Patriots 53-man roster projection after first week of training camp

The New England Patriots have yet to take their first preseason snap, but they have put together a week of training camp practices to evaluate.

There is still plenty of work to be done as the coaches evaluate individual players and ultimately trim the roster down to the 53-man allowance. The preseason games, along with joint practices and more competitive periods, will ultimately decide who stays and who goes.

Wide receiver still remains the most debated position on the roster. The Patriots currently have 11 players at the position, and they could be looking to keep only five wideouts. Personally, I have them keeping five receivers, but I could easily envision a scenario with them keeping six around.

Here is my 53-man roster projection as it stands after the first week of training camp practice:

Quarterbacks (2): Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs

Drake Maye is the face of the franchise, which means the real competition here is the backup battle between Joshua Dobbs and Ben Wooldridge. The rookie has looked solid at times in training camp, but he hasn't done enough to overtake Dobbs in the pecking order. I have the Patriots carrying two quarterbacks on their final roster.

Running Backs (4): Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson, Lan Larison

Not much has changed at running back. Rhamondre Stevenson is the top option, while rookie TreVeyon Henderson should see plenty of reps in both the run and passing game. Antonio Gibson could see a dip in snap count, but he'll still be involved on offense. Meanwhile, newcomer Lan Larison rounds out the depth at this position.

Tight Ends (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Gee Scott Jr.

Austin Hooper finally came off the PUP list this week, but in his absence, there have been no true standouts as the No. 3 option. Hunter Henry is the top tight end option with Hooper serving as a solid No. 2. I had the third spot initially reserved for fullback Brock Lampe, who recently went on injured reserve. So far, undrafted rookie Gee Scott Jr. has looked like the best No. 3 option for New England.

Wide Receivers (5): Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams, Demario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte

The Patriots will have to make some tough decisions at receiver, which could include cutting a fan favorite, like Kendrick Bourne or undrafted rookie Efton Chism III. Stefon Diggs, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kyle Williams feel like locks to me for this roster.

The real competition involves Bourne, Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker and Chism. Who out of those four players will make the final cut? There's a chance that none of them make the cut.

Offensive line (9): Will Campbell, Morgan Moses, Mike Onwenu, Caedan Wallace, Demontrey Jacobs, Cole Strange, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Ben Brown

The offensive line has been a work in progress throughout training camp with a couple of notable changes. Rookie interior offensive lineman Jared Wilson appears to have the inside track as the starting left guard, and Ben Brown was taking the top center reps for injured veteran Garrett Bradbury. Neither of those two scenarios bodes well for former first-round draft pick Cole Strange, but his depth versatility might be enough to keep him around.

Defensive Tackles (5): Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, Joshua Farmer, Khyiris Tonga, Jeremiah Pharms Jr.

Christian Barmore and Milton Williams have the potential to be a dominant pairing along the defensive front. Khyiris Tonga is a massive run-stuffer, and Joshua Farmer is a rookie with a high ceiling. I also snuck Jeremiah Pharms Jr. on here for some extra depth at the position.

Edge Rushers (6): Harold Landry III, Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, K'Lavon Chaisson, Bradyn Swinson, Truman Jones

Keion White has the potential to be a breakout star in New England if he plays as well as he practices. However, K'Lavon Chaisson has been the real surprise standout at training camp. The former first-round draft pick has racked up multiple sacks and looks to be on the verge of a complete career resurgence this season.

Linebackers (4): Robert Spillane, Jahlani Tavai, Jack Gibbens, Christian Elliss

Robert Spillane already looks the part of a leader on defense for the Patriots. Things are pretty straightforward on down the depth chart with Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens and Jahlani Tavai all likely making the final roster. So far, Elliss has looked like the No. 2 linebacker on the depth chart behind Spillane. That could create a shake-up with Tavai seeing a decrease in snaps after starting in 16 games for back-to-back seasons.

Cornerbacks (6): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, D.J. James, Marcellas Dial Jr.

Second-year cornerback D.J. James has suddenly emerged as a dark horse candidate to make the final roster. If he continues to play at a high level, I have him sticking around for the 2025 season. The top options at cornerback for the Patriots will likely be Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III and Marcus Jones. It's a formidable group that should give any receiving corps in the league fits.

Safeties (5): Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus, Jaylinn Hawkins

The Patriots have one of the best safety groups in the league. Jabrill Peppers is as talented as they come in the defensive backfield, and there's hope that Kyle Dugger can get back on track with a new coaching staff calling the shots. Meanwhile, rookie Craig Woodson is showing he can be a key contributor right out of the gate.

Special Teams (4): K Andres Borregales, P Bryce Baringer, LS Julian Ashby, ST Brenden Schooler

The kicking battle between John Parker Romo and rookie Andres Borregales has been fun to watch. Both kickers have had a solid run up to this point. However, I still think it'll be hard for Romo to beat out Borregales, who the Patriots spent a sixth-round pick on in the 2025 NFL draft. The rookie would have to go completely off the rails to lose this positional battle.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots 53-man roster projection after first week of training camp