The Patriots have to get down to 53 players on their roster by today at 4 pm. The team has already started cutting players as a dozen players were released yesterday. After final cuts are made, the team can bring players back as part of their 16 member practice squad. Here is who we think will make the final cut.
QB’s (3)
Jacoby Brissett
Drake Maye
Joe Milton
Thoughts: Zappe is the odd man out which is a shame because he has gone 4-4 as a back-up for the team the past four years and deserves to make the team. Ultimately the Patriots opt for the upside of Joe Milton. Zappe could re-sign after the fact like he did last summer but that is highly unlikely because he will have a market.
RB’s (4)
Rhamondre Stevenson
Antonio Gibson
Kevin Harris
Ja’Mychal Hasty
Thoughts: A solid group of running backs that should be productive in the new offense. Stevensaon has the potential to be a workhorse back in the system. Gibson will take some carries and will be a factor in the passing game. Harris has short yardage potential and has proven that he can be a factor as a receiver. Hasty has had a strong camp and could end up being a nice change of pace back.
WR’s (6)
K.J Osborn
Ja’Lynn Polk
Javon Baker
Pop Douglas
Tyquan Thornton
Kayshon Boutte
Kendrick Bourne (IR)
Thoughts: The youth movement continues at receiver. I think the Patriots will opt to keep Boutte, who has had a good camp over a veteran like Jalen Reagor. It makes sense, the Patriots need to see what they have in this young group before they invest in the position any further. This is the year to make the young recveivers the focal point of the offense.
TE’s (3)
Hunter Henry
Austin Hooper
Jaheim Bell
Thoughts: Bell has had a strong camp and his younger than Mitchell Wilcox so it makes more sense for the Patriots to keep him. The west coast offense utilizes undersized move tight ends better than any other system in football. Bell has a chance to be productive as a the team’s third tight end.
O-Line (9)
Michael Onwemu
David Andrews
Sidy Sow
Vedarian Lowe
Chuks Okorafor
Layden Robinson
Caedan Wallace
Nick Leverett
Calvin Anderson
Cole Strange (PUP)
Thoughts: I feel like nine might not be enough after the other night. Look, the reality is, the Patriots have to coach up this group and live with them this season. It is highly unlikely they can upgrade unless they overpay for a veteran in a trade. The develop of Robinson and Wallace is key. Both need to play this season and both need to be a factor long term. Get to know the names Will Campbell, Emery Jones and Kelvin Banks. You will be hearing a lot about them in the coming months.
Defense
D-Line (6)
Deatrich Wise
Keion White
Daniel Ekuale
Davon Godchaux
Jeremiah Pharms
Trysten Hill
Christian Barmore (IR)
Thoughts: The Patriots will operate as usual here carrying at least five defensive lineman. They like to rotate them throughout during games so expect every guy on this list to play meaningful snaps on a week to week basis. If there is one suprise here, it is Hill. He has a lot of upside and it has been relatively untapped thus far. His versatility and physical ability make him a player to watch.
EDGE (3)
Josh Uche
Anfernee Jennings
Oshane Ximines
Thoughts: I know it is a thin group but these are your primary pass rushers folks. Uche is poised for a big season despite some people thinking he might get cut. I don’t see it. Jennings has developed into a solid all around player. Ximenes was a good off-season addition. He has had a strong camp and could end up being highly productive as a pass rusher. He will play special teams as well. He reminds me of Tully Banta-Cain.
ILB (5)
Jahlani Tavai
Ja’Whaun Bentley
Raekwon McMillan
Joe Giles-Harris
Christian Elliss
Sione Takitaki (PUP)
Thoughts: Giles-Harris and Elliss’s versatility ultimately help them make the team. Both will have to perform at a high level however with Sione Takitaki coming back at some point early in the season. They also offer some pass rush experience so they can play on the edge as well.
Defensive Backs
Safeties (5)
Jabrill Peppers
Kyle Dugger
Joshuah Bledsoe
Brenden Schooler
Dell Pettus
Marte Mapu (IR)
Thoughts: Pettus has had a good camp. He deserves to make the team. He can play safety, slot safety and play in the box as the eighth defender and support the run. Pettus will also play special teams. Bledsoe knows the scheme and has some range over the top as more of a free safety type. Both could end up on the practice squad eventually later in the season.
CB’s (6)
Christian Gonzalez
Jonathan Jones
Marcus Jones
Alex Austin
Shaun Wade
Isaiah Bolden
Thoughts: Some tough choices here. Marco Wilson could make the team over Bolden but I think Bolden’s size, athleticism and special teams value will give him the edge. Austin had an up and down camp but his length and ball skills are too good to pass up.
ST (3)
Joey Slye
Bryce Baringer
Joe Cardona
Thoughts: Slye has gotten more opportunities this preseason which speaks to how the staff viewed the competition between him and Chad Ryland. There was no way they could run it back with Ryland after last season.