Biggest Surprises Spotted on Patriots' First Preseason Depth Chart

Ahead of their first preseason game this week, the New England Patriots -- like every team -- released their first unofficial depth chart of the year.

A lot will be made of these depth chart placements, including this story. But nothing here is set in stone. Except for maybe Drake Maye as QB1, Christian Gonzalez as CB1 and A.J. Brown as WR1. Those feel like safe bets to me right now.

There were a few names, however, that did jump out as surprises. Whether they were ranked higher than they've been working in training camp or the complete inverse, there are several Patriots who stand out to me.

With the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts slated for tomorrow, here's what caught my eye (and what to expect from these players come game action).

Here’s a look at the #Patriots first unofficial depth chart of 2026: pic.twitter.com/0fHWufMEwN
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) August 11, 2026

Terrell Jennings as RB4

May 11, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings (29) walks to the practice field at the New England Patriots rookie camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Jennings was absent to open up the summer while he nursed an ailment on the non-football injury list. In his place was second-year Lan Larison, who's currently named the RB3 on the Patriots. Larison might have gotten reps as the third back earlier in camp, but since Jennings has returned, it's been all him.

There's a clear drop-off between Jennings' skillset and the rest of the running back room (Larison, and rookies Jam Miller and Myles Montgomery). It's safe to say that Jennings will earn that RB3 spot, although the depth chart doesn't reflect that just yet.

C.J. Dippre as TE2

Jul 23, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end C.J. Dippre (82) makes a catch during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Maybe it's because he's a veteran and Eli Raridon is a rookie, but Dippre is certainly not the Patriots' second tight end right now. The second-year player missed most of training camp to this point while on the physically unable to perform list, and since he's returned, he's been repping mostly with the backups as a blocker.

On the other hand, Raridon has become one of the stars of camp. It doesn't matter if he's with the starting offense or with the backups, the Notre Dame rookie has become a reliable target in the passing game. Additionally, rookie Tanner Arkin has gotten a lot more reps than his "TE5" status suggests.

Caleb Lomu as RT3

Aug 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tackle Caleb Lomu (74) walks to the practice fields during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It hasn't been the strongest start to Lomu's first training camp, but the tackle has gotten plenty of reps to learn. Whether it's been on the left side or the right, the Utah rookie has been moved around a lot throughout the offense.

Despite that, he's consistently repped as the second right tackle behind Morgan Moses in team drills. Sure, second-year Marcus Bryant got a few more of those reps this week, but Lomu has been a constant name etched into the second-string offense. Having him as the RT3 doesn't match how much playing time he's been getting to this point in time.

Kyle Williams as KR1

Aug 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) runs after catching the ball against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Mekhi Rodgers (36) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Patriots struggled at the kick returner position last year, and it's led to plenty of competition this summer. Jennings, Miller, Larison, Efton Chism III, Kobe Prentice and Channing Canada have all gotten time returning kicks. So has Williams (who returned some last season), who was up first in Tuesday's joint practice.

Right now, if it was up to me, I'd assign the top kick returning duties to both Jennings and Chism III. Both of those players have lived up to expectations on both offense and special teams, and have popped when given the chance to run with the ball in their hands. Williams' speed is a plus, but Jennings has looked smoother returning kicks.

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