The Patriots: A Depth Chart Analysis

The New England Patriots are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, having won six Super Bowls since 2001. Their success has been built on a foundation of strong defense and efficient offense. This depth chart analysis will take a look at the Patriots' current roster and assess their strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2023 season.

Offense

Quarterback

Starter: Mac Jones
Backup: Brian Hoyer

Jones is entering his third season as the Patriots' starting quarterback. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has also been inconsistent at times. Hoyer is a veteran backup who is familiar with the Patriots' system.

Strengths: Jones has a strong arm and good accuracy. He is also mobile and can make plays with his legs.
Weaknesses: Jones can be turnover-prone and he sometimes struggles to read defenses.

Running Back

Starter: Rhamondre Stevenson
Backup: Damien Harris
Third-string: Pierre Strong Jr.

Stevenson is a powerful runner who can break tackles and gain tough yards. Harris is a versatile back who can catch passes out of the backfield. Strong is a rookie who has shown some promise in the preseason.

Strengths: The Patriots have a solid group of running backs who can handle a variety of roles.
Weaknesses: Stevenson and Harris are both injury-prone.

Wide Receiver

Starters: DeVante Parker, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne
Backups: Tyquan Thornton, Nelson Agholor, Kristian Wilkerson

Parker is a big-bodied receiver who can make contested catches. Meyers is a reliable slot receiver who can move the chains. Bourne is a versatile receiver who can play inside or outside. Thornton is a rookie who has the potential to be a deep threat. Agholor is a veteran receiver who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. Wilkerson is a practice squad player who has been impressive in the preseason.

Strengths: The Patriots have a good mix of size, speed, and experience at wide receiver.
Weaknesses: The Patriots' wide receivers are not as talented as some of the other teams in the AFC East.

Tight End

Starter: Hunter Henry
Backup: Jonnu Smith
Third-string: Devin Asiasi

Henry is a well-rounded tight end who can block and catch passes. Smith is a more athletic tight end who can be a threat down the field. Asiasi is a young tight end who has shown some promise.

Strengths: The Patriots have two solid tight ends in Henry and Smith.
Weaknesses: The Patriots' tight ends are not as good as some of the other teams in the NFL.

Offensive Line

Starters: Isaiah Wynn (LT), Michael Onwenu (LG), David Andrews (C), Shaq Mason (RG), Trent Brown (RT)
Backups: Justin Herron, Yodny Cajuste, James Ferentz, Cole Strange

The Patriots' offensive line is one of the best in the NFL. Wynn, Onwenu, Andrews, Mason, and Brown are all Pro Bowl-caliber players.

Strengths: The Patriots' offensive line is big, strong, and experienced.
Weaknesses: The Patriots' offensive line is not as young as it used to be.

Defense

Defensive Line

Starters: Deatrich Wise Jr., Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Lawrence Guy
Backups: Carl Davis, Sam Roberts, DaMarcus Mitchell

The Patriots' defensive line is one of the best in the NFL. Wise, Barmore, Godchaux, and Guy are all talented players who can put pressure on the quarterback.

Strengths: The Patriots' defensive line is big, strong, and experienced.
Weaknesses: The Patriots' defensive line is not as young as it used to be.

Linebacker

Starters: Matthew Judon, Ja'Whaun Bentley, Mack Wilson
Backups: Josh Uche, Raekwon McMillan, Anfernee Jennings, Cameron McGrone

Judon is a Pro Bowl linebacker who is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Bentley is a solid all-around linebacker who can stop the run and cover passes. Wilson is a versatile linebacker who can play inside or outside. Uche is a talented pass rusher who has struggled with injuries in the past. McMillan is a veteran linebacker who has been a starter for the Patriots in the past. Jennings and McGrone are young linebackers who have shown some promise.

Strengths: The Patriots have a good mix of size, speed, and experience at linebacker.
Weaknesses: The Patriots' linebackers are not as talented as some of the other teams in the AFC East.

Cornerback

Starters: Jalen Mills, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones
Backups: Myles Bryant, Shaun Wade, Terrance Mitchell

Mills is a big, physical cornerback who can press receivers at the line of scrimmage. Jones is a versatile cornerback who can play inside or outside. Marcus Jones is a rookie who has shown some promise in the preseason. Bryant is a veteran cornerback who has been a starter for the Patriots in the past. Wade is a young cornerback who has shown some promise. Mitchell is a veteran cornerback who has struggled with injuries in the past.

Strengths: The Patriots have a good mix of size, speed, and experience at cornerback.
Weaknesses: The Patriots' cornerbacks are not as talented as some of the other teams in the AFC East.

Safety

Starters: Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips
Backups: Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers

McCourty is a veteran safety who is one of the best in the NFL. Phillips is a versatile safety who can play in the box or deep. Dugger is a young safety who has shown some promise. Peppers is a veteran safety who has struggled with injuries in the past.

Strengths: The Patriots have two solid safeties in McCourty and Phillips.
Weaknesses: The Patriots' safeties are not as talented as some of the other teams in the AFC East.

Special Teams

Kicker

Starter: Nick Folk

Folk is a veteran kicker who is one of the most accurate in the NFL.

Strengths: Folk is a reliable kicker who is consistent from long and short distances.
Weaknesses: Folk is not as strong as some of the other kickers in the NFL.

Punter

Starter: Jake Bailey

Bailey is a young punter who has shown some promise.

Strengths: Bailey has a strong leg and can