Patriots Roster Breakdown: Short and Long Term Needs

As much as it pains me it’s time to post the 2019 roster depth chart including only players under contract. Yes, we’re kinda sorta on to 2019 but reserving the right to go back to Super Bowl 53 any time I want.

The first reset before embarking on free agency and the draft is to take inventory of the complexion of the team. The short terms needs for the 2019 campaign and then the long term needs as players depart for one reason or another.

Let run through the roster and take a quick temperature test at each position group.

Quarterback

Tom Brady showed no signs of slowing down in 2019 and the addition of a balanced rushing attack can only help extend his career. Brady doesn’t have to throw 40 passes anymore, he had his fewest passing attempts per game since 2010 this season.

Brady will turn 42 this summer and though Brian Hoyer is certainly a valuable backup, the Patriots need to find Brady’s successor while there’s still some time for Brady to mentor him a bit. Danny Etling will be back for a second season and I’d welcome the addition of even two more quarterbacks.

Current Need: Low

Future Need: HIGH (Draft, Rookie Free Agency)

Running Back

The Patriots spent a surprising first-round pick on a running back last season and it helped win them a Super Bowl. With Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead and James Develin both locked for 2019 already the Pats are pretty set at running back. I’d welcome Jeremy Hill back as another depth option. Injuries are a fact of life at this position.

Current Need: Low

Future Need: Low

Offensive Line

Really, there’s just one big hole on the offensive line and that’s at left tackle. We saw Isaiah Wynn at right tackle before he got hurt, so there’s no guarantee he can return from a significant injury and step into the starting left side spot.

The interior is in fantastic shape with starters and backups all returning. There’s quality depth in the pipeline with Karras, Croston, Ferentz and Schwenke who just re-signed.

Current Need: Critically High at Left Tackle

Future Need: HIGH at Tackle

Tight End

The big question is will Rob Gronkowski return? If he does, along with Dwayne Allen, you’ve got a really good duo of starting tight ends. If Gronk is gone the need shoots to the near top of the needs list. Ryan Izzo showed some flashes in training camp, while Stephen Anderson has had some time to develop behind the scenes. They are some good starting depth.

Given the uncertainty it’s a good bet the Pats will be active in both free agency and the draft with tight ends.

Current Need: Low with Gronk, High without him

Future Need: High (Draft)

Wide Receiver

Josh Gordon is a restricted free agent but I don’t think we can count on seeing him any time in a Patriots uniform if ever again. That leaves us with Julian Edelman, who, like Brady, is showing no sign of slowing down.

But they cannot run the 32-year-old receiver into the ground. Last year they threw a lot of talented wide receivers at the wall and none really panned out except for Gordon. This isn’t just a “grab a guy” position like most of them. They need to click with Brady. Bring back Amendola and Hogan for team-friendly deals and it’s a good start.

The easiest fix would be for Braxton Berrios to make some big strides in year two after spending his rookie year on IR.

Current Need: Critically High

Future Need: Critically High

Defensive Tackle

Malcom Brown and Danny Shelton came on down the stretch but both are free agents and could walk to a scheme more friendly to their style. It wasn’t surprising to see the Pats using a lot of one-gap techniques in the Super Bowl and Brown and Shelton playing well.

If you believe defense starts up front (I do) this is a critical position of need this offseason.

Current Need: Critical (Free Agency, Draft)

Future Need: Critical

Defensive End

The headline at this position is Trey Flowers. I’m in a “set him free and if he comes back to us it’s meant to be” right now. That would leave Dietrich Wise as the returning starter. There’s a lot to like about Wise, but Adrian Clayborn is expensive and just a pass rusher now.

There is some depth. The team seemed to like Keionta Davis a lot last season and Derek Rivers will be a full two years removed from tearing his ACL. Ufomba Kalmalu is the wild card.

Current Need: High

Future Need: High

Linebacker

With the emergence of Kyle Van Noy into a three-down linebacker and the exciting energy of Ja’whaun Bentley to go with Dont’a Hightower‘s big plays and the Pats suddenly have a solid second level. Elandon Roberts has shown progress and brings some pop too.

Christian Sam showed some promise in camp last year and could serve as some Hightower injury insurance. Get Van Noy extended and they’ll be in good shape for a few years. Bring back John Simon too.

Current Need: Low

Future Need: Low

Cornerback

Jason McCourty was a really great find but the Pats have plenty of depth if he wants leverage his 2019 performance into one last max payday. My guess is he’ll take anything to stay with a winner at this point.

Either way, J.C. Jackson, Keion Crossen and Duke Dawson are all waiting in the wings. Gilmore is elite.

Current Need: Low

Future Need: Low

Safety

Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung and Duron Harmon have led the Pats to three Super Bowl titles but McCourty and Chung will both be 32 this season. Obi Melifonwu was a nice pickup who saw some snaps in man coverage.

The Patriots defense was a mess in 2010 and 2011 when their safety play stunk. It took time to develop though. McCourty played corner for two seasons. Chung walked to Philly then came back. They should start planning the back end transition sooner than later and I think it starts with finding another Chung.

Current Need: Low

Future Need: High

Special Teams

With both Stephen Gostkowski and Ryan Allen set to hit free agency, the Pats will be signing a kicker and punter this offseason. Can they bring both back? Will they let Gost walk just like they did with Vinatieri? Is there another left-footed punter out there? At least Slater, Ebner, King and Cardona are all locked in.

Current Need: Critically High

Future Need: Critically High