Preseason is over, the Patriots finished 3-0 during the now shorter schedule with wins over Washington, Philadelphia, and New York. By 4pm EST tomorrow, the roster will be trimmed down to 53 players, as league rules demand.
Here’s my final 53-man roster projection:
Quarterback (2)
Cam Newton
Mac Jones
PUP – Jarrett Stidham
I have just two QB’s to start the season as I think Stidham will still be on PUP, no place for Hoyer either, whilst his experience is valuable, I can’t see the team using a roster spot on him. Potentially a practice squad addition?
I wouldn’t rule out Stidham being cut tomorrow either, he’s clearly not in the team’s long-term plans.
Running back (5)
Damien Harris
Rhamondre Stevenson
J.J. Taylor
James White
Jakob Johnson (FB)
A couple of weeks ago, I had six backs making the roster, but with Sony Michel traded to the Rams last week, I’ve decided to only keep the other five originally selected.
Damien Harris has established himself as the lead back with Stevenson and Taylor showing remarkable improvements over the last couple of months. James White will be the go-to pass-catcher in the backfield, Jakob Johnson is the team’s fullback.
Wide receiver (5)
Nelson Agholor
Kendrick Bourne
Jakobi Meyers
N’Keal Harry
Gunner Olszewski
Whilst Harry’s future is still up in the air, his injury won’t have helped his trade value, I can’t see him being moved right now and it makes no sense to cut him as he’s still on his rookie deal. Agholor, Bourne, and Meyers are locks. Olszewski makes the team for his return ability alone, he needs to work on his pass-catching.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the team bring in a new face from waivers or the trade block.
Tight end (4)
Hunter Henry
Jonnu Smith
Devin Asiasi
Matt LaCosse
Four TE’s make it, and the first three are locks. LaCosse was injured during joint training with the Eagles, if he’s fit, he makes it on as the fourth option. The team will want to utilize multiple tight-end formations, but they need this group to stay healthy. Don’t be surprised to see the team active on the waiver wire/trade market in the next week or so.
Offensive line (8)
David Andrews (C)
Ted Karras (C/G)
Shaq Mason (G)
Isaiah Wynn (T)
Trent Brown (T)
Michael Onwenu (G/T)
Justin Herron (G/T)
Yodny Cajuste (T)
Eight make my final total for the offensive line, the majority are locks, but Yodny Cajuste is the one addition to the list I put in my first projection a couple of weeks ago. Cajuste had a strong finish to camp and for my money has earned his spot on the roster.
Rookie Will Sherman never made any strides to earn a spot, the likes of James Ferentz and Alex Redmond could be practice squad candidates.
Defensive line (6)
Henry Anderson
Christian Barmore
Lawrence Guy
Davon Godchaux
Deatrich Wise Jr.
Carl Davis
Christian Barmore has been really fun to watch in the preseason games, his strength stands out among all else as time and again he’s caused major disruption in the pocket against opposition QB’s. Henry Anderson makes the team, along with Guy and Godchaux, who I think will have a good year against the run. Deatrich Wise signed a big deal in the offseason, he’s not going anywhere, and Carl Davis is in for depth.
Linebacker (7)
Dont’a Hightower
Kyle Van Noy
Matt Judon
Josh Uche
Chase Winovich
Ronnie Perkins
Ja’Whaun Bentley
This is the position that will be fun to watch this year. The top four are locks, I have no interest in Winovich leaving, he makes my roster, I think he can have a big role this season, but, a small part of me thinks he may get traded. Perkins is in after a fairly quiet first camp for him, and Bentley, who’s had some flashes in the preseason, completes the group.
Cornerback (6)
Stephon Gilmore
J.C. Jackson
Jonathan Jones
Jalen Mills
Shaun Wade
Joejuan Williams
This is under the premise that the Gilmore contract situation is resolved, as he sure isn’t injured. The team needs him desperately this season and I think it’ll get worked out. Newly acquired Shaun Wade makes the team as well as Joejaun Williams.
Michael Jackson Sr lost any chance of a roster spot last night with a performance to forget.
Safety (5)
Kyle Dugger
Devin McCourty
Adrian Phillips
Cody Davis
Myles Bryant
The top three are locks, Cody Davis will be back again for his special team’s value, second-year Myles Bryant will also stick around, I’m a big fan of Bryant, hope he can get involved this year.
Specialists (5)
Nick Folk (K)
Jake Bailey (P)
Joe Cardona (LS)
Matthew Slater (ST)
Justin Bethel (ST)
Pretty straightforward here I think, Quinn Nordin’s misses throughout the last couple of preseason games dampened his chances of earning the kicking role. Slater and Bethel will be back to continue their deadly partnership on special teams.
