The 2023 New England Patriots Depth Chart: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

The New England Patriots enter the 2023 season with a promising roster packed with talent and experience. As the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 8-9 campaign, their depth chart will be critical to their success. This comprehensive analysis delves into the strengths, weaknesses, and potential of each position group on the Patriots' roster.

Quarterback

Starter: Mac Jones

Backups: Brian Hoyer, Bailey Zappe

Mac Jones is firmly entrenched as the Patriots' starting quarterback after a solid second season in the NFL. Jones completed 67.6% of his passes for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 2022. He also rushed for 129 yards and four touchdowns.

Behind Jones, the Patriots have two experienced backups in Brian Hoyer and Bailey Zappe. Hoyer has started 39 games in his career, while Zappe impressed in four starts last season, completing 72.3% of his passes for 1,021 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Running Back

Starter: Rhamondre Stevenson

Backups: Damien Harris, Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong Jr., J.J. Taylor

Rhamondre Stevenson emerged as a star in 2022, rushing for 1,054 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns. Stevenson's combination of size, speed, and power makes him a formidable force in the Patriots' offense.

Damien Harris remains a capable backup, while Ty Montgomery provides versatility as a receiver out of the backfield. Pierre Strong Jr. and J.J. Taylor offer additional depth and potential.

Wide Receiver

Starters: DeVante Parker, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton

Backups: Nelson Agholor, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Kristian Wilkerson, Tre Nixon

The Patriots' wide receiver corps is led by DeVante Parker, who was acquired in a trade from the Miami Dolphins. Parker has been a consistent producer throughout his career, totaling 3,134 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns in seven seasons.

Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, and Tyquan Thornton form a solid supporting cast. Meyers is a reliable slot receiver, while Bourne and Thornton provide deep threats. Nelson Agholor, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Kristian Wilkerson, and Tre Nixon add depth to the group.

Tight End

Starters: Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry

Backups: Dalton Keene, Devin Asiasi, Matt Sokol

Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry give the Patriots a formidable duo at tight end. Smith had a breakout season in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans, recording 41 receptions for 448 yards and eight touchdowns. Henry is a solid all-around tight end who offers a reliable target for quarterbacks.

Behind Smith and Henry, Dalton Keene, Devin Asiasi, and Matt Sokol provide depth and potential.

Offensive Line

Starters: Isaiah Wynn (LT), Cole Strange (LG), David Andrews (C), Mike Onwenu (RG), Marcus Cannon (RT)

Backups: Yodny Cajuste, James Ferentz, Chasen Hines, Will Sherman, Connor McDermott

The Patriots' offensive line underwent a significant overhaul in 2022, and it remains a work in progress. Isaiah Wynn has been injury prone, but he is a talented left tackle when healthy. Cole Strange showed promise as a rookie at left guard, while David Andrews is a reliable veteran center. Mike Onwenu is a versatile lineman who can play both guard and tackle, while Marcus Cannon returns after missing last season due to injury.

Depth is a concern for the Patriots' offensive line, with Yodny Cajuste, James Ferentz, Chasen Hines, Will Sherman, and Connor McDermott likely competing for backup roles.

Defensive Line

Starters: Deatrich Wise Jr., Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Matthew Judon

Backups: Carl Davis, Henry Anderson, Lawrence Guy, Sam Roberts

The Patriots' defensive line is anchored by Deatrich Wise Jr., Christian Barmore, and Davon Godchaux. Wise Jr. had a breakout season in 2022 with 7.5 sacks, while Barmore and Godchaux provide a solid foundation in the middle. Matthew Judon is a versatile edge rusher who had 15.5 sacks with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021.

Carl Davis, Henry Anderson, Lawrence Guy, and Sam Roberts provide depth and experience to the Patriots' defensive line.

Linebacker

Starters: Ja'Whaun Bentley, Mack Wilson, Josh Uche

Backups: Raekwon McMillan, Harvey Langi, Cameron McGrone, Jahlani Tavai

Ja'Whaun Bentley, Mack Wilson, and Josh Uche form a solid starting trio at linebacker. Bentley is a tackling machine, while Wilson provides coverage ability. Uche is a versatile pass rusher who had six sacks in 2022.

Raekwon McMillan, Harvey Langi, Cameron McGrone, and Jahlani Tavai provide depth to the Patriots' linebacker corps.

Cornerback

Starters: Jalen Mills, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones

Backups: Myles Bryant, Terrance Mitchell, Shaun Wade, Joejuan Williams

Jalen Mills and Jonathan Jones are the Patriots' top cornerbacks. Mills is a physical presence who excels in press coverage, while Jones is a versatile slot corner. Marcus Jones, a rookie in 2022, impressed as a return specialist and could see an increased role as a cornerback.

Myles Bryant, Terrance Mitchell, Shaun Wade, and Joejuan Williams provide depth and potential to the Patriots' cornerback group.

Safety

Starters: Kyle Dugger, Devin McCourty

Backups: Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers, Joshuah Bledsoe, Cody Davis

Kyle Dugger and Devin McCourty form one of the best safety duos in the NFL. Dugger is a versatile playmaker who can cover, tackle, and blitz, while McCourty is a veteran leader who excels in coverage.

Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers, Joshuah Bledsoe, and Cody Davis provide depth to the Patriots' safety group.

Special Teams

Kicker: Nick Folk

Punter: Jake Bailey

Returners: Marcus Jones, Ty Montgomery, Myles Bryant

Nick Folk is one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL, having made 89.8% of his field goal attempts over his career. Jake Bailey is a Pro Bowl punter who ranked sixth in the NFL in net punting average in 2022. Marcus Jones, Ty Montgomery, and Myles Bryant are all capable returners.

Key Takeaways

The Patriots' depth chart is a mix of proven veterans and young players with potential. The team has strengths at quarterback, running back, tight end, and in the secondary. However, there are some concerns at wide receiver and on the offensive line.

Overall, the Patriots have a solid roster with the potential to compete for a playoff spot in 2023. However, they will need to stay healthy and get more production from their wide receivers and offensive line.

Conclusion

The New England Patriots' depth chart provides a comprehensive snapshot of the team's strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2023 season. With a talented roster led by Mac Jones, the Patriots have the potential to rebound from last year's disappointing finish and make a run in the playoffs.