With the NFL draft and 2021 season just around the corner it is time to take a look at where things stand with the Patriots’ depth chart. It is also a great time to get a jump on your 2021 NFL betting plan by taking a look at the top 5 NFL betting apps on Gamble USA. There are some great offers out there so take advantage now as football betting is only going to become more popular in the future.
Quarterback: (3)
Cam Newton
Jarrett Stidham
Jake Dolegala
If Cam can rebound with a full year under his belt in the Patriots system then the offense could be in decent shape. A lot of 2 Tight End sets should mean shorter passes in a system that is run first to open up the play action. The Patriots will not ask Cam to be Tom Brady, but he must meet us halfway. There was talk about the condition of Newton’s shoulder and how Covid affected him, but the accuracy was laughable at times last year. No long-term plan means the Patriots most likely take a chance on a QB later in the draft. Jamie Newman from Wake Forest (and Georgia for a hot minute) is a project with high potential upside if he can work on his accuracy.
Running Back: (5)
Damien Harris
James White
Sony Michel
JJ Taylor
Brandon Bolden
This running back group is fantastic with the 1-2 punch of Harris and Michel while White and Taylor handle pass catching duties. With James White back on only a one-year deal look for the Patriots to add another running back somewhere in the draft and redshirt them. I do not expect White to be back next offseason and I think either JJ Taylor or the new RB we select in this year’s draft will handle the pass catching duties in 2022. Rex Burkhead is still a free agent and there is a good chance that he finds his way back to Foxboro.
Fullbacks: (2)
Jakob Johnson
Dan Vitale
While many analysts are penciling in Jakob Johnson as the starter, I for one think that the starter is Vitale. Johnson is young and still has a lot to learn about the position. He had some great film last season but was god awful filling in for Devlin two years ago. Vitale offers a type of athleticism that the Patriots have never had at the position. McDaniels should be giddy dreaming up ways to install Vitale into the offense like how the 49ers use Kyle Juszczyk. Someone who is a threat in the play action and can leak out for a big gain. The Patriots can line Vitale up in multiple positions like they used to with Aaron Hernandez. Similarly, Dalton Keene offers athleticism and versatility that could result in him lining up in a flex TE/FB hybrid role.
Wide Receivers: (9)
Nelson Agholor
Jakobi Meyers
Kendrick Bourne
Julian Edelman
N’Keal Harry
Gunner Olszewski
Isaiah Zuber
Kristian Wilkerson
Devin Smith
One thing that this Wide Receiver group lacks is a true speed deep threat that can take the top off the defense. Look for them to add this piece in the draft. Anthony Schwartz (Auburn), Shi Smith (South Carolina), and Elijah Moore (Ole Miss) are all burners that the Patriots could get later in the draft. The current WR group could be a lot weaker than it initially appears if Edelman isn’t good to go and I do not know that Bourne is that much more of an upgrade over Meyers as they both offer a similar skillset. Don’t even get me started on Harry….
Tight End: (5)
Hunter Henry
Jonnu Smith
Devin Asiasi
Dalton Keene
Matt LaCosse
I expect LaCosse to be cut or traded (pick up a nice chunk of cap if that happens), but otherwise this group is stacked. Expect a lot of 2 Tight End sets for both the run game and the play action.
