{"id":71296,"date":"2019-08-23T06:38:06","date_gmt":"2019-08-23T10:38:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=71296"},"modified":"2021-05-23T09:42:27","modified_gmt":"2021-05-23T13:42:27","slug":"new-england-patriots-roster-projection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/08\/23\/new-england-patriots-roster-projection\/","title":{"rendered":"New England Patriots Roster Projection 4.0"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New England Patriots<\/a> are officially done with the meaningful parts of the preseason. By and large, the positional battles are in the books and the team can start preparing for their Week One matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. With that in mind, let’s take a look another stab at the Patriots roster projection for the regular season.<\/p>\n

Patriots Roster Projection 3.0<\/a> – 2.0<\/a> – 1.0<\/a>
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New England Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection 4.0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Quarterback (2)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Tom Brady, Jarrett Stidham<\/p>\n

Out: <\/em>Brian Hoyer<\/p>\n

The Patriots could easily carry three quarterbacks if they don\u2019t feel Jarrett Stidham<\/strong><\/a> is ready for the backup job. However, the rookie looked good in the third preseason game and should be equipped to handle backup duties. New England can save $3 million in cap space by trading Brian Hoyer<\/a><\/strong>, and plenty of teams should be interested in sending over a late-round pick for one of the better backups in the league.<\/p>\n

Running Back (5)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Sony Michel, James White, Damien Harris, Brandon Bolden, James Develin<\/p>\n

Out:<\/em> Rex Burkhead, Nick Brosette, Jakob Johnson<\/p>\n

This projection assumes that Damien Harris<\/strong><\/a> will be fine for the start of the season. If he\u2019s healthy for Week One, he should be able to take the backup role behind Sony Michel<\/a><\/strong>. James White<\/a><\/strong> can handle the passing downs while James Develin<\/a> <\/strong>opens holes in the run game. Brandon Bolden<\/a><\/strong> is a special teams ace and an underrated emergency runner. Cutting Rex Burkhead<\/a><\/strong> only frees up $1 million in cap space, but New England has to make cuts somewhere. Quite simply, there\u2019s too much talent on this roster to carry six running backs.<\/p>\n

Wide Receiver (7)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Julian Edelman, N\u2019Keal Harry, Josh Gordon, Demaryius Thomas, Phillip Dorsett, Jakobi Meyers, Matthew Slater<\/p>\n

Out: <\/em>Ryan Davis, Braxton Berrios, Maurice Harris, Damoun Patterson, Gunner Olszewski<\/p>\n

PUP: <\/em>Cameron Meredith<\/p>\n

This unit has one of the highest floors and lowest ceilings in the entire league. Julian Edelman<\/a>, Demaryius Thomas<\/a>, <\/strong>and N\u2019Keal Harry<\/strong><\/a> are all coming off injury, while Josh Gordon<\/a> <\/strong>is still on the NFI. Jakobi Meyers<\/strong><\/a> is still battling his rookie ups-and-downs, so Phillip Dorsett<\/a><\/strong> makes the cut for his reliability and knowledge of the offense. Don\u2019t be surprised if Maurice Harris<\/a><\/strong> \u201cmakes\u201d the opening roster only to be put on the short-term injured reserve. The only other player with a chance here is Gunner Olszewski<\/strong><\/a>, who made a few nice plays as New England\u2019s primary punt returner.<\/p>\n

Tight End (2)<\/h3>\n

In:<\/em> Matt LaCosse, Ryan Izzo<\/p>\n

Out: <\/em>Andrew Beck, Stephen Anderson, Lance Kendricks<\/p>\n

Matt LaCosse<\/a><\/strong> should be back sooner or later, but Ryan Izzo<\/strong><\/a> has made the most of his extended absence. The former seventh-round pick has impressed as a blocker and made a great catch on a beautiful pass from Tom Brady<\/a><\/strong>. Tight end remains the weakest position on the roster, but the Patriots can easily make do with what they\u2019ve got.<\/p>\n

Offensive Line (8)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Isaiah Wynn, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon, Hjalte Froholdt, Ted Karras, Dan Skipper<\/p>\n

Out: <\/em>Cole Croston, James Ferentz, Tyler Gauthier, Martez Ivey, Cedrick Lang, Tyree St. Louis<\/p>\n

NFI: <\/em>Yodny Cajuste<\/p>\n

The starting five of Isaiah Wynn<\/a>, Joe Thuney<\/a>, David Andrews<\/a>, Shaq Mason<\/a><\/strong>, and Marcus Cannon<\/a><\/strong> are locked and loaded. Ted Karras<\/a><\/strong> is still the first guard off the bench, as Hjalte Froholdt<\/strong><\/a> hasn\u2019t looked great during his time on the field. Dan Skipper<\/a><\/strong> isn\u2019t a great third tackle, but there simply aren\u2019t enough starting-caliber tackles to go around. If injury strikes, the Patriots could throw Thuney at left tackle and insert Ted Karras as the starting guard.<\/p>\n

Defensive Line (9)<\/h3>\n

In:<\/em> Michael Bennett, Adam Butler, Lawrence Guy, Danny Shelton, Chase Winovich, John Simon, Shilique Calhoun, Byron Cowart, Deatrich Wise<\/p>\n

Out: <\/em>Mike Pennel, Ufomba Kamalu, Nick Thurman, David Parry, Keionta Davis, Trent Harris, Derek Rivers<\/p>\n

Most of these spots are obvious, but there are a few notable changes here. Byron Cowart<\/strong><\/a> looks like a fifth-round steal and has easily played his way onto the roster. Similarly, Shilique Calhoun<\/a><\/strong> has gone from an interesting camp story to true defensive line contributor. On the other side of the coin, Mike Pennel<\/a><\/strong> just doesn\u2019t look like a fit in New England. The free agent signee played late in both of New England\u2019s most recent preseason games, which doesn\u2019t bode well for his roster status. Derek Rivers<\/a><\/strong> was one of the last cuts, but New England can hopefully push him through to the practice squad.<\/p>\n

Linebackers (6)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Elandon Roberts, Calvin Munson<\/p>\n

Out: <\/em>Christian Sam, Terez Hall<\/p>\n

IR (probably): <\/em>Brandon King<\/p>\n

As of this posting, the Patriots haven\u2019t officially announced Brandon King<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s injury status. However, the core special teamer had to be carted off the field, so it\u2019s safe to assume he won\u2019t be back in 2019. His absence opens up a spot for Calvin Munson<\/a><\/strong>, who has reportedly impressed throughout camp. If you\u2019re looking for a surprise cut, the Patriots could clear $2 million in cap space by moving on from Elandon Roberts<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Cornerbacks (6)<\/h3>\n

In:<\/em> Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones, Keion Crossen, Joejuan Williams<\/p>\n

Out: <\/em>Duke Dawson, Ken Webster<\/p>\n

You never want to cut a second-round pick before seeing him on the NFL stage, but the Patriots really don\u2019t have another choice with Duke Dawson<\/strong><\/a>. New England has an incredibly talented and deep roster, and they can\u2019t afford to waste spots on players who can\u2019t contribute when asked. Dawson has looked bad in both the preseason and training camp and doesn\u2019t justify a roster spot. Hopefully, New England can get him through to the practice squad.<\/p>\n

Safeties (5)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Terrence Brooks, Nate Ebner<\/p>\n

Out: <\/em>Obi Melifonwu, Malik Gant, A.J. Howard<\/p>\n

Patrick Chung<\/a><\/strong> is obviously in some legal trouble following his recent indictment, but the NFL reportedly won\u2019t intervene until the legal process is concluded. Chung\u2019s trial is set for the spring, so presumably, he won\u2019t face any potential suspension until 2020. This is the NFL, after all, so who really knows what they\u2019re going to do. Nate Ebner<\/a><\/strong> was on the roster bubble, but he\u2019s a lock following the Brandon King injury. Bill Belichick<\/strong> loves his special teams’ players, and there aren\u2019t many better than Ebner.<\/p>\n

Specialists (3)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Stephen Gostkowski, Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona<\/p>\n

Farewell Ryan Allen<\/a><\/strong>, you will be missed<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Patriots Roster Projection 3.0<\/a> – 2.0<\/a> – 1.0<\/a>
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Main photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>