Patriots Post-Preseason Week 1 Roster Projection

Josh Dobbs steps in as the veteran backup, bringing mobility, experience, and the ability to run the offense if called upon efficiently. His presence offers stability behind Maye and provides another voice in the quarterback room as the young starter continues to grow. 

Running Backs (3): Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, TreVeyon Henderson

Cut: Terrell Jennings, Shane Watts

Rhamondre Stevenson remains the starter despite fumble issues that plagued the fourth-year running back in 2024. His vision and contact balance still make him a dependable option on early downs, but he will lose his starting role very quickly if the turnovers continue. Antonio Gibson provides versatility in the backfield and on special teams, showing off his return ability with a 62-yard kick return in Friday’s preseason game.  

Rookie TreVeyon Henderson continues to be the most hyped rookie from the Patriots’ 2025 draft class, and for good reason.

The rookie took a kick return 100 yards to the house and also showed off his receiving ability with 3 receptions. Henderson is poised for a massive role in this Patriots offense.

Wide Receivers (7): Stefon Diggs, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III, Javon Baker

Cut: John Jiles, Jeremiah Webb

PUP/IR: Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk

The Patriots overhauled their wide receiver room in 2025 – signing veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, while also adding rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III in the draft.

Diggs and Hollins provide much-needed stability to the group. Third-round pick Williams adds an explosive element that this offense has been missing for years.

Efton Chism III and Javon Baker make the cut as the 6th and 7th receivers after strong preseason performances.

2024 second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk suffered an injury in Friday’s preseason game and will be out indefinitely.

Polk needed a strong camp after a disappointing rookie season. The second-year player out of Washington will be able to perform. 

Tight End/Full Back (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover

Cut: Jaheim Bell, CJ Dippre, Cole Fotheringham, Gee Scott Jr. 

Hunter Henry returns as the Patriots’ starter and Maye’s safety blanket over the middle of the field. Maye’s chemistry with Henry and Hooper has stood out through training camp. Jack Westover makes the roster as the primary fullback, taking over after fellow rookie Brock Lampe was placed on the season injury IR. Westover made a few nice blocks vs. the Commanders, with his best one coming on an 18-yard Henderson run. 

Offensive Line (9): Will Campbell, Morgan Moses, Marcus Bryant, Vederian Lowe, Mike Onwenu, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Ben Brown, Caeden Wallace

Cut: Jack Conley, Demontrey Jacobs, Mehki Butler, Layden Robinson, Sidy Sow, Cole Strange, Tyrese Robinson, Alex Lindstrom

After having arguably the worst group in the NFL last season, the Patriots invested heavily in their offensive line to protect Maye. Subsequently, the Patriots brought in 4 new starters, signing Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury in free agency and drafting rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson.

Rookie left tackle Campbell and left guard Wilson have both stood out in camp, although there have been rookie pains, as the two were responsible for a Maye strip sack in their first preseason game. 

Mike Onwenu returns as the anchor on the right side, also veterans Moses and Bradbury provide stability on both sides of him. Ben Brown, Vederian Lowe, Caeden Wallace, and 7th-round rookie Marcus Bryant give the Patriots good depth across the line, something they lacked in 2024.

Defensive Line (5): Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, Khyiris Tonga, Jeremiah Pharms Jr, Joshua Farmer

Cut:  Isaiah Iton, David Olajiga, Jahvaree Ritzie, Bryce Ganious

The defensive line looks much deeper than it did a season ago. The return of Christian Barmore – who missed the 2024 season with blood clots – instantly upgrades the interior presence of the Patriots’ defense. Free agent signings Milton Williams from the Eagles and Khyiris Tonga from the Cardinals add proven talent and scheme versatility. This group, combined with the Patriots’ edge rushers, has the potential to win some games for New England in 2025.

Edge (6): Keion White, Harold Landry, K’Lavon Chaisson, Bradyn Swinson, Truman Jones, Elijah Ponder

Cut: Anfernee Jennings, Jereme Robinson

The group that benefits the most from the hiring of Mike Vrabel is the Patriots’ edge room. It needs to take a step for this defense to improve.

Keion White has shown flashes of dominance through his first two NFL seasons and looks to take a massive step forward in his third year. The signing of Harold Landry from Tennessee adds a proven threat on the edge with experience under Mike Vrabel. 

Free agent signing and former first-round pick K’Lavon Chaisson is having a very strong camp and seems poised for a big role in this defense, consistently flashing his speed and bend around the edge. Braydn Swinson, Truman Jones, and Elijah Ponder provide young upside, giving the Patriots developmental pass rush depth that can contribute immediately on special teams.

Linebackers (4): Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu

Cut: Monty Rice, Cam Riley, RJ Moten

IR/PUP: Jahlani Tavai

Free agent signings Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens step in as the tone setters in the middle, bringing experience in Mike Vrabel‘s defense with them. Christian Elliss is poised for a bigger role in 2025 after showing flashes last season and has shown good range and instincts throughout training camp. 

Marte Mapu continues to develop as a linebacker after spending his first 2 seasons at safety. Mapu’s coverage ability and sideline-to-sideline range have flashed enough in camp to justify giving the 2023 third-round pick a roster spot. Veteran Jahlani Tavai has yet to practice through 3 weeks of training camp, putting his future with the Patriots in question.

Cornerbacks (6): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, DJ James, Miles Battle

Cut: Kobee Minor, Brandon Crossley, Isaiah Bolden, Jordan Polk, Tre Avery

The Patriots’ cornerback group, due to Christian Gonzalez and free-agent signing Carlton Davis, undoubtedly have the potential to be the best in the league. Gonzalez, coming off an All-Pro season, returns on the outside as a number 1 shutdown corner. Davis brings press coverage skills that Mike Vrabel’s defense values. 

Marcus Jones continues to anchor the slot and offers special teams versatility as an elite returner. Alex Austin has been one of the standouts at camp. He’s filling in for Gonzalez and Davis as they get healthy for the regular season.

Rookie DJ James has flashed impressive ball skills and in man coverage. Miles Battle’s length and special teams value give solid depth to the group.

The question for this room will be health, as the Patriots’ top 3 corners have a lengthy injury history. If they can play a full, healthy season, watch out. 

Safeties (5): Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Brendon Schooler, Kyle Dugger

Cut: Dell Pettus, Marcus Epps

Jabrill Peppers returns as a tone setter after a legal situation sidelined him for the majority of the 2024 season. His physicality and leadership make him a critical piece of this secondary. Jaylinn Hawkins is poised for a starting role this season after playing behind Kyle Dugger in 2024.

Rookie Craig Woodson leapfrogged Dugger on the depth chart. He consistently reps as the third safety behind Peppers and Hawkins.

Dugger’s future with New England is up in the air following his struggles in the 2024 season and throughout camp. Furthermore, Dugger has reportedly been repping with the second team and hasn’t shown the explosiveness, physicality, or ball skills that earned him a 4-year, $58-million contract just one offseason ago.

Special Teams (3): Julian Ashby, Andy Borregales, Bryce Baringer

Cuts: John Parker Romo (K)

Rookie kicker Andy Borregales has been neck and neck with John Parker Romo. His draft status will obviously give him the edge.

The rookie has improved throughout the Patriots’ offseason program, displaying impressive power and improving accuracy on his kicks. Punter Bryce Baringer returns as New England’s starter, while rookie Julian Ashby looks the part at long snapper.