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.
Quarterbacks
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.
Cam Newton tops the Patriots quarterback depth chart in our latest roster projection. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Running Backs
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, RE: Damien Harris' lack of playing time
The way he's been used so far is pretty status quo for Bill Belichick rookie running backs
Outside of 1st rounders, he rarely plays first year backs. Here's the entire list of rookie RBs he's had in his tenure with the #Patriots
1/4 pic.twitter.com/jCdmEWF7ZP
Patriots running back Damien Harris rushes against Titans linebacker James Folson during the second half at Nissan Stadium. (Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports)
Wide Receivers
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.
Gunner Olszewski of the New England Patriots makes a catch during training camp on August 26, 2020 in Foxborough, Mass. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Tight Ends
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.
New England Patriots tight end Devin Asiasi steps on the field before the start of an NFL football training camp practice, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
Offensive Line
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.
David Andrews exits the field after the preseason game between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 22, 2019. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Defensive Line
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.
Patriots defensive tackle Lawrence Guy reaches for Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
Linebackers
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.
Ja’Whaun Bentley of the New England Patriots waits on the field during their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 16, 2018. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Cornerbacks
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.
Stephon Gilmore of the New England Patriots arrives to training camp with offensive coordinator Josh MlcDaniels on August 26, 2020 in Foxborough, Mass. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Safeties
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.
Kyle Dugger of the New England Patriots looks on during training camp on August 18, 2020 in Foxborough, Mass. (Steven Senne-Pool/Getty Images)
Special Teams
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.
Nick Folk walks on the field during a Patriots training camp practice, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
On The Bubble…
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.
