Patriots 53-Man Roster: Instant Analysis

When the paperwork is submitted and the final numbers are tallied on the league-mandated deadline to reduce the rosters to 53 players it is a sobering time. For many players, it means the end of a journey and the last time they put on a uniform. For others, it is the joyous next step in their lifelong dream. And though the bottom of the roster will constantly churn over the next four months you can glean some information over the formation of the roster and how the season will look.

This is your initial 2021 Patriots so let’s get excited about the new season.

Offense

Quarterbacks

The bomb was dropped in the morning and Bill Belichick surprisingly let veteran Cam Newton go. This makes Mac Jones the heir apparent as a rookie. The pressure is on but the kid has risen to every challenge so far. Jarrett Stidham looks to complete his rehab from back surgery and serve as the 3rd QB when he returns. Brian Hoyer was let go as well but this is likely to be short term and he figures to come back as the veteran.

Cut: Brian Hoyer, Cam Newton

PUP/Reserve: Jarrett Stidham

Rostered: Mac Jones

Running Backs/Fullbacks

The trade of Sony Michel took all the intrigue out of the deadline. Damien Harris was cemented as the starter and lead back early in this process. Michel was a capable backup that you could trust to carry a heavy load when needed. The emergence of J.J. Taylor and rookie Rhamondre Stevenson meant that the roster no longer needed Michel and he was dealt to the Rams. Veteran James White has looked sharp and refreshed in his role. He’s also taken a voice as one of the leaders. Brandon Bolden is returning as a favorite of the coaching staff and a special teams standout. Jakob Johnson has proved himself through the NFL International Pathways program as the team’s fullback. 

Cut: None

Rostered: Damien Harris, James White, J.J. Taylor, Rhamondre Stevenson, Jakob Johnson (FB)

Wide Receivers

Veteran additions Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne were locked into the roster from the moment they took pen to paper in March. Jakobi Meyers has continued to impress and looks poised to make some serious noise heading into this season. The curious case of N’Keal Harry continues as the former first-round pick suffered an injury in the 2nd preseason game. It remains to be seen if he will go on the IR or make an impact this season. Kristian Wilkerson made a push for a roster spot but numbers elsewhere forced his cut.

Seventh-round draft choice and notable Ernie Adam’s selection, Tre Nixon, was cut and should make his way onto the practice squad if available. Isaiah Zuber flashed in the final preseason game and could spend another year on the practice squad. Special teams stars Matthew Slater and Gunner Olszewski return to their usual places. 

Cut: Tre Nixon, Kristian Wilkerson, Isaiah Zuber

Rostered: Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, N’Keal Harry, Matthew Slater, Gunner Olszewski

Tight Ends

The Patriots’ big splashes in free agency on the offensive side have battled injury and we have yet to see them both in action. Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry appear ready to go for week 1 and factor as a big part of the game plan. Sophomore tight end Devin Asiasi looks to improve and push for playing time that is sure to be had. Matt LaCosse was a player on the bubble but ultimately injuries forced missed practice time that was valuable.

Cut: Matt LaCosse

Rostered: Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Devin Asiasi

Offensive Line

Bill Belichick made a late trade when he acquired Yasir Durant from the Kansas CIty Chiefs. He joins starters Isaiah Wynn, Micheal Onwenu, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, and Trent Brown. Ted Karras slots in as the primary backup for center and guard. Yodny Cajuste made an impressive push for his spot. Justin Herron looks to be the backup tackle, but after a less than impressive camp, he has to improve. James Ferentz could reprise his role on the practice squad and rookie Will Sherman could return as well. Korey Cunningham and Alex Redmond may be available later in the year in case disaster strikes.

Cut: Alex Redmond, Korey Cunningham, James Ferentz, Will Sherman

Rostered: Isaiah Wynn, Michael Onwenu, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Trent Brown, Ted Karras, Justin Herron, Yodny Cajuste 

Acquired via trade: Yasir Durant

Offense Final Analysis

Do you want to see the return of smash-mouth football? Watch that little team up north with the rookie QB. Keeping five running backs and a fullback that have some talent will be enough to make defensive coordinators break out into a cold sweat. And this offensive line will just have them reaching for the bottle as they prepare to stop this juggernaut. If and when they uncork the passing offense with Mac Jones’ arm it could be a fearsome unit. 

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Defense

Interior Defensive Line

This unit looks to be completely revamped and much improved. Davon Godchaux will anchor the middle and 2nd round draft pick Christian Barmore has some juice to pressure the quarterback. Veterans Lawrence Guy and Deatrich Wise return to their roles. Carl Davis rebounded from an injury-riddled year to make a push for playing time. Bryan Cowart was never able to get healthy and will start the season on the PUP list. Akeem Spence earned a large amount of playing time and was garnering trade interest heading into the deadline. Montravius Adams did as well but was just buried on the depth chart and never made any headway. Bill Murray and Nick Thurman may be practice squad candidates.

Cut: Nick Thurman (waived/injured), Bill Murray, Akeem Spence, Montravius Adams

PUP/Reserve: Bryan Cowart

Rostered: Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise, Carl Davis

Edge

Marquee signing Matt Judon is looking like another gem. He has been as advertised and will provide a fearsome presence on the edge. 2nd year Josh Uche has also been a terror for opposing lineman as he tries to stay healthy this year. Despite a rough start to his offseason Chase Winovich is a premium pass rusher and looks to improve other areas of his game. Ronnie Perkins as a late 3rd draft pick flashed and looks to play much on special teams.

Henry Anderson as a veteran signing with guaranteed money was an interesting case. He has not impressed much and was playing late in the final preseason game. If he makes it he will have to push for playing time. Tashaun Bower really looked good and on any other team would provide a developmental edge rusher. If he can sneak onto the practice squad I would be all for it. Anfernee Jennings never got his feet under him after a rough 2020 season.

Cut: Tashaun Bower

Season Ending IR: Anfernee Jennings

Rostered: Matt Judon, Josh Uche, Chase Winovich, Ronnie Perkins, Henry Anderson

Linebackers

What looked to be severely depleted last season now figures to be back to full strength. Dont’a Hightower is back after his Covid opt-out and is lean and hungry to play again. Ja’Whaun Bentley looked exposed last year with the number of snaps and roles he took on. Having a better unit around him may allow him to lean on his experience and develop. Kyle Van Noy has returned after his year-long hiatus in sunny Miami and wants to win a championship again.

Special teams standouts and reserve linebackers Havey Langi and Brandon King both make the team. Terez Hall and rookie Cameron McGrone landed on their respective reserved lists and may be available to be reinforcements.

Cuts: None

NFI/reserve: Cameron McGrone

PUP/reserve: Terez Hall

Rostered: Dont’a Hightower, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Kyle Van Noy, Harvey Langi, Brandon King

Safeties

In what became the first mild surprise in a day of heart attacks, Myles Bryant was a cut. Devin McCourty and Adrian Phillips are joined by second-year player Kyle Dugger to round out a formidable trio. Cody Davis is a special teams standout. The NFI list also received Joshuah Bledsoe as he recovers from his wrist surgery. The only cut was Adrien Colbert who missed some time due to injury and sometimes that’s all it takes.

NFI/Reserve: Joshua Bledsoe

Cut: Myles Bryant. Adrian Colbert

Rostered: Adrian Phillips, Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, Cody Davis

Cornerbacks

The surprise and importance of Stephon Gilmore reverting to the PUP reserve list and missing the first 6 weeks of the season cannot be understated. He is a lynchpin in the secondary and may be the piece that makes this a truly dominant defense. And it was probably the biggest weakness throughout all of camp. JC Jackson can make himself a bag of money. Probably more. With Gilmore out he can step up and show that he is truly an elite shutdown corner. Jonathan Jones will man the slot.

The reserves are where it gets dicey. JoeJuan Williams has not taken the expected leap and newcomer Jalen Mills has been up and down. Recent trade acquisition Shaun Wade figures to have to learn quickly in order to get playing time. Justin Bethel has shown that he has some ability and may do more than just play special teams this year. Dee Virgin and Michael Jackson Sr. never looked the part and the team knew that they needed some upgrades there. The Patriots are seeking a D’Angelo Ross reunion after he played very well in the final preseason game.

Cut: Dee Virgin, Michael Jackson Sr., D’Angelo Ross

PUP/Reserve: Stephon Gilmore

Rostered: J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Jalen Mills, JoeJuan Williams, Shaun Wade, Justin Bethel

Defense Final Analysis

There are three major questions about some of the improvements from last season. The run defense from a year ago was atrocious. This may be the single biggest turnaround that we have seen as there is talent at every role, and talent backing them up. Oh, and there figures to be some serious pass rush from the interior with Christian Barmore.

What about pass rushing from the linebackers and edges? Matt Judon and Josh Uche have been as advertised in camp and may be the next great duo in the NFL. The coverage in the secondary is still the only major question at least until Gilmore returns.

Special Teams

In the big news of the day, the big leg makes the team. After a rocky game against the Eagles, it appeared that Quinn Nordin’s chances were on life support. Nick Folk returned to practice and looked to reclaim his sport. Belichick makes the gutsy call and goes with the young kid and he may be the next great player there. Jake Bailey had his usual good camp punting, holding, and kicking off. Joe Cardona returned from injury and there was never really any question of his status. 

Cut: Nick Folk

Rostered: Quinn Nordin, Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona

This is what the team looks like as of the final cutdown deadline. There will be lots of moves in the future as the organization navigates injuries, ineffectiveness, and opportunities down the road. This team looks to have some serious talent at spots and is much improved from last year.

Bill Belichick deserves all the praise for using every avenue at his disposal to gather talent and coach them up. If the team returns to prominence they need to begin thinking about changing some of the hardware names to the Bill Belichick AFC Trophy…