New England Patriots final 53-man roster prediction
New England Patriots final 53 man roster projection: Offense
Quarterback (3): Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, Brian Hoyer
The Patriots have traditionally carried two quarterbacks to open up a roster spot for another position, but this year feels like one where they will need to carry three. There is no way Stidham is guaranteed to clear waivers if the team were to cut him so he sticks even if he is their number three. Hoyer is necessary to keep around due to his experience with the offense and just with the NFL game.
Although Cam Newton was named the starter, having someone like Hoyer to both aid in Newton’s continuous learning of the offense and to be around for a quick start due to injury or illness is a necessity.
Running Back (5): Sony Michel, Damien Harris, James White, Rex Burkhead, Lamar Miller
The team has a pretty solid even if unspectacular group of running backs. Given the injury history for every back not named James White, it would be wise for the team to keep the whole group together in hopes at least two to three of the running backs can be healthy at once.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Fullback (1) : Jakob Johnson
Reports are that Johnson looked good at training camp. This is fortunate for the Patriots as he was the last fullback left standing. You could also see one of the tight ends utilized at this position in a pinch.
Wide Receiver (5): Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry, Damiere Byrd, Gunner Olszewski, Jakobi Meyers
The release of Mohamed Sanu was only a surprise due to the inexperience of everyone left outside of Julian Edelman. This group looks raw at best but maybe Cam Newton and the running game can open up space for the receivers.
The fifth spot came down to Meyers and Devin Ross who had some good practices in training camp. The edge goes to Meyers due to his playing time last season and the fact that most of Ross’s success came with the backup quarterbacks and not Newton. Ross and the speedy Jeff Thomas could be good practice squad stashes if they can clear waivers.
Tight End (3): Ryan Izzo, Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene
Asiasi and Keene are the future at the position, but I’m not sure if the Patriots will rely on just two rookies or even three if they were to keep Jake Burt over Izzo. Izzo makes the roster mainly due to his experience and the fact the coaches know what they will get from him. It may not be spectacular, but most reports are he looked steady in camp.
Offensive Line (9): Isaiah Wynn, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Jermaine Eluemunor, Yodny Cajuste, Hjalte Froholdt, Mike Onwenu, Justin Herron
Eluemunor took advantage of his opportunities and appears to have filled the hole left by Marcus Cannon’s opt-out. Froholdt looks like he will be the primary interior backup. He played both guard positions last season and has been used at center in training camp. Cajuste missed all of last season and also missed time during training camp. Barring an IR stint, I cannot see the team giving up on him and making him a roster cut.
Onwenu has been a road grinder of a guard in training camp and I could see the team utilizing him as an extra lineman when they go to their power running formations. It is possible takes a chance of Herron making it through waivers and they keep Korey Cunningham over him. They need one or both due to the injury history of both Wynn and Cajuste.