New England Patriots: 53-man roster projection after two preseason games
By Brian Hines
Specialist (3): Ryan Allen, Joe Cardona, Stephon Gostkowski
The same unit has been together for the last three seasons, but a new face appeared this season. New England brought in punter Corey Bojorquez an undrafted free agent this offseason. This was the first time since 2013 that the Patriots had two punters on their roster, when Ryan Allen outdueled Zoltan Mesko.
Bojorquez, a left-footed kicker, is known for his foot strength and power, which can dramatically help shift field position. He must however improve his ball replacement and hang time, something Allen specializes in. But through two preseason games, Bojorquez has yet to punt once, which makes it appear Allen has the job held down.
Cardona returns for his fourth season in New England as the long-snapper. Cardona has been very consistent throughout his time in New England, not missing one game since signing in 2015.
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Stephen Gostkowski is back as the team’s place kicker for his 13thseason in the league. Gostkowski hit 92.5 percent of his field goals last season, bouncing back from his average 2016 season where he hit just 84.4 percent of his kicks. He’s in the final year of the four-year, $17.2 million contract he signed back in 2015.