The New England Patriots were one of the most active teams in NFL free agency through the first week, but how do they form depth map now? With a number of new additions, as well as players returning after signing in 2020, the Patriots depth map has taken a fascinating form.
Depth Table of New England Patriots | Offense
What’s the shape of the Patriots’ depth map during the offensive after an interesting first week of the new NFL season?
Back player
1) Cam Newton
2) Jarrett Stidham
3) Jacob Dolegala
After spending the 2020 season in New England, Cam Newton returns to the Patriots on top of the QB depth chart. While 2020 was not quite according to plan, the Patriots were willing to invest in Newton again. As it stands now, Stidham are the backup on the depth map, but could be the Patriots in the game for a QB like Marcus Mariota if the Raiders release him?
Run back
1) Damien Harris
2) Sony Michel
3) JJ Taylor
4) Brandon Bolden
Damien Harris was a revelation at the top of the Patriots RB depth chart in 2020. Harris had some excellent games and really confirmed his place as the back-to-back in 2021. On the other hand, Sony Michel will be desperate to prove he’s the final year of his rookie contract. Taylor can take over the role he passes on James White, while Bolden’s presence is more about a potential role in special teams.
Let the drinks come to you! Get $ 10 off your $ 30+ order at Drizly. Use promotional code PFN (valid for 21+ in CA, KY, TN, AZ, CO, DC, FL, IA, IL, LA, MD, NY, OR, RI, WY).
The Patriots currently also have Jakob Johnson and Dan Vitale on their depth map at fullback. Johnson should be the favorite for the grid spot this summer.
Wide receiver
1) Julian Edelman
2) Nelson Agholor
3) Kendrick Bourne
4) Jakobi Meyers
5) N’Keal Harry
The wide depth map of the receiver got a big stir with the arrival of Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. Edelman is probably still the no. 1 option, although his role is probably not in the lock. On the outside, Bourne and Agholor should be the best options. Meyers had a good relationship with Newton last season, but probably fell into the pick order.
Proposed | New England Patriots’ signature so far is a D-disguise as an A +
There has been enough talk that Harry is on his way out of New England. The Patriots may still feel they can make something out of the former first-round pick, but it looks like he’s buried on the depth map for now.
The other names on the depth map currently include Gunner Olszewski and Matthew Slater, who have to play major roles in special teams.
Tight end
1) Jonnu Smith
2) Hunter Henry
3) Dalton Keene
4) Devin Asiasi
5) Matt LaCosse
The Patriots have definitely invested a lot in their in-depth depth map this off-season. Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry earn an average of $ 25 million a year. As a result, the Patriots will likely be looking for the double TE lineup they had a few years ago. Look for Smith to be a “move” party that will stand across the offense.
The other names on this depth map are both concepts from the previous season in Keene and Asiasi. Consequently, the arrival of Smith and Henry probably indicates that the Patriots were not impressed by what they saw of these two as rookies.
Offensive line
LT: Isaiah Wynn
LG: Shaq Mason
C: David Andrews
RG: Michael Onwenu
RT: Trent Brown
Rugby: Justin Herron (OT), Korey Cunningham (OT), Yodny Cajuste (OT), Marcus Martin (OG), Ross Reynolds (OG), Najee Toran (OG), Ted Karras (C)
The return of Andrews and Brown makes this Patriots offensive look strong for 2021. It will be interesting to see how the Patriots are in line with their guards.
Related | New England Patriots’ 2021 Opponents and the Strength of the Schedule
Before the Andrews were brought back, the Patriots added Karras, who could move to a guard post if Mason or Onwenu struggled in training camp. Marcus Cannon’s trade leaves Wynn locked up at the left tackle while the Patriots want to evaluate him as their future left tackle.
In-depth table of New England Patriots | Defense
After making a few additions, how does the Patriots depth map form the defense?
Domestic line of defense
1) Henry Anderson
2) Davon Godchaux
3) Byron Cowart
4) Akeem Spence
5) Tashawn Bower
The Patriots play a very fluid formation, making it difficult to determine who is the first 11 on defense. Cowart is probably the starting nose, but if the Patriots sometimes play a 4-3 defensive style, he could be the weird guy. The two names that should consistently make contributors are Anderson and Godchaux after coming in during free agency.
EDGE
1) Matt Judon
2) Deatrich Wise
3) Jaag Winovich
4) Kyle Van Noy
5) Josh Uche
The Patriots’ depth map for passengers is impressive. This group will surely be able to turn and press opposing backs constantly.
Proposed | Best and worst signings so far in 2021
Judon should be the popular player, but the addition of Van Noy brings in an incredible amount of depth. Wise and Judon have the ability to play as defensive ends in a 4-3, as well as options in the Patriots’ 3-4 scheme that they manage.
Winovich, Van Noy and Uche are more suited for a passing role from an off-line position. This group is extremely versatile and Uche can even play in the lineout role as his career progresses.
Linebacker
1) Ja’Whaun Bentley
2) Dont’a Hightower
3) Raekwon McMillan
4) Brandon King
5) Josh Uche
In the absence of Hightower, Bentley made a name for himself in New England. Behind the two, however, the Patriots’ depth map at linebacker is somewhat fluid. This is where the hybrid nature of the Patriots defense comes into play. They have players who are more traditionally regarded as EDGE players who can grab in linebacker, while also having safety conditions that can act and also contribute as linebackers.
Cornerback
1) Stephon Gilmore
2) JC Jackson
3) Jonathan Jones
4) Joejuan Williams
5) Michael Jackson
The Patriots have an excellent corner kick Stephon Gilmore and JC Jackson. The depth at the position is somewhat questionable. Yet, with four possible safety options on the list, they could use one of them in a corner roll, similar to how they had used Patrick Chung for years.
The Patriots will be hoping to get some progress from Williams, but it will not be a surprise if the Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Safety
1) Devin McCourty
2) Adrian Phillips
3) Jalen Mills
4) Kyle Dugger
5) Justin Bethel
The Patriots’ depth map has quality from top to bottom. If you keep that in mind, it will not be a surprise to see one or two of them play a hybrid role as a lock or a linebacker sometimes this season.
McCourty is probably at the end of his career, but he is still a valuable leader. Phillips experienced a strong season while Mills arrived in New England via free agency. Dugger was considered a hybrid safety in the 2020 NFL Draft, and can therefore be a candidate to play linebacker if it passes.
Want more NFL news and analysis?
Follow us on Twitter (@ PFN365) to keep abreast of all things around the NFL. Also continue to visit Pro Soccer Network for NFL news and in-depth analysis on the new 2021 NFL season.