Predicting the New England Patriots 53-man roster heading into the second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.
The New England Patriots gear up to play the Tennessee Titans Saturday night for a Week 2 matchup of the preseason.
But with training camp officially over, we will look down the Patriots roster in plans to slimming it down to a Week 1 ready, 53-man team. We will raffle down each position, and give a brief rundown of whose in and whose out.
Quarterback- Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Jarrett Stidham (3)
Bill Belichick will get back on the habit of adding that third arm. With using a mid-round pick on the former Auburn Tiger Jarrett Stidham, he will be the next developmental QB.
After showing great potential last week in Detroit, Bill will slot the rookie behind experienced backup Brian Hoyer. And of course, the GOAT…
The Offensive playmakers
Running Back– Sony Michel, James White, Damien Harris, Brandon Bolden, FB James Develin (5)
A possible surprise cut to some fans comes here with Rex Burkhead. The 29-year-old is not getting any younger, and his injury history just keeps racking up. The Pats will opt for returning Brandon Bolden, who gives you a great special teams aspect as well.
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Wide Receiver– Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, N’Keal Harry, Phillip Dorsett, Jakobi Meyers, (5) Demaryius Thomas and Cam Meredith (PUP)
Josh Gordon being reinstated by the NFL officially makes this core pretty darn scary. Jakobi Meyers has been one of the most talked about names in camp. He has shown flashes of greatness.
The undrafted free agent from NC State will surely lock himself to the last spot here on the depth chart. Snagging two TD’s against the Lions, you will be hearing this name a-lot more in the near future. Thomas (achilles) and Merideth (knee) go on the PUP with injuries.
Tight End- Matt LaCosse, Eric Saubert, Ryan Izzo (3) Ben Watson (Suspended)
The Patriots begin life without Rob Gronkowski, and man… its slim pickings here.
The New England Patriots hoped for Austin Sefarian-Jenkins to be their starting Tight End, but he mysteriously retired after just a few mini-camp practices with the Patriots. LaCosse will be the pass catching guy here, with the rest being more of blockers with some special team roles as well. Izzo could be forced off the roster once Watson returns from his 4-game ban.
In the trenches
Offensive Line– Isaiah Wynn, Joe Thuney, Dave Andrews, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon, Ted Karras, Hjalte Froholdt, Dan Skipper (8) Yodny Cajuste (PUP)
Highly anticipated left tackle Isaiah Wynn is back fully practicing with the first string offense. He is Dante Scarnecchia’s newest project in the works. Last year’s first rounder missed all of his rookie season with a torn ACL. As for the rest, it is pretty much the same group as last year. Not really any surprises.
Rookie Yodny Cajuste (quad/ knee) will serve time on the PUP list to start the year.
Defensive Line– Michael Bennett, Lawrence Guy, John Simon, Mike Pennel, Chase Winovich, Danny Shelton, Adam Butler, Deatrich Wise (8)
The Pats lose Trey Flowers via free agency and reload by trading for veteran Michael Bennett, and drafting edge rusher Chase Winovich out of Michigan.
The one hard pick here was Deatrich Wise over Derek Rivers. I believe this will come down to the last wire, but the nod goes to Wise for now due to his consistency and motor.
Defensive playmakers
Linebacker– Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jamie Collins, Brandon King, Elandon Roberts (6)
A slim core here comes because of how good this group could be. Plus the ability of Simon and Winovich to play a OLB/EDGE role.
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The biggest headline for this position now is the resurgence of Jamie Collins. After being a top 10 linebacker in his first stint here, he was shockingly traded to the Browns back in 2016. He never came close to being who he was in New England.
But with question marks, Jamie picked up right where he left off last week in Detroit. Oh, and don’t forget about Ja’Whaun Bentley, who could be a mainstay if fully healthy.
Cornerback- Stephon Gilmore, JC Jackson, Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones, Joejuan Williams, Keion Crossen (6)
The arguable best player in Patriots camp has been JC Jackson. Last year’s undrafted free agent signee has made a tremendous leap to being near the top of the Patriots loaded secondary. He will serve as an elite CB2 for the New England Patriots.
Rookie Joejuan Williams bring size to the position, but is still a work in progress.
Rest of the secondary and specialists
Safety– Devin McCourty, Pat Chung, Duron Harmon, Terrence Brooks, Obi Melifonwu (5)
Nate Ebner‘s tenure as a Patriot will soon be over.
The defending Super Bowl champions brought in special teams ace Terrence Brooks over from the Jets, and can cover when called upon. Melifonwu has had a strong camp, tying with Jackson for most INT’s. This mixed with his athleticism and size will force him into the roster.
Specialists– K Stephen Gostkowski, P Jake Bailey, LS Joe Cardona, G Matthew Slater (4)
The New England Patriots spent a 5th round pick on a right-legged punter… this must really mean this guy belongs on an NFL roster. Ryan Allen, after a masterful Super Bowl 53, is cut.
With Week 1 of the regular season fast approaching, another updated 53 man roster will be released right before cut day.