Offensive Line (9): Trent Brown, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Isaiah Wynn, Justin Herron, James Ferentz, Yodny Cajuste, Yasir Durant He didn’t want to be there, the team didn’t want to waste reps on him, and it wouldn’t be fair to either side to keep Harry for another season. The best way to describe minicamp for 2019 first-round pick N’Keal Harry was awkward. Between him and Thornton, Agholor could become a trade chip. We need to see Nixon continue to ball out in pads to make the team. First, will rookie Tyquan Thornton and second-year breakout candidate Tre Nixon make Nelson Agholor expendable to earn Nixon a roster spot? Nixon’s spring was extremely impressive, but we’ve often seen speedy wideouts disappear in the summer with contact. The wide receiver depth chart is the most intriguing camp battle of the summer. Trade (1): N’Keal Harry, Cuts (3): Tre Nixon, Kristian Wilkerson, Malcolm Perry Wide Receiver (6): Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Nelson Agholor, DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, Ty Montgomery Asiasi might get a look elsewhere, but the Patriots can look in-house or poach from other rosters to build out their depth with the option to elevate a tight end from the practice squad for game day. But the Pats have better football players worthy of roster spots elsewhere, and everyone is eligible for the practice squad with three game-day elevations again this year. Carrying only two tight ends, especially with Henry’s injury history, is a little surprising. However, expect to see Jonnu Smith used in an H-Back capacity wth some fullback-like alignments this season. Tight End (2): Hunter Henry, Jonnu SmithĬut (3): Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene, Matt Sokolīased on what we saw this spring, the Patriots are moving away from the fullback position and traditional two-back formations. Also, remember that Ty Montgomery (listed as a WR) gives them more insurance at RB. The Pats would be thrilled to retain him on the practice squad if not. Taylor is a good football player who might get a shot on another team’s roster. If White is ready for the start of the season, Strong or Harris become Foxboro Flu candidates as rookie redshirts. Harris, on the other hand, is built like a freight train and looks reliable enough to serve as an early-down backup in year one. Strong is an explosive athlete who will be a factor as a kick returner while he’s groomed for the receiving back role. Taylor after the two day-three selections. In the meantime, the Pats keep both rookie running backs on the active roster, with the writing on the wall for J.J. White would be eligible to return after six weeks if he starts the season on PUP. After barely participating in the spring sessions, James White is still in an uphill battle to be ready for the season after last season’s significant hip injury and surgery. The Patriots arguably have six NFL-caliber running backs on their roster, but it’s unlike Belichick to carry more than four. Running Backs (4): Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, Pierre Strong, Kevin Harris New England keeps its de facto assistant QB coach around while protecting a player subject to waivers on the 53. Knowing that 36-year-old Brian Hoyer isn’t fleeing for another team, the Patriots release their veteran backup initially to save a roster spot while paying him his full salary on the practice squad. The ball comes out of his hand with decent zip, he makes quick decisions, and as Jones did, is grasping the playbook quickly as a rookie. We also liked what we saw from Zappe in the offseason. Jones is doing all the right things this offseason to get his body ready for the year-two leap, showing off an improved deep ball this spring. One thing the Patriots can hang their hat on at the moment is that they found their quarterback in Mac Jones. Lastly, will the Pats roster an undrafted rookie for a 19th consecutive season?Īfter taking in four spring practices, here’s our initial stab at a 53-man roster projection for the Patriots: Quarterback (2): Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe Plus, there are always breakout camp stars like Tre Nixon who make a solid initial push but need to keep the momentum rolling through padded practices and preseason games. Jackson now in Los Angeles, New England is also rebuilding their cornerback room with two rookies and familiar faces from the past. First, what will the Pats do with underperforming players from recent draft classes such as N’Keal Harry, Joejuan Williams, tight ends Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene, and Anfernee Jennings? Cutting down an NFL roster with significant offseason turnover is difficult, but that’s the nature of the beast for the Patriots, who head into the summer with plenty of unanswered questions.Īlthough spring practices shed some light on things, Bill Belichick still needs to decide how to proceed in a few key areas.
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