The Patriots entered this year's preseason with several roster questions that needed to be addressed. Much of it was seemingly dealt with, while other parts were hindered by the lack of opportunities for starters to get in the game and play.
Fortunately for those on the roster bubble, they got more than enough time on the field to prove their worth to the team. For some, it looks to have helped them secure a spot on the 2025 roster, when their chances weren't looking good previously.
Many faced that challenge in the preseason finale and their performance might have been just enough to sneak onto the team for the upcoming season.
3 players who might have sealed their Patriots' future in the preseason finale
S Kyle Dugger
Perhaps the most controversial name to be on the roster bubble is veteran safety and longtime starter Kyle Dugger. He has become a pillar of the Patriots' secondary since joining the team in 2020, but a decline in performance in 2024, followed by an underwhelming summer, made it easy for Vrabel and Co. to relegate him to the second-team defense this past week, seemingly sending a message that he needs to improve to make the team.
That meant Dugger was still in the game late in the fourth quarter, with a bright spotlight on him to see if he could prove his value to a team that just gave him an extension last offseason.
Fortunately for him, he impressed with his performance, especially on a drive that resulted in three tackles, a pass breakup, and an easy endzone interception. That appears to have impressed the coaching staff, as Vrabel praised him for appearing more comfortable after a long rehab process.
Easy interception for Kyle Dugger.
— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2025
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This kind of performance might have been just enough to ensure he makes the roster next week, and a lot of Patriots fans will be happy to hear that.
T Marcus Bryant
The Patriots' offensive line has been a point of contention in recent years, and this offseason has been a roller coaster ride in determining who should be the starters for the upcoming season. Some roles have already been determined (left tackle, right guard, and right tackle), while others remain up for grabs, including positional depth.
There have been some frontrunners to earn one of those spots, including seventh-round pick Marcus Bryant, whose versatility to play on either side of the offensive line could be among the most valuable factors to give him a spot on the roster.
His mostly clean game on Thursday night, allowing just one pressure and a penalty, likely put his chances over the top. At the very least, he could be solid depth for an otherwise questionable group.
S/LB Marte Mapu
The safety room has undergone some interesting changes this offseason, as Kyle Dugger seemingly lost his spot as a starter for most of the summer, allowing others, like rookie Craig Woodson to get more opportunities at the position.
The same could have been said about Marte Mapu, but because of his size and Mike Vrabel's preference with linebackers, he was moved to a new position. Luckily for Mapu, that seemed to be exactly what he needed to make this year's team.
His performance during the game against the Giants, in particular, stood out, as he impressed with the work he did despite the blowout loss. That was evident during the 2024 season, when he was given more opportunities to lead the defensive backs in Dugger and Peppers' absences, and Mapu has carried that momentum into the linebacker room this year.
Marte Mapu, linebacker looking good against the Giants last night. pic.twitter.com/77H1fmLU6u
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) August 22, 2025
Honorable mention: WR Jeremiah Webb
Among the more under-discussed players this offseason has been wide receiver Jeremiah Webb, which might be a result of up to 12 pass catchers being on the roster at one point this summer. It has been a heated battle that will continue until the team is forced to make their rosters next week, but Webb might see his name on the final list after his performance on Thursday night.
Besides recording 3/4 receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown, his versatility on special teams makes him an invaluable addition to a team that historically loves dual-threat players. Webb's performance might have secured him a spot on the roster that was otherwise appearing to be Javon Baker's, until his night against the Giants went all wrong.
That could be the opening Webb needed to make the team and although he might not be utilized much as a receiver within the offense, he could become a big part of special teams, which is already looking impressive so far.