Patriots Thin at QB, RB: 53-Man Roster Depth Chart
FOXBORO — With the 2023 preseason now firmly in the past, the New England Patriots now turn their attention to the upcoming regular season.
On Tuesday, the Patriots officially made their evaluations, based on position battles and individual performances, to set their initial 53-man roster.
After the surprise cuts of quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham, and some expected reductions — such as the trade of kicker Nick Folk to the Tennessee Titans — it is time to meet the 2023 New England Patriots, while taking an early look at their first potential depth chart.
QUARTERBACKS
Projected Starter: Mac Jones
Reserve: TBD
While Jones remained the overwhelming favorite as the starter throughout camp, Zappe was expected to serve as New England’s backup option, with exciting rookie Makil Cunningham earning the third spot. However, both struggles. The Pats would prefer to keep both Zappe and Cunningham on their practice squad to develop them. However, they also run a serious risk of losing them by cutting them. Regardless, New England will enter their season-opener with the Philadelphia Eagles with more than one quarterback on their depth chart.
RUNNING BACKS
Projected Starter: Rhamondre Stevenson
Reserve: Ezekiel Elliott
Unsurprisingly, Stevenson and Elliott remain the top two options on the depth chart. Still, the Pats carrying only two backs indicates that they are counting on adding either J.J. Taylor, Ty Montgomery or Kevin Harris via the practice squad. New England may also be actively looking for additional help via the open market.
OFFENISVE LINE
Projected Starters: Trent Brown (LT), Cole Strange (LG), David Andrews (C), Michael Onwenu (RG), Riley Reiff (RT)
Reserves: Verderian Lowe, Jake Andrews, Sidy Sow, Atonio Mafi, Calvin Anderson, Tyrone Wheatley, Jr.
Injured Reserve: Conor McDermott
The Patriots went 11 deep at their greatest position of need. New England invested three draft selections in 2023 to help build a deep stable of versatile linemen for the foreseeable future — with both Sow and Mafi expected to log significant playing time at the outset of the season. Reiff’s injury status is still a wild card, could potentially open a spot for an additional roster hopeful.
RECEIVERS
Projected Starters: DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne,
Reserves: Tyquan Thornton, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte
Carrying six receivers may seem excessive. However, the Pats will benefit from a diverse talent pool at the position. Douglas has performed well enough to warrant his roster spot. Due to his injury, Thornton may be placed on injured reserve shortly after initial rosters are set, but still earns his place based as much on potential as prowess. Boutte’s athleticism and dynamic play-making abilities make him worthy of selection, as well.
TIGHT ENDS
Projected Starter: Hunter Henry
Reserve: Mike Gesicki
Both Henry and Gesicki are set to fulfill the 12-personnel duties in coordinator Bill O’Brien’s offense. Still, the ex-Miami Dolphin is still dealing with a shoulder injury that may force the team to look for additional tight end help via the practice squad, or even on the open market. Matt Sokol has performed well during camp, may return on the scout team based on his superior blocking abilities. Anthony Firkser’s ability to align at both H-back and fullback make him a likely practice squad candidate.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Projected Starters: Deatrich Wise, Jr (LDE), Lawrence Guy (RDE), Davon Godchaux (IDL)
Reserves: Christian Barmore, Keion White, Daniel Ekuale, Sam Roberts
PUP: Trey Flowers
While Guy and the Patriots have seemingly put their contract talks aside for the time being, the 13-year veteran one again factors into the team’s plans this season. Rookie Keion White should factor into New England’s run packages, with the chance to make an impact on the edge, as well. Godchaux should continue to align as the team’s top interior option, with the third-year lineman Barmore taking the snaps on 4-3 sets. Wise emerged as a key contributor on the pass rush, setting career highs in both tackles (59) and sacks with 7.5 last season. Daniel Ekuale provides solid depth in defending the run, as well as the pass rush. Roberts, who made a strong push for a spot, earns the final spot along the depth chart.
LINEBACKERS
Projected Starters: Matthew Judon (WLB), Ja’Whaun Bentley (Inside L), Jahlani Tavai (Inside R), Josh Uche (SLB)
Reserves: Anfernee Jennings, Mack Wilson, Marte Mapu, Chris Board
Matthew Judon once again supplies athleticism and aggression to the Patriots pass rush this season, with Uche also acting as a potent weapon. Wilson’s sideline-to-sideline speed should make him a regular rotational piece. Mapu has the chance to be a significant contributor, given his versatility and hard-hitting style of play.
CORNERBACKS
Projected Starters: Christian Gonzalez (RCB) Jonathan Jones (LCB), Myles Bryant (SCB)
Reserves: Jack Jones, Marcus Jones, Shaun Wade
Injured Reserve: Isaiah Bolden
Christian Gonzalez remains the Pats top lockdown corner, with Jonathan Jones also assumed to start along the perimeter. Despite the recent legal troubles for second-year cornerback Jack Jones, the Pats plan to utilize him extensively on the outside. Both Marcus Jones and Myles Bryant should rotate time in the slot. As Bolden continues to recover from his concussion, his potential in the secondary — as well as his prowess on kick returns — make him one to watch in 2024.
SAFETIES
Projected Starters: Kyle Dugger (SS), Jalen Mills (FS)
Reserves: Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers
Throughout the preseason, Mills has looked right at home at safety. Dugger was New England’s standout at strong, earning two interception returns and one fumble recovery for a touchdown last season. Phillips once again served as the team’s hybrid linebacker/safety, while Peppers assumed the role of backfield enforcer.
SPECIALISTS:
Kicker: Chad Ryland
Punter/Holder: Bryce Baringer
BLOCKING/COVERAGE:
Matthew Slater, Brendan Schooler, Ameer Speed
PUP: Cody Davis
PUNT RETURNS:
Starter: Marcus Jones
Reserve: Myles Bryant
KICK RETURNS:
Starter: Marcus Jones
Reserve: Kyle Dugger
Despite being one of their most reliable scorers over the past few seasons, the Pats jettison the veteran Folk for rookie Chad Ryland as their kicker. New England will also feature a new punter in the form of fellow rookie Bryce Baringer. Schooler and Slater once again will anchor the coverage teams, while Marcus Jones remains the top option as both the punt returner and kick returner, until further notice.
