Patriots depth chart projection after initial 53-man roster reveal

Now that the initial 53-man roster has been revealed, the New England Patriots can begin working out their depth chart for the regular season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 7.

There were several surprises on cutdown day, including the team's decision to release rookie fifth-round draft pick Bradyn Swinson. He was ultimately signed back to the practice squad in the end, but it's rare to see a rookie draft pick as highly-touted as he was coming out of college ending up on waivers after training camp.

It echoes the vision set in place by Patriots coach Mike Vrabel from the very beginning—that everything would be earned and draft position wouldn't matter. The same will likely hold true with the construction of the depth chart every week. Players will have to earn opportunities to start on Vrabel's team.

Here is what the starters and reserve units could look like for the Patriots if the season started today:

Quarterbacks (3): Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs, Tommy DeVito

Starter: Drake Maye

Backup: Joshua Dobbs, Tommy DeVito

After the initial roster cuts, the Patriots added another veteran quarterback with starting experience in Tommy DeVito. Joshua Dobbs had an up-and-down preseason run, and the addition of a player like DeVito adds more stability at the position if Drake Maye ever goes down with an injury. It was a good signing by the Patriots this late in the year.

Running Backs (3): Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson

Starter: Rhamondre Stevenson

Backup: TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson

Anyone with a good set of eyes can clearly see that TreVeyon Henderson will be the starting running back for the Patriots at some point. I believe it'll be more of a gradual takeover than an abrupt one. Rhamondre Stevenson will get the starting reps until Henderson makes it impossible for the Patriots to keep him off the field.

Tight Ends (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover

Starter: Hunter Henry

Backup: Austin Hooper, Jack Westover

There was always a sneaking suspicion that Jack Westover would find himself on the roster due to his versatility as a fullback. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper will once again serve as the top two veteran options in an offense that typically relies heavily on tight end usage. The cupboard is bare behind Henry and Hooper, which means there are serious depth concerns if one of the two players goes down with an injury.

Wide Receivers (6): Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III

Starter: Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs

Backup: Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III

The Patriots initially kept eight receivers on their 53-man roster. They ended up cutting Kendrick Bourne a day later after a requested release, and they also released second-year wideout Javon Baker.

There are still major question marks on the receiving corps for New England. Stefon Diggs is coming off a torn ACL injury at 31 years old, and there is no true No. 1 option for Drake Maye to target. Perhaps Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte could step up in Josh McDaniels' offense.

There's also hope that rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III can contribute right out of the gate, along with Mack Hollins serving as a legitimate red zone target. The Patriots need many dominoes to fall into place at the receiver position.

Offensive line (9): Will Campbell, Morgan Moses, Mike Onwenu, Caedan Wallace, Marcus Bryant, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Ben Brown, Vederian Lowe

Starter: Will Campbell (LT), Jared Wilson(LG), Garrett Bradbury (C), Mike Onwenu (RG) Morgan Moses (RT)

Backups: Ben Brown (C/G), Marcus Bryant (OT), Caedan Wallace (OT), Vederian Lowe (OT)

The offensive line has serious depth issues heading into the 2025 season. There are also concerns with the starters. Will Campbell and Jared Wilson are two rookies being thrown into the fire, while Morgan Moses is an aging veteran with long-term health questions. Garrett Bradbury is experienced at center, but he has a shaky past as a starter. All are legitimate concerns when it comes to protecting Drake Maye in the pocket.

Defensive Tackles (5): Christian Barmore, Milton Williams, Joshua Farmer, Khyiris Tonga, Jeremiah Pharms Jr.

Starter: Christian Barmore, Milton Williams

Backup: Khyiris Tonga, Joshua Farmer, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. The duo of Christian Barmore and Milton Williams should serve as a nightmare for opposing offenses. Rookie Joshua Farmer has considerable upside at defensive tackle, and Khyiris Tonga is an underrated run-stuffing space-eater. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. continues to win with hard work and consistency. The Patriots should see significant improvement along their defensive front this season.

Edge Rushers (5): Harold Landry III, Keion White, K'Lavon Chaisson, Elijah Ponder, Anfernee Jennings

Starter: Harold Landry III, K'Lavon Chaisson

Backup: Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder

Harold Landry III and K'Lavon Chaisson looked like the top two edge defenders late in training camp. Keion White has fallen on the depth chart, and he will need to show more in games to improve his standing. The potential is definitely there for him to emerge as a premier pass rusher.

Linebackers (4): Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu

Starter: Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss

Backup: Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu

The Patriots announced they are placing veteran linebacker Jahlani Tavai on injured reserve. That paved the way for Marte Mapu to earn a roster spot. Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss are expected to be the top two options at linebacker for the Patriots.

Cornerbacks (6): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, D.J. James, Charles Woods

Starter: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones

Backup: Alex Austin, D.J. James, Charles Woods

Christian Gonzalez is already one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in his third season, and Carlton Davis III is a talented veteran with plenty of big-game experience. Don't be surprised if Alex Austin pushes Marcus Jones for reps in the slot at some point. The Patriots experimented with Austin in the slot during the preseason and may have indicated their intentions for the future.

Safeties (6): Jabrill Peppers, Craig Woodson, Jaylinn Hawkins, Brenden Schooler, Kyle Dugger, Dell Pettus

Starter: Jabrill Peppers, Craig Woodson

Backup: Kyle Dugger, Jaylinn Hawkins, Dell Pettus, Brenden Schooler

Kyle Dugger was initially believed to be on the roster bubble or a trade candidate. However, the veteran safety remained on the 53-man roster after Tuesday's cutdown deadline. Rookie Craig Woodson has likely surpassed him as a starter, but he could still be in the mix for reps in the defensive backfield. Dugger's positive attitude and improved play in the preseason earned him another shot.

Special Teams (3): K Andres Borregales, P Bryce Baringer, LS Julian Ashby

Veteran John Parker Romo looked like the better kicker in preseason games, but the Patriots are banking on rookie Andres Borregales' potential ceiling being higher. Bryce Baringer and Julian Ashby didn't have outside competition pushing them for starting jobs.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots depth chart projection after initial 53-man roster reveal