FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots open the 2024 regular season at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 8 at Paycor Stadium.
No team had a greater imbalance of drafting offensive rookies, with the Patriots selecting just one defensive player among their eight selections. It showed, in part, how first-year executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and first-year head coach Jerod Mayo viewed their needs.
The top storyline will be the progress of No. 3 pick Drake Maye and how quickly the quarterback might elevate to the top of the depth chart. But that is far from the only compelling roster-related questions ahead for the Pats.
Here is the 53-man roster projection:
QUARTERBACKS (3): Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, Joe Milton III
Brissett has been tabbed as the starter by coaches, and Maye was working directly behind him by the end of spring practices. Bailey Zappe, a 2022 fourth-round pick for New England, could potentially be a trade candidate. Another possibility would be the Patriots attempting to bring Zappe back on the practice squad if he clears waivers to give them another layer of insurance while protecting their investment in Milton, their 2024 sixth-round pick.
RUNNING BACKS (3): Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, JaMycal Hasty
Hasty caught the eye in one spring practice with his pass-catching skills as a dump-off option, which gives him the edge for a third spot at the moment. Power runner Kevin Harris would be an ideal option to land on the practice squad.
WIDE RECEIVERS (6): K.J. Osborn, DeMario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, Tyquan Thornton
There might not be a clear-cut No. 1 option, but there is no shortage of competition when considering that veterans such as JuJu Smith-Schuster and Jalen Reagor are battling for spots. Also, 2023 sixth-round pick Kayshon Boutte flashed at times in the spring. In the event the NFL suspends Boutte for his prior gambling arrest -- charges that have since been dropped -- Boutte would not count against the initial roster limit.
TIGHT ENDS (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jaheim Bell
Former practice squad player La'Michael Pettway made a few plays in spring practices that served as a reminder he shouldn't be overlooked in the competition for a backup spot, while four-year veteran Mitchell Wilcox has 48 games of NFL experience (nine starts) that warrant consideration, as well. Bell, the 2024 seventh-round pick, is an intriguing option as a versatile player who can move around the formation and even play fullback.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (10): Chukwuma Okorafor, Sidy Sow, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Caedan Wallace, Atonio Mafi, Layden Robinson, Nick Leverett, Jake Andrews, Calvin Anderson
Okorafor hasn't played left tackle since his college days at Western Michigan (2014 to 2017), and the Patriots are relying on him being able to make the switch back from the right side. Cole Strange, the 2022 first-round pick who would start at left guard, is expected to open the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list as he recovers from a torn patellar tendon. Coaches have discussed playing the top five linemen, which could mean Onwenu returns to right guard after playing right tackle last season.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (7): Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Deatrich Wise Jr., Keion White, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Armon Watts
Godchaux's contractual status bears watching, as he said he is hoping to come to an agreement that makes sense for him and the team to finish his career in New England. This is the last year of his deal. Watts, who signed a one-year deal after spending last year with the Steelers, could be on the bubble along with Pharms as the team considers options to fill the void created by letting go veteran Lawrence Guy Sr. earlier in the offseason.
LINEBACKERS (8): Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Anfernee Jennings, Sione Takitaki, Matthew Judon, Joshua Uche, William Bradley-King, Christian Elliss
Bradley-King made a positive impression in spring practices. He is a sleeper pick to emerge as a pass-rusher with the ability to also set the edge in the running game. He spent last season on the practice squad. Former Giant Oshane Ximines also could rise up the ranks (possibly as a practice squad addition if he doesn't earn a roster spot), along with veteran off-the-ball option Raekwon McMillan.
CORNERBACKS (5): Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, Marcellas Dial Jr.
The return to health of Gonzalez, the 2023 first-round pick who was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month in September before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury, should be a boost. Marco Wilson and Isaiah Bolden also will vie for roster spots and would be strong practice squad considerations in the event they don't make the cut.
SAFETIES (5): Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Jaylinn Hawkins, Brenden Schooler
Hawkins, who signed a modest one-year deal this offseason after finishing last season with the Chargers, made a few plays in the spring that stood out. He is on the bubble and likely competing with 2023 sixth-round pick Joshuah Bledsoe for one spot.
SPECIALISTS (3): Chad Ryland (K), Bryce Baringer (P), Joe Cardona (LS)
Ryland, the 2023 fourth-round pick who acknowledged he had a rocky rookie season, will need to stave off competition from Joey Slye in training camp.