New England Patriots final 53-man roster prediction
New England Patriots final 53 man roster projection: Defense
Defensive Line (4): Lawrence Guy, Byron Cowart, Adam Butler, Deatrich Wise Jr.
This is a bit of a surprise because I think Beau Allen will be placed on IR to start the season. He hasn’t practiced at all for the team and the Patriots kept bringing in other interior linemen for looks during training camp. None of them stuck, but it seemed to be a bad sign for how they view Allen’s current health or injury status.
Guy has been steady but they will need Butler and Cowart to take a step or two forward to help fill the rotation on the interior. Wise has mostly played on the edge, but he could possibly be used in spot duty inside as a speed rusher. He has always struggled when he lines up without his hands on the ground so I think the team will try to utilize him more on the line rather than as an outside linebacker or edge player.
Linebackers (8): Ja’Whaun Bentley, Chase Winovich, John Simon, Derek Rivers, Shilique Calhoun, Anfernee Jennings, Cassh Maluia, Brandon Copeland
This group is long on potential and inexperience. Simon has been a steady force for the team and all reports are that Winovich looks ready for an increased role this season. Bentley will be the defensive signal caller and was named a captain.
Calhoun mainly makes the team for special teams but has the ability to be used on the edge as well. Copeland makes it for his experience which could come in handy for just mentorship if nothing else. Maluia is the only other true inside linebacker besides Bentley and he should be able to play special teams.
Cornerbacks (5): Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones, Joejuan Williams
This should be the strength of the defense. They have experience and talent and if the team can provide a pass rush, the corners should be above average in coverage. Williams is likely to be moved around between corner and safety this season based on matchups. He may even see more time at safety.
Safeties (5): Devin McCourty, Terrence Brooks, Kyle Dugger, Cody Davis, Adrian Phillips
McCourty is one of the pillars of the team and of this defense. He will be a steady hand for this unit. Brooks and Phillips have both been competing to fill the void left by Patrick Chung. My guess is the team will keep both due to their ability to also contribute on special teams. Plus, they could at times play both and move Phillips into the box to play similar to an outside linebacker. They will probably do the same with Dugger.
Like Joejuan Williams, my guess is the Patriots will look to use Dugger in matchup roles until he gets his feet wet and gets comfortable with the speed of the NFL game. Davis will be kept for his special teams ability but they could also use him at safety in a pinch.
Special Teams and Specialists (5): Nick Folk, Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona, Matthew Slater, Justin Bethel
Justin Rohrwasser was a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft, but he seems to be either injured or not ready for the NFL. It’s possible it is a combination of both. The team brought Folk back for a reason and all reports are that he outperformed Rohrwasser after his signing.
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Slater and Bethel will be slated at different positions on the roster, but make no mistake, if they line up on anything but special teams, the Patriots are in trouble. Both are two of the best at what they do on special teams and Bill Belichick appreciates them just as much as any other player on the roster.