Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection, Chism, Dugger, Jennings?

We have another 53-Man Roster Projection after the first two preseason games and three joint practices with the Commanders and Vikings.

The Patriots have had excellent competition both internally and externally, with workouts against opponents as well as preseason games. When it comes to the cutdown, some tough decisions are going to be made.

Let me know what you think, and send in some of your roster projections, and we’ll read them on the podcast this week.

QB (2): Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs

No changes here, Ben Wooldridge ends up on the practice squad and as the emergency 3rd QB. Mike Vrabel noted Dobbs as needing to be more consistent this week. He threw some nice deep balls during the joint practices, but was off-target again in the game.

RB (4): Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson, JaMycal Hasty

With Brock Lampe and Lan Larrison on IR, I think they still need a fourth back. I believe that Hasty moves ahead of Terrell Jennings this week. Henderson is going to be so much fun to watch in a Patriots uniform. He is electric.

WR (6): Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, DeMario “Pop” Douglas, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, Efton Chism III

Chism continues to make plays, and that second-quarter drive just about cemented his spot on the roster. He looked dominant on that drive, something we don’t normally say about Patriots wide receivers. He has a knack for getting open and catching the ball. I can’t see a way that they leave him off the roster.

Javon Baker has been playing well on STs, but his second PS didn’t go well offensively. It wasn’t all on him (see Dobbs above), but unless they decide to keep seven WRs, he will likely be cut and go to the PS.

TE (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover

The third tight end position seems to be Westover’s now, due to the first team offense using him as a Fullback and lead blocker in some packages.

OL (8): Will Campbell, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Jared Wilson, Marcus Bryant, Ben Brown, Vederian Lowe

I don’t think Lowe sticks for long. I expect the team will be scouring the waiver wire for a serviceable backup tackle, but for now, he sticks. Wilson had some issues, but they may have been injury-related. He’ll be a starter in short order.

Bryant has been a pleasant surprise this summer. Right now, he’s the top backup/swing tackle.

DL (6): Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Joshua Farmer, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Kyle Peko

Peko adds veteran experience and depth to a unit that will be trying to keep fresh legs on the field this fall. The team doesn’t want to burn out Williams and Barmore early by playing too much, especially early in the season.

I liked what I have seen from Isaiah Iton, but he was injured in Minnesota.

EDGE (6): Harold Landry, Keion White, K’Lavon Chaisson, Bradyn Swinson, Elijah Ponder, Truman Jones

I hate to cut Jennings here, but they need extra bodies elsewhere. He has been running with the 2’s and playing late in games. I’ve been one of his biggest supporters, but it is going to be tough to hold onto him.

He’s a solid edge-setter, although he doesn’t seem to fit in Vrabel’s defense. His performance on Saturday guarantees that he’ll latch on with another team.

LB (5): Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Monty Rice, Jahlani Tavai

Four off-the-ball linebackers weren’t enough, so Rice gets the nod over Jennings here, mainly because Tavai is hurt again.

Rice is a Vrabel guy who can play special teams.

CB (5): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, D.J. James

The Patriots have good depth at cornerback. James has been among the biggest positive surprises in camp. This summer, he’s taken advantage of extra reps, with Davis and Gonzalez missing time.

Austin fits what they want in the bigger slot role and has had a terrific summer. He had an interception on Saturday. But Brandon Crossley, Kobee Minor, and Jordon Polk will all get long looks for the practice squad.

S (4): Jabrill Peppers, Craig Woodson, Jaylinn Hawkins, Dell Pettus

The Patriots’ safeties are arguably the deepest position on the team. But watching Dugger play at the end of the game has to be a big eye opener for everyone. He has clearly fallen down the depth chart.

The safety group is really five with Brenden Schooler, but we carried him here on special teams, which is his first position.

Specialists (4): Julian Ashby (LS), Bryce Baringer (P), John Parker-Romo (K), Brendan Schooler (Gunner)

I think Parker Romo has moved ahead of Andrew Borregales for the time being, but just by a little bit. The rookie kicker badly shanked a 57-yarder on Saturday but came back and nailed a 51-yarder later in the game. His kickoffs seem a tad longer though.

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

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