Barth’s Patriots roster projection 2.0: Kicker change incoming?

By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com

Now that the Patriots have a week of evaluation camp in the books, it’s easier to estimate how they feel about certain players. Who stepped up as the intensity increased? And who may have faded after a strong start?

Here’s an updated roster projection, taking stock of where things stand a week before the 53-man cutdown.

Changes from the first Patriots roster projection are in bold.

Cam Newton
Jarrett Stidham
Brian Hoyer

Out: Brian Lewerke

Like I said on my last roster projection, familiarity is key, and Brian Hoyer has more experience in the Patriots system than the other three quarterbacks combined. Plus, in the time of COVID, it makes sense to keep three QBs. I think that’s something that’ll be league-wide.

Sony Michel
James White
Rex Burkhead
Damien Harris
Jakob Johnson (FB)

Out: J.J. Taylor, Lamar Miller

With Devin Asiasi looking like a number one tight end in camp, the Patriots may not need to grab another TE in post-camp free agency. If that’s the case, it should re-open the door for Johnson, who has flashed in camp.

Lamar Miller could end up on IR, but it’s hard to see him making the team without any practice time.

As for J.J. Taylor, I think the Patriots really like him. However, they almost never trust rookie running backs due to ball security concerns, which happens to be Taylor’s biggest issue. Given that, it’s hard to imagine Bill Belichick using him much in 2020, so it’s hard to justify giving him a roster spot.

Julian Edelman
Mohamed Sanu
N’Keal Harry
Jeff Thomas
Gunner Olszewski
Damiere Byrd

Out: Jakobi Meyers, Devin Ross, Quincy Adeboyejo, Isaiah Zuber, Andre Baccellia

Meyers has been hampered with an injury and hasn’t been on the field, and in that time Damiere Byrd has shown up in a big way. His rise in week 2 of camp coupled with what he can bring on special teams (kick returns) makes him a more attractive option than Meyers.

Devin Asiasi
Dalton Keene
Free agent/trade addition

Out: Jake Burt, Rashod Berry, Ryan Izzo, Jake Burt, Paul Butler, Paul Quessenberry

Like I mentioned above, Asiasi has done enough to convince me he can be the TE1 in the Patriots offense. Still, they lack experience and depth, and like I mentioned in my last roster projection, I expect the team to be active during cutdown weekend and try to add a veteran who gets left off another team's 53-man roster.

David Andrews
Shaq Mason
Joe Thuney
Isaiah Wynn
Jermaine Eluemunor
Yodny Cajuste
Hjalte Froholdt
Justin Herron
Michael Onwenu

Out: Korey Cunningham, Ben Braden, Tyler Gauthier

Same group as my last projection. The Patriots usually keep eight offensive linemen, but because of COVID, depth is key.

Lawrence Guy
Adam Butler
John Simon
Chase Winovich
Deatrich Wise
Byron Cowart

Out: Beau Allen, Derek Rivers, Tashawn Bower, Bill Murray, Nick Thurman, Xavier Williams, Michael Barnett

It’s hard to see Beau Allen making the team if he can’t get on the field. He could end up on IR. Byron Cowart has stepped up in his absence, as one of the best defensive linemen in camp. He’ll fill into that backup nose tackle role.

Ja’Whaun Bentley
Brandon Copeland
Shilique Calhoun
Anfernee Jennings
Josh Uche
Cassh Maluia

Out: De’Jon Harris, Terez Hall

With Cassh Maluia showing out in a big way, it appears the Patriots have found a middle linebacker behind Ja’Whaun Bentley. Harris is a practice squad candidate, but he’s too redundant to Maluia to keep both on the roster.

Stephon Gilmore
J.C. Jackson
Jonathan Jones
Jason McCourty
Joejuan Williams
Justin Bethel

Out: Michael Jackson, Myles Bryant, D’Angelo Ross

Michael Jackson feels like a lock for a protected practice squad spot, and will get his shot at the main roster next year when Jason McCourty and J.C. Jackson’s contracts are up. Joejuan Williams could end up being viewed as more of a safety.

Devin McCourty
Terrence Brooks
Adrian Phillips
Cody Davis
Kyle Dugger

The Patriots certainly have talent at safety, with Dugger being the best rookie in camp. Still, depth is a major concern, especially at free safety. I expect outside help coming here.

Nick Folk
Jake Bailey
Joe Cardona
Matthew Slater

Out: Justin Rohrwasser, Brandon King

Bill Belichick seemed to indicate Friday that Nick Folk is the leader in the clubhouse for the kicker spot. Expect a case of the "Foxboro Flu" for Rohrwasser soon.

Here's how the players who just made (or missed) the team would look in our latest Patriots roster projection.

Last 3 On: WR Damiere Byrd, G/C Hjalte Froholdt, FB Jakob Johnson

Last 3 Off: TE Ryan Izzo, WR Devin Ross, CB Michael Jackson

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.