Early Patriots 53-man roster prediction confirms Drake Maye is ready to explode

Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to pass the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to pass the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Patriots underwent several significant organizational changes this offseason, including hiring new head coach Mike Vrabel and a staff to match. After what transpired in New England during the 2024 season, they weren't walking into a favorite situation, meaning they had a lot of roster improvements to make from top to bottom with the hope of accomplishing much of it in one offseason.

Loaded with the most cap space in the league to utilize in free agency, the new regime made some big-time signings, most of which were to boost the defense, leaving the offense as the main target of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Knowing they had to put a better team around Drake Maye in his second season, the Patriots put together the unanimously best draft class this year, which addressed nearly every vulnerable position left to be dealt with on the roster. The quarterback has the potential to really break out this year with the new weapons he will have to work with, on top of a packed offensive line that is miles ahead of what he dealt with as a rookie.

Because they've had such a successful offseason, it will inevitably lead to some tough decisions by the time they need to cut down the roster from 90 players to 53, which makes it even better that it doesn't need to happen for a few months. But for now, this is an early look at what could be the Patriots' 2025 roster.

Early 53-man roster projection for the Patriots' 2025 season

Quarterbacks (2): Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs

The starting quarterback debate is not an issue this year, and Joshua Dobbs understands his role as the veteran backup to Drake Maye. They will be the only signal callers on the 53-man roster, with rookie Ben Wooldridge heading to the practice squad.

Running backs (4): TreVeyon Henderson, Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Lan Larison

The running back room is stacked with talent this offseason, with Rhamondre Stevenson expected to remain the RB1. Antonio Gibson will likely compete with rookie TreVeyon Henderson for the second-in-command role, with UDFA Lan Larison not far behind.

Wide receivers (7): Stefon Diggs, Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins, Javon Baker, Ja'Lynn Polk

One of the more unexpected aspects of the Patriots' offseason is having a packed wide receiver room, which will probably make the cutdown process far more difficult than it has been in a long time.

Because surrounding Drake Maye with top talent is the primary goal, it's clear who will remain with the team, with Stefon Diggs leading the way. DeMario Douglas will thrive under Josh McDaniels, as will Kendrick Bourne, whose best season came when he was the offensive coordinator in 2021, and rookie Kyle Williams will likely have a spot in the starting rotation.

Mack Hollins was signed this offseason, so he'll be on the team unless something drastic happens over the summer. He will serve multiple roles, including special teams production.

Javon Baker and Ja'Lynn Polk are the receivers with the gloomiest futures in New England, as they will need to have an impressive training camp and preseason to prove their worthiness of keeping around.

Tight ends (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, CJ Dippre

There might be a bit of competition in the tight end room this summer, with last year's late-round pick Jaheim Bell battling it out with UDFA CJ Dippre for the third spot. But based on how this offseason has gone so far, it's fair to assume that the player the new regime signed sticks around.

Fullback (1): Brock Lampe

Josh McDaniels is known for loving a fullback in his offense, so Brock Lampe is making the roster.

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Offensive line (10): LT Will Campbell, RG Mike Onwenu, RT Morgan Moses, C Jared Wilson, RT Caedan Wallace, RG Layden Robinson, G Cole Strange, OL Sidy Sow, C Garrett Bradbury, OT Marcus Bryant

With presumably every starting role close to being ironed out, it's easy to predict which offensive lineman will make this year's roster, plus their backups.

Defensive line (5): Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Joshua Farmer, Khyiris Tonga, Jeremiah Pharms Jr.

The defensive line was a priority in free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, making this season's roster easily led by Milton Williams and likely Christian Barmore, who's poised for a return sooner rather than later.

EDGE (5): Keion White, Harold Landry, K'Lavon Chaisson, Bradyn Swinson, Anfernee Jennings

A double dip in the draft and two signings of players from Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels' former teams? They're making the roster.

Linebackers (3): Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens

The linebacker room will be thin this season, but with the few players that can play hybrid roles, it won't be as concerning as it might seem.

Cornerbacks (4): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin

The Patriots' group of cornerbacks might be one of the more stable parts of their entire defensive roster, especially when their starter is Christian Gonzalez.

Safety (6): Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Craig Woodson, Brenden Schooler, Marcus Epps

The safety roster cutdown will not be easy, with players like Jaylinn Hawkins and Dell Pettus potentially not making the cut. They could return to the practice squad, but given how well they played during the 2024 season, there's no reason to believe another team won't be calling.

Special teams (3): K Andres Borregales, P Bryce Baringer, LS Julian Ashby

The special teams unit will look drastically different than it has in recent years, with a rookie long snapper replacing Joe Cardona and a rookie kicker looking like the future of the position after a long search.

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