Patriots project 53-man roster ahead of preseason opener
Analyst forecasts for New England’s roster highlight competition at running back, wide receiver and defensive positions as the team prepares for its first preseason game.
With joint practices and the season-opening preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts approaching, an analyst has released a projected 53-man roster for the New England Patriots. The projection keeps quarterback Drake Maye as the starter, with Tommy DeVito as the primary backup and notes that Behren Morton is likely to be moved to the practice squad.
At running back, Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson are considered locked, while the third spot is contested between Jam Miller and Lan Larison; the analyst favors Miller for his more physical style. Fullback Reggie Gilliam is projected to make the team after the release of Brock Lampe and the reassignment of Jack Westover.
The wide-receiver group is expected to be trimmed to six players. A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams are listed as likely to make the roster, while several undrafted free agents and practice-squad candidates are projected to be cut. The analyst cites a recent comment from head coach Mike Vrabel confirming Williams’ inclusion:
"Kyle Williams will be on the roster," Vrabel said on Friday.
Tight end Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon retain their spots, with undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin projected as the third tight end after showing versatility at fullback. The offensive line projection keeps the three interior starters—Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu—and adds veteran Andrew Rupcich as depth, while the tackle group retains Will Campbell, Morgan Moses and Caleb Lomu, with Marcus Bryant as the fourth tackle.
Defensive projections list Milton Williams, Christian Barmore and Cory Durden as the primary defensive tackles, adding Isaiah Iton as a depth piece. Edge rusher selections include Dre’Mont Jones, Harold Landry III, Gabe Jacas, Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson and Xavier Holmes. Linebacker depth features Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Chad Muma and Khalil Jacobs.
Cornerback depth is projected to include Christian Gonzalez, Marcus Jones, Carlton Davis III, Charles Woods, Karon Prunty, Kobee Minor and Channing Canada. Safety positions retain Kevin Byard, Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus and Brenden Schooler, with the analyst expressing concern about overall depth at the position.
Special-teams players Andy Borregales, Bryce Baringer and Julian Ashby are listed as roster locks after strong camp performances. The analyst concludes that the Patriots have retained several undrafted players while cutting multiple draft picks, emphasizing the importance of health for the team’s ceiling this season.