Now that the 2023 NFL Draft is complete, it’s time to start thinking about where these players will actually slate into the roster.
New England drafted 12 players this weekend and signed several more as undrafted free agents. As much as you’d like to see it, there’s simply no way all of them can make the team.
Here’s a way-too-early projection of what this Patriots roster could look like come week one:
Out: Trace McSorely
This one’s easy. Mac and Zappe were the guys last year, and they’re the guys this year. Mac’s your starter, Zappe’s your backup. Onward and upward.
Trace McSorely gives it his all but can’t crack the roster.
Notice something? Malik Cunningham, who New England signed as a UDFA on Saturday, isn’t listed. Keep scrolling.
Out: Kevin Harris, JJ Taylor
The Patriots brought in James Robinson this offseason on a two-year contract that can max out at $8 million. After not drafting a running back in the 2023 draft, Robinson should easily make the team. Stevenson’s your workhorse and Robinson’s your spell guy.
Ty Montgomery and Pierre Strong Jr. make the roster as pass catchers as well.
Out: Tre Nixon, Lynn Bowden, Raleigh Webb
JuJu, Parker, KB, and Thornton are chalk here. The only question will be if Kayshon Boutte takes over one of their spots after an impressive camp. He’s going to ball out.
Demario Douglas, who New England took with the 210th pick, becomes the training camp darling of 2023, showing off his speed and athleticism at just 5’8″. He makes the team in a short (no pun intended) Patriots WR room.
Out: Scotty Washington, Matt Sokol, Johnny Lumpkin
The Patriots once again keep just two tight ends on their initial roster, this time in Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki. They have a great room in 2023 with these two. The question marks will come next season as neither of them are currently under contract for 2024.
The one caveat here is that Johnny Lumpkin from LA Lafayette is primarily a blocker, which New England is lacking in this department. I wonder if he can latch on.
Out: Yodny Cajuste, Calvin Anderson, James Ferentz, Kody Russey, Chasen Hines, Andrew Stuber, Bill Murray
This is where it gets dicey. They have so many lineman.
After re-signing Yodny Cajuste and Calvin Anderson this offseason, they end up on the outside looking in given the way New England drafted. A) There’s just not enough room and B) Matt Groh alluded to Sidy Sow playing some tackle in his post-draft presser. He can swing over there if need be.
Jake Andrews and Atonio Mafi push James Ferentz out of the swing guard spot.
Out: Carl Davis, Sam Roberts, Damarcus Mitchell, Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
Chalk. Same as last season. Nothing changes with the rookie class.
My one prediction: Christian Barmore takes a ridiculous leap in year three after an injury riddled 2022 and shows up as one of the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL.
Out: Anfernee Jennings, Ronnie Perkins, Jamie Collins, Terez Hall, Calvin Munson, Okakunle Fatukasi
Keion White and Marte Mapu slide into a stacked Patriots linebacker room that already includes Matthew Judon and Josh Uche.
Chris Board makes the roster as primarily a special teamer.
Out: Quandre Mosely, Brad Hawkins, Rodney Randle, Isaiah Bolden
Given the ridiculous positional versatility in the Patriots defensive backfield, they only roster five corners heading into the season.
No surprises here. Gonzalez, the Jones’, and Myles Bryant fill out the room, with Jalen Mills as an emergency CB if needed.
Out: Joshuah Bledsoe
Same here, no surprises. After losing Devin McCourty to retirement Jalen Mills resigns and moves back to his free safety position that he won a Super Bowl at with the Eagles.
Safety is their best room for the second year in a row.
Out: Nick Folk, Tucker Addington, Ameer Speed, Jordan Heilig
What a run it was for Nick Folk as a Patriot, but unfortunately that run comes to an end with the drafting of Chad Ryland. Not only did New England trade up for Ryland, but it was the highest a specialist was ever drafted in the Bill Belichick era.
If they need the room elsewhere, I could see Cody Davis being a casualty.
OH! I almost forgot. Malik Cunningham keeps the streak alive! New England rosters a UDFA for the 20th (!!) straight season with the versatile QB out of Louisville. He’s listed as a specialist because they’ll use him in multiple ways outside of the QB room.
So there you have it, a wayyyy too early projection of the Patriots’ 53-man roster heading into week one. Surely it will be 100% accurate.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @PatriotsCLNS for the latest up-to-date Patriots news!
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