1 – NFL roster-building is a year-round process. But, the bulk of the team-building obviously takes place between free agency and the post-Draft rookie signings.
As such, the roster you currently see in New England is the talent that will eventually be on full, hopeful display this fall for Jerod Mayo’s Patriots. So as Mayo’s troops work through the offseason program toward passing, mini and training camps it feels like a safe time to assess and rank the various position groups New England will field come September.
Late signings and trades will play a part between now and the season opener – as will summertime injuries – but here’s a Cinco de Mayo rundown of what the Coach has to work with, from a strong defensive front to a number of areas with little to no depth to speak of.
Defensive front 7: Matthew Judon is the incumbent best, most proven player on the Patriots. Christian Barmore is the newly-rich centerpiece around which the New England front will be built for years to come.
Ja’Whuan Bentley is a more than capable tackle machine. There is veteran depth here and youthful upside. There is schematic versatility. There is no reason the defensive front shouldn’t be the strength of DeMarcus Covington’s side of the ball, and really of the team as a whole.
2 – Safety: As with so many of New England’s position groups, safety isn’t necessarily ideal. But Kyle Dugger is a solid, young force and Jabrill Peppers is a tone-setter. Hybrid LB/S Marte Mapu is a unique option but depth is certainly a concern as is free safety roles in deep coverage.
Still, the combo of Dugger and Peppers is a solid duo to build around.
3 – RB: Like many spots on the roster, the backfield lacks any semblance of depth. One injury here could be debilitating. Rhamondre Stevenson is the top dog, having shown he can carry the load on the ground and be a force in the passing game, assuming he’s healthy. Alex Van Pelt seems focused on letting him prove that again. Antonio Gibson should be a significant option in the passing game, assuming he holds onto the ball. After that? There may need to be a veteran addition here, where Ezekiel Elliott’s departure will be felt after an impressive single season in Foxborough.
4 – OL: If it weren’t for the pesky hole at left tackle, this group might be higher on the list. But penciling either rookie Penn State third-round right tackle Caedan Wallace as a left tackle starter or slotting former benched Steelers right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor as the blindside guy feels like a recipe for overall offensive disaster. The group will be built around aging center David Andrews and re-signed vet Mike Onwenu. There are plenty of options to fight it out for starting guard jobs, even if former first-round pick Cole Strange hasn’t developed into a building block. But, that left tackle spot feels like a potential fatal flaw that will be on full display for 17 weeks.
5 – WR/TE: To be sure there are plenty of questions in the pass-catching group. Hunter Henry is the most known commodity, while veteran tight end newcomer Austin Hooper could be an upgrade in the No. 2 spot.
Wide receiver has youthful potential in DeMario Douglas and rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker bringing exciting, intriguing upside. Kendrick Bourne should bring his usual energy whenever healthy off his ACL surgery. Tyquan Thornton and JuJu Smith-Schuster might be fighting for their roster lives, which is a good thing. If this group hits its collective upside, it could be a sneaky positive for the team. But that’s a big IF at this point.
6 – CB: How could this spot be so low with young star Christian Gonzalez in the mix? Well, last year’s No. 1 pick did only play three-plus games as a rookie before having his season ended by injury. He still has plenty to prove in terms of his ability to be Da Man at the key spot. And behind Gonzo there really isn’t much depth, especially on the outside. Jonathan Jones is better in the slot but will probably be forced into the other starting job. Marcus Jones is a slot guy, but still has plenty to work on in that role. After that…well there are a lot of bodies fighting for depth options. Myles Bryant will probably be missed, whether some want to admit it or not. This spot once again feels like a house of cards build on the Gonzalez foundation.
7 – QB: Let me start by saying I’m all in on the Drake Maye era in New England. That said, it would seem likely that he’s watching from the sidelines for at least a month or so before taking over. Jacoby Brissett is a fine, willing bridge QB. But the journeyman is not going to be expected to win many games, especially given all the questions around him on the roster. Joe Milton should be fun to watch in practice. The Bailey Zappe fun run has just about hit the finish line. Maye means the future is hopefully bright at QB in Foxborough, but the present may mean some cloudy days of learning at the most important position in sports.
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