The Patriots have assembled most of their 90-man roster with free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft complete.

So, let’s go through the way-too-early exercise of trimming the roster down to 53 players to see where the Patriots stand in the midst of their offseason workout program.

Here’s our first attempt at a 53-man roster projection.

Related Articles

Callahan: 9 leftover thoughts after the Patriots’ draft

Patriots QB Drake Maye: Starting ‘obviously’ the goal, but focused on teammates

Patriots open roster spot after 2024 NFL Draft concludes

Jerod Mayo talks Patriots QB competition from Drake Maye to Tom Brady, Joe Milton

Source: Patriots, Christian Barmore agree to contract extension

* Denotes rookie

Quarterback (3)

Drake Maye, Jacoby Brissett, Joe Milton*

Out: Bailey Zappe, Nathan Rourke

It might be slightly surprising to see Milton here but the talent on the roster, as currently constructed, isn’t overly deep. So, that should allow the team to carry a third quarterback with upside like Milton on the 53-man roster rather than the practice squad.

Running back (3)

Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Kevin Harris

Out: Ja’Mycal Hasty, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, *DeShaun Fenwick

There’s a clear 1-2 punch here with Stevenson and Gibson. Harris was solid in reserve last season, averaging 4.1 yards per carry with 58 yards receiving. Vaughn, a 2020 third-round pick, is an intriguing option to watch in training camp.

Wide receiver (6)

*Ja’Lynn Polk, Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, *Javon Baker, JuJu Smith-Schuster

Out: Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Reagor, Kayshon Boutte, T.J. Luther, Kawaan Baker

It might be surprising to see Smith-Schuster on this list, but the Patriots have to pay him whether he’s on the roster or not based on the guaranteed money in his contract. They might as well see what they can get out of him in a new offense led by coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Thornton and Reagor struggled to contribute anything offensively last season, and Boutte’s status to start the season could be a factor after he was arrested on charges of illegal gambling this offseason. Smith-Schuster could at least provide depth in the “Z” and slot roles.

Tight end (3)

Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, *Jaheim Bell

Out: Mitchell Wilcox, La’Michael Pettway, *Jacob Warren

Bell, a seventh-round pick, is worth storing on the roster for his athleticism and special-teams prowess. The hope is that he develops enough as a route runner to be used on offense.

Offensive line (10)

LT Chukwuma Okorafor, LG Cole Strange, C David Andrews, RG Sidy Sow, RT Mike Onwenu, *OT Caedan Wallace, *G Layden Robinson, G Atonio Mafi, C Jake Andrews, G Nick Leverett

Out: OT Vederian Lowe, OT Calvin Anderson, OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr., G Michael Jordan, OT Andrew Stueber, *C Charles Turner*, *OT Zuri Henry

This leaves the Patriots a little light at offensive tackle, but Sow did begin his rookie season as a right tackle, so he has some flexibility. Chances are, someone out of Sow, Mafi, Jake Andrews and Leverett gets left off the roster for one of Lowe, Anderson or Wheatley. But it’s too early to tell which player that will be. Our guess would be Mafi or Andrews. Mafi struggled last season, and Andrews could barely find the field.

Defensive line (4)

DT Christian Barmore, DT Davon Godchaux, DT Daniel Ekuale, DT Armon Watts

Out: DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr., DT Sam Roberts, DT Trysten Hill

No major surprises here. Watts essentially replaces Lawrence Guy, who was released, in the defensive line rotation.

Edge defender (5)

Matthew Judon, Deatrich Wise Jr., Anfernee Jennings, Josh Uche, Keion White

Out: William Bradley-King, *John Morgan

The only surprise here is that the Patriots were able to bring back Jennings and Uche as free agents. White could see a second-year leap in a more aggressive defense.

Linebacker (5)

Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Sione Takitaki, Raekwon McMillan, Christian Elliss

Out: Joe Giles-Harris, *Jontrey Hunter

McMillan needs to prove he can stay healthy. He’s a coaches favorite, however. Elliss is one of the few primary special-teams players that the Patriots could keep around.

Cornerback (6)

Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, *Marcellas Dial, Isaiah Bolden

Out: Marco Wilson, Shaun Wade, Azizi Hearn, *Mikey Victor, *Kaleb Ford Dement

Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones are locks. It gets tricky after that. Austin impressed the staff last season and showed promise after coming over from the Texans. Dial could bring some versatility to play safety. Bolden was another player who flashed upside last summer before a concussion ended his season before it started. Wilson and Wade are experienced but have struggled at the NFL level.

Safety (5)

Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Jaylinn Hawkins, Brenden Schooler

Out: Joshuah Bledsoe, *Dell Pettus

Hawkins will help out on special teams but is also experienced at safety. Schooler is special-teams only, but the team needs him at gunner with Matthew Slater retired.

Special teams (3)

K Chad Ryland, P Bryce Baringer, LS Joe Cardona

The Patriots haven’t signed any competition for Ryland, Baringer and Cardona.