Patriots pre-camp roster projection

As we enter Training Camp 2020, many questions remain regarding many different positions. So, for a bit of fun, I’ve decided to try and predict the Patriots 53-man roster.

I totally expect to get a bunch of these wrong, but here goes… At the time of writing, I’m up to date with all opt-outs and PUP listings that were released today. I’ll be doing a final roster projection just prior to cut day at the end of camp, so we can see how accurate I was!

Quarterbacks (3)

Cam Newton, Jarett Stidham, Brian Hoyer

Cut (1)- Brian Lewerke

BB told us on Friday that everyone will have a chance to compete, including those at the QB position. Cam will be the obvious favorite to top the depth chart, but the only competition he’ll face is from Stidham, I see Hoyer playing the 3rd string mentor role, similar to Cody Kessler last season. 

Running backs (4)

James White, Sony Michel (PUP), Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris

Cut (1) – J.J. Taylor

Opt-Out (1)- Brandon Bolden

For now, White, Burkhead, and Harris are my locks for the RB position, Michel will begin training camp on PUP, but can come off the list at any time, a concern, but not a surprise given that he had foot surgery in May, one to keep an eye on for sure. Fans have been screaming for Harris to be given an opportunity, now with Michel starting on PUP, he might be able to climb the depth chart ladder.

With Bolden out for the season, Taylor will be a fun one to look out for over the next month, whilst I have him currently missing out on the 53, he could land a spot on the practice squad.

Fullbacks (1)

Jakob Johnson

Opt-Out (1)- Danny Vitale

I wrote about the potential options the Patriots had for the fullback position last week. Being the only traditional FB left on the roster, Johnson is my choice to own the position this season. Before his trip to IR last year, he was showing great improvement, if he can continue to impress and stay healthy, the spot will be his.

Wide receivers (7)

Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry, Damiere Byrd, Mohamed Sanu (PUP), Jeff Thomas, Jakobi Meyers, Matthew Slater

Cut (5)- Gunner Olszewski, Devin Ross, Quincy Adeboyejo, Will Hastings

Opt-Out (1)- Marquise Lee

In a new era post-TB12, the Patriots WR group competition is going to be worth watching. Edelman, Harry, and Slater are my locks. Sanu makes my roster for now, but I was disappointed with his production last season after we gave up a second-round pick for his services. He starts on the PUP list for camp after having ankle surgery to fix an issue that was ailing him last year, I hope he will be fit and able to show something more over the next few weeks, or he could very well miss out on the 53.

Byrd and Thomas also make my cut here, mainly for speed, Meyers also creeps on as a 6th receiver (excluding Slater).

Tight ends (3)

Dalton Keene, Devin Asiasi, Ryan Izzo

Cut (2)- Jake Burt, Rashod Berry

Opt-Out (1)- Matt LaCosse

Both third-round picks from this year’s draft make the team without question, the Patriots are still trying to find a new identity for the TE position since losing Rob Gronkowski, we should be excited to see how our new prospects turn out in their rookie year. Before his opt-out today, I had Matt LaCosse taking the 3rd and final spot in the position, but now he’s sitting out the season, I think Izzo will edge his way on, barring any camp heroics from Burt or Berry.

Offensive linemen (9)

David Andrews, Joe Thuney, Isaiah Wynn, Shaq Mason, Yodny Cajuste, Michael Onwenu, Justin Herron, Dustin Woodard, Korey Cunningham

Cut (2)- Hjalte Froholdt, Jermaine Eluemunor

Opt-Out (2)- Marcus Cannon, Najee Toran

Wynn, Mason, and the team’s franchise-tag choice Thuney are all locks. David Andrews missed the entirety of last season due to an issue with blood clots but has confirmed he will be playing, leaving his position secure, a huge return for the line this one. Cajuste, now healthy, has a prime opportunity to be the starting RT this year following Marcus Cannon’s opt-out, I expect he is itching to get started after missing his entire rookie season through injury. Some movement may come in free agency, but for now, all three draft picks make the cut. Froholdt and Eluemunor currently miss out, but this could easily change if they can impress new O-line coach Carmen Bricillo, who took over from Dante Scarnecchia following his retirement this offseason.

Defensive lineman (7)

Byron Cowart, Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise, John Simon, Chase Winovich, Adam Butler, Beau Allen

Cut (5)- Derek Rivers, Tashawn Bower, Nick Thurman, Bill Murray, Nick Coe

This will be a difficult one for the coaches to cut down, Guy, Butler, Allen, Simon, and Winovich are locks. Wise makes this projection for now, alongside Cowart, but competition will be strong, with UDFA Nick Coe being the one I’m interested in seeing most. This is one of the groups that could look completely different come the end of camp, but for now, there’s no spot for fan-favorite Bill Murray. Sorry!

Linebackers (6)

Brandon Copeland, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Anfernee Jennings, Josh Uche, Cassh Maluia, Shilique Calhoun

Cut (3)- De’Jon Harris, Brandon King (PUP), Terez Hall

Opt-Out (1)- Dont’a Hightower

Rookies Jennings and Uche will need to be ready to contribute in a bigger role now that star player Dont’a Hightower is sitting out the season. Hightower will be missed, but this gives a chance to fast track the development of the team’s new draft picks. Copeland, Bentley, and Maluia also make the cut. I have King missing out, he’s also beginning camp on PUP which could hinder his chances of making a spot.

Cornerbacks (6)

Stephon Gilmore, Jonathan Jones, J.C Jackson, Jason McCourty, Joejuan Williams, Justin Bethel

Cut (2)- Myles Bryant, D’Angelo Ross

I’m pretty confident with this one, barring any further opt-outs or issues. The same six as last season, led by the NFL’s defensive MVP, I once again think this could be the strongest position on the team for the Patriots.

Safeties (4)

Kyle Dugger, Devin McCourty, Terrence Brooks, Adrian Phillips

Cut (1)- Cody Davis

Opt-Out (1)- Patrick Chung

McCourty and Dugger are my locks for this group, Chung’s opt-out leaves Phillips with a chance to claim the 3rd spot in the position, leaving a scrap between Brooks and Davis for a special teams role. I only kept 4 in the position here, so I could add an extra WR.

Specialists (3)

(K) Justin Rohrwasser, (P) Jake Bailey, (LS) Joe Cardona

With no other competition on the current roster, I can’t see past these three being the starters for the Patriots come week 1.

David Andrews, Devin McCourty, Matthew Slater, and James White held conference calls today, you can check them out here.