The trio of Patriots preseason games has officially come to an end, and the team finished with a 2-1 record. While the wins and losses aren't all that important, the development of younger and more under-the-radar players is key in these settings.
While the final matchup against the Giants left much to be desired, the team certainly uncovered some diamonds in the rough. The team already made a flurry of cuts, but none were all that surprising.
They will need to further trim their roster down to 53 by Tuesday at 4 p.m., and it will be fascinating to see what Vrabel and company decide.
Shocking cuts headline the final Patriots 53-man roster projection
Quarterbacks (2): Drake Maye, Josh Dobbs
Pretty stock here. Maye and Dobbs were always going to be the two to make the team despite a reasonable effort from Ben Wooldridge. Dobbs was poor, but his experience and athleticism gave him the edge over the now-released UDFA. I'd expect Wooldridge to find a home on a practice squad somewhere.
Running Backs (3): Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson
JaMycal Hasty had a solid few weeks with the team, and he has the potential to be a practice squad player who could see elevation in the season. There hasn't been much push since Lan Larison was placed on IR; UDFA Shane Watts had 25 carries in his two games for 67 yards.
Tight Ends (2): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper
Here's the logic behind keeping two tight ends: the team has an extra spot to keep a wide receiver. The likelihood of a team signing Kendrick Bourne is far higher than Jack Westover, who's played fullback since the injury to Brock Lampe. Expect the UW product to return to the team's practice squad and have several elevations.
Wide Receivers (7): Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kendrick Bourne, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III
By the time the first few weeks are over, the Patriots will have a better idea of who their five best wideouts are who will dress each week. For now, Bourne is the only one with any real risk of being bumped off the roster.
Mack Hollins' TE flexibility as a run blocker alleviates the need to keep the aforementioned Jack Westover as a traditionally rostered player for now. Jeremiah Webb and John Jiles likely have homes on the practice squad.
Offensive Tackles (3): Will Campbell, Morgan Moses, Marcus Bryant
Bryant beat out Vederian Lowe and Demontrey Jacobs handily for the swing tackle job, and while Lowe could still make the club as a reserve, I think Vrabel would rather save the roster spot. Don't be surprised if one or both are back on the practice squad.
Interior Offensive Line (5): Mike Onwenu, Jared Wilson, Caedan Wallace, Garrett Bradbury, Ben Brown
Caedan Wallace had a strong game against the Giants, recording a 74.9 PFF grade. There isn't much competition for roster spots at this point, so much as competition for role: is Wilson or Brown the starter at left guard? 2022 first-round pick Cole Strange is the only notable name who will have to find a new home, but they may find a team willing to exchange a Day 3 pick for him.
Defensive Line (5): Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Jeremiah Pharms, Joshua Farmer
Isaiah Iton was making a late roster push before getting hurt, so we stay mostly stock here, too. Tonga and Farmer will be names to look out for: they offer nice run-stopping compliments to Williams and Barmore.
Edge Defenders (6): Harold Landry, Keion White, K'Lavon Chaisson, Anfernee Jennings, Bradyn Swinson, Truman Jones
Keion White will likely transition to a more full-time edge defender despite his versatility. Jennings has had such a strong couple of preseason games that I find it hard to believe he is released outright, and even if a team does come calling, I like what he offers. Truman Jones had a strong preseason, and he's been rewarded with his first-ever time making the 53.
Linebackers (4): Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jahlani Tavai, Jack Gibbens
Marte Mapu doesn't make the cut here; it's too little too late for him. While he was strong toward the tail end of last year and in the Giants game, four linebackers is the route the teams opt for.
Cornerbacks (6): Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, D.J. James, Miles Battle
One of the Patriots' biggest question marks during camp was their cornerback depth, and they've discovered two players in James and Battle who are perfect developmental pieces. Athletic, young, and special teams contributors both get roster spots this time around. As excellent as he was, PFF darling Brandon Crossley doesn't cut: he was the 11th-best cornerback this preseason by their metrics.
Safeties (5): Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Marcus Epps, Dell Pettus
There's little doubt Kyle Dugger is one of the 53 best players on the roster. He isn't worth the contract he's being paid, however. Hawkins and Woodson both looked very comfortable in larger roles, and given that, I see little need to keep Dugger. Getting out of his contract sooner rather than later would be more responsible for the team's future. Epps and Pettus are depth pieces.
Special Teams (5): Parker Romo, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby, Brenden Schooler, Javon Baker
Andy Borregales missed two kicks this preseason to Romo's zero. While I recognize the former was a pick by Vrabel, the inherited Romo has been better. I'd tend to side with who the better kicker is rather than the younger one, and that is Romo for the time being. As for Javon Baker, he's made it clear he isn't an NFL wide receiver, but he very much can be a special teamer: he had a 73.4 PFF grade through three games in the third phase.
There will no doubt be some surprises come Tuesday as Mike Vrabel forms his first-ever roster as the Patriots' coach. Cuts have already started, but expect plenty over the next couple of days as the team narrows the roster down.