The Patriots have submitted their initial 53-man roster to the NFL. The league deadline was 4 p.m. this afternoon, and this will most definitely not be what it looks like going into week one. In fact, I can guarantee that. According to league sources, they were actively trying to make trades, but there wasn't much interest in what they were offering, or, in the case of Anfernee Jennings and Kyle Dugger, the attached money was too great.
Two players are headed to injured reserve: Jahlani Tavai and Ja'Lynn Polk. Tavai has been designated to return. Not so for Polk. The rat(s) were right. His season is over.
Only three of last year's draft picks made the active version of the team: Drake Maye, Caedan Wallace, and Javon Baker. The latter duo could be moving quickly based on waiver claims.
There are also 11 rookies, nine of whom were drafted.
Here is the roster in all its glory.
QBs (2): Maye, Josh Dobbs
RBs (3): Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson
WRs (8): Stefon Diggs, Pop Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, Efton Chism, Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker
TEs (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover
OL (8): Will Campbell, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Marcus Bryant, Ben Brown, Vederian Lowe, Caedan Wallace
DL (6): Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, Keion White, Khyiris Tonga, Joshua Farmer, Jeremiah Pharms
Edge (4): K'Lavon Chaisson, Harold Landry, Elijah Ponder, Anfernee Jennings
LBs (4): Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu
CBs (5) - Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, DJ James
Safeties (5): Jabril Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Kyle Dugger, Dell Pettus
Specialists (4): Andres Borregales, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby, Brenden Schooler
Main takeaways
There is no way and no how eight wide receivers will be here for the week one opener against Las Vegas. It is illogical. Look for movement here to allow the Patriots to add depth along the offensive line, secure a fullback (Jakob Johnson was released by the Texans), and perhaps add a third tight end. Two names to keep in mind are members of Mike Vrabel's last draft class in Tennessee, tight end Josh Whyle (5th rounder in 2023) and T Jaelyn Duncan (6th round). There are also concerns defensively, especially at linebacker, where an injury to Spillane would be a significant blow, given that Tavai is currently on injured reserve (he has been designated to return).
Between the rookies and the 11 free agents who made the team, the Pats have turned over 41.5% of the roster from last season. They aren't done, nor should they be. There is more talent here now than there was a year ago - no bleep, Sherlock - but this coaching staff could quickly be handcuffed by a lack of depth. What position group would you feel good about if something happened to a key contributor? Running back, for sure. Interior defensive line? Maybe. Beyond that, I could be talked into regarding the safeties if somehow Dugger can rediscover his legs. Yes, I know plenty of teams have depth issues. However, the Patriots' current roster is thinner than most of those squads. What did you expect in one offseason?