The New England Patriots trimmed their roster to 53 on Tuesday. Additional roster moves likely are on the horizon, but we now have a clearer picture of the team that will visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 8.
Let’s go over our initial takeaways from the Patriots’ 53-man roster announcement.
5 Initial Takeaways From Patriots Roster Reveal
7 Receivers Make Cut
The following receivers made the roster:
- K.J. Osborn
- DeMario Douglas
- Ja’Lynn Polk
- Javon Baker
- Tyquan Thornton
- Kayshon Boutte
- Jalen Reagor
One of Boutte, Reagor, or Thornton likely would’ve been released had Kendrick Bourne been ready to return from his ACL tear. But with Bourne starting the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, the Patriots had extra room for a roster-bubble receiver.
When Bill Belichick was in charge, the Patriots typically rostered five receivers, plus primary special teamer Matthew Slater. Loading up on wideout talent is another sign that we’re in a new era in New England.
Undrafted Rookie Safety Earns Spot
The Patriots had an undrafted rookie make their initial 53-man roster every season from 2004 through 2022. The impressive streak ended last year, but Tuesday might’ve seen the beginning of a new streak with undrafted safety Dell Pettus earning a spot.
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The Troy product impressed throughout training camp and saw his role increase late in the summer. He probably won’t play much this season unless the Patriots suffer injuries at safety, but Pettus is an intriguing developmental prospect.
Rough Day for 2023 Draft Class
Belichick took another roster loss despite being jobless.
Two 2023 Patriots draftees were released on Tuesday: fourth-round kicker Chad Ryland and fifth-round guard Atonio Mafi. Remember: The Patriots traded up in the fourth round to draft Ryland, who struggled as a rookie and lost a training camp competition with Joey Slye.
Additionally, fourth-round lineman Jake Andrews will miss the entire season due to an injury, and unproven third-round safety Marte Mapu will begin the campaign on injured reserve but could return after four weeks.
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When you add in sixth-round corner Ameer Speed, who was released last season, there’s a real chance the Patriots won’t receive any meaningful contributions from five members of their 2023 NFL Draft class.
That’s not to say the class is a total bust. Far from it. Christian Gonzalez and DeMario Douglas both look like difference-makers, and Keion White is a prime breakout candidate. Bryce Baringer can be one of the better punters in football, and Sidy Sow is a starting-caliber guard.
So, it’s not all bad. But the class looks worse by the day.
Injuries Leave Patriots Thin at Linebacker, Defensive Tackle
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore (blood clots) and linebacker Sione Takitaki (knee injury) will begin the season on injured reserve and PUP, respectively. Both will be eligible to return after Week 4 and though Takitaki could be ready, there’s a real chance Barmore misses the entire season.
Armon Watts also was placed on injured reserve, though some reports indicate he was released with an injury settlement. Regardless, he likely won’t play for the Patriots in 2024.
Consequently, New England rostered 26-year-old Trysten Hill and 27-year-old Jeremiah Pharms Jr. Both are better pass rushers than run defenders and could be liabilities if asked to play meaningful snaps. The Patriots need Daniel Ekuale to be a serviceable replacement for Barmore, or things get ugly on the D-line.
The linebacking room also could be a house of cards. Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai are rock-solid starters, and the underrated Takitaki was signed to play a big role as the No. 3 linebacker. But with Takitaki out at least four games, the Patriots will enter the season with Christian Elliss and Raekwon McMillan as their depth ‘backers.
Youth Movement at Cornerback
Here are the ages and service years of the seven corners who made the roster:
- Christian Gonzalez — 22 years old, Year 2
- Alex Austin — 23 years old, Year 2
- Isaiah Bolden — 24 years old, Year 2
- Marcus Jones — 25 years old, Year 3
- Marco Wilson — 25 years old, Year 4
- Marcellas Dial Jr. — 25 years old, rookie
- Jonathan Jones — 30 years old, Year 9
With the obvious exception of Jonathan Jones, that’s a young, inexperienced group.
The Patriots could’ve targeted a veteran in free agency, like Stephon Gilmore, who recently signed with the Minnesota Vikings. They also could’ve rostered someone like 25-year-old Shaun Wade, who spent three years in the system, over someone like Bolden, who missed all of his rookie season.
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It’s an interesting gamble, albeit one that was necessary. The Patriots needed to get younger and more explosive at cornerback. Plus, when you’re rebuilding, you can afford to roll the dice on a few developmental players.
Still, the Patriots need Gonzalez to emerge as a star and both Joneses to stay healthy. Otherwise, cornerback could become a big problem.