The New England Patriots are preparing for their first preseason under head coach Jerod Mayo's leadership, as they'll battle the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.
To this point, the Patriots haven't released an official depth chart, but they do have an unofficial version ready for fans and media members to reference.
'Initial preseason depth chart' overreactions may be the biggest overreactions in NFL dialogue, and that's saying something
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) August 8, 2024
That being said, have at it... pic.twitter.com/XiXZMXSvUM
Obviously, there will be many changes to this when the Patriots take the field in a regular season game, but here are a few things about this depth chart that are thought-provoking.
Offensive Line
The offensive line hasn't been exactly practicing at the same spots that they're listed on this depth chart.
Obviously, Cole Strange is on the active/PUP list after suffering a season-ending injury last year that will probably keep him out for the beginning of this season as well.
Guard Sidy Sow is listed as the starter on the right side, and that may be the case when Strange returns, but he's been repping in Strange's place.
Michael Onwenu, who was re-signed this offseason, hasn't been practicing at right tackle, he's exclusively worked at right guard.
Chukwukma Orkorafor has flipped between left and right tackle, but he's also been dealing with an injury that's kept him from participating recently.
If New England is going to change everything when Strange returns, this could be what the group looks like, but that's a lot of movement for just one guy.
Wide Receiver
Kendrick Bourne and DeMario Douglas are listed as the top two options, which is expected once Bourne is fully recovered and ready to go after tearing his ACL in 2023.
The interesting aspect of this room right now is Kayshon Boutte being listed in front of Jalen Reagor, Javon Baker and Tyquan Thornton.
There's no doubt that Boutte has some talent, but it feels like the other three have a better chance of making the roster of the former LSU wideout.
Kicker
Despite being the worst kicker in the league last year, Chad Ryland has held off Joey Slye in the kicking competition early in training camp.
The incumbent is currently listed as the team's top option at the position, and it makes sense after how the two have looked so far in camp.
However, this could all change when they see game action.
Cornerback
New England's cornerback room has the potential to be great, and there aren't really any surprises, but it's noteworthy that Marcus Jones is listed as the team's starting slot cornerback.
That job used to belong to Jonathan Jones, but he's moved to the boundary, and with Marcus Jones returning from an ACL tear himself, it'll be interesting to see how he rebounds.
