Pats Pulpit
After watching five open practices, here is where we see the Patriots’ roster heading into the summer break.
The New England Patriots spent their first offseason under Mike Vrabel overhauling a roster that won just four games each of the last two seasons. Over the last month, five open practices during the offseason program provided our first on-field look at the new-look Patriots.
While plenty of work remains as the real competition begins in training camp and carries into the preseason, here’s our way-too-early 53-man roster projection based off the spring.
In: Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs
Out: Ben Wooldridge (U-R)
No surprises here. The unquestioned starter, Drake Maye, continued to improve throughout the spring as he adjust to life under new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Free agent addition Joshua Dobbs will serve as his backup.
Ben Wooldridge did not do enough for now to earn a spot, but New England will likely keep a third quarterback around in some fashion — likely on the practice squad.
In: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson (R), Antonio Gibson, Lan Larison (U-R)
Out: Terrell Jennings, Trayveon Williams (U-R)
The explosive TreyVeon Henderson looked as advertised throughout the spring and will join Rhamondre Stevenson as a 1-2 punch atop New England’s running back depth chart. Both Antonio Gibson and UDFA Lan Larison provide depth and ability as a pass catcher while the two also play special teams. Josh McDaniels gets his deep, versatile running back room.
In: Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams (R), Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Efton Chism III (U-R), Kendrick Bourne
Out: Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, DeMeer Blankumsee (U-R), John Jiles, Jeremiah Webb (U-R)
A lot remains up for grabs inside one of the Patriots most competitive rooms. Injuries also muddied the picture this spring as Stefon Diggs and Ja’Lynn Polk did not compete in competitive 11-on-11 work as they rehabbed from surgeries while Mack Hollins did not participate at all this spring due to injury.
While a healthy Diggs, rookie third-rounder Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas project as roster certainties, plenty of question marks remain behind them.
Kayshon Boutte operated as the top X this spring but could still be used as a trade chip — especially if Williams emerges as the top outside option this summer — after his name was mentioned leading up to the draft. Kendrick Bourne had a career year in Josh McDaniels’ offense back in 2021 but the team could opt for a younger option in Polk or UDFA Efton Chism. Mack Hollins should also be a favorite for a spot but must work his way back on the field.
For now we’ll keep these seven with Polk being next up if a spot is open due to injury or trade.
In: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Brock Lampe (U-R)
Out: Jaheim Bell, Jack Westover, C.J. Dippre (U-R), Gee Scott Jr. (U-R)
New England keeps just their top two tight ends on the...
