It is cut down day in the NFL. All 53 man rosters must be finalized by tonight at 6 pm. It is not easy projecting a final Patriots roster but for whatever reason, this preseason it has been more cut and dry.
Here is our projected 53-man roster with analysis.
Quarterback (2)
Drake Maye
Tommy DeVito
Drake Maye is the clear-cut franchise quarterback, tasked with taking a massive leap forward as the leader of the offense. Tommy DeVito secures the QB2 role as a steady, experienced backup who can manage the offense efficiently if called upon, allowing New England to save a roster spot by carrying just two signal-callers into the regular season.
Running Back (4)
Rhamondre Stevenson
TreVeyon Henderson
Corey Kiner
Reggie Gilliam
Rhamondre Stevenson remains the primary bellcow, but the backfield gains an explosive dynamic element with Henderson splitting carries. Recently acquired Corey Kiner gives the team dependable early-down rotational depth, while Reggie Gilliam provides vital versatility as a lead-blocking fullback and core special teams contributor. Second year running back Lan Larison and rookie Jam Miller are more than likely headed for the practice squad.
Wide Receiver (6)
AJ Brown
Romeo Doubs
Demario Douglas
Mack Hollins
Kyle Williams
Elton Chism
Acquiring superstar AJ Brown fundamentally changes the ceiling of this entire offense, giving Maye a elite WR1 target on the outside. Romeo Doubs acts as a highly reliable secondary boundary option, Demario “Pop” Douglas operates as the primary threat out of the slot, and Mack Hollins brings veteranship and downfield perimeter blocking along with the occasional big play. The group is rounded out by second-year speedster Kyle Williams and Elton Chism, both of whom earned their spots through productive preseason camps.
Tight End (3)
Hunter Henry
Eli Raridon
Tanner Arkin
Veteran Hunter Henry remains the anchor and primary security blanket for Maye in the passing game. Rookie Eli Raridon steps in as a matchup move-tight end with immediate upside, while Tanner Arkin beats out the competition by offering a physical, heavy-set in-line blocking presence that this offense desperately needs in short-yardage packages.
Offensive Line (9)
Will Campbell
Morgan Moses
Alijah Vera-Tucker
Jared Wilson
Mike Onwenu
Caleb Lomu
Greg Van Roten
Marcus Bryant
Dametrious Crownover
Anchored by left tackle Will Campbell, veteran right tackle Morgan Moses, and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, this starting unit has a far higher ceiling than last year’s group. Jared Wilson and Mike Onwenu round out a formidable starting five, while first round draft pick Caleb Lomu provides high-end tackle upside off the bench. Late addition Greg Van Roten brings essential interior versatility, flanked by depth tackles Marcus Bryant and rookie Dametrious Crownover to protect the edge.
Defensive Tackle (5)
Christian Barmore
Milton Williams
Joshua Farmer
Cory Durden
Leonard Taylor
This interior front is arguably the strongest overall unit on the roster, headlined by game-disruptor Christian Barmore and Milton Williams. Joshua Farmer and Cory Durden provide a stout, push-the-pocket rotation against the run, while Leonard Taylor flashed high-upside interior pass-rush capability throughout the summer to comfortably claim the final rotational spot. Eric Gregory could also be in the mix here.
EDGE (4)
Dre’Mont Jones
Gabe Jacas
Elijah Ponder
Quintayvious Hutchins
The Patriots are dangerously thin at edge and need to make a trade before Week 1. With Harold Landry starting the season on the PUP list with a designation to return, New England desperately needs him back to anchor this pass rush. Jones will be asked to carry a heavy burden alongside rookie Gabe Jacas, but while this young group featuring Elijah Ponder and Quintayvious Hutchins has undeniable athletic upside, it currently lacks a proven, primary edge-rusher capable of consistently winning single-coverage matchups.
Linebacker (5)
Robert Spillane
Christian Elliss
K.J. Britt
Chad Muma
Namdi Obiazor
Robert Spillane wears the green dot and has full command of the defense. He is flanked by the hyper-physical Christian Elliss. K.J. Britt and Chad Muma add veteran depth while rookie Namdi Obiazor also offers depth and immediate value across all four special teams units.
Cornerback (6)
Christian Gonzalez
Carlton Davis III
Marcus Jones
Kindle Vildor
Charles Woods
Karon Prunty
Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III form a formidable, physical starting tandem capable of locking down perimeter receivers. Marcus Jones remains a premier threat in the slot and as a return man, while Kindle Vildor adds veteran boundary depth. Charles Woods and rookie Karon Prunty secure the final spots due to their press-man technique and gunner capabilities on punt coverage.
Safety (6)
Kevin Byard
Craig Woodson
Jaylen Reed
Dell Pettus
John Saunders
Brendan Schooler
Veteran safety Kevin Byard provides critical leadership and back-end communication, pairing seamlessly with starter Craig Woodson. Trade addition Jaylen Reed and second-year safety Dell Pettus supply strong sub-package versatility in the box, while John Saunders and All-Pro special-teamer Brendan Schooler bring elite execution on coverage units.
Specialists (3)
Andy Borregales (PK)
Bryce Baringer (P)
Julian Ashby (LS)
Andy Borregales secured the kicking job outright after an inconsistent training camp. Bryce Baringer returns as one of the league’s most reliable punters capable of flipping field position on a dime, and long snapper Julian Ashby ensures total stability on operational mechanics for the field goal and punt units.