Patriots Post-Preseason 53-Man Roster Projection

Tight Ends (3)

In: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover

Out: Gee Scott, Jaheim Bell, C.J. Dippre, Cole Fotheringham

Second only to Maye, Henry’s roster spot may be the most secure within New England’s offense. The two-time team captain has seemingly retained his role as his quarterback’s security-blanket pass catcher. Hooper has proven to be effective in the red zone, as well as being an adept open-field receiver. Westover has spent a great deal of time with the first-team offense during offseason practices — a trend which is likley to make him a strong fit wit hin a fullback-friendly McDaniels’ offense. Fotheringham’s prowess as a blocker could make him a dark horse candidate to earn a spot. 

Offensive Line (10)

In: Will Campbell, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Marcus Bryant, Cole Strange, Ben Brown, Vederian Lowe, Caedan Wallace

Out: Sidy Sow, Layden Robinson, Alec Lindstrom, Tyrese Robinson, Mekhi Butler, Jack Conley, Demontrey Jacobs

New England finds an effective balance of savvy veterans with high-ceiling rookies to round out a new-look offensive line. Rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson appear poised to earn the starting left tackle and left guard positions, respectively. Despite being a raw, work-in-progress, Bryant’s above-average slide step quickly helps put him in position as a run blocker as the primary b ackup to right tackle Morgan Moses. The Pats’ need for tackle depth earns Lowe a spot. Strange and Brown provide depth within the line’s interior. Though he is most effective on the right side, Wallace can provide solid depth on the left as a tackle, or even inside — having taken some snaps at left guard during camp and the preseason.

Defensive Line (12)

Tackles: Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Joshua Farmer, Jeremiah Pharms, Jr. 

EDGE: Keion White, Harold Landry, K’Lavon Chaisson, Bradyn Swinson, Anfernee Jennings, Truman Jones, Elijah Ponder

Out: Jahvaree Ritzie, David Olajiga, Jereme Robinson, Kyle Peko, Philip Blidi

New England has left the two-gapping, wall-building defenisve style behind in favor of an upfield agressive approach, which constantly defends the pass. As such, expect them to go heavy on rotational pieces along the front seven. With a healthy Christian Barmore expected to start the season, New England’s front seven has the chance to become fearsome in 2025. In addition to adding Milton Williams to a pass-rush that is likely to include Keion White, New England also solidified its interior by signing nose tackle Khyiris Tonga. Still, the Pats’ new, aggressive style should create problems for opposing offenses. Landry’s speed and athleticism appear to be a strong fit within Vrabel’s defense. Chiasson was in on nearly every team drill which featured the pass rush. Both Ponder and Jones have showed enough potential to New England’s coaching staff to earn them placed within the Patriots new-look defense. Despite rumors surrounding his availability for trade, Jennings is retained here due to his experience and tenacity.

Linebackers (4)

In: Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai

Out: Marte Mapu, Monty Rice, Cam Riley, R.J. Moten

Vrabel and new defensive coordinator Terrel Williams have already begun to install an increasingly aggressive-style of defense — in which agile, athletic linebackers are more prone to thrive. Elliss, Spillane, Gibbens and all fit the mold quite well. Though several team analysts have questioned the security of Tavai’s role with the team moving forward, his experience gives him the upper hand on earning the fourth spot here. Despite flashing some prowess at points throughout camp, including an impressive performance on Thursday, Mapu ultimately remains on the outside of New England’s roster window here.

Cornerbacks (5)

In: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, DJ James

Out: Isaiah Bolden, Tre Avery, Kobee Minor, Miles Battle, Jordan Polk, Brandon Crossley

Gonzalez once again heads one of the deepest and most interesting position groups on the roster. Adding Davis to the left side potentially provides the Pats with one of the best coverage defensive backfield tandems in the NFL. James is being recognized for his sound field awareness and determination to remain in lock step with his opponent. In the pro cess, he is looking very much the part of a starting perimeter corner. “Mr. Irrelevant” draft selection Kobee Minor and third-year corner Isaiah Bolden are capable of making their case for a spot on the opening day “53,” yet both remain on the outside of the roster window in favor of carrying an extra rotational defensive tackle.

Safeties (5)

In: Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Kyle Dugger, Brenden Schooler

Out: Dell Pettus, Marcus Epps

Leaving Dugger off of New England’s 53-man roster se emed unfathomable at the start of training camp. However, the former Pats captain has found difficulty assimilating into the team’s three safety packages in New England’s aggressive style of defense. Despite some bright spots in the latter stages of the preseason, Dugger found himself behind Peppers, Hawkins and Woodson on the depth chart. A strong showing on Thursday night, along with some postgame validation from Vrabel, earns him the nod. Free agent addition Marcus Epps and second-year hitter Dell Pettus received consideration, with the numbers game forcing both to scout team consideration.

Special Teams (3)

In: Andres Borregales, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby

Out: Parker Romo

For the majority of training camp and preseason, Parker Romo had either matched or out kicked the rookie Borregales. Overall, the ball has looked a bit more consistent coming off the veteran’s foot. When combined with Borregales’ 47-yard miss in the Pats’ preseason finale against the Giants, the choice seems easy. However, Borregales’ draft status, along with his long-term potential give him the nod — especially with the Miami product being unlikely to pass through waivers. Julian Ashby been anointed as the team’s starting long snapper in 2025. Ashby’s willing to engage in coverage will make him an intriguing player to watch this season. Baringer remains the team’s one and only punter — a role which he has played well for the past two seasons.