OTAs are nearing their conclusion around the NFL, which means it's time to take a look at how the New England Patriots depth chart currently stands. The Patriots aren't done making moves, they could still sign a player or two and there are roster cuts before the season, but this is a projection of how the depth chart currently looks.
Not every player on the roster will be listed since there's no real need to include UDFAs who won't make the team. Instead, think of this as an expanded two-deep depth chart. And, with fall camp yet to begin, much can and probably will change. With that in mind, here's the current Patriots depth chart projection to make the 53-man roster:
Quarterback
Starter:
Tom Brady
Backups:
Brian Hoyer
New England typically only carries two quarterbacks and neither of these players are a surprise. Both are locked into their roles (shocking, I know).
Running Back
Starter:
Rex Burkhead
Backups:
James White
Sony Michel
Jeremy Hill
In reality, all four of these backs should see a somewhat equal distribution of playing time, which the Patriots love to do. However, it will be interesting to see how much of that share Michel is able to earn as a rookie.
Fullback
Starter:
James Develin
New England will likely only keep one fullback on the roster and that's Develin.
Wide Receiver
Starters:
Julian Edelman
Chris Hogan
Jordan Matthews
Backups:
Malcolm Mitchell
Cordarrelle Patterson
Phillip Dorsett
Braxton Berrios
This is a pretty deep group of receivers for Tom Brady, though they lack a bigger possession receiver in the group. Edelman and Hogan are the only two players who are guaranteed playing time, however.
Tight End
Starter:
Rob Gronkowski
Backups:
Dwayne Allen
Troy Niklas
This group will rotate the same as it has been - Gronk is the starter and will be on the field all the time when he's healthy while Allen will be mixed in several two tight end sets.
Offensive Line
Starters:
LaAdrian Waddle (LT)
Joe Thuney (LG)
David Andrews (C)
Shaquille Mason (RG)
Marcus Cannon (RT)
Backups:
Isaiah Wynn
Cole Cronston
Ulrick John
Luke Bowanko
This unit needs to keep Brady upright but they didn't make any huge additions to this group in the offseason. Still, though, they're a solid group. Expect first-round pick Isaiah Wynn to be a starter by the end of the season.
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Defensive Line
Starters:
Adrian Clayborn (LDE)
Danny Shelton (DT)
Malcom Brown (DT)
Trey Flowers (RDE)
Backups:
Vince Valentine
Lawrence Guy
Derek Rivers
Deatrich Wise Jr.
This was the area the Patriots really addressed in the offseason, signing pass-rushing menace Adrian Clayborn and trading for massive defensive tackle Danny Shelton. Expect this group to be a strength for the Patriots.
Linebackers
Starters:
Kyle Van Noy
Dont'a Hightower
Backups:
Marquis Flowers
Christian Sam
Ja'Whaun Bentley
Sam and Bentley are rookies that will provide depth but both linebacker slots are locked in as Van Noy's and Hightower's.
Secondary
Starters:
Jason McCourty (CB)
Stephon Gilmore (CB)
Duron Harmon (S)
Patrick Chung (SS)
Devin McCourty (FS)
Backups:
Eric Rowe
Duke Dawson
Jordan Richards
Brandon King
Damarius Travis
Cyrus Jones
Chung and Devin McCourty have been as reliable a safety tandem as there has been in the league, and they added Jason McCourty to serve as the cornerback opposite Gilmore. Harmon will play a hybrid role.
Special Teams
Starters:
Stephen Gostkowski (K)
Ryan Allen (P)
Joe Cardona (LS)
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