Patriots roster projections 1.0: Who's going to make the final 53?

The Patriots are set to conclude the second week of their 2024 training camp this weekend, with their first preseason game of the summer scheduled for August 8 against the Panthers at Gillette Stadium.

Typically, the first batch of roster cuts would be coming up, but the NFL changed the rules and instead implemented just one cut day at the end of the month. That is a blessing for all involved; the coaches will have a longer look at the players, and the players will have more time to prove that they should be signed for the season ahead.

Because of the sheer amount of players needing to have standout practices and preseason performances, it's the best time for this new rule to be set forth.

The offense will focus primarily on the wide receivers, as they currently have 12 players signed, and the offensive line, which has been undergoing many positional changes over the last few weeks. Most of those on the roster bubble happen to be among those units, so the added time before cut down day will benefit them the most.

There are unfortunate instances, such as Christian Barmore's health scare, that might force him to miss most, if not all, of the 2024 season. Since he is such an essential piece of the Patriots' defense, finding the right player(s) to help make up for his absence won't be easy.

However, to maintain a defensively dominant team, Jerod Mayo's ability to have more time to decide who fits the bill the most is crucial.

With all of this in mind and now two weeks of practice performances to reflect upon, it's time for the first roster projection of the summer. Things can dramatically change throughout the preseason, so this projection might look a whole lot different come September. But here's a good guess for now.

New England Patriots 53-man roster prediction 1.0

Quarterback (3):

Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, Joe Milton III

OUT: Bailey Zappe (practice squad?)

Running back (4):

Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, JaMycal Hasty, Kevin Harris

Out: Terrell Jennings

Wide receiver (7):

Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Reagor, Tyquan Thornton

OUT: Kayshon Boutte, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kawaan Baker, JaQuae Jackson, David Wallis

Tight end (3):

Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jaheim Bell

OUT: Mitchell Wilcox, La'Michael Pettway, Jacob Warren

Offensive line (10):

David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Chukwuma Okorafor, Sidy Sow, Caedan Wallace, Calvin Anderson, Layden Robinson, Atonio Mafi, Nick Leverett, Charles Turner III

OUT: Michael Jordan, Vederian Lowe, Tyrone Wheatley Jr., Zuri Henry, Jake Andrews, Liam Fornadel

PUP: Cole Strange

Defensive line (4):

Davon Godchaux, Daniel Ekuale, Armon Watts, Jeremiah Pharms

OUT: Josiah Bronson, Sam Roberts, Trysten Hill

IR: Christian Barmore

EDGE (5):

Matthew Judon, Anfernee Jennings, Joshua Uche, Keion White, Deatrich Wise Jr.

OUT: William Bradley-King, John Morgan, Jotham Russell, Oshane Ximines

Linebacker (4):

Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Raekwon McMillan, Sione Takitaki

OUT: Joe Giles-Harris, Steele Chambers, Christian Elliss

Cornerback (6):

Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, Isaiah Bolden, Marcellas Dial Jr.,

OUT: Shaun Wade, Marco Wilson, Azizi Hearn, Mikey Victor, Kaleb Ford-Dement

Safety (3)

Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins

OUT: Joshuah Bledsoe, Marte Mapu, Dell Pettus

Special teams (4):

Brenden Schooler, Bryce Baringer, Joe Cardona, Chad Ryland

OUT: Joey Slye

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