Roster Changes

 

Key additions

WR Demaryius Thomas, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, OT Jared Veldheer, DE Michael Bennett, DT Mike Pennel

 

Key losses

WR Chris Hogan, WR Cordarrelle Patterson, TE Rob Gronkowski, TE Dwayne Allen, OT Trent Brown, DE Trey Flowers, DE Adrian Clayborn, DT Malcolm Brown, CB Eric Rowe

 

2019 draft class

WR N’Keal Harry (1.32), CB Joejuan Williams (2.45), DE Chase Winovich (3.77), RB Damien Harris (3.87), OT Yodny Cajuste (3.101), G Hjalte Froholdt (4.118), QB Jarrett Stidham (4.133), DT Byron Cowart (5.159), P Jake Bailey (5.163), CB Ken Webster (7.252)

 

Projected Starters

 

Offense

QB: Tom Brady
RB: Sony Michel
WR: Julian Edelman
WR: N’Keal Harry
WR: Phillip Dorsett
TE: Austin Seferian-Jenkins
LT: Isaiah Wynn
LG: Joe Thuney
C: David Andrews
RG: Shaq Mason
RT: Marcus Cannon

 

Defense

DE: Michael Bennett
DT: Mike Pennel
DT: Lawrence Guy
DE: Chase Winovich
LB: Dont’a Hightower
LB: Ja’Whaun Bentley
CB: Stephon Gilmore
CB: Joejuan Williams
CB: Jason McCourty
S: Devin McCourty
S: Patrick Chung

 

Team Outlook

 

Notable depth

QB Brian Hoyer, QB Jarrett Stidham, RB James White, RB Damien Harris, RB Rex Burkhead, RB Brandon Bolden, FB James Develin, WR Josh Gordon, WR Demaryius Thomas, WR Matthew Slater, OT Jared Veldheer, OT Yodny Cajuste, G Hjalte Froholdt, DE Deatrich Wise Jr., DE John Simon, LB Kyle Van Noy, LB Elandon Roberts, CB Duke Dawson, CB Jonathan Jones, S Duraon Harmon, S Obi Melifonwu

 

Biggest strength: Quarterback

Running back and wide receiver are both suddenly loaded after New England retooled this offseason, but Tom Brady obviously remains the on-field centerpiece of the dynasty, especially once the weather gets colder. Coming off an average regular season (29:11 touchdown-interception ratio with some uncharacteristic mistakes made), Brady could be set up for a deadly campaign where he throws for 35+ touchdowns and just a handful of interceptions again.

 

Biggest weakness: Tight end

It’s quite literally impossible to get a direct replacement for the cyborg that was Rob Gronkowski, but perhaps the Pats will go into the trade market for someone like Kyle Rudolph to upgrade/compliment Austin Seferian-Jenkins. If not, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will simply adjust the scheme, and we’ve already seen signs of that by the selections of wideout N’Keal Harry and running back Damien Harris, which signals a heavier reliance on other positions.

 

Position battle to watch: Cornerback

The defending world champs are fortunate to have their main position battle come at a position of strength, as the cornerbacks are going to be able to match up based on opponent. Of course, Stephon Gilmore will consistently be the No. 1 corner, but it will be interesting to see where 2018 second-round pick Duke Dawson fits in after a lost campaign, as Jason McCourty played well last year, and Joejuan Williams projects to start on the outside. We will probably see a lot of Williams on Travis Kelce when the Patriots take on the Chiefs in December (and possibly January).

 

One more thought

The starting five on the offensive line seems to be set with a very good group of projected starters, but New England spent a third-round pick on Yodny Cajuste, a fourth-round pick on Hjalte Froholdt, and are signing veteran Jared Veldheer, who started 12-of-12 appearances for Denver last season. Even if a significant injury or two hits the starters, Bill Belichick has built enough depth to withstand it.

 

Early over/under: 11 wins (via CBS Sports)

Over. As stated, Gronk will be a huge loss, but the Patriots have won at least 11 games in every season this decade, and they’ve absolutely loaded up everywhere else to make a run at Super Bowl ring No. 7. If everyone stays healthy and Josh Gordon is reinstated, New England should go at least 13-3 with this roster against what looks like a very soft schedule.