It was an ugly end to the preseason for the New England Patriots.
They went on the road and got hammered by a New York Giants team that showed up to play. It was a disappointing all-around performance by the Patriots, despite the team resting most of its starters. If anything, it highlighted the severe depth issues on the roster that have yet to be addressed.
There was no fixing the mess the Patriots got themselves into after years of bad roster management in one year for Mike Vrabel and company. The team did wonders getting some pieces in place in free agency and the 2025 NFL draft, but the rebuild process in New England is going to take time.
There will be multiple cuts, roster signings and likely trade attempts ahead of the team’s regular season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Here is my 53-man roster projection as it stands after the final preseason game:
Quarterbacks (2): Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs
Ben Wooldridge likely didn’t do enough to convince the Patriots that they need to carry three quarterbacks on their final roster. However, he did do enough to likely ensure that he would clear waivers and be available as a practice squad stash for the team.
It’s clear that Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs are the top two quarterback options.
Running Backs (3): Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson
The injury bug bit the running back room in New England, but they managed to keep their top three options intact for the start of the season. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson already looks like one of the most dynamic offensive playmakers on the entire roster. The unit is still spearheaded by Rhamondre Stevenson (for now) with a solid No. 3 option in Antonio Gibson.
Tight Ends (2): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper
One of the more concerning positions on the entire roster that has received barely any discussion has been at tight end. Make no mistake, Hunter Henry is a solid No. 1 option at the position, and Austin Hooper has years of experience and enough juice left in the tank to serve as a decent backup.
The depth is the biggest trouble spot for the Patriots with no real options outside of the aging veterans. Jack Westover could be an option due to his fullback versatility, but the Patriots might be better off cutting him and stashing him on the practice squad.
Wide Receivers (7): Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III, Javon Baker
Stefon Diggs, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams and Mack Hollins are roster locks for the 2025 season. So that likely leaves one or two open spots on the final roster. It would be a surprise at this point if undrafted rookie Efton Chism III doesn’t make the team. He led the Patriots in receiving in both preseason games that he played in this year.
Javon Baker has disappointed as a receiver, but he has shown enough promise on special teams to potentially stick around.
Offensive line (10): Will Campbell, Morgan Moses, Mike Onwenu, Caedan Wallace, Demontrey Jacobs, Marcus Bryant, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Ben Brown, Cole Strange
The Patriots still have a lot of question marks along the offensive front. So I wouldn’t necessarily count everyone who makes the roster as safe. However, the team has serious depth issues across the board, and it could lead to some players sticking around longer than expected. You might want to hold onto your Cole Strange jersey a little longer, just in case.
Defensive Tackles (4): Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, Joshua Farmer, Khyiris Tonga
Things have improved significantly along the defensive front for the Patriots. Christian Barmore is finally healthy, and Milton Williams is a game-wrecker. Khyiris Tonga is also a massive space-eater who should make major contributions in stopping the run and generating pressure up the middle.
Edge Rushers (7): Harold Landry III, Keion White, K’Lavon Chaisson, Bradyn Swinson, Truman Jones, Elijah Ponder, Anfernee Jennings
There will be a healthy supply of pass rushers on the roster for New England this season. Truman Jones and Elijah Ponder have been the training camp surprises this year, along with former first-round draft pick K’Lavon Chaisson. There is still concern that the Patriots need a true No. 1 pass rusher, but they have serious potential with their young, unproven talent.
Linebackers (4): Robert Spillane, Jahlani Tavai, Jack Gibbens, Christian Elliss
Robert Spillane has terrorized Drake Maye in recent training camp practices. I’m sure the offense will get a kick out of seeing him terrorize other teams for a change. He stands alone at the top of the depth chart at linebacker with Christian Elliss looking like the likely No. 2 option.
Cornerbacks (5): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, D.J. James
Christian Gonzalez missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury. There’s hope that the All-Pro cornerback will be healthy and ready to go by the start of the season. The combination of Gonzalez and Carlton Davis on the backend of the defense should create a formidable pairing for New England.
Safeties (6): Jabrill Peppers, Craig Woodson, Marcus Epps, Jaylinn Hawkins, Brenden Schooler, Kyle Dugger
Kyle Dugger had a strong preseason game on Thursday playing with the reserve unit. He notched a couple of pass deflections and an interception under his belt. It has been a humbling experience for the former longtime Patriots starter, but his incredible attitude towards the challenge set by Vrabel could ultimately earn him a spot on the final roster, assuming a trade doesn’t happen.
Special Teams (3): K John Parker Romo, P Bryce Baringer, LS Julian Ashby
Andres Borregales seemingly had the world in his hands as a sixth-round draft pick, but John Parker Romo has looked like the more consistent kicker throughout training camp. It’s a tough competition that comes down to moments, makes and misses. Romo has had the bigger makes in the bigger moments.
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