New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots will take the field on Monday, June 8, for the start of mandatory minicamp, giving a first glimpse at some of the key position battles that will continue into training camp.
While some roster spots are locked down for players, others have a lot to prove to make the 53-man roster at the end of the summer.
So, that means it’s time for a 53-man roster projection.
Players with a single asterisk (*) are rookies.
Quarterback (2)
In: Drake Maye, Josh Dobbs
Out: Ben Woolridge*
This one is simple. Drake Maye is the clear starter for the Patriots this season, while Josh Dobbs was brought in to be a veteran presence in the room. Ben Woolridge could be a solid practice-squad option, but it’s unlikely New England will carry three quarterbacks on the active roster, as they did last year.
Running Backs (4)
In: Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, TreVeyon Henderson, Trayveon Williams
Out: Terrell Jennings, Lan Larison, Brock Lampe* (FB)
That fourth running back spot on the roster is the one that is up for grabs, and at this moment it appears to be between veteran Trayveon Williams and rookie Lan Larison. Williams comes with experience on special teams as a kickoff returner, giving him the advantage over Larison at the moment.
Wide Receivers (7)
In: Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams*, Kendrick Bourne, Mack Hollins, Efton Chism III*
Out: Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, John Jiles, Jeremiah Webb*, Demeer Blankumsee*
This is the most competitive of all the positions, with so many receivers currently on the roster. Most teams realistically keep five or six receivers, but Stefon Diggs is returning from a torn ACL, and while he appears ahead of his recovery, whether he is available for Week 1 or not remains unknown at this time.
DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, and Kayshon Boutte have clear spots given their performance in the past few years. Undrafted free agent Efton Chism III has truly stood out in OTAs, already making a push for a roster spot. Bourne has the potential to be a surprise cut for New England, but he is such an important veteran presence in the room that the Patriots could look to keep an additional receiver on the roster.
Tight Ends (3)
In: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, CJ Dippre*
Out: Jaheim Bell, Giovanni Ricci, Jack Westover, Gee Scott Jr.*
Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper’s roster spots are a lock, but that third spot is up for grabs. CJ Dippre was a sought-after undrafted free agent, and the Patriots were able to land him, so that spot is his at the moment.
Offensive Line (10)
In: Will Campbell*, Jared Wilson*, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Cole Strange, Vederian Lowe, Caedan Wallace, Wes Schweitzer, Layden Robinson
Out: Marcus Bryant, Sidy Sow, Ben Brown, Tyrese Robinson, Demontrey Jacobs, Jack Conley*, Cole Birdow*
The Patriots’ offensive line is a little more solid this offseason, with four out of the five positions fairly...
