5 Patriots who are not safe after 2024 NFL Draft

Every year after the latest NFL Draft, teams' rosters are somewhat reset due to the newest rookie arrivals. Their additions provide a hint regarding what veterans might be heading into the summer on the roster bubble, prompting the higher ups to draft them in the first place.

That can be said for a handful of players on the Patriots this year, with most of those in jeopardy being on the offense.

Because it was the focus of this year's draft, with all but one pick being on that side of the ball, it's easy to pinpoint those who might be playing elsewhere this fall.

5 Patriots who are not safe after 2024 NFL Draft

QB Bailey Zappe

Heading into the 2024 offseason, Bailey Zappe's future with the Patriots was far from solid. His chances to make the team increased only slightly when Mac Jones was traded to the Jaguars, but it was clear once a quarterback was selected in the draft, his days would be numbered.

Who will start the upcoming season remains unclear, with Jacoby Brissett signing a potential veteran bridge and Drake Maye selected as the future of the franchise. The assumption is they will be QB1 and QB2, and although Zappe could fit in as the backup, his chances were eliminated when the team drafted Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III in the sixth round.

There had been rumblings about the Patriots possibly double-dipping at quarterback in the draft, mainly because the class was historically deep this year. But given who was already rostered, the selection of Maye, and other roster holes needing to be dealt with, it was far from a sure thing.

Now that Milton is part of the team, he is believed to be the QB3 unless he completely bombs throughout the summer during training camp and preseason. That leaves Zappe and Nathan Rourke on the outside looking in, with Zappe instantly becoming a prime trade target for teams needing a decent backup quarterback.