Patriots depth chart projection: Quarterbacks, offensive line
Quarterbacks: Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, Malik Cunningham
Easy pickings here. The only source of controversy arises from Cunningham vs. Trace McSorley, but Cunningham's gadget-guy versatility gives him the edge, and plus he's been enjoying a productive camp.
Offensive line: Trent Brown, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Riley Reiff, Conor McDermott, Calvin Anderson, Jake Andrews, Atonio Mafi
In the 2022 season, the Patriots rostered eight offensive linemen, but this year we're projecting one more just for safekeeping.
New England will be hoping Onwenu recovers soon. Right now, there are definitely more questions than answers about this unit. Who will shore up the right side? McDermott, Reiff, and a few others are in the mix. Even though the season is just a month away, the Pats could see dramatic shake-ups in the offensive line corps for the rest of preseason.
Patriots depth chart projection: Running backs, wide receivers, tight ends
Running backs: Rhamondre Stevenson, Ezekiel Elliott, Pierre Strong, Kevin Harris
Finally, the smoke has cleared, and one veteran back emerges: the Pats got Zeke. Ezekiel Elliott signed with New England a day ago and brings a jubilant spirit into the running back room. Stevenson is No. 1 on the depth chart, there's no debating that. Elliott is expected to slot in as a backup/ complement to carry some of Stevenson's workload and potentially get used in a variety of offensive packages. His 3.8 yards per carry from 2022 is admittedly depressing, but Elliott still adds value in short-yardage situations and has proven he can run the pigskin into heaping piles over and over again.
Behind Elliott, Strong and Harris should help on special teams and see some snaps on offense.
Wide receivers: JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, Demario Douglas
All of these guys are locks, basically. Demario Douglas became the surprise standout in camp to secure himself a roster spot by preseason Week 1. In the opener against the Texans, Douglas was treated like a starter, and he'll probably stay that way. The open-ended question of this unit is whether another wideout can break through and convince the Pats to carry one more receiver on the roster. Rookie Kayshon Boutte appears to have the best chance of doing so, but in the end, we suspect he'll come up short.
Tight ends: Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Anthony Firkser
No surprises here, either. Under Bill O'Brien, the Patriots may revert to more two-tight end sets, which is why Henry and Gesicki could both be tabbed as starters. Firsker beats out Matt Sokol — Sokol may be the better overall blocker, but Firsker adds more value across the field.
Patriots depth chart projection: Defensive line, outside linebackers/ EDGE rushers
Defensive line: Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise, Daniel Ekuale, Keion White
The Pats' D-line unit consists of a healthy combination of young talent and proven veterans, with the surprise cuts arguably being Carl Davis and Sam Roberts, both of whom could land on the practice squad. Keep an eye on Christian Barmore and Daniel Ekuale to impress this year.
Outside linebackers/EDGE: Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings
Jennings has been having himself a solid camp and could leapfrog Olakunle Fatukasi. With a core of Judon, Uche, and Jennings, New England boast a strong pass-rushing presence and have seasoned specialists along with consistent edge-setters at its disposal.
Patriots depth chart projection: Off-ball linebackers, defensive backs, specialists
Off-ball linebackers: Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Chris Board, Marte Mapu, Mack Wilson
An area of comfort for the Pats is the off-ball linebacker corps. Big expectations for rookie Mapu to come out of the gate strong; other than that, New England has stalwarts in Bentley and Tavai and may see an uptick in production from newly added weapon Chris Board.
Defensive backs: Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Jack Jones, Marcus Jones, Myles Bryant, Isaiah Bolden, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers, Jalen Mills
Here we have the bread and butter. Some questions linger, like Jack Jones' unclear availability given his off-field issues. Carrying six corners should give the Pats some leeway there. As for safety, versatility is the name of the game, and both Mills and Phillips may end up getting plugged somewhere on the defensive backfield in a pinch. Joshuah Bledsoe was a tough cut, but the Patriots seem to have enough talent in the safety unit to cope.
Specialists: Matthew Slater, Brenden Schooler, Nick Folk (K), Bryce Baringer (P), Joe Cardona (LS)
The Nick Folk vs. Chad Ryland kicker battle is the most interesting of this unit. Folk has won countless games with his leg, and we are guessing his experience wins him a spot over rookie Ryland. Fellow first-year Baringer does beat out Waitman, though.
