Way too early New England Patriots 53-man roster prediction after the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft has concluded and the New England Patriots made many big additions heading into this new era for the franchise. 

After a poor finish last season, the main goal was to improve the roster. So on that note, it's time to have some fun. 

We're going to break it all down position by position and and make our way too early 53-man prediction. (Italicized means they are a rookie)

Quarterback (3)

IN: Drake Maye, Jacoby Brissett, Joe Milton III
OUT: Bailey Zappe, Nathan Rourke

While it's unknown at this time who will be the starting quarterback once September rolls around, there is no question that Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett will have a spot on the roster. For a while, I thought that third spot could go to Bailey Zappe, but after the team took Joe Milton III, it seems that the third spot is his. That makes Zappe a solid trade candidate. 

Running back (3)

IN: Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Kevin Harris, 
OUT: JaMycal Hasty, Ke'Shawn Vaughn, Deshaun Fenwick 

Rhamondre Stevenson is set to be the top running back for the Patriots this season with Ezekiel Elliott leaving and returning to the Dallas Cowboys. Bringing Kevin Harris back also makes a lot of sense, with him having taken a bigger role last season and providing a spark at times. As for Antonio Gibson, he was a free agent addition so it appears that the spot is his to lose rather than gain. 

Wide receiver (6)

IN: Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, Javon Baker, Ja'Lynn Polk, Jalen Reagor

OUT: Kawaan Baker, Kayshon Boutte, T.J. Luther, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton

There are 11 wide receivers on the roster currently after the conclusion of the draft. So the Patriots are going to have to do some serious work on figuring out the ones they want to keep. While it may seem crazy to have JuJu Smith-Schuseter out of the final cutdown, I think he is a very likely trade candidate. He hasn't done much in New England, so maybe this isn't the best fit for him. And if that's the case, getting something in return for the trade given how many receivers are on the roster would be the best thing for them to do. 

Tight ends (3)

IN: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jacob Warren
OUT: Jaheim Bell, La'Michael Pettway, Mitchell Wilcox

Hunter Henry was solid for the Patriots last season and bringing him back was a major move for the team. Similar to Gibson, Austin Hooper was a free agent signing, so he would have to perform very poorly at training camp to lose the spot. And Jacob Warren is an undrafted free agent who has a good chance of making the roster. His big build can be compared to Pharaoh Brown, which worked out for the team last season. As for Jaheim Bell, who was the Patriots seventh round draft pick, he has a good chance of getting on the practice squad and developing there. 

Offensive line (9)

IN: David Andrews, Chukwuma Okorafor, Sidy Sow, Mike Onwenu, Jake Andrews, Atonio Mafi, Caedan Wallace, Layden Robinson, Michael Jordan
OUT: Calvin Anderson, Vederian Lowe, Tyrone Wheatley, Andrew Stueber, Nick Leverett, Zuri Henry, Charles Turner

The biggest need this offseason was tackles, and the Patriots sort of addressed that when taking Caedan Wallace. As for the rest, it is mostly players who made an impact on the line last season and have earned the chance to remain on the roster and develop. At this moment Chukwuma Okorafor is the starting left tackle, so this one was simple. 

Defensive line (9)

IN: Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Deatrich Wise, Keion White, Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, Armon Watts, Anfernee Jennings, Daniel Ekuale
OUT: Sam Roberts, Trysten Hill, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., John Morgan III

The defensive line was solid last season, so why mess with what works.  

Linebackers (6)

IN: Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Marte Mapu, Sione Takitaki, Christian Elliss, Raekwon McMillan
OUT: Joe Giles-Harris, Jontrey Hunter, Jett Bush

The same thing I said for the defensive line applies here. And specifically with Christian Elliss, you get someone who can also help a lot on special teams. 

Cornerbacks (6)

IN: Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, Marcellas Dial, Isaiah Bolden,
OUT: Shaun Wade, Azizi Hearn, Marco Wilson, Mikey Victor, Kaleb Ford-Dement

With Christian Gonzalez returning from a season ending injury, he and Jonathan Jones will most likely be starting. As for Marcus Jones and Alex Austin, these are two players that the coaches have seen play and know they can perform well. Plus Marcus Jones and Isaiah Bolden both can help on special teams. And lastly Marcellas Dial was the Patriots only defensive draft pick so it makes sense why they would want to stick with him. 

Safeties (4)

IN: Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Joshuah Bledsoe, Jaylinn Hawkins
OUT: Dell Pettus

There is plenty of talent in the room, so it makes more sense to keep this room lighter. Especially since there are numerous other position groups that could use the additional depth. And with Hawkins, you get someone who can perform on special teams. 

Specialists (4)

IN: Chad Ryland, Bryce Baringer, Joe Cardona, Brenden Schooler
OUT: None

This is simple based on who is on the roster right now. They need everyone that they have.