Patriots 53-Man Roster Prediction Ahead of 2024 Training Camp

Wide receiver - 7 (16/53)

• Kendrick Bourne
• Ja'Lynn Polk
• DeMario Douglas
• KJ Osborn
• Javon Baker
• Ty'Quan Thornton
• Jalen Reagor

I’m going a little bit unconventional with the Patriots at wide receiver in this projection because I don’t know if the rest of the roster really prevents them from keeping seven guys. Interestingly enough, I’ve got them getting rid of 2023 big-money free agent JuJu Smith-Schuster as well as 2023 sixth-round pick Kayshon Boutte.

We’ll see what the remainder of the offseason brings, but let’s break it down a bit.

Kendrick Bourne and Ja’Lynn Polk are locks to make the roster, there’s no question about that. I also think you can pencil in Demario Douglas, a second-year player who was second on the Pats in snaps at receiver last season. Behind those three guys, Javon Baker – a stud fourth-round pick out of UCF – should be making it. KJ Osborn was just signed this offseason in free agency so he’s clearly a priority.

Then I’ve got Tyquan Thornton getting one more shot, as well as Jalen Reagor. Reagor is making it as the 7th guy thanks to the NFL’s new kickoff return rules, which have enhanced his value tremendously. 

Tight End - 3 (19/53)

• Hunter Henry
• Austin Hooper
• Jaheim Bell

For the Patriots, the question is whether they keep three or four tight ends. Because I’ve got the team keeping three quarterbacks and seven wide receivers, there’s no room for a fourth. And honestly, this looks like a decent group.

Hunter Henry is one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the game. Austin Hooper is not the Pro Bowl player he once was, but he’s a serviceable all-around tight end who brings another veteran presence. Jaheim Bell has been making some noise this offseason and could be another intriguing option to take over the role vacated by Pharaoh Brown, who not only played almost 400 snaps offensively but was particularly involved in the passing game.