Patriots Plan: New England's Depth Chart Heading Into NFL Draft - OFFENSE
Sure, the New England Patriots expect to significantly improve their roster in this week's NFL Draft. With 11 overall picks - starting with No. 14 in the first round - they should add multiple players that will help them upgrade from the team that disappointed in 2022 with an 8-9 record.
There are seemingly needs at receiver and offensive tackle - some predict they'll even trade up for a quarterback - but to know where the Pats need to end up we need a refresher on where they're starting from.
New England made significant moves on the coach staff this offseason, bringing back offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, retaining defensive co-coordinator Jerod Mayo and allowing Matt Patricia to leave for the Philadelphia Eagles. As for offensive players, the Pats essentially traded Jakobi Meyers for JuJu Smith-Schuster in free agency and added former Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki, veteran starting right tackle Riley Reiff, backup quarterback Trace McSorley and running back James Robinson.
O'Brien is vowing to wipe the slate clean, but unfortunately he's stuck with the bulk of a roster that hasn't won a playoff game in three seasons. After reportedly being shopped in trade talks by Bill Belichick, for now Mac Jones remains the starting quarterback.
A look at the Pats' offensive depth chart headed into the draft:
QB: Mac Jones/ Bailey Zappe/ Trace McSorley
RB: Rhamondre Stevenson/ James Robinson/ Pierre Strong Jr./ Kevin Harris
WR: JuJu Smith-Schuster/ DeVante Parker/ Kendrick Bourne/ Tyquan Thornton
TE: Hunter Henry/ Mike Gesicki
LT: Trent Brown/ Calvin Anderson
LG: Cole Strange/ James Ferentz
C: David Andrews/ Kody Russey
RG: Michael Onwenu/ Bill Murray
RT: Riley Reiff/ Yodny Cajuste
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