There was plenty of room for everyone, even the few players who are on the bubble and could be cut unexpectedly.
The fact that the Patriots have extended and re-signed so many players this offseason makes the roster a little easier to predict. Expanding the practice squad to 16 players also makes life easier for general managers.
But the Patriots are a rebuilding team that lacks top-tier talent. That means there will be a chance that undrafted rookies will make the team. It also means the Patriots will be scouring the other 31 teams for talent. Of the 90 players currently under contract, don’t be surprised if only 45-47 make the initial roster.
With training camp starting Wednesday, here are the first 53-man roster projections:
Attack — 26 players
Quarterbacks (3): Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, Joe Milton
Exchange/Release: Bailey Zappe
Analysis: It seems inevitable that the Patriots will part ways with Zappe. They might be tempted to keep him throughout camp to see if a trade offer emerges, but Zappe would also eat up valuable practice reps that could go to Maye or Milton. They may have to part ways with Zappe sooner rather than later.
The other question is whether to keep Milton in the 53 or on the practice squad. Milton needs to improve on his spring performance, when he missed at least one practice and barely got any reps in a few others. But the Patriots liked his talent and potential in the draft, so they may want to keep him in the 53 rather than leave him exposed on the practice squad.
Running backs (4): Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, JaMychal Hasty, Kevin Harris
Cutting/Training Team: Deshaun Fenwick, Terrell Jennings
Analysis: Stevenson will be the primary defender and Gibson will play in the passing game. The two undrafted rookies could certainly beat out Hasty or Harris for a roster spot.
Wide Receivers (7): Kendrick Bourne, KJ Osborn, DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, Jalen Reagor, JuJu Smith-Schuster
Cutting/Training Team: Kayshon Boutte, Tyquan Thornton, JaQuae Jackson, Kawan Baker, David Wallis
Analysis: NFL teams typically keep five receivers, but I was able to keep seven pretty easily. Osborn, Douglas, Polk, and Javon Baker are safe bets. Bourne is also a safe bet, and even though he starts camp on the physically unfit list as he works his way back from a torn ACL, I’m betting he’ll be fine before Week 1.
Reagor gets a spot as a kickoff returner, an important position under the NFL’s new rules. And I wanted to leave Smith-Schuster out, but I had the spot, and the Patriots are paying him $7 million guaranteed, so he gets one of the last spots. Boutte or Thornton could certainly beat him out, but they could be put on the practice squad.
Tight ends (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, La’Michael Pettway
Cutting/Training Team: Jaheim Bell, Jacob Warren, Mitchell Wilcox
Analysis: Henry is a sure thing, and Hooper seems close. Then there are probably four players competing for a spot.
Offensive linemen (9): David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Sidy Sow, Chukwuma Okorafor, Caedan Wallace, Layden Robinson, Calvin Anderson, Nick Leverett, Vederian Lowe
Cutting/Training Team: Atonio Mafi, Jake Andrews, Tyrone Wheatley, Charles Turner, Liam Fornadel, Michael Jordan, Zuri Henry
PUPPY: Strange Cole
Analysis: Most teams keep eight offensive linemen, but the Patriots have room for nine, and they need to keep as many left tackle prospects as they can find. Strange might not be back until the second half of the season.
Defense — 24 players
Defensive linemen (7): Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Keion White, Deatrich Wise, Jeremiah Pharms, Sam Roberts, Daniel Ekuale
Cutting/Training Team: Trysten Hill, Armon Watts, William Bradley-King, John Morgan, Jotham Russell
Analysis: The first four are secured, then the last three positions are up for grabs, with Pharms, Roberts and Ekuale having good experience with the Patriots.
Edge (3): Matthew Judon, Anfernee Jennings, Joshua Uche
Cutting/Training Team: Oshane Ximines
Analysis: There’s not much to discuss unless the Judon relationship goes south and the Patriots trade him, which I don’t expect.
Linebackers (4): Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Sione Takitaki, Raekwon McMillan
Cutting/Training Team: Christian Elliss, Joe Giles-Harris, Jontrey Hunter, Steele Chambers
Analysis: The only uninsured player is McMillan, who the coaches love but has suffered a torn ACL and a torn Achilles tendon over the past three years.
Cornerbacks (6): Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Alex Austin, Shaun Wade, Marcus Jones, Marcellas Dial
Cutting/Training Team: Isaiah Bolden, Marco Wilson, Mikey Victor, Azizi Hearn, Kaleb Ford-Dement
Analysis: Gonzalez and Jones are guaranteed to play. Austin was impressive late last year and will likely take Myles Bryant’s spot in the slot. Wade has played in 14 games with six starts and has good size on the outside. Jones will stick around as a kick and punt returner. But if another cornerback doesn’t emerge in the first two weeks of camp, don’t be surprised if the Patriots add another veteran like J.C. Jackson.
Securities (4): Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Brenden Schooler
Cutting/Training Team: Jaylinn Hawkins, Joshuah Bledsoe, Dell Pettus
Analysis: Dugger, Peppers and Mapu are guaranteed nominations, and Schooler is likely to be named to the special team role. The others will be in competition.
Special Teams — 3 players
Kicker: Chad Ryland
Cut: Joey Slye
The Patriots brought in Slye to compete, but it appears they want to give Ryland, last year’s fourth-round pick, every chance to win the job.
Bettor: Bryce Baringer
He led the NFL as a rookie with 38 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Long-snapper: Joe Cardona
Signed until 2026.
Kickoff returners: Reagor, Polk, Douglas, Marcus Jones, Peppers
Punt returners: Douglas, Marcus Jones
You can contact Ben Volin at ben.volin@globe.com.