The draft is finally over. Here is a look at where the Patriots roster stands as they continue their offseason program and head into minicamp in June.
Quarterback
Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, Trace McSorley, Malik Cunningham
In 2022, the most exciting thing about the Patriots quarterback room was Zappe Fever. Mac Jones was inconsistent; when he played well, such as the first half against the Vikings, he looked the player that had an excellent rookie season, but when he played poorly, he looked like a turnover prone average quarterback. This season, I expect Jones to be closer to his 3800-yard rookie passing performance with the additions of Bill O’Brien, Mike Gesicki, and the swapping of JuJu Smith-Schuster for Jakobi Meyers. An improved offensive line will also help.
Running backs
Rhamondre Stevenson, Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong Jr., Kevin Harris, J.J. Taylor, James Robinson
Stevenson is a top 10 running back in the NFL after his 1,461 all-purpose yards and six total touchdowns last season. Pierre Strong showed some potential to be a rotational back last year and will need to continue to develop. James Robinson is a wild card; he had a great season in 2020 but has not been the same player since he tore his Achilles. The group will miss Damien Harris, who signed with the Bills.
Wide receivers
JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, Kendrick Bourne, Tre Nixon, Lynn Bowden Jr., Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas
Smith-Schuster and Jakobi Meyers have similar baseline numbers, but Smith-Schuster has a higher ceiling. Thornton should fit much better in Bill O’Brien’s offense, but he needs to add more muscle from his rookie season. Bourne and Boutte are wild cards. Bourne had 800 yards receiving in 2021 and Boutte was on the best freshman receivers in the NCAA in 2020. Both have dropped off since those performances. If one (or both) can regain their earlier form, it would be a huge boost to the offense. Overall, this is a good group that as of now lacks a dynamic talent.
Tight ends
Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Matt Sokol, Scotty Washington, Johnny Lumpkin
This group will be better than it was last year almost by default. Jonnu Smith gave the Patriots noting last season and swapping him with Gesicki will help the passing game, especially in the red zone. Gesicki caught six touchdowns last year, including playoffs, and all six came inside the red zone. The Patriots ranked last in the NFL in red zone touchdown percentage.
Offensive line
Trent Brown, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Conor McDermott, Yodny Cajuste, James Ferentz, Bill Murray, Chasen Hines, Kody Russey, Andrew Stueber, Riley Reiff, Calvin Anderson, Jake Andrews , Sidy Sow, Atonio Mafi
Having Adrian Klemm as a full-time offensive line coach will make a massive difference for this group. The offensive line is much deeper than a year ago, but New England needs to hope either Stueber or Sow can be an effective tackle. The youth at that position is thin. The interior of the offensive line should be one of the strengths of the team.
Defensive line
Davon Godchaux, Lawrence Guy, Christian Barmore, Deatrich Wise Jr., Daniel Ekuale, Carl Davis Jr., Sam Roberts, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Keion White
Barmore has star potential, but he needs to stay healthy. Second round pick Keion White can play defensive end or tackle and will likely be a rotational piece in 2023. Davis Jr. is a strong run defender. This group as a whole, coupled with edge players Judon and Uche, could be great.
Linebacker
Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Chris Board, Olakunle Fatukasi, Jahlani Tavai, Anfernee Jennings, Raekwon McMillan, Mack Wilson Sr., DaMarcus Mitchell, Terez Hall, Calvin Munson, Ronnie Perkins
Judon and Uche are in a slightly different category as they play on the line most of the time. Uche had 11.5 sacks last year, but they all came after October 25th. Can he continue that late season momentum?
Cornerback
Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Jack Jones, Marcus Jones, Myles Bryant, Shaun Wade, Quandre Mosely, Ameer Speed, Isaiah Bolden, Rodney Randle Jr.
Gonzalez, the Patriots’ first round pick, is a potential Week 1 starter and the best cover corner with length the Patriots have. Don’t be shocked if Jonathan Jones plays safety occasionally, but expect Jonathan Jones, Jack Jones and Gonzalez to rotate at corner with Marcus Jones getting significant slot snaps. This is a highly talented group.
Safety
Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jalen Mills, Jabrill Peppers, Joshuah Bledsoe, Brad Hawkins, Marte Mapu
Dugger emerged as a star last year, but the depth beyond him is shaky, especially at free safety. New England will need with Mills or Bledsoe to develop into a solid replacement for Devin McCourty.
Specialists
Nick Folk, Joe Cardona, Matthew Slater, Cody Davis, Brenden Schooler, Raleigh Webb, Tucker Addington, Chris Board, Chad Ryland, Bryce Baringer, Corliss Waitman
In a word, this group was bad in 2022. Ryland and Baringer both have a chance to win jobs and would represent upgrades. Chris Board will also be an upgrade and having Joe Judge focus more of his efforts on special teams will help the special teams and the offense.