Patriots Projection: Who Makes 53-Man Roster?
FOXBORO — As Fourth of July celebrations continue to wind down throughout the region, New England Patriots football is nearing its return.
The Patriots are set to report to training camp on July 26, with the first team organized practice to follow just one day later on July 27.
As this year’s Patriots take the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium, all eyes will be on position battles and individual performances. Team practices will give way to preseason games. Of course, the ultimate goal for each training camp attendee is to procure a spot on the 53-man roster.
While we are still several weeks away from the final roster being set, here is a Patriots Country’s second pre-camp prediction of what the Pats roster might look like when the team opens the 2023 regular season.
Quarterback (3)
Mac Jones
Bailey Zappe
Malik Cunningham
Out:
Trace McSorley
Barring an unexpected turn of events, Jones seems poised to begin he season as the starter, with Zappe serving as New England’s back up option. Cunningham’s dual-threat abilities as a quarterback were likely a significant factor in his appeal as a surprise addition to the roster. McSorley’s scout team acumen make him a likely retention via the practice squad.
Running Back (4)
Rhamondre Stevenson
Pierre Strong Jr.
Ty Montgomery
Kevin Harris
Out:
J.J. Taylor
Following the release of James Robinson, the Pats will press upon two second-year backs, along with a savvy veteran to provide assistance for Stevenson in the top spot. While Strong and Harris are still developmental talents, Montgomery’s ability as a backfield receiver should make him New England’s top choice to serve as their secondary option in their corps of running backs.
Wide Receiver (5)
JuJu Smith-Schuster
DeVante Parker
Kendrick Bourne
Tyquan Thornton
Kayshon Boutte
Out:
Demario Douglas, Tre Nixon, Raleigh Webb
While the prospect of adding five-time All Pro DeAndre Hopkins remains a possibility, New England is unlikely to carry more than five at the position. Despite sporadically seeing the field throughout the offseason, Boutte’s athleticism and dynamic play-making abilities are likely to stand out in training camp. If healthy, he should show enough prowess to warrant a roster spot. Douglas was a truly difficult cut, despite a strong case to earn a place on the Pats opening day roster.
Tight End (3)
Hunter Henry
Mike Gesicki
Anthony Firkser
Out:
Matt Sokol, Scotty Washington, Johnny Lumpkin
With Henry and Gesicki set to fulfill the 12-personnel duties in offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s offense, Firkser earns a spot on the depth chart based on his abilities to block, as well as align as a fullback/H-Back hybrid. While some have projected New England to carry only two tight ends, O’Brien’s penchant for two-tight end sets make it a smart bet for the Pats to roster at least one reserve at the position.
Offensive Line (10)
Trent Brown
Riley Reiff
Conor McDermott
Calvin Anderson
Jake Andrews
Sidy Sow
Atonio Mafi
Cole Strange
David Andrews
Michael Onwenu
Out:
James Ferentz, Kody Russey, Chasen Hines, Bill Murray, Andrew Stueber
Carrying 10 offensive linemen may seem excessive. However, New England invested three draft selections in 2023 to help build a deep stable of versatile linemen for the foreseeable future. The Pats are likely to utilize a rotation of Reiff, Anderson and McDermott at tackle opposite established starter Trent Brown. Rookie Sidy Sow is a name to watch, as his ability to play both guard and tackle may allow him to receive significant playing time in 2023.
Defensive Line (5)
Davon Godchaux
Deatrich Wise Jr.
Christian Barmore
Daniel Ekuale
Carl Davis Jr.
Out:
Lawrence Guy, Sam Roberts, Jeremiah Pharms Jr, Justus Tavai
With Guy and the Patriots embroiled in a contract holdout, the former team captain may end up playing his downs for another squad in 2023. Godchaux should continue to align as the team’s top interior option, with the third-year lineman Barmore taking the snaps on 4-3 sets. Wise emerged as a key contributor on the pass rush, setting career highs in both tackles (59) and sacks with 7.5 last season. Carl Davis and Daniel Ekuale provided solid depth in defending the run, as well as the pass rush.
Defensive Edge/Linebacker (4)
Matthew Judon
Josh Uche
Keion White
Anfernee Jennings
Out:
DaMarcus Mitchell, Ronnie Perkins
Matthew Judon once again supplied the athleticism and aggression to the Patriots pass rush in 2022. New England’s only Pro Bowl selection led the team with 15.5 sacks. With the emergence of Josh Uche (11.5 sacks) as a potent weapon in their pass rush. Rookie Keion White should factor into New England’s run packages, with the chance to make an impact on the pass rush, as well.
Off-the-Ball Linebacker (3)
Ja’Whaun Bentley
Jahlani Tavai
Marte Mapu
Out:
Mack Wilson, Calvin Munson, Terez Hall, Olakunle Fatukasi, Jourdan Heilig
*Raekwon McMillan: Injured Reserve (out for the year)
Give the nature of Bentley’s recent contract extension, he is likely to be the Patriots’ on-field defensive play caller in 2023. Wilson was a tough cut, especially in the wake of McMillan’s season-ending injury. Though he flashed some signs of sideline-to-sideline athleticism, his inability to truly assimilate into the Pats defensive system saw him relegated to mostly special teams coverage duty by season’s end in 2022. Mapu has the chance to be a significant contributor, given his versatility and hard-hitting style of play.
Cornerback (5)
Christian Gonzalez
Jack Jones
Jonathan Jones
Marcus Jones
Myles Bryant
Out:
Isaiah Bolden, Ameer Speed, Shaun Wade, Quandre Mosely, Rodney Randle Jr.
Christian Gonzalez is the heir apparent as the Pats top lockdown corner — which Jonathan Jones at the other perimeter corner. Jon tied for the team lead in interceptions (alongside the recently-retired Devin McCourty) with four. Despite the recent legal troubles for second-year cornerback Jack Jones, the Pats will likely retain his services for the time being. Both Bolden and Speed factor into the Pats future plans, with their contributions in 2023 expected to stem from the practice squad.
Safety (4)
Kyle Dugger
Adrian Phillips
Jabrill Peppers
Jalen Mills
Out:
Brad Hawkins, Joshuah Bledsoe
The challenge of filling the shoes of 12-time team captain Devin McCourty will apparently fall on Mills. Following his surprising release in March, the veteran defensive back re-signed with the Pats, based on the premise that he would be aligning primarily at safety in 2023. Dugger was New England’s standout at strong, earning two interception returns and one fumble recovery for a touchdown last season. Phillips once again served as the team’s hybrid linebacker/safety, while Peppers assumed the role of backfield enforcer.
Specialists (3)
Chad Ryland
Joe Cardona
Bryce Baringer
Core Special Teams (4)
Matthew Slater
Cody Davis
Brendan Schooler
Chris Board
Out:
Nick Folk, Corliss Waitman, Tucker Addington
Despite being one of their most reliable scorers over the past few seasons, the Pats jettison the veteran Folk for rookie Chad Ryland as their new kicker. New England will also feature a new punter in the form of fellow rookie Bryce Baringer. On coverage teams, the Patriots added former Detroit Lions special teamer Chris Board, while retaining the services of veteran Cody Davis. Still, the return of special teams stalwart Matthew Slater remains their most significant move of the offseason.
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