For the first time in nearly two decades, the New England Patriots will open a season without Tom Brady as their starting quarterback. The new-look Patriots open the season Sept. 13 at home against the Miami Dolphins.
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday. Here is a projection:
QUARTERBACK (3): Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, Brian Hoyer
The Patriots have traditionally kept two, but with coronavirus pandemic considerations and Newton's health in mind, it might be wise to add a layer this season.
As coach Bill Belichick sometimes says, if a team doesn't have that position squared away -- from top to bottom -- it can put the entire team at risk.
RUNNING BACK (5): Damien Harris, Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead, Lamar Miller
When Michel came off the physically unable to perform list Wednesday, it solidified the top four at the position, with undrafted J.J. Taylor a consideration as a fifth. Taylor, who running backs coach Ivan Fears compared to former Patriots running back Dion Lewis because of his diminutive makeup, would be an ideal practice-squad candidate if he clears waivers.
FULLBACK (1): Jakob Johnson
When the Patriots want to pound the ball, they can call on Johnson to lead the way, as he's delivered some of the most notable blocks in training camp. The competition at this position never manifested itself after free-agent signee Dan Vitale opted out of the season.
WIDE RECEIVER (5): Julian Edelman, N'Keal Harry, Damiere Byrd, Gunner Olszewski, Devin Ross
This is where things get interesting, as the question can be asked, "Who consistently creates separation?" It looks like the Patriots need some help here, and while Olszewski and Ross have flashed at times, they've also been inconsistent with drops. Mohamed Sanu might be hard-pressed to make the roster, especially considering his $6.5 million salary.
TIGHT END (2): Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene
Matt LaCosse opting out of the season has put a lot of pressure on third-round picks Asiasi and Keene to contribute quickly. The Patriots need help here, and might try to add a tight end who is either a free agent or currently on another team.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Isaiah Wynn, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Jermaine Eluemunor, Hjalte Froholdt, Michael Onwenu, Yodny Cajuste, Korey Cunningham
Eluemunor has been the most consistent option as a possible replacement for Marcus Cannon, who opted out. That's been one of the surprise stories of camp. The depth spots are very young, with the Patriots banking on the development of Froholdt (center), Onwenu (guard) and Cajuste (swing tackle). Sixth-round pick Justin Herron is a solid practice-squad candidate.
DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Lawrence Guy, Beau Allen, Byron Cowart, Adam Butler, Deatrich Wise Jr., Derek Rivers
Allen didn't practice in training camp because of an undisclosed injury, so this group has been light from the get-go. Cowart, a 2019 fifth-round pick, will be counted on to make a big jump.
LINEBACKER (7): Ja'Whaun Bentley, Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Cassh Maluia, John Simon, Chase Winovich, Brandon Copeland
The opt-out of Dont'a Hightower means that draft picks Uche (second round) and Jennings (third round) could see early playing time as off-the-line options. Maluia, a sixth-round pick from Wyoming, can add depth while providing value as a core special teamer.
CORNERBACK (5): Stephon Gilmore, Jason McCourty, J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Joejuan Williams. The entire group returned from 2019, and Jackson -- who enters his third year after initially sticking as an undrafted free agent -- has looked like one of the best players on the field in camp.
SAFETY (5): Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips, Terrence Brooks, Kyle Dugger, Cody Davis
Phillips is a leading candidate to replace Patrick Chung, who opted out of the season. But Brooks also showed up throughout training camp with notable ball skills. Dugger, the team's top draft pick (second round, No. 37), might need more time before he carves out a significant role on D.
SPECIALIST (5): Nick Folk (kicker), Jake Bailey (punter), Joe Cardona (snapper), Matthew Slater (coverage), Justin Bethel (coverage)
Folk has been more consistent than rookie Justin Rohrwasser, and if the Patriots elect to go with the steady veteran, they could consider a practice-squad spot for their fifth-round pick.