Remarkably, we’re two-thirds of the way through the offseason, and while team-building is a year-round endeavor, the foundational elements of the 2019 Patriots’ roster are already in place. Where do they stand? Here’s a look at the roster, with (at least) one big question at each position.
Quarterback (4): Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Danny Etling, Jarrett Stidham
Locks: Brady, Stidham (they're not going to cut such a high draft pick at quarterback without giving him at least a year)
On the bubble: Hoyer, Etling
Skinny: Depending on how the rest of the roster shakes out, the Patriots could end up keeping two of the three backups.
Questions: How many quarterbacks? Or do they just go with one behind Brady? They did it before with Ryan Mallett. (Too soon?)
Running back (5): James White, Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris, Nick Brossette
Locks: White, Michel, Burkhead, Harris
On the bubble: Brossette
Skinny: Can’t stress this enough — this is the deepest and most talented positional group on the offensive side of the ball. (That's one of the reasons we're putting Brandon Bolden with the special teamers for now.)
Questions: If everyone stays healthy, can they use all the backs, or do they end up putting (at least) one on ice this year?
Fullback (2): James Develin, Jakob Johnson
Lock: Develin
On the bubble: Johnson
Skinny: No surprises here. Johnson a long-term project as a practice squadder.
Questions: Is Develin one of the most secure players on the roster?
(Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Patriots
Locks, bubbles and battles: Deconstructing the Patriots' roster 2 months from start of training camp
Edelman leads the receivers. (Adam Richins/BSJ Photo)
Wide receiver (11):
Locks:
On the bubble:
Skinny:
Terry Glenn
Questions:
Josh Gordon
Tight end (6):
Locks:
On the bubble:
Skinny:
Questions:
Kyle Rudolph
Rob Gronkowski
Tackle (6):
Locks:
On the bubble:
Skinny:
Trent Brown
LaAdrian Waddle
Jared Veldheer
Dante Scarnecchia
Questions:
Thuney (No. 62) remains vital to the offensive line. (Adam Richins/BSJ Photo)
Guard (6):
Locks:
On the bubble:
Skinny:
Questions:
Center (3):
Locks:
On the bubble:
Skinny:
Question:
DEFENSE
Defensive tackle (7):
Locks:
On the bubble:
Skinny:
Questions:
Gerald McCoy
Bennett will play a big role up front for New England. (Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Edge (8):
Locks:
On the bubble:
Skinny:
Trey Flowers
Questions:
Linebacker (9):
Locks:
On the bubble:
Skinny:
Questions:
Cornerback (9):
Locks:
On the bubble:
Skinny:
Questions:
Devin McCourty figures to lead the safeties again in 2019. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Safety (6):
Locks:
On the bubble:
Skinny:
Questions:
SPECIAL TEAMS
Special teams (9):
Locks:
On the bubble:
Skinny:
Questions:
Loading...
Loading...