The New England Patriots’ 53-player roster has been finalized, sealing the fate of several players. While New England will still house some of its recently cut players on its practice squad and keep some on injury reserve, here’s the list of players who were named to the official roster.
53-player roster of the New England Patriots
quarterbacks
Mac Jones, Brian Hoyer, Bailey Zappe
There were no surprises in the quarterback room on cut day. Mac Jones remains the starter, Brian Hoyer remains the veteran backup, and Bailey Zappe remains the very “green,” undeveloped standby backup. With no cuts throughout the quarterbacks, the Patriots feel confident in the position and the working dynamic between the starter, backups and coaches in case any of them sustain an injury. But let’s hope Mac Jones stays healthy throughout the season.
runners
Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, Pierre Strong Jr., Ty Montgomery
The only two rosters locked in the running room were Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. Both put up impressive numbers last year and look to pick up where they left off in 2021. But with the retirement of James White and the injury of Ty Montgomery, the running back corps suddenly became more interesting. Pierre Strong Jr. likely made the list in part because of his draft position, but JJ Taylor and Kevin Harris were left out.
However, if the Patriots decide to go back to their gap-running scheme, don’t be surprised if a free-agent fullback finds his way onto the roster in New England to congratulate these running backs.
wide receivers
Devante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor, Tyquan Thornton
The Patriots’ receiving room is deep and talent is everywhere. For this reason, it was difficult for Kristian Wilkerson, Tre Nixon and Lil’Jordan Humphrey to find their way onto the Patriots 53-Man roster. While Nixon and Humphrey will likely meet on the practice squad, they couldn’t do enough on offense or on special teams to earn an official roster spot.
But with Tyquan Thornton going on injury reserve, a spot opened up for Nixon, Humphrey or Kristian Wilkerson for the first half of the season. It remains to be seen who will take his place.
tight ends
Hunter Henry, John Smith
Returning from the last season are Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. Although Henry developed a connection to Mac Jones in the red zone last season, Smith looks to bounce back in 2022. As for those who didn’t, Devin Asiasi’s time with the Patriots is over, and it’s another reminder of some of the Patriots writing problems. Asiasi and his teammate of his 2020 draftee, Dalton Keane, were cut, perhaps putting the Patriots in the market to draft a tight end in 2023.
offensive linemen
David Andrews, Trent Brown, Isaiah Wynn, Michael Onwenu, Cole Strange, Yodny Cdonde, Justin Herron, Chasen Hines
Pass protection was a focus for the Patriots this offseason. The Patriots reshuffled their line in an effort to keep Mac Jones on his feet this season and kept several backup linemen. With rumors that the Patriots were trying to trade Wynn, the Patriots expressed a vote of confidence in Yodny CFIT, Michael Onwenu and Justin Herron to play right tackle. If a trade occurs, the Patriots would be pretty deep at both the outside and interior lineman positions.
As for other roster hopefuls like Arlington Hambright, Kody Russey and James Ferentz, they will try to find their way onto the Patriots’ practice squad. Knowing how valuable offensive line depth is in the league today, the Patriots will probably happily welcome any of them back to Foxboro.
defensive linemen
Christian Barmore, Lawrence Guy, Davon Godchaux, Deatrich Wise Jr., Sam Roberts, Carl Davis
There weren’t many surprises here. Christian Barmore and Davon Godchaux have had great camps and Lawrence Guy remains a constant veteran on the team. Sam Roberts, whose journey to the NFL is impressive, was also part of the Patriots’ 53-man roster. The Division II player from Northwest Missouri State University secured his spot on the defensive line after an impressive preseason. He joins Deatrich Wise Jr., who is looking to provide a passer-by run against Matthew Judon this season.
linebackers
Matthew Judon, Mack Wilson Sr., Josh Uche, Raekwon McMillan, Ja’whaun Bentley, Anfrenee Jennings, Jahlani Tavai
The Patriots emptied their linebacker box in the offseason, letting Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy into free agency. As a result, the Patriots almost started from scratch, elevating young backups and trading them for Mack Wilson Sr. The only name left off the list that might turn heads is cameron mcgrone. The second-year Michigan product was hailed by many as the future of the Patriots’ linebacking corps. But his inability to wow during preseason games or joint practices makes him only a candidate for the practice squad.
That said, this new room of linebackers is younger, faster and more physical than linebackers in 2021, which leaves the door open for optimism and improvement.
cornerbacks
Jalen Mills, Jack Jones, Marcus Jones, Jonathon Jones, Shaun Wade
After injuries to Joejuan Williams aand Malcolm Butler, and the latter, Butler, being released, the Patriots cornerback’s room became increasingly clear. With Jalen Mills cementing himself as the CB1 during the preseason and Jonathon Jones showing potential at borderline cornerback, a spot for Terrance Mithcell on the team seemed unlikely.
With Marcus Jones and Jack Jones playing at a high level during preseason games and so much depth at safety, the need for a lot of corners disappeared. Although the cornerback room is full of rookies and younger players, his speed and explosiveness give the Patriots what they need to defend the water bug-like receivers they will face in the AFC East.
securities
Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers, Myles Bryant
Like the quarterbacks, there weren’t many surprises in the security room. With New England bringing back Devin McCourty, extending Adrian Phillips and signing Jabrill Peppers, the Patriots displayed their need for veteran talent in the secondary. And with young players like Kyle Dugger and Myles Bryant just beginning to break through, the presence of veterans in the security room shows an effort by the Patriots to develop young talent under the tutelage of Pro Bowl-caliber players.
Special teams
Jake Bailey, Nick Folk, Matthew Slater, Brendan Schooler, Joe Cardona, Joshua Bledsoe, Cody Davis, Damarcus Mitchell
The special teams unit this season appears to be in a period of transition. With veterans like Matthew Slater, Joe Cardona, Jake Bailey and Nick Folk on the team, it’s clear the Patriots want some continuity. But by keeping Joshua Bledsoe over Justin Bethel and signing UDRFA Brendan Schooler, it’s clear New England wants youngsters on their team, too.
With special teams continuing to be a point of emphasis at Foxboro, it’s no surprise the Patriots want to invest in their future.
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