FOXBOROUGH — After almost two weeks of training camp practices, let’s take our first crack at projecting the Patriots’ 53-man roster.
Cutdown day is Aug. 30, so there is plenty of time for movement. Two sets of joint practices and three preseason games could loom large for those on the bubble.
Quarterbacks (3)
In: Drake Maye, Tommy DeVito, Behren Morton
The only question is whether the Patriots try to sneak Morton, a seventh-round pick, through waivers. The Patriots kept only two quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster last year, but Morton has received more camp reps than the average third-string quarterback.
Running backs (3) and fullbacks (1)
In: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Reggie Gilliam, Lan Larison
Out: Terrell Jennings, Jam Miller, Myles Montgomery
Related: The Patriots scored the second-most points in the NFL last season, and this year they’re looking to push the pace even more
The Patriots made several offseason moves, including signing a fullback, to bolster their run game. Gilliam, Stevenson, and Henderson are locks to make the roster. Larison and Jennings, who just returned to practice after starting camp on the non-football injury list, are the top contenders for the third running back spot. Larison gets the edge for his pass-catching and kickoff-return prowess.
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Wide receivers (6)
In: A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams
Out: Efton Chism, Kyle Dixon, Nick DeGennaro, Cameron Dorner, Tejhaun Palmer, Kobe Prentice
Boutte is deserving of a roster spot, but does he want to stay in New England? He’s in a contract year, with hopes of securing a large payday. As long as any potential disgruntlement can be managed, though, the Patriots are better off with Boutte on the team. Chism, last year’s training camp favorite, is the odd man out. If he clears waivers, a spot on the practice squad seems like a no-brainer.
Efton Chism might be the odd man out again at receiver.
Efton Chism might be the odd man out again at receiver.Christian Kantosky for The Boston Globe
Tight ends (3)
In: Hunter Henry, Eli Raridon, Tanner Arkin
Out: CJ Dippre, Mitch Van Vooren, Jack Westover
Injured reserve: Julian Hill
Hill’s season-ending injury paves the way for Arkin, a tough-nosed and physical blocker, to earn a spot. Among the undrafted rookies the Patriots signed, Arkin has the best chance of making the team.
Offensive linemen (9)
In: Will Campbell, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Caleb Lomu, Marcus Bryant, Ben Brown, Dametrious Crownover
Out: Mehki Butler, James Hudson, Lorenz Metz, JonDarius Morgan, Andrew Rupcich, Jacob Rizy, Caedan Wallace
The Patriots upgraded by signing left guard Vera-Tucker and moving Wilson to center. They also have plenty of tackle depth, with rookies Lomu and Crownover, in addition to 2025 seventh-rounder Bryant. Where they are lacking is interior depth. Brown, who can play guard and center, is their lone backup in this projection, so it would not be surprising if they look to the waiver wire for additional reinforcements. A few of the released players (e.g. Hudson and Rupcich) are strong practice-squad candidates.
Defensive linemen (5) and edge rushers (5)
In: Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Cory Durden, Eric Gregory, Leonard Taylor, Dre’Mont Jones, Harold Landry, Gabe Jacas, Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson
Out: David Blay, Joshua Farmer, Xavier Holmes, Quintayvious Hutchins, Isaiah Iton, Jesse Luketa, Jeremiah Pharms, Casey Rogers
Related: Former Patriots captain Matthew Slater joins BC High as assistant football coach
Edge rusher is one of, if not the, thinnest positions on the roster, while defensive line is one of the deepest. On the edge, Landry’s readiness remains a question mark because he remains on the physically unable to perform list. But Jacas, Ponder, and Swinson could comprise a promising young core to play alongside Jones. Swinson still has to cement his spot, as Holmes or Luketa could make a push. On the inside, Taylor, the unsung hero of the AFC Championship game, and Gregory seem to have the best chance to join Barmore, Williams, and Durden.
Linebackers (5)
In: Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Chad Muma, K.J. Britt, Namdi Obiazor
Out: Khalil Jacobs, Amari Gainer, Riley Wilson
Inside linebacker is another thin position, as the competition behind starters Spillane and Elliss is ongoing. Muma, who joined the team last December from the Colts’ practice squad, is the current leader for the top rotational spot, with Britt, Obiazor, and Jacobs in the mix for additional depth.
Cornerbacks (5)
In: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Charles Woods, Karon Prunty
Out: Channing Canada, Brandon Crossley, Marcellas Dial, Kenneth Harris, Kobee Minor, Kindle Vildor
Related: Patriots thought Gabe Jacas was plug-and-play, but now they need to make sure he’s not a bust
Gonzalez and Davis are in line as the starting perimeter cornerbacks, provided that things don’t take a turn in Gonzalez’s contract negotiations or in Davis’s absence from practice. Jones is slated to start in the slot, with the ability to play on the boundary if needed. Woods, Prunty, Vildor, and Canada are battling for spots as depth pieces, with Woods and Prunty stepping up more as of now.
Safeties (5)
In: Kevin Byard, Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus, Mike Brown, Brenden Schooler
Out: Peter Manuma, John Saunders
The Patriots should be in great hands with Byard and Woodson playing the majority of the snaps. Pettus and Brown are the best candidates to round out the room, with Schooler contributing primarily on special teams.
Special teamers (3)
In: Andy Borregales, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby
This group is solid with no internal competition at any position. Baringer is entering the last year of his rookie contract and coming off an up-and-down year, so he could be looking to secure his future with a bounce-back season.