New England Patriots: Early 53-Man Roster Projection
![Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) wait to take the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) wait to take the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7b6a7b3371f0a1c31d41297282557a377b643c97ab4d58b2b757472e33cb9da9.jpg)
Safeties (5)
Starters: Devin McCourty (FS), Patrick Chung (SS)
Depth: Duron Harmon, Nate Ebner, Jordan Richards
There’s no question whether or not McCourty and Chung will start in 2017. All eyes are on 2015 second round pick Jordan Richards as he enters his third season in New England. Richards hasn’t met expectations and needs to elevate his game past special teams contributor if he’s going to stick around.
Cut: D.J. Killings*, David Jones*, Damaris Travis*, Jason Thompson*
Next: 6 Patriots who will make the Pro Bowl in 2017
Specialists (3)
Kicker: Stephen Gostowski
Punter: Ryan Allen
Long snapper: Joe Cardona
2016 wasn’t Gostowski’s best year but the Patriots would be unwise to let him go after one poor season. Allen finished 2016 with fourteen downed punts and an average of five yards per return.