One Thought For All 90 Players On Patriots’ Training Camp Roster
Strap in, this will take a bit
The Patriots will return to Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, welcoming 90 roster hopefuls to the backfields as they kickstart their first training camp under Jerod Mayo.
New England will make a number of moves between Wednesday and the opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 8, but we’ll first get an opportunity to observe each of the players vying for a spot. You probably won’t be surprised to hear we already have thoughts on each of them.
It’s going to take a while to rattle them all off, though, so let’s just dive right in.
#0 Christian Gonzalez
The Patriots will face Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, (maybe) Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel in the first four weeks of the season, with three of those games played on the road.
If Gonzalez is going to break out in his sophomore campaign, we’ll know it early.
#1 Ja’Lynn Polk
Polk should be given every opportunity to take that No. 1 receiver spot. He’s not the best athlete they have, but he’s the most versatile wide receiver in the room and showed enough throughout his collegiate career to make people believe he’s capable of contributing at a high level. We’re bullish on Polk.
#2 K.J. Osborn
Osborn has sneakily been the most forgotten member of the Patriots’ receiving corps, with many painting him as the fifth option. New England gave him just $4 million on a prove-it deal, so worst-case scenario, he plays things out and leaves while Polk and Javon Baker grow.
It’s just weird seeing how little he is talked about.
#3 DeMario Douglas
Douglas is going to love playing in an offense with multiple capable receivers. He came on strong at the end of last season, but slotting into more of a gadget role with better talent around him should help unlock some things we weren’t able to see when he was the primary slot option.
#4 Bailey Zappe
Zappe’s chances of cracking this roster aren’t great, but where else does he have a chance of sticking? Las Vegas could probably use another capable arm. Miami doesn’t have anything to write home about behind Tua Tagovailoa. It’s slim pickings beyond that, so he might be a practice squad candidate yet again.
#5 Jabrill Peppers
Peppers is playing on the final year of his deal, and if his first two seasons in New England showed anything, he’s capable of a Pro Bowl-level season in 2024.
#6 Javon Baker
Baker reportedly was dealing with a thumb injury during the spring, so we didn’t really get to see what he was capable of on a day-to-day basis. He should be the type of guy to showcase his value in one-on-one matchups against the defensive backs.
#7 JuJu Smith-Schuster
The Patriots should do Smith-Schuster a favor and cut him early on, giving him ample time to find a landing spot. It’s starting to get suspicious that he’s still hanging on entering camp.
#8 Ja’Whaun Bentley
Bentley has hit the point in his career where training camp is just a ramp-up. He isn’t going to be banging heads in the middle all that often, so it’s all about mental reps for the captain. Mayo might just give him some rest days, knowing what it’s like to be in his position.
#9 Matthew Judon
Judon’s contract wasn’t a problem until the Patriots wrapped up minicamp. Now that everyone is away from One Patriot Place, he’s been quite vocal about his issues — with both his contract and how it has been reported on
How long until things are resolved? We give it two weeks, whether that means an extension or a trade.
#10 Drake Maye
You don’t actually expect us to only have one thought on Maye, do you? We’ll keep an eye on him every second he’s out on the field behind Gillette Stadium throughout camp.
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#11 Tyquan Thornton
Thornton spent a healthy amount of time during the spring working with the special teamers, specifically the gunners. If he wants to make the roster, that’s likely the only way to do it.
#13 Joey Slye
Slye is an interesting choice to come in and compete with Chad Ryland. He isn’t exactly known for consistency (82.3% career field goal percentage) but he does have a good leg. UFL kicker Jake Bates seemed like a solid option to get rid of all kicking questions, but the Detroit Lions snagged him.
#14 Jacoby Brissett
Brissett is good. It seems many believe his only place on the roster is as a holdover, but he’s a legitimate starting option who could keep Maye on the sideline well into the season. Don’t be surprised if he dominates the number of early camp reps.
#15 Marte Mapu
Mapu showed flashes during his rookie season, but you can’t help but want more. Will he have an opportunity to do so playing behind Kyle Dugger and Peppers?
#16 Sione Takitaki
New England received great production from the middle of the defense in recent seasons, but it’s been missing an athletic option who can be more of a sideline-to-sideline guy Takitaki should fill that role, helping upgrade the spot that was previously held by Mack Wilson.
#17 Bryce Baringer
Baringer was extremely inconsistent as a rookie, but those flashes were legitimately impressive — despite the whole “him being a punter” thing. He should be much better in his sophomore season.
#19 Joe Milton III
Milton is going to get 2002 “Stone Cold” Steve Austin pops with some of the throws he makes during training camp.
#19 Marco Wilson
Wilson was claimed last December, despite entering the season as the Arizona Cardinals’ top corner. Can he return to form in New England?
#21 Antonio Gibson
Gibson sneakily could have a major role on this team. New England is expected to rely on Rhamondre Stevenson heavily, but injury history tells us to keep an eye on Gibson.
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#23 Kyle Dugger
The Patriots intend on playing “aggressive” defense under new coordinator DeMarcus Covington, who said following his promotion he wanted his unit to “take the ball away from the offense.”
Dugger will absolutely shine working under that philosophy. New England gave him long-term security, and in return should get the 28-year-old’s best season to date.
#24 Joshuah Bledsoe
Bledsoe was drafted in 2021 and spent the last four offseasons as a “darkhorse” roster candidate. Can he finally crack the code in 2024?
#25 Marcus Jones
New England has plenty of young, capable cornerbacks who will be fighting for a spot throughout training camp, and it seems as though there will need to be a leap from Marcus Jones if he wants to find steady playing time defensively.
#26 Shaun Wade
The Patriots seemed hell-bent on making Wade a steady contributor. It just hasn’t worked.
#27 Marcellas Dial Jr.
Do you remember the role Myles Bryant played? Dial can do that, but as a bigger, better athlete.
#28 Alex Austin
Austin was the de-facto top corner in the final two games of 2023, and despite the fact he surprisingly held his own, New England likely hopes it won’t have to rely on him that heavily in his second season.
He isn’t a half-bad depth option, though.
#29 Isaiah Bolden
Bolden hasn’t been talked about nearly enough this offseason. Mayo admitted the Patriots “needed” him to take a step forward this season, so expect plenty of opportunities during the preseason.
#29 Terrell Jennings
Jennings was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list, so he won’t be able to practice until being removed.
#30 Kaleb Ford-Dement
Ford-Dement was surprisingly active throughout the spring, often receiving direction from Peppers throughout team drills. It was clear he still needed time to learn the system, but the Patriots seemed to like having him on the field.
#30 David Wallis
Wallis just looks like someone who could carve out a role in the receiving room. Is he going to? No.
#31 Jonathan Jones
Jonathan Jones has been one of the Patriots’ most consistent performers for half a decade, despite entering the fray as an undrafted free agent with little shot at making the roster. He’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
#32 Jaylinn Hawkins
Hawkins is a legit NFL deep-third safety, so if anyone is going to steal a job on the back end it’s probably him.
#33 Anfernee Jennings
Will we ever see Jennings take that leap as a pass-rusher? He’s already their best run defender on the edge, but New England certainly wouldn’t be upset with him expanding his role beyond early downs, especially with the Judon uncertainty.
Jennings had 13.5 sacks across his final two seasons at Alabama, so he was never really elite. But the Patriots could use more than just a couple per year after giving him a three-year, $12 million extension.
#34 Dell Pettus
Pettus is an undrafted free agent playing behind some of the most consistent players on the entire roster. It doesn’t look good for him.
#35 Deshaun Fenwick
Fenwick is reminiscent of Stevenson in more ways than one, but that might not necessarily be a good thing. New England doesn’t need a lesser version of Stevenson, and Fenwick doesn’t seem to have much special teams value.
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#36 Kevin Harris
Harris is the leader in the clubhouse for that RB3 job behind Stevenson and Gibson.
#37 Chad Ryland
Ryland is going to drive people crazy during training camp, but the competition likely won’t be enough to knock him out of a roster spot.
#38 Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson will be relied upon heavily during the season, which likely means a smaller workload during camp. He needs as much rest as New England is willing to give him before things get serious in September.
#39 JaMycal Hasty
Hasty was really productive in the spring, especially as a pass-catcher in the red area. He isn’t out of a job just yet, but it will be tough to crack the roster with little special teams value.
#41 Brenden Schooler
How will Schooler respond to being the leader of the specialists? It’s something we’ll keep a close eye on during training camp.
#42 Azizi Hearn
Hearn better be the best special teamer in the world if he wants a roster spot.
#43 Steele Chambers
Chambers’ best chance at cracking the roster will be through special teams, but don’t be surprised if the former Ohio State running back and linebacker gets a look on both sides of the ball.
#44 Joe Giles-Harris
Giles-Harris better be the best special teamer in the world if he wants a roster spot.
#45 Jacob Warren
Warren is extremely impressive looking, standing at 6-foot-6, and 250 pounds, but there seemed to be something missing during minicamp. He might just need an opportunity.
#46 La’Michael Pettway
Pettway is an extremely under-the-radar candidate to make this roster, but a candidate nonetheless. He looked like the Patriots’ best tight end during red zone drills during the spring.
#47 Mikey Victor
The Patriots probably have a spot for some developmental corners on the practice squad, but we wouldn’t be shocked to see Victor make a legitimate run at one of the open roster spots. He might be their most physical option outside the roster locks, and that’s always a good sign for someone who could make their name on special teams.
#48 Jahlani Tavai
Tavai just signed an extension, so he’s around for the long haul.
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#49 Joe Cardona
Cardona is entering his 10th season in New England. Time flies.
#50 Raekwon McMillan
McMillan seemingly has dirt on someone in New England, because no matter what happens he always finds a way to stick around. The Patriots have given him three contract extensions despite ACL and Achilles injuries knocking him out for all of 2021 and 2023, respectively.
Salute to an all-time bag-getter.
#51 Nick Leverett
Leverett is the perfect backup guard, but there likely will be points this season in which he’s asked to make spot starts. He’ll be a favorite of some fans during training camp.
#52 William Bradley-King
He might be the 90th player on the roster.
#53 Christian Elliss
Elliss better be the best special teamer in the world if he wants a roster spot.
#54 John Morgan III
It’s getting late, how many more of these do we have left?
#55 Joshua Uche
Uche should take another step forward playing opposite Judon. He left money on the table this offseason, but that likely was because he believes another double-digit sack season will increase his value on the open market.
New England will take a nice little contract-year performance, though.
#59 Vederian Lowe
Lowe has been an abject disaster at tackle since arriving, so at the very least, Patriots fans can take solace knowing he’s on the outside looking in.
#60 David Andrews
Andrews has admitted that he doesn’t have much time left, so don’t be surprised if this is the last camp he participates in.
#61 Charles Turner III
Turner is another under-the-radar guy who started multiple seasons at center and tackle for LSU. If the Patriots are looking to be multiple on the offensive line, there aren’t many better options for the second unit.
#62 Sidy Sow
Sow was one of the best rookies in the NFL last season, but it seems people are eager to see what Layden Robinson can do. We’ll probably see both start early in the season due to Cole Strange’s injury.
#63 Liam Fornadel
Fornadel is a UFL guy who had tons of success. It just seems like he made an odd choice to sign with the Patriots, who already have plenty of linemen competing for spots on the interior.
#64 Layden Robinson
Robinson is a prime candidate to get into a fight during training camp. Don’t stop until you hear the whistle kind of player.
#65 Zuri Henry
Does anyone have any thoughts on Zuri Henry?
#66 Jotham Russell
The Patriots can actually roster 91 players during camp because Russell is an international pathway player who doesn’t count toward New England’s roster until cut day. The Patriots will have to think long and hard about how to deploy him, but he’s certainly an NFL-level athlete who should be given time to develop on the practice squad.
#67 Jake Andrews
Jake Andrews was supposed to be the heir-apparent to David Andrews, but it now looks like he’ll have to fight to stick on the roster. Time might be running out on his tenure in New England.
#68 Atonio Mafi
Mafi’s positional versatility might save him, but he’s been pretty disappointing.
#69 Cole Strange
PUP will soon be where Strange is stored. We typed that as a riddle for some reason.
#70 Caedan Wallace
The Patriots talked a lot about Wallace making the move to left tackle, but we haven’t seen it to this point. He was playing right tackle for parts of the spring, with Mike Onwenu moving to right guard and Chukwuma Okorafor getting reps at left tackle.
Wallace needs to be given every opportunity to earn that left tackle spot, and it starts in camp.
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#71 Mike Onwenu
Onwenu is the best player on the offense, but that probably is going to force him out of a steady spot on the offensive line. He’ll play tackle and guard. He’ll never get the credit he deserves.
#72 Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
Wheatley hasn’t done anything since being acquired in a trade for Pierre Strong Jr. last offseason. The Patriots probably wish they had that one back.
#74 Michael Jordan
He probably has a killer crossover, but that won’t be enough for him to crack this roster.
#76 Calvin Anderson
Anderson’s return to football is a tremendous story, but don’t let that distract you from the fact he could actually start some games this season. New England probably views him as a top swing tackle if Wallace earns the left tackle job.
#77 Chukwuma Okorafor
He’s the starting left tackle heading into camp. Is there anyone in Foxboro, Mass. working under more pressure than him?
#80 Kayshon Boutte
Boutte’s legal troubles are in the past, but the wide receiver depth might be too much for him to crack the roster once again. He’ll need to have an outstanding camp to avoid being cut.
#81 Austin Hooper
Hooper isn’t going to light the world on fire, but he’s an upgrade over Mike Gesicki. Who says you can’t enjoy the small wins?
#82 JaQuae Jackson
New England released offensive lineman Andrew Stueber in June. The Atlanta Falcons claimed him on waivers, making room by waiving Jackson, who then ended up with the Patriots. Neat, but not enough for him to be in serious contention for a roster spot.
#83 Jalen Reagor
Reagor has been given a second life with the league’s new kickoff rule
#84 Kendrick Bourne
Don’t expect to see much from Bourne in July or much of August. He’s still recovering from that ACL surgery, so the early portion of his season could end up being spent on PUP.
#85 Hunter Henry
Henry has been pretty consistent, but not nearly to the level that was expected when he first signed. Could this be the year he becomes a true go-to target?
#86 Kawaan Baker
Baker is fast. He’ll convince some dad from Middleborough, Mass., that he’s the next Shawn Jefferson at some point during camp.
#87 Mitchell Wilcox
Wilcox is a legit player, but not what the Patriots need right now.
#88 Jaheim Bell
Bell is easily the Patriots’ most athletic tight end, and the potential need for a fullback has him looking like an early favorite to end up on the right side of the roster bubble.
#90 Christian Barmore
Barmore is very much in the same category as Dugger. If there’s ever a time to buy stock in the soon-to-be-25-year-old, it’s now.
#91 Deatrich Wise Jr.
Wise has consistently improved across all seven (!!!) of his seasons in New England, becoming a steady figure on the defensive line. It’s easy to wonder if we’ve seen his best football, but something tells us it has yet to come.
#92 Davon Godchaux
Godchaux could very well decide to sit out of early-camp practices, having already made it clear he wants a new deal. The Patriots, after cutting Lawrence Guy loose, might not have much of a choice but to figure something out.
#93 Oshane Ximines
Do NOT be surprised if Ximines ends up making this roster, and even starting games over the course of the season. He isn’t a great pass-rusher, but he dropped some weight and could become a staple on early downs and special teams.
#94 Armon Watts
Watts saw his production dip over the last couple seasons, but he hasn’t been any less valuable. The Patriots likely want to allow Watts to be the versatile piece he was for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. He could play a solid amount of snaps this season.
#95 Daniel Ekuale
Ekuale could help sway New England’s response to the Godchaux contract beef.
The Patriots signed the 30-year-old out of nowhere back in 2021, and he’s been extremely productive in a situational role when healthy. If he looks like he can handle more early-down snaps during camp, perhaps the urgency to lock Godchaux in dissipates.
#96 Sam Roberts
Roberts is a practice star but hasn’t found a way to translate things to games.
#97 Trysten Hill
Hill is very much one in the same.
#98 Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
We promise this isn’t us being lazy because we’ve reached the penultimate entry. Pharms is yet another great practice player, but he hasn’t been able to carve out a spot.
#99 Keion White
Mayo was pretty much forced to make a choice, but he tabbed White as someone who has taken a step this offseason. The Patriots could really use someone to step up and take on some of the responsibility Judon has had in recent seasons and everything we’ve seen from White suggests he’s capable.
