Patriots Roster Projection 3.0: Final cuts
With the preseason done, it’s time for the final Patriots roster projection of the summer.
Following Sunday night’s preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, the Patriots’ summer is in the books. No more training camp practices, no more exhibition games – we’re on to the regular season.
The next step for the team in getting ready for Week 1 is getting the roster down from 89 players (they currently have an open spot) to 53. They have to do so by the NFL deadline, which is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Who will make the cut? Which players are just on the outside looking in? Let’s break it down in our final Patriots roster projection of the summer…
NOTE: Players are listed alphabetically, with order not reflecting a potential depth chart. Rookies are in italics
Quarterbacks (3)
–Jacoby Brissett
–Drake Maye
–Joe Milton
Changes from last week: CUT Bailey Zappe
The way both Jerod Mayo and Alex Van Pelt talked about the Patriots’ quarterback situation this week made it seem like they’re comfortable with Maye coming in as the backup if something happens to Brissett, even if it doesn’t fit exactly into their timeline. That removes the biggest reason to keep Zappe, who they probably could/would retain on the practice squad assuming he’s willing to come back.
Of course, this all changes if the right shoulder injury Brissett suffered on Sunday night is more serious than it initially appeared. If there’s any doubt about Brissett’s status, then keeping a fourth quarterback – either Zappe or another veteran claimed on waivers – becomes much more realistic.
Running backs (4)
–Antonio Gibson
–Kevin Harris
–JaMycal Hasty
–Rhamondre Stevenson
Changes: ADD JaMycal Hasty
We’ve kept three running backs through our first two Patriots roster projections, but Hasty was always right on the fringe. He closed camp strong and gives the Patriots added elements both with his pass-catching skill and special teams ability. That lands him a roster spot. UDFA Terrell Jennings is a strong practice squad candidate.
Wide receivers (6)
–Javon Baker
–DeMario Douglas
–KJ Osborn
–Ja’Lynn Polk
–Jalen Reagor
–Tyquan Thornton
–Kendrick Bourne (PUP)
Changes: ADD Tyquan Thornton, CUT Kayshon Boutte
Leaving Thornton off of our last Patriots roster projection was a little shortsighted, and didn’t factor in his usage. The team has been talking about him and treating him like a starter, and there’s no reason to think that won’t carry over to the regular season. Meanwhile, Boutte failed to build on the momentum he built early in camp, leaving him on the outside looking in. He’s a likely practice squad candidate, along with David Wallis.
Tight ends (3)
—Jaheim Bell
–Hunter Henry
–Austin Hooper
Changes: ADD Jaheim Bell, REMOVE ‘TBD veteran tight end’
Bell did just enough in the final days of camp to grab one of the final roster spots. Still, this is a spot where it makes sense for the Patriots to look for an external addition – especially if Henry is going to miss time to start the season. That player could start on the practice squad and be elevated to the active roster before being officially added a few weeks into the season.
Offensive tackles (4)
–Vederian Lowe
–Chuks Okorafor
–Caedan Wallace
–TBD veteran addition
Changes: ADD veteran TBD addition, CUT Calvin Anderson
Without any spot solidified at tackle, the more bodies the Patriots have at the position the better. Still, Anderson struggled before missing significant practice time due to injury. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Patriots make some sort of external addition, even if it’s a minor trade like they did last year with Lowe and Tyrone Wheatley. At the same time, it makes sense to keep a player on the practice squad who is more familiar with the offensive system – either Anderson or Kellen Diesch.
Interior offensive linemen (5)
–C David Andrews
–C/G Nick Leverett
–G/T Mike Onwenu
–G Layden Robinson
–G Sidy Sow
–G Cole Strange (PUP)
Changes: None
Nothing has changed here through three Patriots roster projections. However, guard Michael Jordan sits right on the bubble and was one of our last players left off. If the Patriots plan on having Onwenu play more at tackle like they did last week, extra guard depth would be needed and he’d be the most logical player to take that spot – which would likely come at the expense of a wide receiver or on the defensive side of the ball. It also wouldn’t be surprising if the Patriots look for another backup center after cuts, but that player could potentially start on the practice squad.
If Sidy Sow’s injury is serious, he could end up on IR after initial roster cuts. That would the door for the Patriots to add another guard (like Jordan).
Defensive linemen (7)
–William Bradley-King
–Daniel Ekuale
–Davon Godchaux
–Trysten Hill
–Jeremiah Pharms
–Keion White
–Deatrich Wise
–Christian Barmore (IR)
–Jotham Russell (IPP)
Changes: ADD William Bradley-King
Injuries have taken their toll on the Patriots’ edge-rushing group. That left more opportunities over the final week of camp and the preseason for Bradley-King who capitalized. With that and his special teams ability, he plays his way onto one of the final roster spots.
Linebackers (6)
–Ja’Whaun Bentley
–Anfernee Jennings
–Raekwon McMillan
–Jahlani Tavai
–Joshua Uche
–Oshane Ximines
–Sione Takitaki (PUP)
Changes: None
The final spot between McMillan, Joe Giles-Harris, and Christian Elliss is the big story here. All three are similar sideline-to-sideline middle linebackers who can also contribute on special teams. That’s a need for the Patriots, especially with Takitaki likely out to start the season. The two that don’t get that final roster spot should be strong practice squad candidates.
Cornerbacks (6)
–Alex Austin
–Isaiah Bolden
–Christian Gonzalez
–Jonathan Jones
–Marcus Jones
–Marco Wilson
Changes: CUT Marcellas Dial
Dial showed some flashes early in training camp, but struggled in the preseason games. There’s potential there, but the Patriots can probably get him to the practice squad and keep working with him from there.
Safeties (6)
–Joshuah Bledsoe
–Kyle Dugger
–Jaylinn Hawkins
–Jabrill Peppers
–Dell Pettus
–Brenden Schooler
–Marte Mapu (IR)
Changes: None
No need for things to change here. It’s a pretty well-rounded group. The real question is what job – if any – is waiting for Mapu once he’s healthy?
Specialists (3)
–K Joey Slye
–P Bryce Baringer
–LS Joe Cardona
Changes: None
Slye has looked like the better kicker throughout the summer, after hitting more kicks outright and being significantly better from 40-plus (full breakdown here). The real question here is do the Patriots keep Chad Ryland or another kicker on the practice squad in case Slye cools off.
Bubble watch
Last 3 on:
–TE Jaheim Bell
–DL Trysten Hill
–DL William Bradley-King
Last 3 off:
–CB Marcellas Dial
–WR Kayshon Boutte
–QB Bailey Zappe
