Patriots Final Roster Projection: RB Traded; Rookies Malik, Boutte In or Out?

The New England Patriots retain a pair of promising young linebackers at the expense of an electric-yet-enigmatic preseason standout in Patriots Country’s final 53-man roster projection.

With the image of training camp practices and preseason games beginning to shrink in their rearview mirror, the New England Patriots now turn their attention to the upcoming regular season.

Several hopefuls have made cases to earn a spot on the team's final 53-man roster. Therefore, the time has come for all NFL teams, including the Patriots, to make those ultimate decisions based on position battles and individual performances.

With the cut deadline Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, here is Patriot Country’s third and final projection of New England’s roster:

Quarterback (2)

Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe

Out:

Trace McSorley, Malik Cunningham

Jones remains the overwhelming favorite as the starter, with Zappe serving as New England’s backup option. Cunningham’s dual-threat abilities as a quarterback were on full display during the Pats’ preseason opener against Texans. However, the Louisville product has since known little else but struggle at both receiver and quarterback. The Pats would prefer to keep Cunningham on their practice squad to develop him. However, they would also run a serious risk of losing him, if cut. With multiple needs at various spots on the roster, the Pats opt for practicality over potential. If Cunningham is claimed elsewhere, McSorley’s scout team acumen makes him a likely retention via the practice squad.

Running Back (4)

Rhamondre Stevenson, Ezekiel Elliott, Ty Montgomery, Kevin Harris

Out:

J.J. Taylor, C.J. Marable

*Traded: Pierre Strong Jr, to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr.

Unsurprisingly, Stevenson and Elliott remain the top two options on the depth chart. While Montgomery’s leg injury had many believing a stint on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list was in his immediate future, the hybrid rusher/receiver was activated prior to the Pats preseason finale against the Titans. The Patriots love his versatility and will keep him around for that reason. While Taylor had a strong showing during the preseason, the ‘numbers game’ prevents him from cracking the top 53. 

Receiver (6)

JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas

Out:

Raleigh Webb, Thyrick Pitts

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. Pitts is a solid developmental talent, and is a strong practice squad talent. 

Tight End (3)

Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Matt Sokol

Out:

Scotty Washington, Johnny Lumpkin, Anthony Firkser

When healthy, 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 carry three tight ends. Sokol has performed well during camp, and makes the team based on his superior blocking abilities. Firkser’s ability to align at both H-back and fullback make him a likely practice squad candidate.

Offensive Line (9)

Trent Brown, Riley Reiff, Sidy Sow, Atonio Mafi, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Michael Onwenu, Chasen Hines, Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. 

Out:

Conor McDermott, Bill Murray, James Ferentz, Kody Russey, Andrew Stueber, Micah Vanterpool

IR: Jake Andrews

NFI: Calvin Anderson

Despite early flashes of potential during camp, both Murray and McDermott succumbed to struggle and injury, making them inordinately difficult cuts. 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. Hines rides a late-preseason surge in performance, as well as the size and strength to be an irresistible force against defenders in the run game, onto the team’s initial roster. Reiff’s injury status is still a wild card, could potentially open a spot for an additional roster hopeful. Though his trade in exchange for the promising Pierre Strong does not guarantee him a place among the Pats tackles, it is hard to imagine New England cutting Wheatley just hours after acquiring him. Nonetheless, he is a "developmental" player with zero NFL game experience. Accordingly, rookie Jake Andrews may find himself stricken with the 'Foxboro Flu.'

Defensive Line (4)

Davon Godchaux, Deatrich Wise Jr., Christian Barmore, Daniel Ekuale

Out:

Sam Roberts, Jeremiah Pharms Jr, Justus Tavai, Lawrence Guy

While Guy and the Patriots have seemingly put their contract talks aside for the time being, the 13-year veteran marginally factors into the team’s plans this season. As a result, New England may look to move him before Tuesday’s cutdown deadline. 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, was the most difficult cut among the group.

Edge/Outside Linebacker (5)

Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, Ronnie Perkins

Out:

Diego Fagot

PUP: Trey Flowers

Matthew Judon once again supplies athleticism and aggression to the Patriots pass rush this season, with Uche also acting as a potent weapon. Rookie Keion White should factor into New England’s run packages, with the chance to make an impact on the edge, as well. Flowers should begin the season on PUP, as he continues to get into game shape. The surprise retention here was Perkins, who had his best game in a Patriots uniform on Friday against the Titans. Still, it is his burst and closing speed which ultimately earn him a spot on the edge of the defensive line. 

Inside Linebacker (4)

Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Marte Mapu, Calvin Munson

Out:

Joe Giles-Harris, Mack Wilson, Carson Wells

*Raekwon McMillan: Injured Reserve (out for the year)

Give the nature of Bentley’s recent contract extension, he is likely to be the Patriots’ on-field defensive play caller in 2023. Not only has Munson been a mainstay on special team throughout camp, but his abilities as a linebacker also give the Pats a similar skillset to the injured McMillan. As such, he gets the nod over veterans Wilson and the newly-acquired Giles-Harris. Mapu has the chance to be a significant contributor, given his versatility and hard-hitting style of play.

Cornerback (6)

Christian Gonzalez, Jack Jones, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Isaiah Bolden, Myles Bryant

Out:

Ameer Speed, Shaun Wade, Rodney Randle Jr.

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. As Bolden continues to recover from his concussion, his potential in the secondary — as well as his prowess on kick returns — make him worthy of the final spot on the depth chart. Both Marcus Jones and Myles Bryant should rotate time in the slot, as well. 

Safety (4)

Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers, Jalen Mills

Out:

Brad Hawkins, Joshuah Bledsoe

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. Bledsoe’s versatility and aggressive style nearly earned him a spot, ultimately falling victim to a numbers crunch at other positions of need. Still, the Pats are expected to boast one of the best depth charts at safety in the NFL. 

Specialists/Core Special Team (6)

Chad Ryland (K), Bryce Baringer (P), Joe Cardona (LS), Matthew Slater, Brendan Schooler, Chris Board

Out:

Nick Folk, Corliss Waitman, Tucker Addington

PUP: Cody Davis

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. On coverage teams, the Patriots added former Detroit Lions special teamer Chris Board, while retaining the services of veteran Cody Davis via the PUP list. Still, the return of special teams stalwart Matthew Slater remains their most significant move of the offseason.

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