Current Depth Chart

[ashley]

Credit to Kyed for the below...Obvious biggest needs are Center and QB. I am liking the way the roster is shaping up before the draft, where I'd expect us to focus on QB, WR and depth( possibly Center depending on Andrews) DB (depending on Gillmore, Jackson and McCourty)



The Patriots should still have some millions left in cap space, and they have the draft to fill in the rest of their needs. But here’s a look at how New England’s depth chart stacks up after the first day of the free agency negotiating period:

QUARTERBACK
Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, Jake Dolegala

Free agent: Brian Hoyer

The Patriots should still look to add a piece here via trade, free agency or the draft. Newton needs some competition beyond Stidham and Dolegala.

RUNNING BACK
Damien Harris, Sony Michel, J.J. Taylor

Free agents: James White, Rex Burkhead

With White and Burkhead still free agents, New England still should look to sign an experienced pass-catcher. Denver Broncos restricted free agent Phillip Lindsey is an interesting option.

FULLBACK
Jakob Johnson (ERFA), Danny Vitale

Johnson is destined back as an exclusive-rights free agent. Tight end Dalton Keene also could contribute at fullback.

WIDE RECEIVER
Julian Edelman, Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, N’Keal Harry, Gunner Olszewski, Marqise Lee, Devin Smith, Kristian Wilkerson, Isaiah Zuber

Free agents: Damiere Byrd, Donte Moncrief

The Patriots could be all set here. Look for them to potentially sign another low-level free agent and see what’s available in the draft. We’ve slotted Edelman at the top, but he’s no guarantee to be available. He is working out and rehabbing as if he plans to play, according to a source.

Given what the Patriots reportedly paid Agholor (two years, $22 million with $4 million in incentives) and Bourne (four years, $22.5 million), the two new additions should be starters in 2021.

TIGHT END
Jonnu Smith, Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene, Ryan Izzo, Matt LaCosse

Smith really fills out this group nicely. He was the Patriots’ most exciting signing Monday.

OFFENSIVE LINE
LT Isaiah Wynn, LG Michael Onwenu, C Marcus Martin, RG Shaq Mason, RT Trent Brown, Justin Herron, Korey Cunningham, Yodny Cajuste, Najee Toran, Ross Reynolds

Free agents: C David Andrews, OL Jermaine Eluemunor, C James Ferentz

The Patriots’ top remaining free agent is Andrews, and New England’s biggest current need is at center (raise your hand if you know who Marcus Martin is). The obvious move: bring back Andrews.

The Patriots traded for Brown and traded Marcus Cannon in separate deals for an upgrade swap.

DEFENSIVE LINE
Davon Godchaux, Henry Anderson, Deatrich Wise, Beau Allen, Byron Cowart, Carl Davis, Akeem Spence, Tashawn Bower, Michael Barnett, Nick Thurman, Bill Murray

Free agents: Lawrence Guy, Adam Butler

It would be nice to re-sign Guy and Butler, but it’s not necessarily a necessity after bringing aboard Godchaux and Anderson.

LINEBACKER
Dont’a Hightower, Matt Judon, Chase Winovich, Josh Uche, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Anfernee Jennings, Terez Hall, Rashod Berry, Cassh Maluia, Brandon King, Michael Pinckney

Free agents: John Simon, Shilique Calhoun, Brandon Copeland

That’s not a bad group after signing Judon. If Winovich, Uche and Jennings can take a step forward this season, this position is actually in pretty good shape. The Patriots could use a young linebacker behind Hightower, however.

CORNERBACK
Stephon Gilmore, JC Jackson (RFA), Jonathan Jones, Jalen Mills, Joejuan Williams, Myles Bryant, Justin Bethel, Mike Jackson, Dee Virgin, D’Angelo Ross

Free agent: Jason McCourty

Things get complicated here at cornerback since Gilmore is still due a raise (or a trade). Adding Mills helps any uncertainty surrounding New England’s top cornerback. Jackson is a restricted free agent and either will be tagged with a first- or second-round tender. The deadline is Wednesday.

SAFETY
Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger

Free agents: Cody Davis

Jones, Mills, Williams and Bryant can also play safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS
P Jake Bailey, LS Joe Cardona, K Justin Rohrwasser, K Roberto Aguayo

Free agent: K Nick Folk

It might take a while, but the Patriots should re-sign Folk after an impressive 2020 campaign for the kicker.

 

[1960Pats]

 

[jah]

I don't understand the way the media categorizes front 7 players. Why are edge players and off ball linebackers treated as one position? In this case, the inclusion of our improved edge group makes our LB group look better than it really is. We desperately need a LB who can cover, and maybe another all around LB as Hightower insurance because Bentley ain't it.

The biggest needs to me are third down back, center, and the outside CB opposite Gilmore. There are obvious re-signings we can make to fill those spots, but will it happen?

Another thing I've been holding my breath on is for us to actually tender our RFA, especially Jackson. If we somehow let him leave this year, it will be an embarrassment, and our CB room would no longer be elite having lost 2 starters without replacement (unless Mills can be a starting outside CB, which Eagles fans seem to think was a bad idea).

 

[ashley]

I don't understand the way the media categorizes front 7 players. Why are edge players and off ball linebackers treated as one position? In this case, the inclusion of our improved edge group makes our LB group look better than it really is. We desperately need a LB who can cover, and maybe another all around LB as Hightower insurance because Bentley ain't it.

The biggest needs to me are third down back, center, and the outside CB opposite Gilmore. There are obvious re-signings we can make to fill those spots, but will it happen?

Another thing I've been holding my breath on is for us to actually tender our RFA, especially Jackson. If we somehow let him leave this year, it will be an embarrassment, and our CB room would no longer be elite having lost 2 starters without replacement (unless Mills can be a starting outside CB, which Eagles fans seem to think was a bad idea).

Yeah, our secondary has been our strength the past few years, I wouldn't want to think of think of this unit without both Gilmore and JC.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

agree with Kyed the biggest need is at C. However, we could use another WR too. Nelson Agholar isn't going to scare anyone.

 

[Sicilian]

Great summary, thanks for putting it together!

I would include Brandon Bolden at RB too. He's primarily a special teamer, but he's shown that when he needs to fill in for a game or two (as either a traditional back or a 3rd down specialist) he can hold his own there. He's depth there at least.

 

[ashley]

Have to add Henry now to TE and this position becomes one of our strengths along with RB and OL

 

[jdlboot14]

I really don't want to go into this season with the same QB situation - Cam & Stidham. If they don't find a way to snag Jimmy G, then we can assume they're drafting a top QB - Jones. But, that means Cam plays all year. What good are all these weapons when he can't throw the ball?
Apart from QB, Andrews is a must sign. Then, either White or Rex. White has dropped off a lot (could be the style last year), and Rex was his career best, but always ends the season on IR.

 

[ashley]

I really don't want to go into this season with the same QB situation - Cam & Stidham. If they don't find a way to snag Jimmy G, then we can assume they're drafting a top QB - Jones. But, that means Cam plays all year. What good are all these weapons when he can't throw the ball?
Apart from QB, Andrews is a must sign. Then, either White or Rex. White has dropped off a lot (could be the style last year), and Rex was his career best, but always ends the season on IR.

Is Jimmy G your number one choice? Having him with these weapons now would be pretty nice!!

 

[borg]

Is Jimmy G your number one choice? Having him with these weapons now would be pretty nice!!

Jimmy G has proven rapport with TEs.
I suspect Jimmy G would thrive in NE's 5 TE set

 

[Le Numéro Douze]

Jimmy G has proven rapport with TEs.
I suspect Jimmy G would thrive in NE's 5 TE set

For the 3 and a half games he would play before hitting IR, it would indeed be glorious.

 

[borg]

For the 3 and a half games he would play before hitting IR, it would indeed be glorious.

With load management, duck tape, and Gorilla Glue, I have JG slotted in for 8 glorious games

 

[patriot1136]

I really hope we bring back James White. Imagine all of the opportunities for him with Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, plus with all the play actions we can do

 

[Ras-IR Dowling]

Looks like this depth chart will need to be updated by the hour.

 

[jdlboot14]

Is Jimmy G your number one choice? Having him with these weapons now would be pretty nice!!

I think he fits our offense, and would be safer behind this OL. If Cam has to be the guy, he should do better than last year, but I still don't think he is built for this dynamic passing scheme. I can't imagine BB is spending all this money on skill positions with the arm/confusion we saw from Cam. There must be ONE more big surprise

 

[borisman]

I said it before and I'll say it again: This is BB's (and Krafty Bob's) last run at a couple of Super Bowls, as well as Shula's all-time win record.
It's ok with me if they mortgage the future a bit by trading future picks (get the QB of the future and other key pieces in this draft that's solid through almost a full 4 rounds) and going into a bit of a cap hell after this next run is done. If they get a great QB then cap hell will only be temporary.
They can get a plug and play center in draft (Creed Humphrey is just wow!) if Andrews isn't resigned. The other two issues are Gilmore and Guy. Hope both stay but we can re-coup that 3rd rounder if Gilmore is traded.
The keys then go to Jonathan and a new coach.
Another prediction: The QB BB drafts will start by week 7.
I can't wait to post my Draft contest picks

 

[borisman]

Our new offense can be called GAPDAD of DADGAP (dink and dunk & ground and pound)

 

[ashley]

I said it before and I'll say it again: This is BB's (and Krafty Bob's) last run at a couple of Super Bowls, as well as Shula's all-time win record.
It's ok with me if they mortgage the future a bit by trading future picks (get the QB of the future and other key pieces in this draft that's solid through almost a full 4 rounds) and going into a bit of a cap hell after this next run is done. If they get a great QB then cap hell will only be temporary.
They can get a plug and play center in draft (Creed Humphrey is just wow!) if Andrews isn't resigned. The other two issues are Gilmore and Guy. Hope both stay but we can re-coup that 3rd rounder if Gilmore is traded.
The keys then go to Jonathan and a new coach.
Another prediction: The QB BB drafts will start by week 7.
I can't wait to post my Draft contest picks

Who do you think they draft at QB?

 

[mikey m]

 

[borisman]

Who do you think they draft at QB?

I would prefer Trey Lance (will need to trade up) but Mac Jones would be second choice (can't deny his sick stats in the best conference). Jamie Newman could be the dark horse after the first round. Lance would need to be a natural for him to take over the offense mid-season.