FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots open the 2023 NFL regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 10 at Gillette Stadium.
The emergence of 2023 sixth-round picks Kayshon Boutte and Demario "Pop" Douglas have created a first-class "problem" at receiver, where veterans DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kendrick Bourne are entrenched atop the depth chart and 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton is again sidelined by an undisclosed injury.
Coach Bill Belichick often has a surprise up his sleeve. What might it be this year?
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here is a projection for the Patriots:
QUARTERBACK (3): Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, Malik Cunningham
Keeping Cunningham on the roster on opening day would increase the team's streak of having at least one undrafted free agent to 20 seasons. He's been impressive with the football in his hands, and while the ideal spot for the team would be the practice squad, it might be too risky to assume he would make it through waivers.
RUNNING BACK (3): Rhamondre Stevenson, Ezekiel Elliott, Pierre Strong Jr.
Expanded practice squads provide the opportunity to build depth at running back, with oft-injured Ty Montgomery, J.J. Taylor and and Kevin Harris as candidates for that. Elliott was a key addition because the gap between Stevenson and the next option on the depth chart was significant until his arrival.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte
Douglas and Boutte have earned spots and their presence sparks promise for the future, with Douglas' quickness providing a different type of skill set than any of the other receivers. Thornton has elite physical traits, but his inability to stay healthy is stunting his progress.
TIGHT END (2): Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki
Similar to running back, the Patriots figure to use the practice squad to build important depth, with Matt Sokol, Anthony Firkser and Johnny Lumpkin the candidates. An offensive lineman could also be utilized in a pinch for more of a pure blocking presence at tight end.
OFFENSIVE LINE (10): Trent Brown, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Riley Reiff, Calvin Anderson, Atonio Mafi, Sidy Sow, Chasen Hines, Jake Andrews
This has been the trouble spot throughout training camp because Strange (left leg/knee) and Onwenu (offseason ankle surgery) have been sidelined, and while there is optimism they'll be back, there is still an important process that needs to happen to get them up to speed. So look for the Patriots to stock the practice squad with the likes of Conor McDermott, (if he doesn't stick on the roster), Kody Russey, James Ferentz, Andrew Stueber, Bill Murray and others.
DEFENSIVE LINE (7): Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Daniel Ekuale, Deatrich Wise Jr., Keion White, Sam Roberts, Lawrence Guy Sr.
This is one area where Belichick could surprise, as the 33-year-old Guy might have trade value, and a fresh start could be welcomed after Guy didn't attend June's mandatory minicamp. Veteran Carl Davis Jr. could be on the roster bubble, and his presence would add depth alongside Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (productive training camp) as strong practice-squad candidates.
LINEBACKER (7): Matthew Judon, Anfernee Jennings, Josh Uche, Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Marte Mapu, Chris Board
Wilson has been the third off-the-ball linebacker behind Bentley and Tavai, but his play in the second preseason game was somewhat concerning, which puts him on the roster bubble. Placing veteran Raekwon McMillan on injured reserve in June has hurt the club's depth and potentially increases the pressure for Mapu -- the third-round pick from Sacramento State -- to get up to speed quickly.
CORNERBACK (5): Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Jack Jones, Myles Bryant
Gonzalez, the first-round pick from Oregon, projects as a Day 1 starter, and he'll be tested quickly by A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and the impressive Eagles receiving corps. Jack Jones faces gun charges but remains on the roster as his next court date is scheduled for Sept. 15. Rookie Isaiah Bolden would ideally be given time to develop on the practice squad.
SAFETY (4): Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jalen Mills
How the Patriots replace retired captain/centerfielder Devin McCourty will be an important storyline early in the season, as the team doesn't have a safety with his range. They might have to do some things differently scheme-wise. Joshuah Bledsoe, a 2021 sixth-round pick from Missouri, could provide depth on the practice squad.
SPECIALISTS (6): Bryce Baringer (P), Joe Cardona (LS), Chad Ryland (K), Matthew Slater, Brenden Schooler, Ameer Speed
Veteran kicker Nick Folk has been steadier than Ryland, but the Patriots used a fourth-round pick to bring the strong-legged Ryland aboard, so the question is whether Belichick might possibly keep both as insurance. That seems like a luxury the team can't afford given the overall state of the roster.