Patriots post-draft roster reset

With the NFL Draft in the books, the 2021 New England Patriots roster is starting to take shape. After their ‘uncharacteristically aggressive’ offseason, the team heads into OTA’s and minicamps with an injection of talent. 

At this time of year, an NFL roster normally features 10-20 rookies. Currently, the Patriots have just eight. That unprecedented level of pro experience already on the roster should make this year’s preseason process very competitive and entertaining. 

How does each group look heading into that process? Here’s a breakdown on where the Patriots stand position-by-position after the draft. 2020 opt outs are marked with a (*), while rookies are in italics.

• Quarterback

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  • Cam Newton
  • Jarrett Stidham
  • Mac Jones

  
  The night of the Mac Jones pick, Bill Belichick told the media that Cam Newton is still the Patriots No. 1 quarterback. That might have seemed surprising in the moment, but Newton is the veteran of the group and there’s no games to be played for months. As with any quarterback the Patriots picked, the question with Jones will be how fast can he catch up to Newton and take the starting job?

• Running Back

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  • Damien Harris
  • Sony Michel
  • James White
  • J.J. Taylor
  • Brandon Bolden*
  • Rhamondre Stevenson
  • Jakob Johnson (FB)
  • Danny Vitale* (FB)

  
  Overall, this is a very solid group that is going to have a lot asked of them in 2021. If Damien Harris and Sony Michel can stay healthy, they’ll be a quality 1-2 punch. A big year-two jump from J.J. Taylor would only strengthen the group. James White’s return can’t go understated as one of the more crucial moves this offseason, especially when/if Mac Jones takes over this season. 
  
  The fullback battle in camp will be something to keep an eye on as well. Does the team want the traditional blocking back in Jakob Johnson, or a more H-Back type like Vitale. 
  
  As for Rhamondre Stevenson, the Patriots’ history of ‘redshirt’ years for rookie running backs means there’s a good chance we won’t see much of him until 2022. However, he has special teams experience and is already one of the better pass blockers of the group - that unique makeup could get him on the field more than the typical first-year Patriots back.

• Wide Receiver

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  • Nelson Agholor
  • Jakobi Meyers
  • Kendrick Bourne
  • N’Keal Harry
  • Gunner Olszewski
  • Isaiah Zuber
  • Kristian Wilkerson
  • Devin Smith
  • Tre Nixon

  
  ‘The Patriots need a wide receiver’ is more of an internet meme than a fact at this point. Nelson Agholor was a borderline 1,000-yard receiver last year, Jakobi Meyers showed real promise, and Kendrick Bourne is a solid No. 3. Even though he’s struggled for two years, N’Keal Harry provides a potential high-upside option.
  
  With their two tight end signings, the team will spend a lot of time in 12 personnel, meaning they’ll primarily use just three wide receivers instead of four. When you consider the context of the entire roster as a whole, and look at wide receivers and tight ends as one group - pass catchers - there’s more than enough at the top of the depth chart to vastly improve the Patriots’ passing game.
  
  On top of that, there’s some depth here as well. Isaiah Zuber flashed playmaking ability as an offensive weapon in his brief game action last year. Kristian Wilkerson drew rave reviews in Titans camp last year, before getting cut and spending 2020 with the Patriots’ practice squad. Then there’s 7th-round pick Tre Nixon, who brings a speed element and could develop into a Damiere Byrd-type of player.
• Tight End

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  • Jonnu Smith
  • Hunter Henry
  • Devin Asiasi
  • Dalton Keene
  • Matt LaCosse*

  
  This is where the real improvement will come in the Patriots’ passing game. Smith and Henry are both bona fide offensive weapons, and should create matchup nightmares for defenses when they’re on the field together. 
  
  Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene will now  have time to develop behind the two free agent signings. Asiasi flashed at the end of last season, and could be called on to limit Henry’s workload early. Keene could factor into the fullback conversation with Johnson and Vitale. Matt LaCosse will face an uphill battle for a roster spot.

• Offensive Line

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  • Trent Brown (T)
  • Isaiah Wynn (T)
  • Shaq Mason (G)
  • Michael Onwenu (G/T)
  • David Andrews (C) 
  • Ted Karras (C/G)
  • Justin Herron (T)
  • Korey Cunningham (T)
  • Yodny Cajuste (T)
  • Marcus Martin (C/G)
  • Najee Toran* (G)
  • William Sherman (T/G)

   
  In terms of the starting five, the Patriots may have one of if not the best offensive line in football. Ted Karras and Justin Herron are both starting-caliber players as well, pairing the top-end talent with depth.
  
  Rookie William Sherman’s development will be something to watch as training camp begins. He told reporters on Saturday that he’s worked on playing inside as well as both tackle spots. If he can prove to be a reliable option not only at tackle but guard, it could end up saving the Patriots a roster spot. There’s also Yodny Cajuste, who is reportedly fully healthy for the first time in his NFL career.

• Defensive Line

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  • Chase Winovich
  • Deatrich Wise Jr. 
  • Lawrence Guy
  • Davon Godchaux
  • Henry Anderson
  • Montravius Adams
  • Carl Davis
  • Akeem Spence
  • Byron Cowart
  • Tashawn Bower
  • Bill Murray
  • Nick Thurman
  • Rashod Berry
  • Christian Barmore
  • Ronnie Perkins

     
  Last season, the Patriots were among the worst teams in the NFL at defending the run. This offseason, Bill Belichick made it clear - he won’t be run on like that again. Between free agent additions like Davon Godchaux and Henry Anderson, and the high-upside picks of Christian Barmore and Ronnie Perkins, this group is totally retooled and will be one of the most entertaining units on the field this season.
  
  Expect good battles for the depth spots in training camp as well. That’s especially true at defensive tackle, where Carl Davis, Byron Cowart, Akeem Spence, and Nick Thurman will all compete for one or two spots.
• Linebacker

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  • Dont’a Hightower*
  • Matt Judon
  • Kyle Van Noy
  • Ja’Whaun Bentley
  • Josh Uche
  • Anfernee Jennings
  • Terez Hall
  • Brandon King
  • Raekwon McMillan
  • LaRoy Reynolds
  • Cameron McGrone

   
  Getting Dont’a Hightower back is a huge shot in the arm for this group. His return will help in all phases, but especially against the run. The team upgraded on the edge as well, adding both Matt Judon and Kyle Van Noy. That should allow Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings to thrive in more specialized roles.
  
  Raekwon McMillan could end up being a sleeper further down the depth chart. He’s dealt with injuries for most of his NFL career, but has been a solid player when healthy. With their top-two inside linebackers in the last year of their deals, the Patriots might start looking for replacements, and McMillan can essentially use this year as an audition.

• Cornerback

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  • Stephon Gilmore
  • J.C. Jackson
  • Jonathan Jones
  • Joejuan Williams
  • Myles Bryant
  • Justin Bethel
  • Michael Jackson Jr.
  • D’Angelo Ross
  • Dee Virgin

  
  This positional grouping isn’t totally solidified yet. Stephon Gilmore’s contract situation still needs to be sorted out, as it’s unlikely he plays for $7 million just a year removed from winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
  
  Expect the main competition here to be for the third outside cornerback spot, backing up Gilmore and Jackson. That role was previously held by Jason McCourty, who is still a free agent after his contract expired. The team could bring back McCourty or sign another veteran, but based on the players currently on the roster Joejuan Williams and Michael Jackson should be the top two contenders for that job.

• Safety

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  • Devin McCourty
  • Kyle Dugger
  • Adrian Phillips
  • Jalen Mills
  • Cody Davis
  • Joshuah Bledsoe

   
  The addition of Jalen Mills brings another high-motor player to an already charged up safety position. Between him and Dugger, there’s tremendous versatility here. Expect to see each of them getting more reps as the second deep safety next to Devin McCourty, after that role was filled mainly by cornerbacks last year.
  
  With the depth thinner than it normally is heading into camp, don’t be surprised if the Patriots add a player or two at the position in the coming weeks. We could also see corners continue to help out as well, such as Joejuan Williams and Myles Bryant. 
• New England Patriots v Los Angeles Chargers

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  • Nick Folk (K)
  • Roberto Aguayo (K)
  • Jake Bailey (P)
  • Joe Cardona (LS)
  • Matthew Slater (Coverage)

  
  The best special teams unit in football returns in full in 2021. Folk is coming off a solid season, and it would take quite a bit for Aguayo to make a run at the starting job.

There is still a chance for some changes between now and the start of training camp. The main name to keep an eye on is Stephon Gilmore, and his contract situation. Some additions could come in as well – the team has just 84 players on the 90-man roster and is yet to sign any UDFAs.

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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 abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.