Early 52-man Roster Prediction 1.0

Steven Senne | Credit: AP

As the Patriots wrap up their first full week of training camp, questions start to arise on who will still be on the team next month. While the NFL season is still 30+ days away, roster cutdowns begin as soon as next week. The New England Patriots currently have 87 players on their roster, which is three short of the max. So let’s dive in and predict the 53.

Quarterbacks (3)

In – Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, Brain Hoyer

Out – N/A

PUP – N/A

Mac Jones is an easy lock to make the roster. Unlike last season where he was fighting for a roster spot, this season, he is the number one for sure. The Patriots drafted Bailey Zappe out of Western Kentucky this offseason in the 4th round. Bailey, who led College Football in Touchdowns last year, looks to add value to the Quarterback room. He will try to earn the backup job in camp, which is plenty realistic since Brain Hoyer’s value is found behind the scenes. Although Hoyer signed a 2-year four-million contract this offseason, he will likely be used to mentor Mac and Bailey.

Running Backs (4)

In – Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, J,J Taylor, Pierce Strong J.R

Out – Kevin Harris

PUP – James White

One position Group that has plenty of depth is the Running back room. Last year the Patriots went with a 1-2 punch in the 2nd half of the season, and they will look to do the same this season with Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. These guys compliment each other well and have the upside of becoming top 10 running backs in the NFL. Harris’s contract does expire at the end of the season. The veteran James White is still recovering from the hip injury that made him sit out most of the 2021 season. He is a candidate to start the season on the PUP list. (Physically unable to perform) If that is the case, look for the 3rd year back, J.J Taylor, to take on his role. The talk in the clubhouse is that Taylor made huge strides this off-season and is ready to take on whatever role he may have. The last guy I cut is the rookie out of South Dakota State, Pierce Strong JR. Pierce Strong, who had an impressive college career and was named All-American twice, looks to add some depth to the Patriots. Although he comes in 5’11, 207 pounds, Strong can add value in the running and passing game. At the NFL Combine, Strong ran the fastest 40 for his position group. He can also contribute to special teams.

Wide Receivers (6)

In – Devante Parker, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Nelson Aghlor, Tyquan Thornton, and Ty Montgomery

Out – Tre Nixon, Kendrick Wilkerson, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Josh Hammond

PUP –

Another Position group filled with a lot of depth is the Receivers. While Bill Belichick did not go out and get a wide receiver this offseason, he did make the group stronger by adding Miami receiver Devante Parker. Although the group does not consist of a superstar, it may be one of the deepest receiver rooms in the NFL. There are also a lot of questions as to who cuts this group. Devante Parker will be seen as the number 1 option for Mac, and he has proved in Training camp thus far, making headlines every day. Jacobi Meyers, who led the team in Receptions and yards last season and is Mac’s go-to option in stressful situations, should also be a lock to make it, along with Kendrick Bourne. Nelson Aghlor, who is not the fan favorite, should also get the nod as he is known as the field stretcher and looks to improve on his poor performing 2021 season. All the talk in the off-season was how the Patriots needed to get “quicker” well, and The Patriots did that by drafting Tyquan Thornton in the 2nd round of the Draft.

Thornton, who ran the fastest 40 times of all receivers and the 3rd fastest of all players, should help with the speed and flow of the Patriot’s offense. The track record is not great for Belichick and Drafting receivers, but he looks to change that with Thornton, who had a tremendous senior season at Baylor. The last player making the roster is Ty Montgomery, one of the most, if not the most, versatile players. Montgomery can play running back or wide receiver and even on special teams. Tre Nixon, who the Patriots drafted in the 7th round of the 2021 draft, has heard his name throughout the camp. He has been very impressive this summer, making plays left and right. This group is so deep there have to be some decisions, and I think Nixon ends up on the Practice squad. If anyone gets hurt, he will be the call-up, in my opinion. Another name I have joining Nixon on the practice squad is Kristen Wilkerson, who got elevated in a few games last year and had a big performance in week 14 against the Jaguars. He had two touchdowns and 42 receiving yards. Josh Hammond and Lil’Jordan Humphrey both get cut.

Tight Ends (3)

In – Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, and Devin Asasi

Out – Matt Sokol and Dalton Keene

PUP – N/A

When the Patriots signed Henry and Smith, they hoped they would somewhat replicate what Gronkowski and Hernadez did in the early 10s. Last year they were only on the field together 13% of the time. Hunter Henry was very successful in the red zone last season with nine touchdowns with 30 targets. Jonnu Smith’s playbook was full of dump-off screens and short passes. Although Smith was great with the ball in space, it was tough for him to get in space. The Patriots signed Matt Sokol this offseason, and I have him getting cut. Now it’s tough that both Dalton Keene and Devin Asasi can have the 3rd spot, and I have Asasi with the edge just because of the experience.

Offensive Line (8)

In –Trent Brown, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Michael Onwenu, Isaiah Wynn, Justin Herron, Yodny Cajuste, and Arlington Hambright

Out – Kody Russey, Yasir Durant, Drew Desjarlais, James Ferentz, Darryl Williams and Will Sherman

NFI – Chasen Hines and Andrew Stueber

Trent Brown, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Micheal Onwenu, and Isaiah Wynn are all locks to make the roster and should make up the starting line. Justin Herron and Yodny Cajuste have seen their stock rise in camp and have taken some first-team reps indicating they have a good chance to make the roster. The surprise addition is undrafted free agent Arlington Hambright, a 2020 7th round pick of the Bears from the University of Colorado, is an athletic 6’5 315 guard. His opportunities have continuously risen, and he has proven he has what it takes to make the cut. James Ferentz is a hard cut to make, and with a strong pre-season, he could easily cut. Kody Russey and Yasir Durant are candidates for the practice squad.

Defensive Line (6)

In –Christian Barmore, Lawrence Guy, Davon Godchaux, Deatrich Wise, Henry Anderson, and LaBryan Ray

Out – Carl Davis, Bill Murray, Daniel Ekuale, Sam Roberts, Jeremiah Pharms, Jr.

PUP/NFI –

Moving onto the Defensive, Christian Barmore is looking to add to his monster rookie year. Davon Gochuax just signed a 4-year extension, and the veterans Guy and Wise are all locks to make the roster. Anderson has a lot of versatility and, therefore, should add value to the roster. Ukulele is suspended for the season’s first three games, and everyone else is a candidate for the practice squad.

Linebackers (8)

In – Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, Ronnie Perkins, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Mack Wilson, Cameron McGrone, and Anfreernee Jennings

Out – DaMarcus Mitchell, Harvey Langi, Jahlani Tavai, and Raekwon McMillan

PUP/NFI –

The Linebackers are among the hardest position groups to decide who makes the team. Kyle Van Noy and Donta Hightower both left the team, making the linebackers a much younger core. Judon is coming off a season with 12 ½ sacks, which is a career-high. One weakness for the Patriots last season was the linebackers were too slow, so this year it is made up of much younger guys such as Ronnie Perkins, Mack Wilson, Cameron McGrone, and Anfrerenee Jennings. Raekwon McMillan was a hard cut, but he still has time to prove himself in the Preseason games.

Safeties (4)

In – Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers

Out – Joshuah Bledsoe

PUP/NFI –

McCourty, Dugger, and Phillps may be the best safety trio in the NFL and make up the strongest position group for the Patriots. Peppers has signed this offseason, and as he adds to the defense and special teams, he is coming off an ACL injury and may be a candidate for the PUP list. Although I would love to see Bledsoe play, he is the odd man out and should be on the Practice Squad to start the season.

Cornerbacks (5)

In – Malcolm Butler, Jalen Mills, Terrance Mitchell, Jack Jones, Jonathan Jones

Out – Shaun Wade, Joejuan Williams, Myles Bryant

PUP/NFI – Marcus Jones

At one point last year, the Patriots had Stephon Gilmore and J.C Jackson as their number 1 and 2 cornerbacks. As both have come and gone, there is a growing concern the cornerbacks may struggle this year. Malcolm Butler, the infamous hero of Super Bowl 49, has made a return which is a pleasant surprise, but as he has not played football in a year may have to knock some rust off his shoes. Jonathan Jones is returning from his injury and, without a doubt, will take on the slot position while Mills should be on the outside. Terrance Mitchell is another new addition with a strong camp, the rookie out of Arizona state Jack Jones. While Marcus Jones, I have started on the PUP list. Myles Bryant should make the Practice squad as Williams and Wade are also out the door and probably have played their last snaps in Foxborough.

Special Teams (6)

In –Matthew Slater, Cody Davis, Justin Bethel, Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona, Nick Folk

Out – Tristan Vizcaino, Jake Julien, Brendan Schooler,

PUP/NFI –

Bill Belichick is notorious for his love for special teams, so I have three players making the team just for special teams. Cody Davis, Justin Bethel, and veteran Matthew Slater. No other surprises here, as the only dark horse would be Schooler.