Patriots Beat Roster Projection 1.0:

Ahead of the New England Patriots second preseason game of the summer, here is a crack at the Patriots 53-man roster which will be finalized Tuesday August 27th.

Last week the Patriots defeated the Panthers at Gillette Stadium, 17-3. Now they face off with the Eagles who are a much tougher opponent.

Here is The Patriots Beat first guess of the Patriots 53-man roster.

QB (3): Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, Joe Milton III

Out: Bailey Zappe

There’s not a whole lot of questions surrounding the Patriots quarterback room. The Patriots will likely opt to have veteran Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback, as he’s been the most consistent out of the group. That doesn’t stop Maye from overtaking Brissett at some point during the year. If lucky, the Patriots could find a willing trade partner for Bailey Zappe. The former fourth-round pick is looking like the odd one out, with Joe Milton earning the third spot.

RB (3): Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, JaMycal Hasty

Out: Deshaun Fenwick, Kevin Harris, Terrell Jennings

With two starting running backs in Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, I have the Patriots only fielding one other running back: JaMycal Hasty. Hasty offers the veteran upside. The team should be able to retain Deshaun Fenwick and Kevin Harris on the practice squad, which would round out the position group.

WR (6): K.J. Osborn, DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, Jalen Reagor

Out: JaQuae Jackson, Kayshon Boutte, Kawaan Baker, David Wallis, Tyquan Thornton

PUP: Kendrick Bourne

The Patriots opted to transition to a younger receiver room this year, waiving veteran JuJu Smith-Schsuster two weeks ago and drafting two rookies in April. Leading the charge should be Kendrick Bourne (when he’s healthy) and free agent addition K.J. Osborn. Then, it’ll be second-year receiver DeMario Douglas and the two rookies. If the Patriots opt to go with a sixth receiver, it should be between Jalen Reagor and Tyquan Thornton. I have Jalen Reagor making the final spot because of his special team’s ability.

TE (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jaheim Bell

Out: La’Michael Pettway, Mitchell Wilcox, Jacob Warren

This is one of the more straightforward position groups on the roster. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are locks to make the team, with rookie Jaheim Bell earning the third spot. Although Mitchell Wilcox has received more snaps and has looked like the third tight end in training camp, Bell edges him out for the last spot.

Offensive Line (9): Caedan Wallace, Sidy Sow, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Chuks Okorafor, Calvin Anderson, Layden Robinson, Vederian Lowe, Nick Leverett

Out: Atonio Mafi, Michael Jordan, Kellen Diesch, Charles Turner, Zuri Henry, Liam Fornadel

PUP (1): Cole Strange

With just under a month to go until Week 1, the Patriots have solidified their O-line. Although Calvin Anderson and Vederian Lowe have been taking most of the starter reps with David Andrews and Mike Onwenu, Caedan Wallace has an inside track to start at left tackle at some point this season. One of the biggest holes on the roster is the tackle position, but if Wallace develops into a suitable starter, the Patriots have one less problem to worry about in the off-season.

Defensive Line (5): Deatrich Wise, Armon Watts, Davon Godchaux, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms

Out: Sam Roberts, Trysten Hill, Mike Purcell, Jotham Russell, Josiah Bronson, William Bradley-Ling

PUP: Christian Barmore

Christian Barmore season might be in doubt with him suffering a serious blood clot injury earlier in the summer. With him on the sidelines, it’ll be up to veterans Davon Godchaux and Deatrich Wise to lead the way. This summer Jeremiah Pharms has been showcasing his raw talent and was one of the best playesr on the field against the Panthers.

Linebackers (8): Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Joshua Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Sione Takitaki, Oshane Ximines, Raekwon McMillan, Sione Takitaki, Keion White

Out: Joe Giles-Harris, Christian Elliss, Steele Chambers

The recent news that the Patriots are trading All-Pro Edge Matthew Judon to the Falcons shows that they are comfortable with the depth of the position. There’s no reason to believe that Ja’Whaun Bentley and Keion White can’t fill the void left by Judon. Oshane Ximines has been a sneaky good addition by the Patriots. His speed and strength stand out, and he can play at multiple positions on the defense.

Cornerback (7): Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, Isaiah Bolden, Marcellas Dial, Marco Wilson

Out: Shaun Wade, Azizi Hearn, Mikey Victor

Christian Gonzalez and Isaiah Bolden are two players who look to rebound after disappointing rookie seasons, during which both players spent time on the IR. Marcus Jones also suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2. As part of the reinforcements, the Patriots added rookie Alex Austin, who played incredibly well, especially towards the end of the season. Now that they have everyone back, this should be a dominant part of the defense.

Safety (5): Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Jaylinn Hawkins, Brenden Schooler

Out (3): AJ Thomas, Joshuah Bledsoe, Dell Pettus

The safety room may be the strongest position group on the roster. Re-signed veteran Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers will lead the room. Sophomore Marte Mapu is still developing and has suffered numerous injuries in the last year, but he should earn a spot along with Jaylinn Hawkins, whom Mayo has praised multiple times this summer.

Safety (5): Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Jaylinn Hawkins, Brenden Schooler

Out (3): AJ Thomas, Joshuah Bledsoe, Dell Pettus

Specialists (3): Chad Ryland, Bryce Baringer, Joe Cardona

Out: Joey Slye

I have Chad Ryland winning the kicking battle as he edges out Joey Slye for the starting spot. However with two pre-season games left to play, it’s still up in the air. Although Joey Slye has been banged up lately, if he’s healthy he’ll have a spot on the team.