The Patriots' Depth Chart: A Guide for the Perplexed

Introduction

The New England Patriots are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, having won six Super Bowls since 2001. Their success is due in no small part to their depth of talent, which allows them to withstand injuries and keep their level of play high throughout the season.

In this article, we'll take a look at the Patriots' depth chart for the 2023 season, and we'll discuss what it means for the team's chances of success.

Quarterback

The Patriots' starting quarterback is Mac Jones, who is entering his third season in the NFL. Jones had a solid rookie season in 2021, throwing for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns with 13 interceptions. He also led the Patriots to the playoffs, where they lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round.

Behind Jones, the Patriots have two experienced backups in Brian Hoyer and Bailey Zappe. Hoyer is a 14-year veteran who has started 39 games in his career, while Zappe is a second-year player who started two games for the Patriots last season.

Running Back

The Patriots' starting running back is Rhamondre Stevenson, who emerged as a star in his rookie season in 2022. Stevenson rushed for 1,023 yards and seven touchdowns, and he also caught 22 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns.

Behind Stevenson, the Patriots have a solid group of backups in Damien Harris and Pierre Strong. Harris is a fourth-year player who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons, while Strong is a second-year player who has shown flashes of potential.

Wide Receiver

The Patriots' wide receiver corps is led by Jakobi Meyers, who is entering his fifth season in the NFL. Meyers is a reliable target who has caught over 80 passes in each of the past two seasons.

Behind Meyers, the Patriots have a number of talented receivers, including Tyquan Thornton, Kendrick Bourne, Nelson Agholor, and DeVante Parker. Thornton is a rookie who was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, while Bourne, Agholor, and Parker are all experienced players who have proven their worth in the NFL.

Tight End

The Patriots' starting tight end is Hunter Henry, who is entering his third season with the team. Henry is a versatile player who can block, catch passes, and run the ball.

Behind Henry, the Patriots have a number of other tight ends who can contribute, including Jonnu Smith, Devin Asiasi, and Matt LaCosse. Smith is a former Pro Bowl player who had a disappointing season in 2022, but he has the potential to be a valuable asset to the Patriots. Asiasi and LaCosse are both solid blockers who can also contribute as receivers.

Offensive Line

The Patriots' offensive line is anchored by left tackle Trent Brown, who is one of the best tackles in the NFL. Brown is a massive player who is difficult to move, and he is a key part of the Patriots' running game.

The rest of the Patriots' offensive line is solid, but not spectacular. Michael Onwenu is a versatile player who can play guard or tackle, and he is a good run blocker. Cole Strange is a rookie who was drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he showed promise as a pass blocker in his rookie season. James Ferentz is a veteran guard who is a solid run blocker.

Defensive Line

The Patriots' defensive line is led by Matthew Judon, who is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Judon had 12.5 sacks in 2022, and he was a key part of the Patriots' defense.

Behind Judon, the Patriots have a number of other talented defensive linemen, including Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, and Lawrence Guy. Barmore is a second-year player who had a breakout season in 2022, and he is expected to be a key part of the Patriots' defense for years to come. Godchaux is a veteran who is a solid run stopper, and Guy is a versatile player who can play tackle or end.

Linebacker

The Patriots' linebacker corps is led by Ja'Whaun Bentley, who is a tackling machine. Bentley had 155 tackles in 2022, and he is one of the best tacklers in the NFL.

Behind Bentley, the Patriots have a number of other talented linebackers, including Mack Wilson, Josh Uche, and Jahlani Tavai. Wilson is a former first-round pick who had a solid season in 2022, and he is expected to be a key part of the Patriots' defense for years to come. Uche is a pass rush specialist who had 12 sacks in 2022, and Tavai is a veteran who is a solid run stopper.

Cornerback

The Patriots' cornerback corps is led by Jalen Mills, who is a veteran who has proven his worth in the NFL. Mills had 70 tackles and four interceptions in 2022, and he is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.

Behind Mills, the Patriots have a number of other talented cornerbacks, including Jonathan Jones, Jack Jones, and Marcus Jones. Jonathan Jones is a veteran who is a solid tackler and cover corner, while Jack Jones is a rookie who had a promising season in 2022. Marcus Jones is a special teams ace who can also contribute as a cornerback.

Safety

The Patriots' safety corps is led by Devin McCourty, who is one of the best safeties in the NFL. McCourty had 94 tackles and two interceptions in 2022, and he is a key part of the Patriots' defense.

Behind McCourty, the Patriots have a number of other talented safeties, including Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, and Jabrill Peppers. Dugger is a second-year player who had a breakout season in 2022, and he is expected to be a key part of the Patriots' defense for years to come. Phillips is a veteran who is a solid tackler and cover safety, while Peppers is a versatile player who can play safety or linebacker.

Special Teams

The Patriots' special teams are led by kicker Nick Folk, who is one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL. Folk made 90.9% of his field goal attempts in 2022, and he is a key part of the Patriots' offense.

Behind Folk, the Patriots have a number of other talented special teams players, including Jake Bailey, Cody Davis, and Matthew Slater. Bailey is a punter who is one of the best in the NFL, Davis is a long snapper who is one of the best in the NFL, and Slater is a special teams ace who is one of the best in