Even though OTAs and minicamp are in the offseason books, it still feels way too early to put together a Patriots roster projection.
After all, not a single player has put forth a single competitive rep in pads.
Yet, here were are. Actually, we are a bit behind the curve of plenty of other media outlets that have already dispensed a number of truly disposable New England roster projections.
Even with Bill Belichick enjoying the summer on Nantucket and his son’s wedding, as far as he probably ever gets from thinking about his roster, it’s time for WEEI to throw its hat in the Patriots roster projection ring.
Plenty will change between now and the Sept. 12 opener against the Dolphins. There will be competitive ebbs and flows at most positions.
Thankfully, there will be actual practices, joint practices and preseason games to be analyzed as we continue to work through a close-to-normal offseason.
There will almost certainly be roster-altering injuries and transactions.
But for the here and now, with the information currently available, here’s a run at projecting the Patriots 2021 53-man roster. It’s weird that even with the limited time and information, we got it exactly right on the first try! (That said, we reserve the right to change our mind and God I hope we didn’t forget anyone!)
Offense (24)
Quarterback (2)
Mac Jones, Jarrett Stidham
Snapshot Analysis: The Patriots drafted Jones No. 15 overall because they needed a QB. The rookie had a solid spring, looking at least as good as Cam Newton most days. If Newton doesn’t clearly win the starting job, which is the scenario here, he’s probably better off looking for work elsewhere. There is also reason/room to put Brian Hoyer on the practice squad.
Running back (6)
Damien Harris, James White, Sony Michel, Rhamondre Stevenson, J.J. Taylor, Jakob Johnson (FB)
Snapshot Analysis: The most notable cut here is probably veteran special teamer Brandon Bolden. Harris is the lead back and Michel is fighting for his next NFL contract. Both need to prove they can stay healthy and carry a load. White is the man as a pass catcher. Stevenson would seem unlikely for a big role early as he gets up to NFL speed. Taylor is an intriguing athlete, while Johnson continues to develop at fullback.
Tight end (4)
Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene
Snapshot Analysis: The offseason spending spree landed two big names here, but the team is probably not quite ready to move on from the draft picks of a year ago. Asiasi had a solid spring and Keene is finding his way as a multi-talented player. The end of the line for veterans Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo.
Wide receiver (4)
Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Gunner Olszewski
Snapshot Analysis: This may be one of the more competitive positions on the team and a spot for a potential addition at some point during the summer. The talent is questionable, especially atop the depth chart. Only four receivers is a little light, but Belichick isn’t going to just fill out roster if guys don’t earn the job. Rookie Tre Nixon and practice squader Kristian Wilkerson could also very much be in the mix, while it’s simply hard to keep finding a reason to keep disappointing former first-round pick N’Keal Harry around.
Offensive line (8)
Isaiah Wynn, Mike Onwenu, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Trent Brown, Ted Karras, Korey Cunningham, Justin Herron
Snapshot Analysis: Six of the eight spots here are locks. The competition will be for the final two or three backup jobs among veteran types and young, developmental options like rookie Will Sherman. There is also flexibility here to utilize practice squad spots.
Defense (22)
Defensive line (9)
Matt Judon, Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise Jr., Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Henry Anderson, Byron Cowart, Chase Winovich, Ronnie Perkins
Snapshot Analysis: This spot is loaded with experienced veteran talent, especially when including the edge options led by free agent addition Judon. The group should be versatile and competitive, making this an area for a potential surprise cut of someone like the returning starter Cowart or the veteran Anderson (although that would carry a $2 million dead cap hit).
Even Winovich’s role/future is a bit curious at this point.
Linebacker (5)
Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Josh Uche, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Anfernee Jennings
Snapshot Analysis: The returns of Hightower and Van Noy restock the position, while Uche and Jennings prepare for their key second seasons. Terez Hall is a tough cut who needs to get healthy to compete for a role.
Safety (4)
Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jalen Mills
Snapshot Analysis: This is a strong group, especially with Dugger seemingly poised to take his game to the next level. Mills provides a backup option to McCourty that’s been lacking while bringing the flexibility to line up at corner. Given that all four of these players could be on the field together in some schemes, the depth here is thin.
Cornerback (4)
Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Myles Bryant
Snapshot Analysis: This is another position with limited depth, especially if Gilmore’s holdout carries into training camp or even the regular season. Bryant is a developing former undrafted player who gets the nod over former second-round pick Joejuan Williams. Williams finding a way to earn a spot after two lackluster seasons to open his NFL career would provide needed depth at both corner and safety.
Special teams (7)
Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona, Nick Folk, Matthew Slater, Brandon King, Cody Davis, Justin Bethel
Snapshot Analysis: The three specialists are secure, with the All-Pro Bailey maybe the best on the team at his specific job. There is always the possibility for a change/rotation in the rest of the special teams roles working around the mainstay Pro Bowler and team captain Slater.