The New England Patriots finalized their initial 53-man roster Tuesday night, announcing 37 roster transactions. However, more roster movement is expected, and there is still plenty of time before Week 1.
There were a handful of surprises with the roster release, as the Patriots are only carrying one quarterback and two running backs on the roster as of now.
I gave my thoughts on each player who made the team.
QB Mac Jones: The quarterback is under serious pressure. If he can’t prove himself, he may be on the chopping block next March.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson: Rhamondre Stevenson led the Patriots backfield last year and took 66 percent of the Patriots’ offensive snaps. But what damage did that do the star-running back? Ezekiel Elliot will help take off some of the workload. However, that won’t stop him from being the first running back since Curtis Martin to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.
RB Ezekiel Elliott: After missing out on DeAndre Hopkins, Patriots fans were thrilled when it was announced veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott would be signing with the Patriots. Zeke should receive most of the goalline carries.
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster: Arguably the most significant addition to the offense this season, Juju will be Mac Jones’s top target. If Smith-Schuster can keep his knee and the rest of his body healthy, he can elevate the Patriot’s offense to the next level.
WR DeVante Parker: If Parker’s healthy, he is the best receiver on the Patriots. The noteworthy part of that sentence is critical. Can he stay healthy? Parker will have a bounce-back season and be a strong “X” wide-out for the Patriots. Bill O’Brien will help elevate Parker’s game to the next level.
WR Kendrick Bourne: Bourne will look to put last year behind him, and with a new offensive coordinator, Bourne will be as valuable as ever for the Patriots. The receiver will be heavily involved in the RPO game. Look for lots of quick passes to Bourne.
WR Demario “Pop” Douglas: Star. Speed. Touchdowns. You will hear those words several times this year when watching Douglas.
WR Kayshon Boutte: It took a couple of weeks, but Boutte has made considerable strides in training camp and has earned a spot on the 53-man roster.
WR Tyquan Thornton: The second-year receiver has struggled this summer. Unfortunately, Thornton suffered another preseason injury as he suffered a shoulder injury against the Packers in joint practices. There’s a high likelihood Thornton could be placed on the IR.
TE Hunter Henry: After a solid first year in New England, Henry slowed down last year. With the Patriots adding Mike Gesicki, New England should run more than 12 personnel.
TE Mike Gesicki: The former Miami Dolphins tight end looks ready to go after suffering a shoulder injury earlier in camp. Gesicki’s blocking isn’t great, but his pass-catching abilities are exemplary.
OL Trent Brown: The big tackle looks rejuvenated and ready to bounce back after a tough year.
OG Cole Strange: The former first-round selection had an up-and-down summer. He suffered a knee injury on the first day of padded practice.
C David Andrews: Andrews has had a quiet summer, which is good. The former Bulldog will be the leader of the Patriot’s offensive linemen, and the only thing to worry about is injuries.
OL Mike Onwenu: Mike Onwenu is entering his last year on his rookie contract. There’s been talk about moving Onwenu to right tackle, but the 25-year-old should stay put at guard.
OL Riley Reiff: The Patriots signed veteran tackle Riley Reiff in the offseason, but Reiff has been overcome with injuries during his tenure with the Patriots. Reiff may land on the IR in the coming days, but he’s on the active roster for now.
OT Calvin Anderson: Grateful. That’s the word he used on Tuesday to describe how he felt after being activated from the non-football injury list. Anderson missed all of training camp but looks to build back up and provide tackle depth. If Reiff is placed on the IR, Anderson could take over as the right tackle.
OL Sidy Sow: Another depth piece. The rookie will spend the season learning from veterans on the line. Sow only played guard in college but saw time exclusively as a tackle this summer.
C Jake Andrews: It’s a good sign Andrews made the team as a mid-round draft pick. Andrews will spend the season learning from veteran David Andrews.
OL Atonio Mafi: Mafi has been getting many reps during camp as he has filled in for Onwenu. If Onwenu can’t suit up in time for the opener, Mafi may start in his place.
OL Tyrone Wheatly Jr.: The new tackle has never played in an NFL game. He’s 26. So, he’s still a project, but the hope is he can stay healthy and learn under Patriots offensive line coach Adrian Klemm.
OL Adrian Lowe: Trading for one tackle at the deadline is one thing, but this was two tackles. That’s a sign the Patriots desperately needed help. Let’s see if Lowe can provide it.
DT Deatrich Wise Jr.: Wise had a breakout season last year for the Patriots. The captain had a career-high 7.5 sacks and 33 solo tackles. Wise is essential to the Patriot’s defense, especially on third down.
DL Keion White: WHAT A FORCE. White was nothing but spectacular in the preseason. The rookie will be on the field a lot this season.
DL Lawrence Guy: Many thought Guy wasn’t going to make the team. Well, he made it. Can he capitalize on the opportunity?
DL Christian Barmore: Barmore will need to stay healthy this season, and if he can accomplish that, he can be a major asset for the Patriot’s pass rush and run defense.
DL Davon Godchaux: Godchaux recently inked a $20.5 million extension. It’s up to him to prove he’s worthy of that hefty contract. Godchaux put on some weight this year. Can the Patriots run defense improve after a mediocre 2022 season? It starts with the big guys in the trench.
DL Sam Roberts: The sophomore had a productive preseason and can develop into a stout defender.
DL Daniel Ekuale: The sixth-year veteran has developed well under Bill Belichick. Once a practice squad player, Ekuale is looking to build on a satisfactory year. Ekuale saw the field a lot last year, filling in for Christain Barmore.
LB Josh Uche: The Patriots pass-rusher was the breakout player for the team last season, compiling 11.5 sacks. If Uche can improve with defending the run, he will be due for a massive payday this offseason.
LB Matthew Judon: The heart and soul of the Patriots. He is arguably the best-skilled on the Patriots and the only player to earn an NFL Top-100 nomination. Let’s see if Judon can stay healthy and keep up his ridiculous sack pace over 17 games. Can he continue his dominance in the red sleeves? Yes. Yes, he will.
LB Anfernee Jennings: Some are surprised Jennings made the team, but after sophomore DaMarcus Mitchell was waived in August, it gave a clear path to the 53 for Jennings.
LB Ja’Whaun Bentley: The Patriots like Bentley a lot and his leadership is elite. Bentley will be part of the Patriots’ defensive core through the 2025 season.
LB Jahlani Tavai: I’m picking Tavai to be one of the best surprise players on the Patriots this season. If he gets enough playing time, watch out for Tavai.
LB Marte Mapu: Mapu didn’t play much in the preseason, as he was recovering from an injury. Mapu is one of the more exciting rookies from the 2023 draft class. The third-round pick has shown his versatility, playing both safety and linebacker.
LB Mack Wilson Sr.: Arguably the most adaptable player on the Patriots. Wilson adds value to special teams. It’ll be interesting to see how he and Mapu share snaps.
LB Chris Board: Similar to Wilson, Chris Board will contribute heavily on the special teams side of the ball. He’ll be on the kicking unit and rotating in with some of the linebackers.
DB Christian Gonzalez: The Patriots found a new number-one corner in the 2023 draft. The first-round pick is already a fan favorite. Gonzalez should be in the running for DPOTY and have a chance to be considered the steal of the draft.
DB Jonathan Jones: Jones suffered an undisclosed injury in training camp but was back at practice last week. The versatile cornerback can play in the slot or even at safety. The veteran can help fill the void after Devin McCourty’s retirement.
DB Jack Jones: It’s been a challenging summer for Jack Jones. With off-the-field troubles, Jones will look to put that behind him and put his best foot forward.
DB Marcus Jones: The media and Patriots nation didn’t see much of Marcus Jones this summer. Are the Patriots hiding something?
DB Myles Bryant: For whatever reason, the Patriots coaching staff loves Myles Bryant. The former undrafted free agent can provide more for special teams.
DB Ameer Speed: Speed. Let’s see if Speed can add Speed to the defense. :/
DB Shaun Wade: Wade made the team because of his special teams talent more so than at cornerback.
S Kyle Dugger: With McCourty’s retirement, Kyle Dugger is in charge of the second. Let’s see if he can build on back-to-back impressive seasons.
S Adrian Phillips: The ultimate Patriot. Phillps is reliable and should retain his role in the secondary.
S Jabrill Peppers: Peppers was part of the 2021 free agent haul, and since Peppers has added value to the Patriots. He’ll do the same this season.
S Jalen Mills: The former Super Bowl champion made a position switch to safety, and it looks to be working out well.
ST Brenden Schooler: The heart of special teams, Schooler will look to repeat his vital role on the Patriots’ third unit. The undrafted free agent got some work as the personal protector of Cody Davis’s injury throughout the summer.
ST Chad Ryland: Winner winner. Ryland won the kicker competition, and the rookie projects to be the starting kicker for the Patriots this season. He had a strong leg in practice, but his accuracy could be an issue. Let’s hope he doesn’t have first-year jitters.
ST Bryce Baringer: Like Ryland, Bryce Baringer beat out a veteran for a roster spot. The Michigan State product will fill the shoes of long-time partner Jake Bailey this season. Baringer has a strong leg, but hopefully, he won’t need to use it this season.
LS Joe Cardona: Cardona suffered a foot injury last season and had to miss his first game in his seven-year career with the Patriots. However, the good news is that Cardona is fully recovered and is ready to continue his role as the highest-paid long-snapper in the league.
ST Matthew Slater: Slater had the option to retire at the end of last season, but he’s sticking around. At 37, how much more does he have to prove.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
