The Patriots have finalized their initial 53-man roster. A recap of the roster and transactions:
QB (1): Mac Jones
RB (5): Damien Harris, James White, J.J. Taylor, Rhamondre Stevenson, Brandon Bolden
TE/FB (4): Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Devin Asiasi, Jakob Johnson
WR (6): Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers, N’Keal Harry, Gunner Olszewski, Matthew Slater
OL (9): Isaiah Wynn, Michael Onwenu, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Trent Brown, Ted Karras, Justin Herron, Yasir Durant, Yodny Cajuste
DL (6): Lawrence Guy, Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Henry Anderson, Carl Davis, Deatrich Wise
LB (9): Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Matt Judon, Josh Uche, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Chase Winovich, Ronnie Perkins, Harvey Langi, Brandon King
CB (6): J.C. Jackson, Jalen Mills, Shaun Wade, Jonathan Jones, Joejuan Williams, Justin Bethel
S (4): Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger, Cody Davis
ST (3): Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona, Quinn Nordin
Patriots Players Released:
DT Montravius Adams
DB Myles Bryant
S Adrian Colbert
QB Brian Hoyer
TE Matt LaCosse
DL Bill Murray
QB Cam Newton
WR Tre Nixon
OL Alex Redmond
CB D’Angelo Ross
OL William Sherman
DL Akeem Spence
DB Dee Virgin
WR Kristian Wilkerson
WR Isaiah Zuber
Injured reserve:
LB Anfernee Jennings
Physically Unable to Perform list (out until Week 7):
CB Stephon Gilmore
QB Jarrett Stidham
DT Byron Cowart
LB Terez Hall
Non-football injury list:
LB Cameron McGrone
S Joshuah Bledsoe
Reaction:
Mac Jones is now all alone in the QB room. No veterans to help him along with the cuts of Brian Hoyer and Cam Newton. He is now completely thrown into the QB1 role for the Patriots. It is very possible that the Patriots decide to bring back Brian Hoyer. The team can do this by placing someone such as N’Keal Harry-for example-on IR and sign Hoyer back. But as of now, Mac Jones is the only active QB on the Patriots roster.
Cornerback may be the thinnest position on this roster. It may also be the most concerning hole. J.C. Jackson and Jonathan Jones are great, but without Stephon Gilmore for at least six games, outside corner is a major question mark. At the moment, Jalen Mills is the projected starter, which is a tall task for Mills. Although the team traded for DB Shaun Wade, he is best played in the slot.
The Patriots extend their streak to 17-straight seasons with an undeated player making the 53-man roster. All thanks to Kicker, Quinn Nordin. He was off to a hot start only to fall off a cliff, but Nick Folk was the one cut instead.
Linebacker looks to be the Patriots deepest position. The defense will feature three completely new starting linebackers with exciting depth pieces in Josh Uche, Chase Winovich, and Ronnie Perkins. One may wonder if a trade is on the table with this much depth.
(Photo/Rich Schultz)