The Patriots trimmed their roster today from 80 players to 53 players. Here is a list of the players they cut today and why we don’t think they made the team.
TE Devin Asiasi: Asiasi had a good camp but a lack of production and an inability to stay healthy ultimately did him in. I thought he would make the team as a move third tight end but the Patriots opted to carry two tight ends instead.
Devin Asiasi projected as a third TE after Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. His ability to play inline, and also factor as a pass-catcher down the field, profiled as an ideal fit for that role.
But Patriots moving on. Another high pick (2020 third round) not working out for them. https://t.co/OJz0iW9QoR
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 30, 2022
CB Terrance Mitchell: The veteran cornerback had an average camp and despite his experience, could not beat out rookie Jack Jones who got better as camp and the preseason went on.
The Patriots have informed veteran CB Terrance Mitchell of their intention to release him by today's deadline, according to a source.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 30, 2022
LB Harvey Langi: Released: Langi being released was a little bit of a surprise considering he played some snaps on defense last season and was a central figure on special teams. It has been a revolving door for Langi throughout his time here so he could be back eventually.
OL Drew Desjarlais: Waived: The former 49er was a long shot to make the team.
RB Kevin Harris: Waived: The rookie from South Carolina had a strong camp but two fumbles on Friday night against the Raiders may have sealed his fate. There is a good chance however that the power back returns on the practice squad.
G Arlington Hambright: Waived: The former Bears guard had a solid camp. He played guard and tackle and was consistent. He showed enough that he deserves a shot to be on an NFL roster but he could also end up back here on the practice squad.
CB Justin Bethel: Released: I was a little surprised to see the Patriots move on from Bethel after three years but it made sense given their desire to get younger across the board.
The Patriots have released DL Henry Anderson and DB/ST Justin Bethel, while also waiving RB J.J. Taylor, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 30, 2022
DE Henry Anderson: Released: Anderson had a decent camp but he could never quite get his footing after missing most of last season due to injury. Anderson could end up back here but chances are slim. His best bet is to look elsewhere.
RB J.J. Taylor: Waived: The diminutive Taylor is entering his fourth season with the team and showed enough in camp to warrant a roster spot. Ultimately the Patriots decided to waive him.
OL William Sherman: Waived: The second year swing tackle has upside but it was a numbers game along the offensive line and Sherman was the odd man out. He could however end up back in New England on the practice squad.
WR Josh Hammond: Waived: Hammond had his moments in camp but didn’t do enough in the preseason games to separate himself. At this point, he is best served looking elsewhere for an opportunity.
LB Nate Wieland: Waived: The rookie linebacker could end up on the practice squad but it’s a long shot.
DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr.: The former USFL player will hope to latch on elsewhere. There were too many talented players that he needed to beat out at defensive tackle.
LB Cameron McGrone: Waived: McGrone was expected to make the roster out of camp and even start. Unfortunately, he didn’t quite live up to the hype coming off an ACL tear and he needs more time to get back on track. He could be back on the practice squad.
OL Bill Murray: Waived: Murray made the move over from defense to offense but really didn’t do much in camp to prove he deserves a shot at the offensive line rotation.
WR Tre Nixon: Waived: Nixon had a strong camp and played well in two of the three preseason games but it wasn’t enough to break into a crowded receiver room. He has the size, route running ability and hands to stick on an NFL roster but Nixon needs more time.
WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey: Released: Humphrey had a strong camp and played well in two of the three preseason games. Ultimately, he was part of a crowded receiver room and got squeezed out. The media and fans probably liked a little more than the team did but he could come back as a part of the practice squad.
The #Patriots released WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey, per source.
He could re-sign to the practice squad.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) August 30, 2022
C Kody Russey: Waived: Russey had a strong camp and his guard, center versatility makes him a player the Patriots will want on their practice squad.
Patriots are releasing Kody Russey, per source. Sounds like the Pats would like him back on the practice squad.@AaronWilson_NFL first
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) August 30, 2022
DL LaBryan Ray: Waived: I thought for sure Ray would make the team. He had a strong camp and played well in the preseason. His length, versatility and I.Q however make him a player the Patriots will want on the practice squad.
OL Yasir Durant: Released: The veteran offensive tackle just didn’t do enough to separate himself in the competition for the last two spots upfront.
OL James Ferentz: Released: Ferentz is scrappy and he knows the system so there is a chance at some point this season that we see him again.
TE Matt Sokol: Released: The veteran tight end had a good camp but the Patriots opted to carry only two tight ends. Sokol could end up back in the picture because of what he brings to the table as a blocker.
TE Jalen Wydermyer: Waived: Wydermyer was here for a week. The Texas A&M product will have a hard latching on elsewhere.
K Tristan Vizcaino: Released: With Folk firmly entrenched as the kicker, Vizcaino was just a camp body.
S Brad Hawkins: Waived: Crowded safety group tough to beat out.