Patriots 53-Man Roster Prediction Ahead of 2024 Training Camp
Specialists - 3 (6/53)
- Chad Ryland, kicker
- Bryce Baringer, punter
- Joe Cardona, long snapper
The Patriots are one of a number of NFL teams with intriguing kicker competitions this offseason. Chad Ryland was a fourth-round pick in last year’s draft, but that’s not high enough draft status for the Pats to tolerate his struggles. He made just 64 percent of his kicks last season, and that was a huge reason for the Patriots’ overall record being so bad.
Not to pin the blame on the kicker, but…
Ryland needs to be better this year and I think he will be. As of right now, he’s competing against Joey Slye, but he’s also competing against any other kicker around the league that ends up getting cut or traded after a strong preseason.
Running back - 3 (9/53)
- Rhamondre Stevenson
- Antonio Gibson
- Kevin Harris
Rhamondre Stevenson just got himself a new contract from the Patriots, and the team obviously believes he can continue to excel with an expanded role. Surprisingly, Stevenson didn’t even play 47 percent of the Patriots’ offensive snaps last year and still nearly reached 900 yards from scrimmage. The Patriots will be counting on him in a big way even with the addition of Antonio Gibson, who has tremendous upside in the passing game.
The big question at running back for this team is what happens in the RB3 slot. I’ve got Kevin Harris making it as the third and final running back but JaMycal Hasty could end up making it or the Patriots could be scouring the wire for some additional help at this particular position at roster cuts.