Here’s Pre-Training Camp Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection

The New England Patriots are looking to get back on track after back-to-back four-win seasons. And it all starts during training camp, as Mike Vrabel enters his first season as head coach in Foxborough.

Vrabel did a solid job this offseason, bringing in some very talented free agents. But with that, it also means he will have some tough decisions to make when it’s time to cut the roster from 90 to 53 by August 26.

Here’s a pre-training camp 53-man roster projection:

* rookie
** UDFA

Quarterback (2)

IN: Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs
OUT: **Ben Wooldridge

It is Drake Maye’s team this season, and the Patriots brought Joshua Dobbs in to serve as a veteran presence in the room. At the moment, New England has undrafted free agent Ben Wooldridge serving as the third quarterback, so for the final roster, Wooldridge is a candidate for the practice squad. Still, it won’t be like last year, where the Patriots carried three on the active roster all season.

Running Back (4)

IN: Antonio Gibson, Rhamondre Stevenson, *TreVeyon Henderson, **Lan Larison
OUT: Terrell Jennings, Trayveon Williams

Antonio Gibson, Rhamondre Stevenson, and TreVeyon Henderson are all locks to make the active roster, it seems. So, that final spot is up for grabs, and it’s most likely between undrafted free agent Lan Larison and former Bengals running back Trayveon Williams. But with Larison, he is versatile at the position and can contribute on special teams.

Wide Receiver (7)

IN: Kendrick Bourne, **Efton Chism III, Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, *Kyle Williams, Ja’Lynn Polk
OUT: Javon Baker, Demeer Blankumsee, John Jiles, Jeremiah Webb

PUP: Mack Hollins

The biggest surprise at the start of camp was that neither Stefon Diggs nor Ja’Lynn Polk was designated on the physically unable to perform list before training camp. That means they are ready to go and will be out there when the players take the field on Wednesday. But, the Patriots only have seven receiver spots for eight deserving players; however, they could have a way around that. Mack Hollins was sidelined during the spring and early summer and is starting training camp on PUP. So, if he’s still not ready to go by week 1, New England could opt to keep him on PUP, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the regular season. And with that, it postpones the Patriots’ decision surrounding what to do with Polk.

Tight End (3)

IN: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, **Brock Lampe (FB)
OUT: Jaheim Bell, Jack Westover, **Gee Scott Jr., **CJ Dippre

Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are also clear roster locks, but it’s that final spot. And at the moment, it’s going to Brock Lampe because, as many know, Josh McDaniels loves to have a fullback in his system. C.J. Dippre is also a potential candidate, and if he doesn’t make the active roster, look for him on the practice squad.

Offensive Line (9)

IN: Garrett Bradbury (C), Cole Strange (G/C), *Will Campbell (T), Morgan Moses (T), Mike Onwenu (G/T), Caedan Wallace (T), *Marcus Bryant (T), Sidy Sow (G), Jared Wilson
OUT: Ben Brown (C), Yasir Durant (T), Tyrese Robinson (T), Layden Robinson (G), Vederian Lowe (T), Demontrey Jacobs (T), **Jack Conley (G/T)

The starting offensive line appears to be set, with Will Campbell at left tackle, Cole Strange at left guard, Garrett Bradbury at center, Mike Onwenu at right guard, and Morgan Moses at right tackle. Caedan Wallace and Marcus Bryant provide death at tackle while Sidy Sow and Jared Wilson do the same at guard. Wilson and Strange also have center experience.

Jack Conley, a UDFA out of Boston College, provides both tackle and guard versatility. He and Ben Brown are at the top of the list as practice squad candidates.

Defensive Tackle (5)

IN: Christian Barmore, *Joshua Farmer, Jeremiah Pharms, Khyris Tonga, Milton Williams
OUT: Isaiah Iton, **Jahvaree Ritzie, Jaquelin Roy, David Olajiga

Barmore and Milton Williams are going to be an unstoppable duo, with Joshua Farmer, Jeremiah Pharms, and Khyris Tonga providing necessary depth.

Jaquelin Roy put a lot on tape last season, but there is just too much talent in this room. If he passes through waivers, he should be a no-brainer for the practice squad.

Edge Defender (5)

IN: K’Lavon Chaisson, Anfernee Jennings, Harold Landry, *Bradyn Swinson, Keion White
OUT: Truman Jones

Keion White and Harold Landry are the starters, with Bradyn Swinson and K’Lavon Chaisson making a push to earn playing time. Anfernee Jennings is more on the outside at this point, but he provides necessary depth.

Linebacker (4)

IN: Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Robert Spillane, Jahlani Tavai
OUT: Monty Rice, Cam Riley

Jahlani Tavai is the only question with this group, specifically due to the calf injury he sustained in the spring. If he begins the season on PUP, it allows for Marte Mapu to fill that role, considering how competitive the safety room is at the moment.

Safety (6)

IN: Kyle Dugger, Jaylinn Hawkins, Jabrill Peppers, Dell Pettus, Brenden Schooler, *Craig Woodson
OUT: Marcus Epps, Marte Mapu, Josh Minkins

This is arguably one of the most interesting position groups to watch during training camp due to all the talent. Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger are most likely the starters, while Jaylin Hawkins, Dell Pettus, and rookie Craig Woodson all provide depth. Then there’s Brenden Schooler, who is listed as a safety, but is more known for his special teams contributions.

Special Teams (3)

IN: K Andres Borregales, P Bryce Baringer, LS Julian Ashby
OUT: K Parker Romo

The only real question was among the kickers, but it’s been clear that Andres Borregales has beaten out Parker Romo so far.