The New England Patriots’ offense could still undergo a good bit of change before the beginning of the 2023 season. How might the lineup look? There are a few positions that are just about settled and should not see much movement between now and the start of the 2023 season.
However, the Patriots still have a few holes on offense that they may want to fill before the start of the 2023 season, and I think the projected starting lineup at this very moment will look a bit different before the season begins.
Projecting the Patriots’ starting offense for the 2023 season – Quarterback
Mac Jones
It doesn’t look like the Patriots are urgently looking to replace Mac Jones at this very moment. I guess it’s still possible for them to swing a trade for Lamar Jackson, but that doesn’t appear likely. Jones is probably going to begin the season on a very short leash, and that’s the right thing to do.
He struggled in 2022 while Bailey Zappe looked much better in the offense. I do think Jones plays better than he did in 2022, but I’m not sure it’ll be enough for the Pats to feel comfortable moving forward with him after 2023.
The Pats have the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and if they are or already have fallen in love with a quarterback that we just don’t know about, they could draft one in the first round.
They could also take a stab on a developmental prospect in the middle rounds, but I don’t think anyone other than Mac Jones is starting for this team come week one.
If he struggles, though, they won’t hesitate to pull him.
Projecting the Patriots’ starting offense for the 2023 season – Skill positions
Running back – Rhamondre Stevenson
This is one unit that I think sees little to no change between now and the 2023 season. There are rumors that the Patriots are intrigued by Bijan Robinson, but I just can’t see them going that route. Stevenson rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2022 and should have a very solid year on the ground for New England.
Tight End – Mike Gesicki
To be fair, Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki are about the same in terms of skill level. I don’t think one or the other is appreciably better, but I do think that Gesicki begins the season as the starter. I say starter loosely because of how close they are and how both can be legitimate options in the receiving game
Wide receivers – JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Maybe not yet a great core of wide receivers, but it’s still something and an improvement from last year, right?
JuJu Smith-Schuster signed a three year deal in free agency and will start for the team. Kendrick Bourne has one year left on his deal and I think should be able to crack the starting lineup, and why not draft a wide receiver in the first round? Jaxon Smith-Njigba isn’t fast or overly athletic, but he’s surgical with his route running and is just an all around smart player.
This core could end up being a productive unit with Mac Jones.
Projecting the Patriots’ starting offense for the 2023 season – Offensive line
Left tackle – Riley Reiff
I don’t know, man. Riley Reiff was signed in free agency and can play both tackle spots. Trent Brown also played left tackle last year but struggled quite a bit. Part of me thinks that the Patriots will move Brown back to his right tackle spot and let Reiff take over the left tackle spot while they likely develop a long-term replacement at LT.
Left guard – Cole Strange
A solid rookie season from Cole Strange sets the stage for him to break out in year two. The unexpected first round pick should look like one in 2023.
Center – David Andrews
When David Andrews isn’t in the lineup, the offensive line looks lost. Andrew is one of the best centers in football and is the most valuable piece of this unit. No matter who takes snaps in 2023 or who plays at the tackle spots, Andrews will keep this unit playing together.
Right guard – Mike Onwenu
Mike Onwenu is the best offensive lineman on the roster in my opinion. His ability to play both tackle and guard is rare in the NFL, and he should be rewarded with a massive contract extension at some point, in my opinion.
Right tackle – Trent Brown
If the Pats do want to keep Trent Brown on the roster and playing well, the best course of action is to move him back to his more natural position at right tackle, where he’s played well during his career. Brown up and down play at points can be frustrating, but when he’s playing well, it’s easy to see.