The New England Patriots 53-man roster has been finalized, sealing the fates of several players. While New England will still house some of their recently cut players on their practice squad and squirrel away some on injury reserve, here is the list of players who were named to the official roster.
New England Patriots 53-Man Roster
Quarterbacks
Mac Jones, Brian Hoyer, Bailey Zappe
There were no surprises in the quarterback room on cut day. Mac Jones is still the starter, Brian Hoyer remains the veteran backup, and Bailey Zappe is still the very “green,” undeveloped, backup-in-waiting. With no cuts along the quarterbacks, the Patriots feel confident in the position and the working dynamic between the starter, backups, and coaches in the event that any of them go down with an injury. But hopefully Mac Jones stays healthy for the entire season.
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Running Backs
Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, Pierre Strong Jr., Ty Montgomery
The only two roster locks in the running back room were Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. Both put up impressive numbers last year and look to pick up where they left off in 2021. But with the retirement of James White and injury to Ty Montgomery, the running back corps suddenly became more interesting. Pierre Strong Jr. likely made the roster in part due to his draft position, but J.J. Taylor and Kevin Harris were left on the chopping block.
If the Patriots decide, however, to return to their gap-running scheme, do not be surprised if a free agent fullback finds their way onto the roster in New England to compliment these backs.
Wide Receivers
Devante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agh0lor, Tyquan Thornton
The Patriots receiver room is deep and there is talent all around. For this reason, it was hard for Kristian Wilkerson, Tre Nixon, and Lil’Jordan Humphrey to find their way onto the Patriots 53-Man roster. While Nixon and Humphrey will probably find themselves on the practice squad, they could not do enough on offense or special teams to garner an official roster spot.
But with Tyquan Thornton going to injury reserve, a spot for Nixon, Humphrey, or Kristian Wilkerson opened up for the first half of the season. Who will take his place remains to be seen.
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Tight Ends
Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith
Returning from last season are Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. Although Henry developed a connection with Mac Jones in the red zone last season, Smith is looking to rebound in 2022. As for those who did not make it, Devin Asiasi’s stint with the Patriots is over, and it is another reminder of some of the Patriots drafting woes. Asiasi and fellow 2020 draftee Dalton Keane were both cut, perhaps putting the Patriots in the market to draft a tight end in 2023.
Offensive Linemen
David Andrews, Trent Brown, Isaiah Wynn, Michael Onwenu, Cole Strange, Yodny Cajuste, Justin Herron, Chasen Hines
Pass protection was a focus for the Patriots this off-season. The Patriots reshuffled their line in an effort to keep Mac Jones upright this season and kept several linemen reserves. With rumors of the Patriots trying to trade Wynn, the Patriots expressed a vote of confidence in Yodny Cajuste, Michael Onwenu, and Justin Herron to play right tackle. If a trade comes to pass, the Patriots would be fairly deep at both the exterior and interior linemen positions.
As for other roster hopefuls like Arlington Hambright, Kody Russey, and James Ferentz, they will try to find their way to the Patriots practice squad. Knowing how valuable offensive line depth is in the league today, the Patriots will likely happily welcome any of them back to Foxboro.
Defensive Linemen
Christian Barmore, Lawrence Guy, Davon Godchaux, Deatrich Wise Jr., Sam Roberts, Carl Davis
There were not a lot of surprises here. Christian Barmore and Davon Godchaux have had great camps and Lawrence Guy continues to be a steady veteran on the team. Sam Roberts, whose journey to the NFL is impressive, also made the Patriots 53-man roster. The Division II player out of Northwest Missouri State University secured his spot along the defensive line after an impressive preseason. He joins Deatrich Wise Jr., who is looking to provide a pass rush opposite Matthew Judon this season.
Linebackers
Matthew Judon, Mack Wilson Sr., Josh Uche, Raekwon McMillan, Ja’whaun Bentley, Anfrenee Jennings, Jahlani Tavai
The Patriots cleaned out their linebacker drawer in the offseason, letting Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, and Kyle Van Noy all walk in free agency. As a result, the Patriots nearly started from scratch, elevating young backups and trading for Mack Wilson Sr. The one name left off the list that may raise some eyebrows is Cameron McGrone. The second-year Michigan product was lauded by many as the future of the Patriots linebacking corp. But his inability to wow during the preseason games or in joint practices renders him only a candidate for the practice squad.
That said, this new-look linebacking room is younger, faster, and more physical than the linebackers in 2021, leaving the door open for optimism and improvement.
Cornerbacks
Jalen Mills, Jack Jones, Marcus Jones, Jonathon Jones, Shaun Wade
After injuries to Joejuan Williams and Malcolm Butler, and the latter, Butler, being released, the Patriots cornerback room became increasingly more clear. With Jalen Mills cementing himself as the CB1 during the preseason and Jonathon Jones showing potential as a boundary cornerback, a spot for Terrance Mithcell on the team seemed unlikely.
With both Marcus Jones and Jack Jones playing at a high level during the preseason games, and so much depth at the safety position, the need for an abundance of corners disappeared. Though the cornerback room is filled with rookies and younger players, their speed and explosiveness provide the Patriots with what they need to defend the waterbug-like receivers they will face in the AFC East.
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Safeties
Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers, Myles Bryant
Similar to the quarterbacks, there were not many surprises in the safety room. With New England bringing back Devin McCourty, extending Adrian Phillips, and signing Jabrill Peppers, the Patriots exhibited their want for veteran talent in the secondary. And with young players like Kyle Dugger and Myles Bryant just beginning to come into their own, the presence of veterans in the safety room shows an effort by the Patriots to develop young talent under the tutelage of Pro Bowl-caliber players.
Special Teams
Jake Bailey, Nick Folk, Matthew Slater, Brendan Schooler, Joe Cardona, Joshua Bledsoe, Cody Davis, Damarcus Mitchell
The special teams unit this season looks like they are in a bit of a transition period. With veterans like Matthew Slater, Joe Cardona, Jake Bailey, and Nick Folk on the team, it is clear the Patriots want some continuity. But in keeping Joshua Bledsoe over Justin Bethel and signing UDRFA Brendan Schooler, it is clear that New England wants youth on their team as well.
With special teams continuing to be a point of emphasis in Foxboro, it is no surprise the Patriots want to invest in their future.
Main Photo
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