With spring practices now in the books, it’s time for our first Patriots roster projection of the year.
Over the past month the New England Patriots have gone through the final stages of the NFL’s offseason workout program, which culminates with full-team on-field work. That began with OTA practices over the past few weeks, and then minicamp this past week.
Now that all of that work is in the books, the Patriots will have about a month and a half off before beginning training camp in late July. This natural breaking point is a good chance to collectively look at what we’ve seen so far, and what the big storylines will be when camp gets underway.
READ MORE:
—Day 3 Minicamp notebook
—The Patriots already have another tribute to Tom Brady in the works
—Where Drake Maye has improved the most this spring
The best way to do that? Our first Patriots roster projection of 2024.
First, let’s get some important context out of the way, on how I approach each Patriots roster projection. These projections reflect if the team had to make cuts today. There is still a whole training camp to go, and that’s when these position battles will be decided. We’ll touch on what’s at stake in certain spots for this summer, but for now we’re not going to project performances that haven’t happened.
Also, because of some of the new rules regarding practice squad elevations and IR returns, teams can play games with the initial initial roster before lining things up for Week 1. This is more a look at the Week 1 roster than the true initial roster.
Alright, that’s all of the bookkeeping out of the way. Now, it’s time to get started with our post-spring Patriots roster projection.
Note: All players are listed alphabetically in their position groups. Order does not reflect a projected depth chart. Rookies are in italics.
Quarterbacks (2)
Jun 12, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) and quarterback Jacob y Brissett (14) throw passes at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY SportsJun 12, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA;
–Jacoby Brissett
—Drake MayeThe Patriots will likely roster three quarterbacks at some point this season, but they may not need to out of the gate. They should be able to get Joe Milton to the practice squad, before adding him to the active roster when they have more space.
As for Bailey Zappe, his role significantly decreased as the spring went on which suggests he’s not a part of the team’s long-term plans. Jerod Mayo told reporters before the final minicamp practice the team plans on bringing four quarterbacks into camp, but Zappe could be a trade or cut candidate at some point this summer.
Running backs (3)
Jun 10, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back JaMycal Hasty (39) runs the ball at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Antonio Gibson
–JaMycal Hasty
–Rhamondre StevensonThe battle for the third running back spot behind Stevenson and Gibson will be an important one to monitor in the summer. Again, we’re only going off of what we’ve seen and heard so far, and to this point Hasty has emerged as the leader of the players competing for that job. His ability as a pass catcher and special teams experience position him well for a roster spot.
However, that comes with the caveat that there haven’t been any padded practices. Bigger, more physical backs like Kevin Harris and rookie UDFA Deshaun Fenwick – who are also in competition for the role, will have more of a chance to shine once contact is added to the picture.
Wide receivers (6)
WR Pop Douglas gets lined up to run a route at Patriots OTA practice. (Alex Barth/98.5 The Sports Hub)
—Javon Baker
–Kendrick Bourne
–Demario Douglas
–K.J. Osborn
—Ja’Lynn Polk
–Jalen ReagorDouglas, Polk, and Baker are all roster locks. Bourne will be as well assuming he’s healthy for the start of the regular season – which Mayo suggested on Wednesday that he will be. Based on his contract, Osborn is also highly likely to make the team.
That means the battle at the wide receiver position is for the sixth spot – if they keep six receivers at all. The top contenders there are Reagor, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, and Kayshon Boutte. Reagor was the most involved of that group this spring, and also adds value as a kick returner. Right now, he should have the inside track on that job. However, the numbers could change if Bourne opens the season on PUP or Osborn ends up a surprise cut with a decent-sized cap hit.
Tight ends (3)
Jun 10, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) tracks the ball at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Hunter Henry
–Austin Hooper
—Jaheim BellThe battle for the third tight end spot will be interesting when camp rolls around. Bell got off to a good start this spring and his versatility could land him a regular role in the Patriots’ offense. However, Mitchell Wilcox was very involved throughout the spring, which could be a sign the team has something in store for him long-term. Given the current makeup of the room, adding a blocking tight end would make sense. That being said, they should be able to get him on the practice squad and initially elevate him as needed.
Offensive linemen (10)
Jun 10, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots guard Michael Jordan (74) works with guard Ryan Johnson (75) at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–T Calvin Anderson
–C David Andrews
–C/G Jake Andrews
–G Michael Jordan
–G/C Nick Leverett
–T Chuks Okorafor
–T/G Mike Onwenu
—G Layden Robinson
–G Sidy Sow
—G Caedan Wallace*Cole Strange projects to open the season on PUP, meaning he won’t count against the 53-man roster The Patriots still seem to be working on finding their ‘best five’ combination along the offensive line. Given the way evaluation that position goes with limited contact over the summer, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Patriots keep more players along the line as the battles continue into the regular season.
In addition to the battles for starting jobs, there are also players competing for roster spots. At tackle Calvin Anderson currently has the edge as the backup, ahead of Vederian Lowe and Tyrone Wheatley Jr. On the interior, Jake Andrews will battle it out with Atonio Mafi and UFA Charles Turner. Mafi did start getting reps at center this spring, which should help his case.
Defensive linemen (7)
Jun 10, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Keion White (99) works with the defense at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–DT Christian Barmore
–DT Daniel Ekuale
–DT Davon Godchaux
–DT Jeremiah Pharms
–DE Armon Watts
–DE Keion White
–DE Deatrich WiseCould Trysten Hill or Sam Roberts make a push here? Certainly. But for now, this group is very deep and built to play the more “aggressive” style of defense new DC DeMarcus Covington has talked about. It’s just a matter of whether or not the Patriots need more roster spots elsewhere, which could result in them having to leave off a player they like.
Linebackers (7)
Jun 10, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley (8) walks to the practice fields for minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Ja’Whaun Bentley
–Anfernee Jennings
–Matthew Judon
–Raekwon McMillan
–Sione Takitaki
–Jahlani Tavai
–Joshua UcheSeven may seem like a big number for linebackers, but this is a group with a very diverse skillset. The one name people may be surprised by is McMillan, but he played well in 2022 before missing all of last year with a knee injury. This spring, the coaching staff seemed to be giving him plenty of chances to earn a role, and he should be a factor in special teams. Meanwhile, Oshae Ximines ends up on the outside looking in after a strong spring.
Cornerbacks (7)
Cornerback Alex Austin stretches at Patriots OTA practice. (Alex Barth/98.5 The Sports Hub)
–Alex Austin
–Isaiah Bolden
–Christian Gonzalez
–Jonathan Jones
–Marcus Jones
–Marco Wilson
–Shaun WadeAnother very deep position on this Patriots defense. Gonzalez will start on the boundary and Jonathan Jones either opposite him or in the slot with Marcus Jones sticking as either the slot starter with Jones on the outside, or in a nickel role, but after that the questions begin. The Patriots have plenty of NFL-caliber corners, but can’t keep them all. Austin, Bolden, and Wilson would all add another presence on the boundary, while Wade would provide depth at both spots.
Still, those roles are all up for grabs this summer. Azizi Hearn had a strong spring, and rookies Marcellas Dial and Mikey Victor have the physical tools to make a push if given the opportunities to do so.
Safeties (4)
Jun 12, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins (32) works out at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Kyle Dugger
-Jaylinn Hawkins
–Marte Mapu
–Jabrill PeppersHawkins is a player Patriots fans should start to get familiar with. Based on the opportunities he got this spring, it looks like the coaching staff plans on having him be a part of the team. He has the most experience at deep safety of any player on the roster, and has the best skillset to play back there too. He may not be a full-timer like Devin McCourty, but he could be an option for the Patriots to use in situations where they want more range over the top and/or want to be able to play Dugger and Peppers both in the box.
Specialists (3)
Patriots kickers Chad Ryland (37) and Joey Sly (13) and punter Bryce Baringer (17) work on kickoffs during Patriots OTA practice. (Alex Barth/98.5 The Sports Hub)
–K TBD
–P Bryce Baringer
–LS Joe CardonaChad Ryland struggled this spring after a rough rookie season, but offseason signing Joey Slye wasn’t much better. The Patriots may need to find another kicker to add to this competition (they could look to the handful of kickers succeeding in the NFL). It’s very possible the Patriots’ Week 1 kicker isn’t on the roster right now. Meanwhile, Baringer and Cardona remain locks.
Special teams (1)
Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Brenden Schooler (41) runs down the field after a punt during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
–Brenden Schooler
We’ll have to see how the new coaching staff values pure special teams coverage players. Keeping one or two around – like Schooler – makes sense. But most of the players getting significant reps on special teams this spring also slot into offensive or defensive depth roles (ex. Jalen Reagor, Raekwon McMillan).
On the bubble
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 29: New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo looks on during the New England Patriots OTA Offseason Workout on May 29, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Last 3 on:
–CB Marco Wilson
–WR Jalen Reagor
–TE Jaheim BellLast 3 off:
–QB Joe Milton
–WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
–IOL Atonio Mafi
