Patriots cut ties with two 2025 draft picks in updated 53-man roster projection

With two preseason games now in the books, the top 53 players on the New England Patriots’ roster are beginning to come into focus.

The next two weeks will be huge for head coach Mike Vrabel and company. Several players, including recent draft picks and some highly compensated veterans, are on the roster bubble entering Week 3 of the preseason.

With training camp now in the rear-view mirror, here’s an updated 53-man roster projection entering a short week of preparation for Thursday’s preseason finale with the New York Giants.

Patriots cut ties with Kyle Dugger, two rookie draft picks in updated 53-man roster projection

Quarterback (2): Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs

The QB2 spot could end up being a legitimate second guess for the Patriots this season.

Running back (3): TreVeyon Henderson, Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson

JaMycal Hasty boosted his stock for a roster spot with a solid 52 scrimmage yards on 12 touches in Saturday’s game.

Wide receiver (6): Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III

Javon Baker falls to the outside looking in after a disappointing showing vs. the Vikings. Fellow 2024 draft pick Ja’Lynn Polk could stick around as an injured reserve stash.

Tight end (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover

If the Patriots need a roster spot, Westover could easily start the season on the practice squad and elevate as needed.

Offensive line (10): Will Campbell, Mike Onwenu, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Ben Brown, Morgan Moses, Marcus Bryant, Vederian Lowe, Caeden Wallace, Cole Strange

Strange hops from the bottom of the roster to the last man in. He played his way back into the mix against Minnesota.

Defensive line (6): Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Joshua Farmer, Kyle Peko, Jeremiah Pharms Jr.

The recently signed Peko has played for both Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams. He promptly saw 32 snaps in Saturday’s game, according to Pro Football Focus.

EDGE (6): Keion White, Harold Landry, K'Lavon Chaisson, Truman Jones, Bradyn Swinson, Elijah Ponder

Anfernee Jennings will be playing football this season, the only question is where? He boosted his trade stock on Saturday, looking like a game-wrecker against players well beneath his pay grade.

Linebacker (4): Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Monty Rice

Jahlani Tavai and Marte Mapu have both missed valuable practice (and game) reps, and Rice is a Vrabel guy. 

Cornerbacks (5): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, DJ James

Keep an eye on Jordan Polk here, too. He flashed some tackling ability in the Vikings game. Seventh-round rookie Kobee Minor looks like a practice squad candidate.

Safety (5): Jabril Peppers, Craig Woodson, Jaylinn Hawkins, Dell Pettus, Brenden Schooler

Kyle Dugger and Marcus Epps were both on the field in the fourth quarter of preseason game No. 2. That tells us all we need to know about their current standing on the roster.

Special teams (3): John Parker Romo, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby

The Patriots didn’t spend a draft pick on Andres Borregales this year just to cut him. But Romo has a big leg and inspires more confidence at this juncture. 

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