Patriots 53-man roster projection ahead of cutdown day

The Patriots had a competitive training camp this summer.

Unlike last year, predicting a 53-man roster was challenging. Thanks to an offseason with a strong free-agent and draft class, this year’s Patriots team looked more competitive in OTAs, minicamp, and training camp.

That’s why the Patriots could make some surprise cuts on Tuesday during the NFL’s cut-down day. Every team will trim its roster from 90 to 53 players. Last year, the Patriots were busy on the waiver wire, claiming four players.

This year, the Patriots could be a team to cut or trade some formerly productive veteran players. That’s due to the team changing defensive schemes under Mike Vrabel and to a new offense under Josh McDaniels.

In the end, the Patriots should be more competitive this season. Here’s a look at what their 53-man roster could look like:

Quarterbacks (2)

Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs

The team cut Ben Wooldridge last week. This has been clear-cut all offseason. No changes. The depth chart is set. All eyes are on Maye’s development.

Running backs (3)

Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson

Cut: JaMychal Hasty, Terrell Jennings

Henderson was the star of training camp. The Patriots have three capable running backs. Look for Henderson and Stevenson to carry the bulk of the load.

Wide receivers (7)

DeMario Douglas, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III, Javon Baker

Cut: Kendrick Bourne, John Jiles, Isaiah Webb / IR: Ja’Lynn Polk

The Patriots have the ability to IR two players on cut-down day. They should seriously consider doing that with Bourne. Chism had a great camp and was clearly the sixth-best receiver on the roster. Baker made strides as a gunner.

Tight ends (2)

Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper

Cut: Jack Westover, Gee Scott Jr., C.J. Dupree

Westover played fullback in camp and was the team’s No. 3 tight end. The Patriots should search the waiver wire for added depth.

Offensive line (9)

Will Campbell, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Michael Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Ben Brown, Marcus Bryant, Vederian Lowe, Caedan Wallace

Cut: Cole Strange, Alec Lindstrom, Mekhi Butler, Jack Conley, Demontrey Jacobs,

Bryant has been the Patriots’ top backup tackle. Brown is the top interior backup. The question here is whether Strange and/or Wallace will make the roster. We keep Wallace due to his potential.

Defensive tackles (5)

Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Joshua Farmer, Jeremiah Pharms

Cut: Jahvaree Ritzie, David Olajiga

Prediction: Patriots defensive tackles are going to dominate this year. Barmore and Williams make a great 1-2 punch. Tonga had a really strong camp.

Edge rushers (6)

Keion White, Harold Landry, K’Lavon Chaisson, Elijah Ponder, Anfernee Jennings, Bradyn Swinson

Cut: Truman Jones

The Patriots should seriously consider trading Jennings. He’s too talented to cut. Ponder was the best undrafted defensive player in camp. Look for Landry and Chaisson to start on this team.

Linebackers (5)

Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu, Cam Riley

Cut: Jahlani Tavai

Does Tavai fit here? We think he ends up on the injured reserve. Spillane had a great camp. Elliss will play a bigger role than expected.

Cornerbacks (6)

Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Alex Austin, D.J. James, Marcus Jones, Miles Battle

Cut: Kobee Minor, Brandon Crossley

Gonzalez needs to get healthy. Austin had a really nice training camp. Will the team keep a sixth corner? We have Battle as the last player making this roster.

Safeties (5)

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

Cut: Dell Pettus, Marcus Epps, Josh Minkins

The fall of Dugger was one of the main storylines in training camp. It was strange seeing the veteran play with backups and on the scout team. He’s another trade candidate. Epps and/or Pettus could also make this team.

Special teams (3)

Parker Romo, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby

Cut: Andy Borregales

Borregales was the massive favorite after spring practices. However, Romo has been the more consistent kicker. He hit a 57-yarder in the preseason. He was over 90% in camp. Borregales looked good for a rookie, but if the Patriots want to keep the best guy, the job goes to the veteran.