The Patriots have cut down their roster to 53 players. Here is a first look at the 2023 New England Patriots.

Quarterback (1)

IN: Mac Jones 

OUT: Trace McSorely, Bailey Zappe, Malik Cunningham

A stunner. The New England Patriots shocked the NFL world by releasing both Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham. Zappe struggled throughout training camp and the preseason to string together good practices. The QB controversy never really existed, as Mac Jones is firmly planted as QB1. Cunningham's release comes as a surprise too. He showed promise as an athlete, more so than in any single position, but wasn't given many opportunities to display what he offers as a QB. I would assume the team hopes they can get him on the practice squad.

Running Back (2)

IN: Ezekiel Elliott, Rhamondre Stevenson

OUT: Kevin Harris, J.J Taylor, Ty Montgomery 

Stevenson and Elliott offer one of the better one-two punches in the NFL, and Elliott's late offseason addition should help to maximize Stevenson's career who was said he was "feeling it" after receiving a large percentage of the workload in 2022. They will likely look to add to this position, two running backs is very light for Belichick lead team. 

Wide Receiver (6)

IN: DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Tyquan Thornton

OUT: Raleigh Webb, Thyrick Pitts

The Patriots managed to keep everyone, which is the best-case scenario. The receivers had a strong camp, with both rookies Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte displaying real talent. Thornton's camp has been marred by injury and inconsistency, but his talent continues to shine through. While his leash is getting shorter, he still appears to be a player who could develop into a legitimate contributor. Giving up on anyone in this lineup would have been devastating.

Tight End (2)

IN: Mike Gesicki, Hunter Henry

OUT: Matt Sokol, Anthony Firkser

Gesicki is an athletic freak at his size and, if healthy, should have a significant role in this offense. As for Henry, you could argue that he is the number one receiving option and one of Mac Jones' favorite targets.

Offensive Line (11)

IN: Trent Brown, Riley Reiff, Sidy Sow, Atonio Mafi, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Michael Onwenu, Vederian Lowe, Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. Jake Andrews, Calvin Anderson

OUT: Andrew Stueber, James Ferentz, Bill Murray, Kody Russey, Chasen Hines

IR: Conor McDermott(season ending) 

The story line that dominated the offseason: the offensive line. The team made two last second trades on Sunday to secure OT Vederian Lowe and OT Tyrone Wheatley. Two young and promising prospects coming off strong summers. It is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen who wins the right tackle battle. The interior offensive line should be solid, if they can get healthy. Strange and Onwenu have been off the field for a majority of the offseason due to injuries, so the depth behind them is crucial. 

Defensive Line (7)

IN: Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Lawrence Guy Sr., Deatrich Wise Jr., Daniel Ekuale, Sam Roberts, Keion White

OUT: Jeremiah Pharms Jr.

A bit thin at nose tackle outside of Godchaux, the team shows some serious promise along the defensive line. Barmore and White should form a formidable pass-rushing duo, while developmental prospect Sam Roberts had a strong summer and earned a spot on the initial 53-man roster. Wise and Guy are two of the longest-tenured Patriots players, along with Matthew Slater.

Linebacker (7)

IN: Ja’Whaun Bentley, Matthew Judon, Jahlani Tavai, Anfernee Jennings, Josh Uche, Mack Wilson Sr, Marte Mapu 

OUT: Calvin Munson, Joe Giles-Harris, Carson Wells, Ronnie Perkins

PUP: Trey Flowers

Bentley has developed nicely and is coming off a career year. He is projected to take over the leadership role from the retired safety Devin McCourty. When firing on all cylinders, Judon and Uche are tough pass rushers for opposing offenses to slow down. Jennings is another slow but steady grower who is coming off his best summer to date. Mapu is the highly versatile and athletic player the team desperately needed for the middle of their defense. Tavai is a classical Belichick retread who has evolved into a sturdy starter. 

Cornerback (6)

IN: Myles Bryant, Christian Gonzalez, Jack Jones, Jonathan Jones, Shaun Wade, Marcus Jones 

IR: Isaiah Bolden(season ending)

One of the projected strengths of the team, the Patriot's could have one of the best secondaries in the NFL in rookie Christian Gonzalez can play to his athletic potential. Jack Jones and Jonathan Jones are two high level starters who can play inside and out. 

Safety (4)

IN: Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Adrian Phillips, Jalen Mills (4)

OUT: Joshuah Bledsoe

Dugger is quickly turning into one of the best safeties in the NFL, and never had his roster status threatened. New England likes to put multiple safeties on the field at one time, so staying deep at this position fits the expectations of how they want to play defense. Probably the deepest safety room in the NFL, all four are viable starters.  

Specialists (7)

IN: Chad Ryland, Bryce Baringer, Joe Cardona, Matthew Slater, Brenden Schooler, Chris Board, Ameer Speed 

OUT: Nick Folk

PUP: Cody Davis

Featured image via Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK