Training camp and the NFL Draft are officially over, which means it’s time for a New England Patriots roster projection. Armed with a seemingly endless amount of cap space, Bill Belichick went absolutely wild over the past few months while completely rebuilding his team. The results speak for themselves, as New England appears ready to get back to the postseason after their one-year hiatus. Without further ado, let’s take a look at what the roster could look like when Week 1 rolls around.<\/p>\n
In: Cam Newton, Mac Jones, Brian Hoyer<\/em><\/p>\n This Patriots roster projection assumes that Cam Newton will win the starting job for at least the first week of the season. The one-time NFL MVP had a rough season last year, but it\u2019s hard to blame him for the overall shortcomings of the offense. Newton signed in July, didn\u2019t have offseason practices, and had to deal with the worst supporting cast in the league. Now with a full offseason and a better set of weapons, it\u2019s on Newton to prove he can still play at a high level.<\/p>\n [pickup_prop id=”6285″]<\/p>\n Mac Jones reportedly impressed during OTA\u2019s, but it\u2019s too early to assume he\u2019s ready to handle starting duties. For now, Jones will start his career on the bench with a reliable veteran in Brian Hoyer to show him the ropes. Jarrett Stidham is a former Day 3 pick that hardly played in a wide-open quarterback battle, and was terrible when he did see the field. Unless he takes a major Year 3 leap, he\u2019s probably staring down the end of his Patriots career.<\/p>\n In: Damien Harris, Sony Michel, Rhamondre Stevenson, J.J. Taylor, James White, Dalton Keene<\/em><\/p>\n Damien Harris looked like one of the best pure runners in the league last year and should be the lead back in this rushing attack. Sony Michel makes for a fine complementary piece, but there are rumors that he could be a part of a Julio Jones trade. If he goes, then Rhamondre Stevenson<\/a> will be the next man up, and his physical style of running is tailor-made for this offensive line.<\/p>\n J.J. Taylor made a few nice plays as a rookie, but his smaller frame means he probably won\u2019t be anything more than a situational player. James White is back for at least one more year as New England\u2019s reliable option out of the backfield. Dalton Keene, meanwhile, takes over as the full-time fullback. A tight end by trade, I could easily see Bill Belichick trying to make Keene play the Kyle Juszczyk role in this offense.<\/p>\n The biggest omission from this group is old friend Brandon Bolden. However, just because he didn\u2019t make this Patriots roster projection doesn\u2019t mean that he won\u2019t be around. There is a very real chance New England re-signs him after Week 1 when veteran contracts are no longer guaranteed.<\/p>\n In: Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers, N\u2019Keal Harry, Gunner Olszewski<\/em><\/p>\n Jakobi Meyers looked like a legitimate NFL contributor in the back half of 2020, but it\u2019s a good thing that Belichick brought in some additional reinforcements. Nelson Agholor is coming off of a great season with the Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>, while Kendrick Bourne has always been a nice role player for the San Francisco 49ers<\/a>. These three should form a fine trio behind the tight ends, although nobody would complain if Julio Jones joined in on the fun.<\/p>\n After two disappointing seasons, N\u2019Keal Harry earns one last shot to prove himself on the Patriots. That being said, he\u2019ll have to fight for playing time as the fourth receiver on the depth chart. First-Team All-Pro Gunner Olszewski will remain the returner, while Tre Nixon could push for one of the final spots with a strong camp.<\/p>\n Been tryna tell y'all. Agholor is legit. https:\/\/t.co\/QIZ23gCLDu<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/lvZVKKcJlt<\/a><\/p>\n — Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) May 27, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nRunning Back\/Fullback (6)<\/h4>\n
Wide Receiver (5)<\/h4>\n
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