Mark Daniels: Patriots 53-man roster projection

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FOXBOROUGH – The competition is in full swing after two weeks of Patriots training camp.

After 12 days of camp, the Patriots should have a good idea of where their roster stands. Like every summer, there have been some surprises with a handful of undrafted rookies pushing veterans for roster spots.


This week, the competition heats up with one day of joint practice against the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday before the team’s first preseason game on Thursday. Three preseason games will add another element to the competition for Mike Vrabel’s team.

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With 90 players on the roster, the Patriots have just under four weeks before they have to whittle the team down to 53 players. Here’s a look at an early 53-man roster projection:

Quarterback​

Drake Maye, Tommy DeVito, Behren Morton

The Patriots are set up for success here. Maye is an MVP candidate. DeVito is a capable backup. Morton has had a solid summer and will be the emergency quarterback this season.

Running back​

Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Terrell Jennings

Cut: Lan Larison, Jam Miller, Myles Montgomery.

This is how the Patriots ended last season, and it looks like it’s how they’ll start this one. Stevenson is still getting the first reps in practice. Henderson is a home-run hitter who needs to be more consistent in blitz pickup. We’ll see if Larison, Miller or Montgomery can push Jennings this preseason.

Wide receiver​

A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Efton Chism III, Kyle Williams

Cut: Kyle Dixon, Nick DeGennaro, Cameron Dorner, Tejhaun Palmer, Kobe Prentice

Seven receivers? Will the Patriots really keep that many? It doesn’t feel likely. They could trade Boutte, but the issue is that he’s better than most of the names listed. Williams has been the seventh receiver, but do they really want to cut a recent third-round pick?

Tight end/fullback​

Hunter Henry, Eli Raridon, Tanner Arkin, Reggie Gilliam

Cut: C.J. Dippre, Jack Westover, Mitch Van Vooren

Things didn’t go as planned here with Julian Hill suffering a season-ending injury. Arkin has been one of the bigger surprises in camp. He could fill Hill’s role as a blocking tight end. Raridon has potential as an offensive weapon. Gilliam will be an upgrade at fullback.

Offensive line​

Will Campbell, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, Michael Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Caleb Lomu, Marcus Bryant, Ben Brown, Andrew Rupcich

Cut: James Hudson, Caedan Wallace, Dametrious Crownover, Mehki Butler, JonDarius Morgan, Jacob Ritzy, Lorenz Metz

The Patriots could use some help here. Lomu has had an uneven training camp, but hopes are high for the first-round pick. The team could use more depth at guard with Brown being the only sure bet.

Edge rusher​

Harold Landry, Dre’Mont Jones, Elijah Ponder, Gabe Jacas, Bradyn Swinson

Cut: Jesse Luketa, Amari Gainer, Quintayvious Hutchins

Landry’s availability changes this depth chart dramatically. The veteran is still on the physically unable to perform list. Ponder has been starting in his place. Jacas also looks like someone who could make an impact. Still, a healthy Landry is needed.

Defensive tackle​

Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, Cory Durden, Joshua Farmer, Eric Gregory

Cut: Leonard Taylor, Jeremiah Pharms, Isaiah Iton, Casey Rogers, Davis Blay

The battle here has been interesting. Taylor played well at the end of last season and blocked a crucial field goal attempt in Denver. This past week, however, Taylor’s been playing behind Farmer and Gregory. Durden is the team’s replacement for Khyiris Tonga. Barmore and Williams will anchor the defensive line.

Linebacker​

Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Chad Muma, Khalil Jacobs

Cut: K.J. Britt, Namdi Obiazor, Riley Wilson, Xavier Holmes

The team’s depth has changed a ton here. Muma has been the Patriots’ No. 3 linebacker in camp. In a surprise, Jacobs has been the next guy up. The undrafted free agent could make the team over Obiazor, the sixth-round pick, and Britt, a free-agent signing.

Cornerback​

Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Charles Woods, Karon Prunty, Channing Canada

Cut: Kobee Minor, Kindle Vildor, Marcellas Dial, Brandon Crossley

Davis has been out with a hamstring injury. Woods has replaced him in practice, solidifying himself as the team’s top backup cornerback. After that, two rookies, Prunty and Canada, could make the team. Prunty has been competitive in practice while Canada has earned reps next to the fifth-round pick with the second-team defense.

Safety​

KevinByard, Craig Wilson, Dell Pettus, Brenden Schooler

Cut: Mike Brown, John Saunders, Peter Manuma

It’ll be interesting to see what the Patriots do here. Pettus is the clear top backup safety. Brown is a veteran who would add depth. Do they need four safeties? Byard and Wilson are a nice starting duo. Saunders has had some nice moments in camp.

Special Teams​

Andy Borregales, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby

There has been no competition for the team’s kicker, punter, or long snapper this summer. Borregales has been automatic in training camp.

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