Numerology: Taking a look at some of Patriots' new numbers and their histories

FOXBOROUGH -- On Tuesday, the Patriots announced some numbers for some of their new players, and some changed digits for some returnees. While it’s important to note that things can change between now and the start of training camp, here is who’s who at this point on the calendar, and some history behind each number.


No. 17, Riley McCarron: Poor guy. The Curse of No. 17 is a very real thing. Just ask Aaron Dobson, Chad Jackson, Taylor Price and Greg Salas. We sounded an optimistic note on McCarron’s chances earlier this offseason — it’ll be interesting to see if he can manage to overcome this setback.

No. 21, Duron Harmon: Going to go out on a limb here and say that there was some sort of transaction that occurred that sparked the change here for Harmon, who had worn No. 30 to this point. The number was worn most recently by Malcolm Butler. Before that, it was defensive back Ras-I Dowling.

No. 30, Jason McCourty: He gets Harmon’s old number, which had also been worn (for a spell) by running back Lex Hilliard in 2012 and hard-hitting defensive back Brandon McGowan before that.

No. 33, Jeremy Hill: Hill gets Dion Lewis’ old number, which makes sense considering the position. This is a revered number in New England football history, one that Kevin Faulk and Sam Gash also had while with the Patriots.

No. 58, Keionta Davis: The youngster who missed all of last year gets an underrated number in 58, one that was donned in the past by our buddy Matt Chatham, as well as Pierre Woods, Jonathan Bostic and Shea McClellin. (One interesting note — this is a linebacker's number. Could be a statement about where they this former college defensive end contributing, if he’s able to play in 2018.)

No. 64, Matt Tobin: One of the more unremarkable numbers in recent memory. Chris Barker and Donald Thomas were the only two guys who have worn it in game action the last few years for the Patriots.

No. 65, Jason King: The young offensive lineman also gets some relatively nondescript digits (at least as of late). Jordan Devey (sound the tuba!) had it for a spell with New England. Maybe our favorite was Damien Woody, who had it when he was with the Patriots from 1999 until 2003.

No. 66. James Ferentz: The offensive lineman has already had multiple numbers in his relatively short career with New England. Our favorite No. 66 was likely long snapper Lonie Paxton, but offensive lineman Bryan Stork had it last.

No. 67, Trent Brown: Underrated number, at least on this roster, thanks in large part to Dan Koppen, who had it from 2003 to 2011 with the Patriots. Josh Kline had it last.

No. 71, Danny Shelton: Cameron Fleming had it the last few seasons. Sealver Siliga and Brandon Deaderick before that.

No. 72, Luke Bowanko: Good digits, at least around these parts. Matt Light had No. 72 from 2001 until his retirement after the 2011 season. Since then, Joe Vellano and Akiem Hicks have both worn that number.

No. 77, Ulrick John: Nate Solder had it from 2011 until 2017. Prior to Solder, Nick Kaczur had it for an extended stretch as well.

No. 80, Jordan Matthews: The new wide receiver is well aware of what it means to wear No. 80 with the Patriots. Danny Amendola and Troy Brown were among the notables who had the digits before him.

No. 84, Cordarrelle Patterson: Ben Watson, Deion Branch (when he returned) and Brian Tyms all wore No. 84 over the last decade or so for the Patriots.

No. 86, Troy Niklas: Not sure there’s a number that suggests backup tight end more than No. 86. Steve Maneri, A.J. Derby and Daniel Fells have all had 86 the last few seasons. Our all-time favorite? Probably David Patten.

No. 88, Kenny Britt: Britt goes from No. 85 to 88. For a number that usually goes to a high-profile offensive player, interesting the guys in New England who have had it of late (other than our pal Martellus Bennett) include Matty Mulligan, Sam Aiken and Kyle Brady.

No. 94, Adrian Clayborn: Good solid number for a defensive lineman in New England. Ricky Jean Francois had it last year — Chris Jones, Shaun Ellis and Ty Warren all had it before 2017.