likely that this will be his last year in Foxboro. Nick Folk is Mr. Reliable from inside 50 yards and continues the consistency around the kicker position that has lasted through Belichick tenure.
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