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Let's do some mathematical calculations.
The New England Patriots competed in the NFL draft in 2019 with 70 registered players. They also have wide receiver Josh Gordon, suspended, signed but on a reserve list. The Patriots recruited 10 players and signed nine other free agents. The NFL teams are entitled to 90 players, but the back Jakob Johnson does not count in this limit because it is part of the international program Gateway.
So, 70 – 1 + 10 + 9 = 88.
The Patriots still have two free places. Here is a first look at the post-recruit additions of the Patriots.
Italics indicate a recruit.
QUARTERBACK (4)
Tom Brady
Brian Hoyer
Jarrett Stidham
Danny Etling
It will be curious to see how long the Patriots will wear Etling on their list. We guess they will let him stay during team activities. He could be gone before or after Tom Brady returns for the minicamp. There is no major need for four quarterbacks in training camp, and Stidham, a fourth-round pick, can use any reps he can get. Unless injured, Etling will not be part of the team in September.
RUNNING BACK (5)
Sony Michel
James White
Rex Burkhead
Damien Harris
Brandon Bolden ST
The Patriots could suffer an injury to this group deep. The Patriots wore five halves in 2017 and for half of the 2011 and 2016 seasons.
FULLBACK (2)
James Develin
Jakob Johnson
Johnson will likely be on the Patriots' training team this season. He can take an extra 11th place.
LARGE RECEIVER (13)
Julian Edelman
Josh Gordon (suspended)
Demaryius Thomas
Phillip Dorsett
N'Keal Harry
Bruce Ellington
Maurice Harris
Braxton Berrios
Damoun Patterson
Jakobi Meyers UDFA
Xavier Ubosi UDFA
Ryan Davis UDFA
Matthew Slater ST
Thomas could start the season on the list of people physically unable to perform, and there is no indication that Gordon's suspension will be over. Ellington, Harris, Berrios, Patterson, Meyers, Ubosi and Davis could play one or two spots early in the season.
It will be fun to watch the three unmarked free agents at camp. Meyers is faster than fast and a big crack. Ubosi did not test well, but it was a great threat to UAB. Davis is a slot receiver.
It would not hurt to add another proven veteran player to this group. In an ideal world, choosing the first round, Harry starts the season as the Patriotes' No.2 target during the pass attack.
Tight toe (6)
Matt LaCosse
Austin Seferian-Jenkins
Jacob Hollister
Stephen Anderson
Ryan Izzo
Andrew Beck UDFA
The greatest need of the Patriots is a close tight end after failing to nominate a player at the position. The Patriots should probably trade their services against a veteran to strengthen this group. They can cope with LaCosse, Seferian-Jenkins and any of the Hollister, Anderson, Izzo or Beck if necessary.
OFFENSIVE LINE (18)
LT Isaiah Wynn
LG Joe Thuney
C David Andrews
RG Shaq Mason
RT Marcus Cannon
OL Ted Karras
OT Yodny Cajuste
OL Hjalte Froholdt
OL Brian Schwenke
OL James Ferentz
OT Cole Croston
OT Cedrick Lang
OL Jake Eldrenkamp
OT Ryker Mathews
OT Dan Skipper
OT Tyree St. Louis UDFA
OL Tyler Gauthier UDFA
OL Calvin Anderson UDFA
Everyone will guess who will be the Patriots' second offensive tackle between Croston, Lang, Mathews, Skipper and St. Louis. The Patriots would be well advised to call on an experienced veteran tackler to compete with Cajuste, a third-round pick, for first place. If the Patriots need to make room on their list, we would start with this inflated group.
EDGE DEFENDERS (7)
Michael Bennett
John Simon
Deatrich Wise
Chase Winovich
Derek Rivers
Keionta Davis
Trent Harris
Rivers, Davis and Harris will all participate in the training camp this summer. Winovich, a third-round pick, has a positive starter as a rookie.
INTERNAL DEFENSE LINE (7)
Lawrence Guy
Mike Pennel
Adam Butler
Byron Cowart
Ufomba Kamalu
Frank Herron
David Parry
Cowart, a fifth-round pick, will likely serve as a hybrid tackle at the defensive end. Kamalu can also play both positions.
LINEBACKER (8)
Kyle Van Noy
Dont'a Hightower
Ja'Whaun Bentley
Elandon Roberts
Christian Sam
Calvin Munson
Terez Hall UDFA
Brandon King ST
Munson impressed some members of the training team last season. He could be competing for a spot in the lineup this summer.
BACK CORNER (8)
Stephon Gilmore
JC Jackson
Jason McCourty
Joejuan Williams
Jonathan Jones
Duc Dawson
Keion Crossen
Ken Webster
Which group loaded. Given that Williams, a second-round pick, can cover wide receivers and tight ends, he could fit more into a "defensive back" category.
SECURITY (8)
Devin McCourty
Patrick Chung
Duron Harmon
Obi Melifonwu
Terrence Brooks ST
Nate Ebner ST
UN J. Howard
Malik Glove UDFA
The Patriots could afford to keep a limited number of safety measures this season since Jones, Jason McCourty, Williams and Dawson could all be used as hybrids this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS (4)
Stephen Gostkowski
LS Joe Cardona
P Ryan Allen
P Jake Bailey
The battle is between Allen and Bailey, a fifth-round pick.
Miniature Photo via Vasha Hunt / USA TODAY Sports Images
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