My Monster Keys to 2023 Patriots Roster Projection

Okay boys and girls here we go again. Predicting what Bill Belichick will do, trying to fathom what one of if not the greatest football minds in the history of this game sees weeks before he even sees it. Like predicting the Patriots draft , It's an exercise in futility. But it's asked for, it's demanded, in fact people are picketing on my lawn right now. and its raining. So I hope you're happy. Here I am and here are my Monster Keys to the Patriots 53 .

Quarterback 2

( On ) Mack Jones and Bailey Zappe

Bill does not like to carry three QB's. The new rules that allow for keeping a QB dressed but not on the active day roster could creep in here but i still don't see that happening.

( Off ) Malik Cunningham, Trace Mcsorley

Running Back 4

(On) Kevin Harris - Ty Montgomery - Rhamondre Stevenson - Pierre Strong

(Off) JJ Taylor

Forget Dalvin Cook, Kareem Hunt? yea not happening, Leonard Fournette maybe just maybe. But these are the guys at the dance and these are the guys the pats will dance with come hell or high ankle sprain. JJ Taylor will be in camp and again on the practice squad.

Wide Receiver 5

(On) Kayshon Boutte , Kendrick Bourne, DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton

( Off ), Demario Douglas , Ed Lee , Tre Nixon , Raleigh Webb

Okay so this seems like more of a wading pool than a depth chart. But there are other pass catchers on this team who can line up in the slot and out wide. See Ty Montgomery above and Mike Gesicki below. RELAX there are plenty of pass catchers. If you're worried about Douglass making it to the practice squad don’t. There is a reason he was there in the 6th round. I am Still at 80-20 Hopkins won't be coming here, if he does Bill will find a cut or trade here or elsewhere.

Tight End 2

( On ) Mike Gesicki and Hunter Henry ,

( Off ) Anthony Frisker , Johnny Lumpkin , Matt SoKol , And this hurts Scotty Washington

Something's gotta give, they only get 53 spots people and take your pick anyone I've left off here will make it to the squad , Sorry Clare. I love Scotty Washington's game and this hurts. Find a OT to use in jumbos. Henry and Gesicki fill out the Packages well if not very well,

Offensive Line 10

( On ) Calvin Anderson , David Andrews , Jake Andrews , Tren Brown , Antonio Mafe , Connor McDermott , Mike Onwenu , Riley Reiff , Sidy Sow , Cole Strange

( Off ) James Ferentz , Chasen Hines , Bill Murray , Kody Russey , Andrew Stuber

Ten Murph, ten ? yes ten. The O-line is the biggest question mark on this team. filled with ageing veterans depth is going to have to be the prescription. We aren't just guarding against injury here but keeping guys fresh and healthy for a 17 game season has to be a priority. The young guys have to stick and I'm not cutting Connor McDermott. for a project at corner.

Defensive Line 6

( On ) Christian Barmore , Carl Davis , Daniel Ekuale , Davon Godchaux , Lawrence Guy , Demarcus Mitchell

(Off ) Jeremiah Farms , Sam Roberts , Justus Tavai

Guy and the front office ( A.K.A BILL ) will get something worked out, Godchaux and Barmore are killers and Barmore is just beginning to reach his potential. Daniel Ekuale and Carl Davis are proof of the Patriots next man up mantra. Depth is important.

Edge / outside Linebacker 5

Here's where it gets complicated: are they an edge, are they a linebacker ? Are they safety ? the answer my friends over these next two sections is in some cases All of the above.

( On ) Anfernee Jennings , Mathew Judon , Josh Uche , Keion White , Deatrich Wise ,

( Off ) Ronnie Perkins

I’m done waiting on Ronnie Perkins. Aren;t you ? Are you ready for Keion White ? I don't know if Anfernee Jennings is.The young stud out of Georgia Tech is going to make some noise when the pads come on, and with his versatility Jennings may be looking for work someplace else if Bill needs to open a spot.

Linebackers 5

( On ) Ja’Whaun Bentley , Chis Board , Marte Mapu , Jahlani Tavi , Mack Wilson

(Off ) Olakunle Fatukasi , Terez Hall , Jourdan Helig , Calvin Munson

With safeties carrying the nickels and dimes and the versatility from both that spot and the “ edge “ it doesn't make sense to carry more than five here. And Mack Wilson new contract be damned he may end up as trade bait or released. fi they have to squeeze in another WR

Cornerback 5

Now the real fun begins . In 2022 the Patriots defensive backfield was one of the best in the league, over the last five seasons they are ranked first in EPA per drop back over that span. Last year was no different. And they have added Christian Gonzalez to the Mix.

( On ) Myles Bryan , Christian Gonzalez , Jack Jones , Jonathan Jones , Marcus Jones,

( Off ) Isaiah Bolden , Quandre Mosley , Rodney Randel , Ameer Speed , Shaun Wade

Was hard knocking a Bolden off the bubble like this , Really hard, Speed Kills and could be here for special teams needs along with the need for height and length at the position. Project time. Speed and Bolden should make it through to the practice squad. What happens with Jack Jones is anyone's guess but I'm keeping hope alive #FreeJackJones

Safety 4

( In ) Kyle Dugger , Jalen Mills , Jabrill Peppers , Adrian Philips

( Out ) Joshua Bledsoe , Brad Hawkins

Special Teams 5

(On) Bryce Baringer , Joe Cardona , Chad Ryland , Brendan Schooler and of course Mattew Slater,

( Out ) Nick Folk, thank you for every damn thing., yes there are other names here i could add but Nick deserves this moment to himself

Thats it my rabid readers, you asked for it and you got it. Will i be 100 proof right on these projections hell no, but who ever is ? as always you can follow / give me grief on Twitter @Tmurph207