New England Patriots Depth Chart 2019 Patriots Depth Chart

Preseason Analysis: Patriots Are Loading Up for Another Run

While a lot of reports have come out about retirements within this team, they will likely be the same old Patriots. Tom Brady continues to be a league leading quarterback, and Brian Hoyer isn’t the worst backup in the world if anything was to happen. The running back scenario here is as jumbled as always, despite losing Dion Lewis to Tennessee. They drafted Sony Michel out of Georgia in the first round, which came as a surprise to everyone, but who are we to judge the Patriots moves. They still have Rex Burkhead, James White, and Mike Gillislee, but also added Jeremy Hill. Let the roulette wheel do its thing here as usual. New England continues to pick up the Buffalo Bills scraps, and did that with Jordan Matthews, who should slide into a top three role among the wide receivers. He would join Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan. After some rumors of retirement, Rob Gronkowski is likely to return for another season. Dwayne Allen remains in New England for some depth, and Ryan Izzo was drafted to add a bit of depth at tight end. Things could clear up over time, but this New England team has a lot of logjams at various positions.

The New England Patriots have created one of the most impressive dynasty in sports history over the last 17 years. The team has appeared in eight Super Bowls during this time, which is a feat that is absolutely astonishing in a league built around parity. New England is coming off an excellent season in 2017, but they are surely disappointed after their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. This disappointment is only going to fuel Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and rest of the organization to another great year in 2018. No team is able to deal with roster turnover better than the New England Patriots, and they will have to do it again in 2018. The Patriots will look a completely different team this season at several key positions, but that will not hinder their ability to succeed. The biggest changes on offense will come at the wide receiver position. After trading Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams and losing Danny Amendola to the Dolphins in free agency, the Patriots added Jordan Matthews and Cordarrelle Patterson. Matthews has the size and quickness to be a great receiver, but his young career has been derailed by injuries. His ability to make tough catches will make him a prime target for Tom Brady.

New England will also have a new running back in 2018. Dion Lewis left to join the Tennessee Titans in the off-season, so the Patriots decided to sign Jeremy Hill. James White will be asked to replace Lewis as the top receiving threat out of the backfield. Hill is a powerful runner, so he will be utilized as the short-yardage and goal line back. It would not be shocking to see Hill lead the team in touchdowns this season. In addition to overhauling the offense, the Patriots also made several big changes to their defense. The additions of Danny Shelton and Adrian Clayborn instantly upgraded the defensive line. Clayborn is simply one of the best pass rushers in the NFL right now. New England loves to pressure the quarterback with exotic blitzes. These blitzes should be a lot more effective in 2018 with Clayborn creating havoc at defensive end. A lot of people were surprised when the Patriots decided to release Malcolm Butler in the off-season, but the team quickly filled the hole by acquiring Jason McCourty in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Patriot fans will not miss Butler for long because McCourty is a much better coverage corner. Getting to play with Stephon Gilmore should only improve McCourty's game because he will not be asked to cover the best receiver on the field for the first time in his career. The New England Patriots made a lot of changes in the off-season, but they will once again be one of the best teams in the league. Winning the AFC East division looks like a lock at the moment, but the Patriots will not be satisfied unless the 2018 season ends with a Super Bowl title.