UPDATE!! Patriots way-too-early 53-man roster projection following the offseason program

After watching five open practices, here is where we see the Patriots’ roster heading into the summer break.

The New England Patriots spent their first offseason under Mike Vrabel overhauling a roster that won just four games each of the last two seasons.

Over the last month, five open practices during the offseason program provided our first on-field look at the new-look Patriots.

While plenty of work remains as the real competition begins in training camp and carries into the preseason, here’s our way-too-early 53-man roster projection based off the spring.

Quarterback (2)

In: Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs

Out: Ben Wooldridge (U-R)

No surprises here. The unquestioned starter, Drake Maye, continued to improve throughout the spring as he adjust to life under new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Free agent addition Joshua Dobbs will serve as his backup.

Ben Wooldridge did not do enough for now to earn a spot, but New England will likely keep a third quarterback around in some fashion — likely on the practice squad.

Running back (4)

In: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson (R), Antonio Gibson, Lan Larison (U-R)

Out: Terrell Jennings, Trayveon Williams

The explosive TreyVeon Henderson looked as advertised throughout the spring and will join Rhamondre Stevenson as a 1-2 punch atop New England’s running back depth chart. Both Antonio Gibson and UDFA Lan Larison provide depth and ability as a pass catcher while the two also play special teams. Josh McDaniels gets his deep, versatile running back room.

Wide receiver (7)

In: Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams (R), Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Efton Chism III (U-R), Kendrick Bourne

Out: Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, DeMeer Blankumsee (U-R), John Jiles, Jeremiah Webb (U-R)

A lot remains up for grabs inside one of the Patriots most competitive rooms. Injuries also muddied the picture this spring as Stefon Diggs and Ja’Lynn Polk did not compete in competitive 11-on-11 work as they rehabbed from surgeries while Mack Hollins did not participate at all this spring due to injury.

While a healthy Diggs, rookie third-rounder Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas project as roster certainties, plenty of question marks remain behind them.

Kayshon Boutte operated as the top X this spring but could still be used as a trade chip — especially if Williams emerges as the top outside option this summer — after his name was mentioned leading up to the draft.

Kendrick Bourne had a career year in Josh McDaniels’ offense back in 2021 but the team could opt for a younger option in Polk or UDFA Efton Chism. Mack Hollins should also be a favorite for a spot but must work his way back on the field.

For now we’ll keep these seven with Polk being next up if a spot is open due to injury or trade.

Tight end (3)

In: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Brock Lampe (U-R)

Out: Jaheim Bell, Jack Westover, C.J. Dippre (U-R), Gee Scott Jr. (U-R)

New England keeps just their top two tight ends on the 53-man roster to keep additional depth elsewhere on the roster. Much of that has to do with no reserve tight end making much of an impact this spring. We will keep an eye on C.J. Dippre, who is known for his work as a blocker, when the pads come on.

Josh McDaniels does, however, get his fullback in Lampe, who has been on the field plenty during the offseason program.

Offensive line (9)

In: Will Campbell (R), Cole Strange, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Jack Conley (U-R), Caedan Wallace, Jared Wilson (R). Marcus Bryant (R)

Out: Ben Brown, Mehki Butler (U-R), Layden Robinson, Tyrese Robinson, Sidy Sow, Demontrey Jacobs, Vederian Lowe

Outside of left guard — which Cole Strange appears to be the frontrunner for at the moment — New England’s starting offensive line seems set with Will Campbell, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu and Morgan Moses. We are not ruling out Jared Wilson pushing Bradbury for the starting center spot, but the rookie spent the entire spring limited which could put him behind the eight ball this summer.

As for the reserves, Caedan Wallace could be a sleeper pick for the left guard spot after taking snaps there in mandatory minicamp. That paired with his ability to play tackle earns him a spot.

UDFA Jack Conley, who looks the part at 6-foot-7, 333 pounds, also flashed four-position versatility over the spring and has prior experience with offensive line coach Doug Marrone coming from Boston College.

These two push Sidy Sow off the roster in one of our final cuts.

Primarily at tackle, New England keeps seventh-round backup Marcus Bryant for his ability to play both the left and right side over Vederian Lowe, who was also limited this spring as he works back from shoulder surgery.

More important than changing the X’s and O’s, Mike Vrabel trying to instill a new culture with Patriots

Defensive line (5)

In: Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, Khyiris Tonga, Joshua Farmer (R), Jeremiah Pharms Jr.

Out: Jaquelin Roy, Isaiah Iton, Jahvaree Ritzie (U-R), Wilfried Pene (U-R)

Christian Barmore and free agent addition Milton Williams are set to lead the Patriots’ defensive front as they look to become one of the more disruptive interior duos in football. Khyris Tonga, meanwhile, provides a bigger bodied run defender to work in with them.

The depth of this group will be interesting to monitor, but fifth-round selection Joshua Farmer will be apart of that as a rotational piece.

Jeremiah Pharms rounds that group out for now while Jaquelin Roy (if healthy) could push for a spot behind Tonga.

Wilfried Pene will also not count for a spot on the practice squad due to being part of the International Pathway Program.

Defensive edge (4)

In: Keion White, Harold Landry III, K’Lavon Chaisson, Bradyn Swinson (R)

Out: Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder (U-R), Truman Jones

Keion White, Harold Landry, and K’Lavon Chaisson serving as New England’s top three edge rushers has been a staple throughout the spring. They have all looked disruptive as well, while the hope is rookie Bradyn Swinson adds his name into the rotation when the pads come on.

Anfernee Jennings is a tough cut, but the disruptive run defender appears on the outside looking in in a new defensive structure.

Linebacker (5)

In: Robert Spillane, Jahlani Tavai, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu

Out: Monty Rice, Cam Riley (U-R)

After signing a three-year, $33 million deal in free agency Robert Spillane has been at the heart of the Patriots defense this spring.

He was vocal as the signal caller and around the ball plenty which pairs well behind the aggressive defensive line. The picture is not as clear outside of Spillane, but Jahlani Tavai often held a spot next to him in OTAs before hurting his calf.

Christian Elliss has since taken Tavai’s snaps in his absence, while him and Jack Gibbens bring special teams value.

Marte Mapu, who is now officially listed as a linebacker, earns one of the final spots as the Patriots continue to get more athletic along the second level. Mapu must be healthy this summer, however, after spending the spring limited.

Cornerback (6)

In: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, Marcellas Dial Jr., Isaiah Bolden

Out: Miles Battle, Brandon Crossley (U-R), D.J. James, Jordan Polk (U-R), Kobee Minor (R)

No surprises atop the cornerback depth chart with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis projecting as one of the league’s top duos. There were some questions about Marcus Jones’ future in the final year of his rookie deal due to his size, but Jones has repped as the top slot option this spring. His man coverage ability should pair well with Gonzalez and Davis.

Further down the depth chart, Alex Austin appears to have the lead for CB4 duties due to his versatility; he repped along the boundary and in the slot this spring.

Marcellas Dial, who also got work at both spots, and Isaiah Bolden, who was part of the kick returner group this spring, take the final two cornerback spots due to their versatility and special teams value. New England could also try to get Bolden onto the practice squad as they did last year for additional depth elsewhere.

Safety (5)

In: Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson (R), Brenden Schooler

Out: Marcus Epps, Dell Pettus, Josh Minkins Jr. (U-R)

With Kyle Dugger limited this spring, Jaylinn Hawkins saw plenty of work patrolling the backend of the Patriots defense. He seems set for a more rotational role when Dugger returns, but the early usage (and special teams ability) bodes well for his chances. We won’t rule out Marcus Epps, who was also limited in his return from a torn ACL, making a push.