Patriots 53 Man Roster Projection

The Patriots 53 man roster cutdown is coming. August 29th the team must get down to a season regulation size roster. There's always the chance the Patriots could sign someone off of the waivers. But since I don't know who's getting cut from the other teams. I cannot put anyone not currently on the roster, on the initial 53 man roster. So here it is, my initial roster projection for 2023.

Quarterbacks 3

M. Jones

B. Zappe

M. Cunningham (released)

The Patriots will keep their slash. Cunningham has potential to be used like Kordell Stewart and Taysom Hill. Some think he will clear waivers, I don't think he will. However keeping him could make the Patriots thin at elsewhere. Do not expect him to jump Zappe this season.

Running Backs 3*

R. Stevenson

E. Elliot

P. Strong (traded for Tyrone Wheatley)

J. Taylor* > T. Montgomery (both released, let's see if I'm right about taylor)

I don't think the Patriots are going to risk cutting Strong yet. And I think they will want to develop him for one more season, while he sits behind Elliot. Kevin Harris needs the line to make holes and i don't think he's lived up to the powerback role he was drafted for. I have Taylor beating out Montgomery, providing he has a good game versus Tennessee and getting called up, once Bolden is placed on the injury reserve.

I was hoping Calvin Turner Jr would be on the roster but the Patriots haven't touched him. He's an upgrade over Montgomery.

Receivers 6

D. Parker

J. Smith-Schuster

K. Bourne

T. Thorton

D. Douglas

K. Boutte

I have the Patriots keeping 6 receivers. I think they need to play Thorton this season and I don't think the rookies will clear the waiver wire. While I think Bourne is on the trade block, he's with the team until they move him. Cunningham gives the team their seventh receiver.

Tight Ends 2

H. Henry

M. Gesicki

I don't think the other tight ends are at risk of being plucked. I expect that one of the practice squad tight ends may be activated for week one. Especially depending on how serious Henry's anf Gesicki's injuries are. I like Sokol and think he will end up on the roster at some point.

Offensive Linemen 10

T. Brown

C. Strange

D. Andrews

R. Reiff

M. Onwenu

C. McDermott (Put on Injured reserve, Patriots replaced by Vederian Love)

B. Murray (released, replaced by Wheatley)

J. Andrews

S. Sow

A. Mafi

(Patriots traded for Vederian Love)

I think Strange may go straight to the injured reserve to start the season. Which would allow the Patriots to call up someone from the practice squad, more than likely a tight end. The line is a liability, maybe Onwenu can fix it but I think the Patriots are in trouble. I think Vanterpool makes the practice squad, he got brought in too late in the process to compete for a roster spot.

Defensive Linemen 7

L. Guy

D. Ekuale

K. White

D. Wise

C. Barmore

D. Godchaux

C. Davis (released)

I have Davis making the roster because I think the Patriots are too light on the line. I thought Tavai would be better but he really hasn't shown much. I have a feeling Bill Murray will be doing double duty this season. The Patriots should've brought back Danny Shelton on a one year deal when they had the chance.

Linebackers 6

M. Mapu

M. Judon

Ja. Tavai

J. Uche

J. Bentley

A. Jennings 

The Patriots will use linebackers depending on the situation. Mapu I think will be a three down player. The others are going to depend on scheme. My question is who makes it to the practice squad of the guys cut.

Defensive Backs 12*

C. Gonzalez

M. Jones

Ja. Jones

Jo. Jones

K. Dugger

J. Peppers

A. Phillips

J. Mills

M. Bryant

B. Schooler

C. Davis

I. Bolden* IR

Jack Jones season is still pending. Bryant I think is going to float between safety and the nickel back. I think Mills is the starting free safety. Bolden I expect to make the 53, just to be placed on the injured reserve. He showed enough that I think he will get plucked if they release him and I think they will need him this season. I think speed could be elevated from the practice squad if Jack gets suspended or worse, locked up.

Special Teams 4

M. Slater

C. Ryland

J. Cardona

B. Baringer

Whether they trade or cut him, I don't think Folk is on the week one roster unless Ryland implodes between now and the time for the cutdown to 53. If he ends up on the roster by some chance, it will be at the expense of the offensive line. I wish Slater got used more on offense to help justify keeping him. At least Steve Tasker was a capable receiver. Slater is an alltime gunner but still.

If the Patriots make any claims from waivers during the cutdowns, it's got to be an offensive tackle and a nose tackle. Especially since they were unable to claim the nose tackle from Carolina due to a failed physical.