The 2022 pre-season is in the books, which means one thing, roster cuts are looming. The Patriots currently have 80 players on their roster; by 4 pm on Tuesday, all NFL rosters must be down to 53 players. There are many players who will return to New England’s practice squad. With that being said, let’s take a crack at the projected 53-man roster.
Quarterbacks (3)
In – Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, Brain Hoyer
Out – N/A
Brain Hoyer is guaranteed $3M this season, making him an unlikely cut candidate. Bailey Zappe played well in the pre-season and should be the third-string quarterback.
Running Backs (4)
In – Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, Kevin Harris, Ty Montgomery
Out – Pierre Strong Jr., J.J. Taylor
Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson will showcase the 1-2 punch while the third-down back is in question. In the third and final pre-season game, Ty Montgomery went down with an apparent ankle injury. His status will be in question for the beginning of the season, leaving a spot open. I presumed rookie running back Kevin Harris would make the roster. Harris led the Patriots in rushing yards this pre-season and proved why he should be on the roster. The veteran J.J. Taylor gets along with a surprise cut in Pierce Strong Jr., who has gotten off to a slow start.
Wide Receivers (6)
In – Devante Parker, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Nelson Agholor, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, and Tyquan Thornton
Out – Tre Nixon, Kendrick Wilkerson, Josh Hammond
Thornton underwent a procedure Monday to repair his fractured clavicle; according to reports, he is expected to return in the middle of the season. For that to happen, he needs to be on the initial 53-man roster. Parker, Agholor, and Meyers are all locks, while Bourne is working his way back after a rough start at camp. Lil’Jordan Humphrey is a surprise addition. He has been a star in camp. Humphrey’s versatility playing receiver, tight end, and contributing on special teams gives him the nod.
Tight Ends (2)
In – Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith
Out – Devin Asiasi, Matt Sokol, Jalen Wydermyer
Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith are both locks, while Devin Asiasi did not produce enough this summer. His lack of consistency and being injury prone bring him down. However, the Patriots will look to keep him on the practice squad.
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, Will Sherman, and Chasen Hines
NFI – Andrew Stueber
Trent Brown, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Micheal Onwenu, and Isaish Wynn should be the starting line for week one. The question arises on who should be the backups, and although Justin Herron has had a rough camp, I have him making the team. During camp Cajuste and the un-drafted free agent, Arlington Hambright, have been coming along, and I have them making the team. Players like Will Sherman, Chasen Hines, and Kody Russey should return to New England’s practice squad. Talk around the league indicates there isn’t a lot of tackle depth; it should be smart to keep extra linemen on the practice squad.
Defensive Line (6)
In –Christian Barmore, Lawrence Guy, Davon Godchaux, Deatrich Wise, DaMarcus Mitchell, and LaBryan Ray
Out – Carl Davis, Bill Murray, Daniel Ekuale, Sam Roberts, Henry Anderson, and Jeremiah Pharms, Jr.
The rookies take over, and New England cuts two veteran tackles: Henery Anderson and Carl Davis. Undrafted free agents LaBryan Ray and Damarcus Mitchell take the final two spots. Sam Roberts has had an impressive summer with an outstanding performance against the Giants in week 1, but he will likely come back for a practice squad spot.
Linebackers (7)
In – Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Mack Wilson, Raekwon McMillan, Anfreernee Jennings, and Jahlani Tavai
Out – Harvey Langi, Ronnie Perkins, Cameron McGrone, and Nate Wieland
Tavai has been playing with the starters in the preseason and seems to leave a good impression on Belichick. The new addition Mack Wilson appears to fit in well, and his speed and sideline-to-sideline hustle should give him a spot. McGrone, who tore his ACL last summer, has not lived up to the hype during the pre-season, and the Patriots cut ties.
Cornerbacks (6)
In – Jalen Mills, Jack Jones, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Myles Bryant
Out – Shaun Wade and Terrance Mitchell
IR – Joejuan Williams
Shaun Wade was a tough decision, but he has been injured throughout camp. Bryant has improved on defense and special teams. Mitchell had a solid start to camp but has slowed down since Jonathon Jones took over on the outside.
Safeties (5)
In – Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers, Joshuah Bledsoe
Out – Brad Hawkins
Belichick referred to the safeties as the team’s strongest position group. The experience of Devin McCourty and Adrian Phillps, combined with the versatility and speed of Peppers and Dugger, make this part of the roster very talented. In addition, Bledsoe has continued to impress in practice and the games.
Special Teams (6)
In –Matthew Slater, Cody Davis, Justin Bethel, Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona, Nick Folk, Brenden Schooler
Out – Tristan Vizcaino
No surprises here. Schooler has increasingly gotten better and has been playing on the first team kicking and punting units. Folk has been playing the best football of his career, and Jake Baily just signed a contract extension. Cody Davis is too valuable to kick off the roster and should help special teams tremendously.
Last three on
Terrance Mitchell
Kevin Harris
Brenden Schooler
Last three off
Pierce Strong Jr.
Tre Nixon
Yodny Cajuste
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.