The New England Patriots have completed their initial annual trim-down of their roster following the often-dreaded, sometimes-surprising, always-exciting cut-down day. Here is a position-by-position breakdown of the initial 53-man roster.

The New England Patriots are continuing their trek to improve upon last year’s dismal season performance. New coach Mike Vrabel has prioritized the establishment of a tougher, more disciplined culture and has now identified the player personnel he believes can help him manifest his vision.

Though trade rumors continue to swell around the likes of safety Kyle Dugger and linebacker Anfernee Jennings, as well as the newly disgruntled Raider wide receiver Jakobi Myers, the likelihood of a drastic change before the Pats’ September 7 matchup against Pete Carroll’s Raiders is quite low. That being said, NFL rosters continuously fluctuate. Waiver claims are due by 12:00PM ET on Wednesday 8/27, after which teams can designate their 16-man practice squad. But for now, here is who the Vrabel-Wolf brain trust selected for their initial 53-man roster.

Quarterback: Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs

Turns out Ben Wooldridge was not the answer. After the final preseason game against the New York Giants, a contest in which the undrafted free agent went 10/20 for 82 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT, Wooldridge was released from the Patriots roster in the first surge of cuts. Veteran journeyman Joshua Dobbs is expected to back up second-year QB Drake Maye. Though Dobbs struggled mightily at times throughout training camp, the New England brass hope that he can provide some stability and veteran guile to the Patriots quarterback room. They might also be hoping to improve the backup QB position via waiver claim (I heard Bailey Zappe is available, if anyone is feeling nostalgic). There are no guessing games to be played with the starting role; if the Patriots are to exceed their 4-win total from last year’s campaign, they will need to see improvement from their franchise-caliber QB Drake Maye. Maye flashed impressive potential in his rookie season and is now looking to thrive rather than survive in Josh McDaniels’ offense. After an impressive training camp, caveated by a less-than-impressive preseason performance, the Pats are hoping to see Maye limit his turnover-worthy plays, protect himself more efficiently, and utilize his above-average arm strength to push the ball downfield. The 22-year-old has all the tools to be a special player, but only time will tell if he can truly elevate an entire team beyond the lower-middle dregs of the NFL.

Running Back: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson (R), Antonio Gibson

The Patriots have a potentially dynamite pairing between explosive rookie TreVeyon Henderson and early-down back Rhamondre Stevenson. Henderson caught the attention of the masses with his 100-yard kickoff return TD against the Commanders, but his talent has shined throughout the summer sessions in Foxborough. The Ohio State product is expected to be a high-impact performer in New England’s offense, who will no doubt try to maximize the efficacy of Henderson’s speed and creativity in third down and red zone situations. In his fifth year as a pro, Stevenson is expected to once again handle the bulk of the touches as the early-down back. Veteran Antonio Gibson is expected to persist on the roster primarily as a returner, but may see some touches at RB if the Henderson-Stevenson battery experiences health and/or ball-security concerns.

Wide Receiver: Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams (R), Mack Hollins, Efton Chism III (R), Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne

Eight. Yes, eight wide receivers were selected to the Pats’ 53-man roster. Let’s start at the top. After signing with New England for three years and $63.5 million, former All-Pro WR Stefon Diggs is expected to line up as the undisputed #1 pass-catcher for Drake Maye. Diggs adds legitimate pedigree to what was a talent-deficient receiving corps, though he enters his Patriots tenure with some questions regarding his health. Diggs has been a limited participant throughout the summer following his season-ending ACL tear in 2024, but his active moments in a Patriots practice jersey have been eye-popping. Also attained in free agency, former Buffalo Bill Mack Hollins looks to be a big-body target for Maye between the hashes and provide some quality run-blocking from the receiver position. Two players looking to improve upon an unassuming start to their NFL careers are third-year WRs DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte. Both players have shown potential to be contributing factors in an efficient offense, but neither player has strung together consistent starts at the NFL level. Where Douglas aims to recapture the promise demonstrated in his rookie season as a classic slot receiver, Boutte aims to provide Maye with an over-the-top deep threat.

Most fans most likely scrolled to this position group specifically to see the following names: Efton Chism III and Kyle Williams. Well, rejoice for the rookies have secured their spots on the initial 53-man roster. Both Chism and Williams started their summer training camp careers in blasé fashion, but caught fire as the intensity ramped up. Chism in particular seemed to grow with the occasion, culminating in the second preseason game against the Vikings wherein the rookie wideout caught six passes for 71 yards and 1 TD. The undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington displayed a cunning knack for finding soft spots underneath coverage and a toughness to push through hard contact that undoubtedly captured the attention of head coach Mike Vrabel. Williams also broke out in a lesser way in the same preseason game against Minnesota, but an errant pass from Joshua Dobbs left the rookie in a vulnerable position for a crunching hit by a much bigger linebacker which ended his afternoon. Though fans should temper their expectations for these two rookie pass-catchers given their draft status, it is encouraging to see a couple of new faces break into the receiver room.

The real surprise in this list is the inclusion of Javon Baker and Kendrick Bourne. Least surprising among this tandem is Baker, who secured his spot by showing he can be a consistent contributor on special teams. Though the former UCF Knight has not maximized his development as a WR, he has shown promise in punt return coverage. Bourne’s securing of a roster spot is perplexing given his absentee status since August 1. Though the veteran WR has experienced success in McDaniels’ offense before, albeit four years and several injuries ago, it is difficult to identify assets Bourne brings to the table that are not already covered by younger, more promising players.

Tight End: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover

The Patriots will have to rely heavily on their top two tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper throughout this season, because the drop off beyond that point is unfortunate. Henry is poised to have another solid showing in his fifth season in a Patriots uniform after being Drake Maye’s most reliable pass catcher in 2024 (674 yards, 2 TDs). Hooper is hoping to increase his impact after a promising first year in New England (476 yards, 3 TDs). Second-year pro Jack Westover secured his spot on the roster by filling in at full back for the injured rookie Brock Lampe, though Elliot Wolf and company may look to improve that position via waiver claim (old friend Jakob Johnson was recently released by the Texans). Disappointing summer campaigns from the likes of Gee Scott Jr., C.J. Dippre, and 2024 7^th round pick Jaheim Bell (acquired in the N’Keal Harry trade, for you masochistic historians), may lead to the Pats looking externally for a potential upgrade at the third tight end spot in the early stages of the season.

Offensive Line: Will Campbell (R), Jared Wilson (R), Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Ben Brown, Marcus Bryant, Caedan Wallace, Vederian Lowe

The dust has settled on the Patriots’ offensive line position battles and, comparatively speaking, things are looking up. #4 overall pick Will Campbell will look to justify the draft capital the Patriots invested in him by protecting Maye’s blindside and continuing his development as a high-ceiling athletic run-blocker. Fellow rookie Jared Wilson was one of the surprises of the summer by breaking out as the lead candidate to take over the shaky-at-best LG position. Between Campbell and Wilson, the Patriots must be excited about the prospect of developing a dynamic left side of the line that can get to the outside quickly, setting up explosive power runs and surprise screen passes. Veteran Garrett Bradbury beat out the likes of Ben Brown to secure the starting center spot, with the latter sticking around for backup interior purposes. The right side of the line features a much more seasoned cast between the sixth-year veteran Mike Onwenu and the twelfth-year veteran Morgan Moses. Onwenu is hoping to have a bounce-back year after an up-and-down 2024 season whereas the Patriots hope that Moses can stay healthy and continue his mentorship of Will Campbell. If the offensive line faces injury, Marcus Bryant is expected to be the top swing tackle backup while Caedan Wallace continues his development as a versatile backup option.

Notable exclusions from this group include former first-round pick Cole Strange and 2024 regular starter Demontrey Jacobs. Strange is the one that really stings here, considering the context in which he was drafted by the Patriots in 2022, but the #29 overall selection was given a series of opportunities to secure a starting spot at guard and center throughout his tenure in New England and consistently failed to do so. Jacobs’ release is a different brand of painful in that one may find it hard to fathom that a player can be deemed fit to start 13 games by one coaching regime, then deemed unfit for backup duty by the proceeding coaching regime less than a full year later.

Defensive Line: Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Jeremiah Pharms, Joshua Farmer (R)

The Patriots’ defensive front tracks to be one of its few major assets heading into the 2025 season. After working his way back from a shocking blood clot-related injury designation that sidelined him for much of 2024, Christian Barmore is figured to be a major force in Terrell Williams’ defense. Reports from camp indicate that the fifth-year DT consistently put up high-level performances throughout the summer, including arriving for duty in better physical condition than ever before. Elliot Wolf’s premier offseason acquisition, DE Milton Williams, looks to continue his reign as a pocket disruptor and every-down sack threat. The $104 million man will have to be ready for an increased workload in this Patriots defense though, as they will surely be leaning on him to bring an all-around skillset to the front lines. Veteran NT Khyiris Tonga emerged as a better-than-expected run-stuff specialist that may now see a higher volume of snaps due to his impressive training camp performance.

DT Joshua Farmer, the Patriots’ 2025 fourth-round selection, headlines the backup duo as a naturally athletic power rusher who could rotate in on obvious rush opportunities. DT Jeremiah Pharms, the former Pittsburgh Mauler of the USFL, offers a backup run-stuffing toolbox that could potentially be deployed in goal line situations.

Edge: Harold Landry, L’Lavon Chaisson, Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, Elijah Ponder (R)

Harold Landry highlights a modest but respectable edge room that, for now, still employs the slightly-out-of-scheme skills of Keion White and Anfernee Jennings. Landry will look to recapture his 2021 Pro Bowl caliber form under his former coaches, having played under both Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams in Tennessee. Even when displeased and actively seeking a trade away from the Titans, Landry was able to produce upper-tier defensive stats in 2024 (9 sacks, 15 TFL, 15 QB hits). Another surprising ascension that occurred during the summer was that of OLB K’Lavon Chaisson. Originally billed as a reclamation project, Chaisson is now expected to factor in heavily alongside Landry in a decidedly more aggressive defensive scheme that is designed to simulate pressure using the secondary and bring fast rushers off the edge with overloads.

The out-of-place duo of Keion White and Anfernee Jennings may be a biproduct of the shifting defensive philosophy in New England meeting the established personnel of the previous regime. Both White and Jennings are absolutely NFL-caliber players, but their playstyles lack alignment with the new defensive scheme. This has led to speculation regarding their availability for trade, but can the Patriots really afford to give away NFL-quality players following an abysmal 2024 defensive season? Regardless, both White and Jennings are expected to play roles in Williams’ new-look defense. White tracks as an all-out bull rusher who may be called on in obvious passing situations and Jennings tracks as a limit-the-damage outside linebacker who can stop nosebleeds in the run game.

The unheralded arrival of undrafted free agent Elijah Ponder is a story that should inspire any NFL hopeful. The former Cal Poly Mustang impressed throughout training camp as a special teams player, culminating in his vital block that sprung fellow rookie TreVeyon Henderson for his coming-out party kick return TD against Washington. Ponder is expected to be a core special-teamer in his rookie season, but don’t be surprised if he gets a look or two at edge throughout the season if he continues to develop.

Linebacker: Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu

Get ready to see a lot of Spillane love from Pats fans as the season goes on. Another former undrafted free agent, LB Robert Spillane is expected to get the bulk of the work as Williams’ primary middle linebacker. Efficient in both run stopping and pass coverage, Spillane adds some much-needed speed and versatility to New England’s linebacking corps. After matching an offer sheet from the Raiders to retain his services earlier this year, the Patriots are expected to rely more heavily on LB Christian Elliss as the weak-side linebacker. Elliss served admirably in relief of the injured Ja’Whaun Bentley in 2024, earning an elevated role in the new defense. Another reclamation project following his season-ending ankle injury in 2024, LB Jack Gibbens is expected to serve primarily in early-down rushing situations as a stout-nosed run-stuffer. Conversely, former third-round pick and converted nickel-safety Marte Mapu is expected to factor in on obvious passing situations. Though currently on IR, LB Jahlani Tavai is expected to return at some point this season which may shake up the bottom of the Pats’ linebacker depth chart.

Cornerback: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, D.J. James

Health permitting, the cornerback room may just be the most flat-out talented group the Patriots have. After securing Second-Team All Pro honors in 2024, third-year CB Christian Gonzalez has to be gunning for a monster season in 2025 under Terrell Williams’ tutelage. Gonzalez can expect to be matched up against every opponent’s top pass-catcher this season, a scenario in which the former Oregon Duck thrived in 2024. Lining up opposite Gonzalez will be CB Carlton Davis, one of Wolf’s high-dollar free agent signings. Davis seeks to provide some veteran leadership and savviness to a young cornerback room while also being an above-average pass defender in his own right. If Gonzalez and Davis can spend extended periods of time on the field together, expect great things from the Vrabel-Williams secondary.

CB Alex Austin secured a role as a rotational slot cornerback by demonstrating an innate ability to defend inside against bigger-bodied pass-catchers, though expect fourth-year CB Marcus Jones to slot in against shiftier slot receivers. Second-year pro D.J. James became one of New England’s training camp darlings for his play in the absence of Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis while they both rehabbed injuries. This fever peaked when James picked off a slower-than-snails lob to the outside from former Washington QB Sam Hartman during the Pats’ preseason matchup against the Commanders, a play that showcased James’s natural ball-hawking instincts and quick reactivity. Though James finds himself at the bottom of a very talented CB depth chart, his work over the summer may earn him a few looks in coverage at some point in the season.

Safety: Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Craig Woodson (R), Jaylinn Hawkins, Dell Pettus

Trade rumors persist regarding sixth-year SS Kyle Dugger, but the veteran still projects as a week one representative for the Patriots safety room. As any Patriots fan can tell you after watching Dugger’s career unfold over the past five seasons, his pass coverage deficiencies are glaring but his tackling and downhill abilities are impressive. Though Dugger never developed the coverage skills required to be an elite NFL safety, he carved a role for himself in the Belichick defensive system by being an aggressive, on-the-ball strong safety capable of inflicting damage on pass-catchers in the middle field. The problem is that Belichick is no longer calling the shots in New England and the new guy’s defensive structure requires its safeties to be center fielder types who can quickly close distances and guard over-top. This makes the Dugger archetype superfluous in the new defensive scheme. What’s worse than having one average, poorly scheme-fitted safety in your secondary? That’s right: having two of them. Ninth-year veteran SS Jabrill Peppers finds himself in a similar situation, but has proven to be a bit more effective in pass coverage.

If the New England safety room is going to see success in 2025, it is going to have to be the result of breakout campaigns from journeyman FS Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie FS Craig Woodson. Hawkins and Woodson saw extensive reps throughout the summer alongside each other as Dugger rehabbed from injury, and will look to continue building their chemistry in the early stages of the season.

Yet another undrafted free agent, second-year S Dell Pettus is expected to be a key contributor on special teams as a punt protector.

Specialists: Andres Borregales (R), Julian Ashby (R), Bryce Baringer, Brenden Schooler

If you are going to spend draft picks on a kicker and long snapper, they better make the roster. Luckily for the Vrabel-Wolf administration, both rookie K Andres Borregales and rookie LS Julian Ashby cemented their spots on the initial 53 with solid summer performances. Borregales emerged victorious over journeyman K John Parker Romo following a fierce kicking competition. Fourth-year S Brenden Schooler will look to continue his stellar career as a special teams ace following his First-Team All-Pro 2024 season while third-year P Bryce Baringer is expected to handle the punting duties.

8/27/2025 Update: Added QB Tommy DeVito (Giants) and CB Charles Woods (Rams), Released WR Javon Baker and WR Kendrick Bourne

Tommy Cutlets has now become Tommy Clam Chowder. Though he leaves much to be desired, DeVito offers a modest upgrade to the Pats’ backup quarterback position. Plus, he provides ample opportunity for impatient fans to continue their toxic infatuation with the backup QB that they are absolutely positive will come in and solve all the problems the starting QB is currently struggling with (see Bailey Zappe, Joe Milton III, Jimmy Garoppolo, Ryan Mallett, Scott Zolak, etc.)

CB Charles Woods provides an intriguing backup option to the slot-corner position. Woods is an undersized cornerback in the mold of Marcus Jones, so he is most likely to be rotated in similar situations.