Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection 2.0: Mac Starting; ‘Malik Mania?’

The New England Patriots rookies, both on offense and defense, take center stage in Patriots Country’s latest 53-man roster projection.

Though the New England Patriots failed to secure a win in their preseason opener, a handful of standout performances have adjusted the chances of several players on the cusp of earning (or losing) a roster spot for 2023. 

In the aftermath of their 20-9 loss to the Houston Texans last Thursday at Gillette Stadium, the Pats roster hopefuls have both joint practice sessions, as well as two remaining preseason games, to make their case for inclusion within the team’s 53-man squad. 

With the Patriots scheduled for travel to Green Bay for joint practices in preparation for their second preseason game against the Packers at Lambeau Field on Aug. 19, here is Patriots Country’s second attempt at predicting the Patriots opening day roster. 

Quarterback (3)

Mac Jones

Bailey Zappe

Malik Cunningham

Out:

Trace McSorley

Though ‘Malik Magic’ continues to grip the region, New England’s quarterback hierarchy is unlikely to change prior to the start of the regular season. 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’ loss to the Texans, which is leading to increased snaps during practice. The Louisville product makes the cut, while McSorley’s scout team acumen makes him a likely retention via the practice squad.

Running Back (4)

Rhamondre Stevenson

Pierre Strong Jr.

C.J. Marable

Kevin Harris

Out:

J.J. Taylor

PUP: Ty Montgomery

It may seem unorthodox for New England to skim the USFL waters to obtain a savvy veteran to provide assistance for Stevenson in the top spot. However, Marable’s receiving ability out of the backfield earns him a spot. While Strong and Harris are still developmental talents, they have each shown the ability to handle reserve duties. Montgomery’s leg injury may require a stint on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, keeping him on the sidelines through Week 4.

Wide Receiver (6)

JuJu Smith-Schuster

DeVante Parker

Kendrick Bourne

Tyquan Thornton

Kayshon Boutte

Demario Douglas

Out:

Tre Nixon, 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, with Thornton earning his place based as much on potential as prowess. Despite his less-than auspicious preseason debut, Boutte’s athleticism and dynamic play-making abilities make him worthy of selection, as well.

Tight End (2)

Hunter Henry

Mike Gesicki

Out:

Matt Sokol, Scotty Washington, Johnny Lumpkin, Anthony Firkser

With Henry and Gesicki set to fulfill the 12-personnel duties in offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s offense, the Pats choose to foster depth at other positions of need. Sokol has performed well during camp, and would be New England’s likely selection if they choose to keep three. Firkser’s abilities to align at both H-back and fullback make him a likely practice squad candidate.

Offensive Line (9)

Trent Brown

Riley Reiff

Conor McDermott

Jake Andrews

Sidy Sow

Atonio Mafi

Cole Strange

David Andrews

Calvin Anderson

PUP: Michael Onwenu

Out:

James Ferentz, Kody Russey, Chasen Hines, Bill Murray, Andrew Stueber, Micah Vanterpool

New England invested three draft selections in 2023 to help build a deep stable of versatile linemen for the foreseeable future. The Pats are likely to utilize a rotation of Reiff and McDermott at tackle opposite established starter Trent Brown. Rookie Sidy Sow is a name to watch, as his ability to play both guard and tackle may allow him to receive significant playing time. Having yet to take a practice or preseason snap, Onwenu seems to be a strong candidate to start 2023 on PUP.

Defensive Line (5)

Davon Godchaux

Deatrich Wise Jr.

Christian Barmore

Lawrence Guy

Daniel Ekuale

Out:

Sam Roberts, Jeremiah Pharms Jr, Justus Tavai, Carl Davis

With Guy and the Patriots seemingly putting their contract talks aside for the time being, the 13-year veteran once again factors into the team’s plans this season. 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. Ekuale provides solid depth in defending the run, as well as the pass rush. Roberts, who continues to make a strong push for a spot, was the most difficult cut among the group.

Defensive Edge/Linebacker (4)

Matthew Judon

Josh Uche

Keion White

Anfernee Jennings

PUP: Trey Flowers

Out:

DaMarcus Mitchell, Diego Fagot

Matthew Judon once again supplies athleticism and aggression to the Patriots pass rush this season, with Uche also acting as a potent weapon. Based on his standout showing against the Texans last week, White should factor into New England’s edge rush, with the chance to make an impact on their run packages, as well. Flowers should begin the season on PUP, as he continues to get into game shape.

Off-the-Ball Linebacker (4)

Ja’Whaun Bentley

Jahlani Tavai

Marte Mapu

Mack Wilson

Out:

Calvin Munson, Joe Giles-Harris

*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. Wilson continues to flash some signs of sideline-to-sideline athleticism, giving him the nod over veterans Munson 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 (5)

Christian Gonzalez

Jack Jones

Jonathan Jones

Marcus Jones

Isaiah Bolden

Out:

Myles Bryant, Ameer Speed, Shaun Wade, Quandre Mosely, Rodney Randle Jr.

Christian Gonzalez is the heir apparent as the Pats top lockdown corner — which Jonathan Jones at the other perimeter corner. Jon tied for the team lead in interceptions (alongside the recently-retired Devin McCourty) with four. Despite the recent legal troubles for second-year cornerback Jack Jones, the Pats will likely retain his services. Perhaps the biggest surprise is retaining the rookie Bolden over the veteran Bryant. Though the Jackson State product has some first-year growing pains to bear, his potential in the secondary, as well as on kick returns make him worthy of the final spot on the depth chart.

Safety (5)

Kyle Dugger

Adrian Phillips

Jabrill Peppers

Jalen Mills

Joshuah Bledsoe

Out:

Brad Hawkins

The challenge of filling the shoes of 12-time team captain Devin McCourty will apparently fall on Mills. The veteran defensive back looked right at home at safety during the Pats preseason opener. 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 agressive style earns him a spot

Specialists (3)

K Chad Ryland

LS Joe Cardona

P Bryce Baringer

Core Special Teams (3)

Matthew Slater

Brendan Schooler

Chris Board

PUP: Cody Davis

Out:

Nick Folk, Corliss Waitman, Tucker Addington

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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