Patriots Reveal 1st Depth Chart: Mac or Zappe; Christian Gonzalez CB1?
FOXBORO — The New England Patriots have provided their first depth chart of 2023 ahead of their preseason opener against the Houston Texans on Thursday night at 7 p.m. ET from Gillette Stadium.
Although, head coaches throughout the NFL will tell you time and time again that the first depth chart means little in the process of forming a 53-man roster, it can provide a snapshot of sorts as to how things stand at this stage of transition from training camp into the preseason.
Here is a look at the Patriots’ first “unofficial” depth chart of the season:
Offense
compiled by Patriots Media Relations
Unsurprisingly, Mac Jones is listed as New England’s top quarterback — and deservedly so. Jones has taken the overwhelming majority of his training camp reps with the first-team offense, while displaying notable improvement in his decision-making, accuracy and confidence. For those still fanning the flames in hopes of igniting a quarterback controversy between he and Bailey Zappe, the 24-year-old has contained that blaze fairly well. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the top two spots along the quarterback depth chart should remain as is. Yet, keep a watchful eye on undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham, who could challenge veteran Trace McSorley, should the Patriots choose to carry three players at the position
With starting left tackle Trent Brown off to a slow start, veterans Riley Reiff and Conor McDermott have been performing rotational duties on both the right and left side. Though Reiff has initially been listed as the first-team right tackle, McDermott has been the more consistent camp performer. The UCLA product, who played his college football under former Bruins [and current Patriots] offensive line coach Adrian Klemm, started all six games he played for New England in 2022, allowing eight pressures without surrendering a sack. The positional battle between Reiff, McDermott and rookie Sidy Sow will be one to watch throughout the preseason.
While Rhamondre Stevenson is the undisputed top option at running back, the second first-time slot went to veteran Ty Montgomery. Despite a leg injury limiting Montgomery to only a handful of camp snaps at wide receiver, the former New Orleans Saint apparently remains a key component of the team’s plans at running back. Should he remained sidelines, second-year backs Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris should challenge for the role — unless, the Pats go outside the organization for additional help.
Though rookies are typically relegated to ‘third-string’ status for early Patriots depth chart projections, receivers Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte have played their way into serious consideration for roster spots. In fact, each has performed so well throughout camp that many have predicted New England as carrying six receivers this season.
Defense
compiled by Patriots Media Relations
Despite aligning at safety for the majority of training camp, Jalen Mills is listed as the top option at right cornerback. Mills played a majority of his time at perimeter corner for the past two seasons. However, the emergence of rookie Christian Gonzalez (more on him, in a moment) is likely to to change his alignment as the preseason progresses.
In a bit of a surprise, Jabrill Peppers was initially listed as a first-team safety over veteran Adrian Phillips. However, Peppers camp performance makes him worthy of his place. He has routinely seen time covering tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki at the strong. Should Mills eventually make the switch, he is expected to challenge for the spot opposite starter Kyle Dugger.
Lastly, rookies Christian Gonzalez, Keion White and Marte Mapu have performed at a much higher level than their third-tier placement would indicate. New England typically takes a strict stance with their first-year players, including a mandate in which they are to wear jersey numbers of 50 or higher to start training camp. Still, expect Gonzalez to align with the starters at cornerback, with White and Mapu challenge for second-team status this season.
Special Teams
compiled by Patriots Media Relations
In keeping with New England “rookie tradition” fourth-round kicker Chad Ryland and sixth-round punter Bryce Baringer are initially listed as reserves. While Baringer has all but secured the starting role with an impressive camp showing, Ryland still faces some competition from the veteran Folk.
Though his All-Pro selection in 2022 is likely to solidify his status as the Pats primary punt returner, speedster Marcus Jones may have some competition from rookies Isaiah Bolden and Ameer Speed at kick returner. While neither of the first-year defensive backs is listed on the Pats first unofficial chart, each of their duties is expected to be increased in the coming days.
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