The New England Patriots are getting ready to begin the 2023 season after finishing the preseason. The team has to get down to a 53-man roster by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 29. 

Here is our final projections for the roster.

Quarterback (3)

IN: Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, Malik Cunningham 

OUT: Trace McSorely

It’s fairly clear that Jones has the starting spot locked down, with Zappe as his back up. However one name that has surprised many this preseason is Malik Cunningham. The undrafted free agent played quarterback in college, but the Patriots have been transitioning him to receiver. Cunningham has shown that he had skill and speed in the pocket (just look back at the first preseason game). The Patriots could potentially look to waive him and then add him to the practice squad but that would be a risky move, with Cunningham already having shown growth during his short time on the team.

Running Back (4)

IN: Ezekiel Elliott, Rhamondre Stevenson, Ty Montgomery, J.J. Taylor

OUT: Kevin Harris

Coming off a breakout season, Stevenson has been a guarantee since the beginning of the season and the addition of Elliott makes them a powerful duo. The Patriots made headlines on Sunday morning, trading Pierre Strong Jr. to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. Without Strong, there is now an open roster spot with him likely to be on the active roster prior to the trade. Montgomery is likely to have a spot on team, but the other candidate who has had a very strong offseason and has proven himself is J.J. Taylor. While Kevin Harris is also competing for that spot, Taylor has done more than enough to show what he is capable of. While one is likely to make the roster, the other would likely end up on the practice squad. 

Wide Receiver (6)

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

OUT: Raleigh Webb, Thyrick Pitts

Throughout the preseason, the offense has looked strong with multiple weapons emerging from the receiver group. DeVante Parker and JuJu Smith-Schuster have looked strong, with Kendrick Bourne returning to what is expected of him after a struggling 2022 season. Thornton is struggling with an injury, but his explosive speed on offense has proven to add a new level to the offense. Lastly rookies Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte have worked hard through the preseason and have done enough to earn a spot.

Tight End (2)

IN: Mike Gesicki, Hunter Henry 

OUT: Matt Sokol, Anthony Firkser

This one is simple. Gesicki and Henry have dominated, with the other tight ends competing for a possible spot on the practice squad. However, Gesicki's shoulder injury could possibly change the Patriots decision depending on the timeline for his return. 

Offensive Line (9)

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

OUT: Jake Andrews, Connor McDermott, Andrew Stueber, James Ferentz, Bill Murray, Kody Russey, Chasen Hines

NFI: Calvin Anderson

The offensive line has had its fair share of struggles as of late due to injuries. Strange went down early in the preseason due to a left leg/knee injury while Onwenu had offseason ankle injury. With Wheatley acquired in the Pierre Strong trade, it seems unlikely the Patriots would do that just to cut him two days later. And the same goes for Vederian Lowe, who the Patriots also traded for on Sunday. And with that, New England could also opt to keep Calvin Anderson on the NFI list, with him able to be activated four games into the season. 

Defensive Line (7)

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

OUT: Jeremiah Pharms Jr.

The Patriots defense was a shining spot last season, and they are looking to keep that streak going. Guy was a question mark due to his hold out for a new contract during camp; however he was alongside the top defensemen who were sidelined for the final preseason game. With Carl Davis Jr. and Justus Tavai already having been waived on Sunday, this leaves just Jeremiah Pharms Jr. who could earn a spot on the practice squad. 

Linebacker (7)

IN: Ja’Whaun Bentley, Matthew Judon, Jahlani Tavai, Anfernee Jennings, Josh Uche, Ronnie Perkins, Marte Mapu (7)

OUT: Mack Wilson Sr., Calvin Munson, Joe Giles-Harris, Carson Wells

PUP: Trey Flowers

Ronnie Perkins made a strong case for a spot during the preseason finale, and his speed and skill should earn him a spot on the roster. Marte Mapu has been in a red non-contact jersey during the offseason, but was out of it for joint practices. And why mess with what works, as Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, and Anfernee Jennings will look to dominate the line of scrimmage once again. However it seems likely that the Patriots will let go of Mack Wilson Sr., who New England acquired in exchange for Chase Winovich last season.

Cornerback (5)

IN: Myles Bryant, Christian Gonzalez, Jack Jones, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones (5)

OUT: Isaiah Bolden, Shaun Wade

The main story here is Jack Jones, whose future in the NFL is uncertain. Jones was arrested in June for trying to bring two loaded firearms on the plane at Boston Logan International Airport, with his court date originally set for Aug. 18. Yet, it was continued until Sept. 15, with one legal expect saying that this could mean a deal is possibility in the talks. 

As for Isaiah Bolden, who is recovering from a scary concussion that occurred during the Patriots-Packers preseason game, he could earn a spot on the practice squad and it would not be surprising to see him called up early on. 

Safety (4)

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

OUT: Joshuah Bledsoe

These four have been solid throughout preseason, with their roster spots never seeming to be in question. While Bledsoe is a strong player, it's hard for him to compete with the skill the Patriots have come to rely on. 

Specialists (6)

IN: Chad Ryland, Bryce Baringer, Joe Cardona, Matthew Slater, Brenden Schooler, Ameer Speed (6)

OUT: Nick Folk, Chris Board

PUP: Cody Davis

While there was some talk that the Patriots could potentially carry two kickers, it seems Chad Ryland has won the battle over Nick Folk. The rookie took all the reps in the final preseason game, showing off his strong foot. And another rookie has also won his competition. Bryce Baringer has certainly shown off his leg during the preseason, leaving Corliss Waitman on the outs. 

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Featured Image via Sophie Weller – A to Z Sports