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Patriots 53-man roster projection ahead of training camp
Patriots 53-man roster projection ahead of training camp
It's time for training camp.
And with that, it's time for another 53-man roster projection for the 2026 season. While lots of things can and ultimately will change throughout the summer, here's where things appear to stand at the moment.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIN: Drake Maye, Tommy DeVito, and Behren Morton
It's Drake Maye leading the way, and the Patriots extended Tommy DeVito this offseason, making it clear that he is the backup. However, they also brought a young face into the room, drafting Behren Morton in the seventh round. Having used a pick on a quarterback as well as DeVito's extension, it seems clear New England intends to carry three signal callers.
IN: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Terrell Jennings
OUT: Jam Miller, Lan Larison, Myles Montgomery
It'll be a one-two punch with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson at the top of the depth chart this season, but that third spot is one of the most interesting position battles that will take place this summer. Given his prior experience in this offense and since he was in that role last season due to Antonio Gibson's injury, Terrell Jennings has the advantage as things stand, but there is certainly room for Miller, Larison, or Montgomery to make an impact and move up in the rankings.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJosh McDaniels finally got a true fullback on the roster, with the Patriots having signed Reggie Gilliam this offseason. Last year, it was Jack Westover who served in that role, having transitioned from tight end, as well as Khyiris Tonga, who would come in for third-down and short-yardage plays. But with Gilliam, Westover's best chance to make the roster will be at tight end given the thinner room due to injuries.
IN: A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism
OUT: Nick DeGennaro, Kyle Dixon, Cameron Dorner, Jeremiah Webb
With the injury to Julian Hill, it's possible the Patriots only carry two tight ends (but we'll get more into that next). So, with that, it opens up an extra spot for a wide receiver, providing New England with the option to keep both DeMario Douglas and Efton Chism rather than having to pick one.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOUT: Tanner Arkin, CJ Dippre, Jeremiah Franklin, Mitch Van Vooren
Hill's injury provides Eli Raridon the opportunity to step up and become the second tight end on the depth chart. However, other than that, unless another tight end steps up during training camp and truly impresses, it's possible the Patriots only carry two this season, at least at the beginning.
IN: Will Campbell, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jared Wilson, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Caleb Lomu, Ben Brown, Caedan Wallace, Dametrious Crownover
OUT: Marcus Bryant, Sebastian Gutierrez, Jacob Rizy, James Hudson III, Lorenz Metz, Mekhi Butler, JonDarius Morgan, Andrew Rupcich
The starting offensive line will likely be Will Campbell at left tackle, with Alijah Vera-Tucker next to him at guard and Jared Wilson at center. On the right side, Mike Onwenu will be at right guard with Morgan Moses at tackle. However, Moses' health is certainly a factor, which is why the Patriots selected Caleb Lomu in the first round. As for guard, Ben Brown is the top backup both there, as well as at center, but they will need someone else. Caedan Wallace's familiarity with the system gives him an advantage.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIN: Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Cory Durden, Joshua Farmer, Leonard Taylor III, Eric Gregory
OUT: David Blay Jr., Isaiah Iton, Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
This is another group that was pretty sound last season with Milton Williams and Christian Barmore holding down the middle. Cory Durden is expected to step into the role of nose tackle after the Patriots lost Khyiris Tonga. Leonard Taylor, Joshua Farmer, and Eric Gregory are all familiar with the defense.
IN: Dre'Mont Jones, Harold Landry III, Gabe Jacas, Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson
OUT: Quintayvious Hutchins, Xavier Holmes, Jesse Luketa
Well, this one is an interesting group, and that's because of the Gabe Jacas contract situation. The second-round pick remains unsigned, and he was supposed to at least compete for a starting role. So, without him, combined with Harold Landry's concerning injury, that means Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson will have big opportunities and lots of reps this summer.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIN: Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, K.J. Britt, Namdi Obiazor
OUT: Amari Gainer, Khalil Jacobs, Jesse Luketa, Otis Reese, Riley Wilson, Chad Muma
As is the case with a lot of defensive positions, the starters in this group are likely set, and they are Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss. But there are opportunities behind them for players to step up and earn a spot this summer. K.J. Britt, Chad Muma, and rookie Namdi Obiazor will be competing for what is possibly only two spots on the roster.
IN: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Charles Woods, Karon Prunty
OUT: Channing Canada, Brandon Crossley, Marcellas Dial, Kenneth Harris, Kindle Vildor, Kobee Minor
Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis will start, but they need depth behind the two, which is where the competition will be at this position this summer. Charles Woods served as third on the depth chart and stepped in when needed, but the Patriots also selected Karon Prunty in the draft and have spoken highly about what he can bring to the table. Kindle Vildor is another veteran player to keep an eye on as he has experience that could play a factor.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIN: Kevin Byard, Craig Woodson, Mike Brown, Dell Pettus, Brenden Schooler
OUT: Pete Manuma, John Saunders Jr.
The Patriots brought in star safety Kevin Byard this offseason and will pair him with Craig Woodson, who had a breakout season last year. Mike Brown would be behind them on the depth chart as things stand. Brenden Schooler and Dell Pettus both provide a lot on special teams.
IN: K Andy Borregales, P Bryce Baringer, LS Julian Ashby
The only move among the specialists that could happen this summer would be if they added some competition for Bryce Baringer, as he struggled last season, but it seems like the specialists will remain the same for the 2026 season.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots 53-man roster projection ahead of training camp
IN: Hunter Henry, Eli Raridon