6 surprising players who could make Patriots final roster for 2024

With training camp beginning in New England next week, there's a lot to look forward to regarding position battles and unexpected players rising in the ranks as they hope to secure a spot on this season's roster.

This year is even more exciting with Jerod Mayo in charge and a long list of new players to watch on the practice field. Then, of course, there's Drake Maye and the class of rookies chomping at the bit to show what they can do in the NFL, creating even more thrill around the summer competition.

It will inevitably bring some surprising names to make the team, some of which have already impressed during spring practices. But six players, in particular, might be more shocking than the rest.

6 surprising players who could make Patriots final roster for 2024

WR Kayshon Boutte

Now that his legal troubles have been dealt with, second-year receiver Kayshon Boutte has more of a chance to make the Patriots 2024 roster than he might have. On top of that, he was one of the notable performers during spring practices, and if he can continue that rise during training camp, it could be difficult for Jerod Mayo to cut him next month.

We didn't see much from Boutte during his rookie season besides several drops when he was utilized within the offensive game plan. However, since he was drafted in the sixth round last year, he was considered a steal for the Patriots because he had previously been projected as a first-round prospect.

Although we're yet to see that, a new coach and better production from the quarterback might be all Boutte needs to show what he can really do on the field. He will have a steep hill to climb over the summer into the preseason to do so, but now is the chance for him to earn a spot on the roster and not the practice squad.

RB JaMycal Hasty

Besides Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, the Patriots running back depth is a bit underwhelming, but because of that there is an opportunity for someone to rise in the ranks and be the third man up.

JaMycal Hasty is the most experienced of the group and is a dual-threat player the Patriots are known to love. On top of that, he's also versed as a kick returner, which boosts his value as a part of the roster.

Since he was claimed off waivers last season, Hasty hasn't had a chance to take the field. However, with the running back depth being a concern, he will have a prime opportunity to showcase what he can do during training camp and preseason. If he can catch Mayo's eye this summer, he has a better chance at making the roster than his peers.

CB Isaiah Bolden

After missing his entire rookie season due to a scary injury suffered in the Patriots Week 2 preseason game last year, Isaiah Bolden is set to return to the field this summer in hopes of making the 2024 roster. He's already impressed Jerod Mayo thus far, and the new head coach has already raved about his performance after spring practices.

Mayo referred to Bolden as a future "demon on special teams," which would be a great spot for a young and hungry player. But he can also be a solid option as a cornerback with little depth behind Christian Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones.

He lined up at multiple spots in OTAs and minicamp, further proving his versatility and competitiveness. If he continues to be impressive throughout the summer, he might be one of the players who earns his roster spot earlier than the others.

TE Mitchell Wilcox

Similar to the situation with the running backs, the Patriots tight end roster is not very deep. Beyond Hunter Henry, there are more questions than answers, which creates a chance for Mitchell Wilcox to solidify his role as a solid number two option.

Austin Hooper will inevitably be the favorite due to his previous work with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt with the Browns, but he's far from the tight end he once was. He has still been far more productive than Wilcox, which might give him an even better shot to make the team. But the former Bengal is a better pass blocker.

That will be valuable to the Patriots offense with so many questions surrounding the offensive line. Wilcox becoming another body they can use to help protect their quarterbacks might be why he makes the team alone, and it's hard to argue against that.

K Chad Ryland

Perhaps the most shocking player to potentially make the roster would have to be Chad Ryland, mainly due to his problematic performance last season. He became one of the leading problems among the disappointment that was the offense, and forced Bill Belichick to keep them on the field when in field goal range due to his constant misses which created more issues.

Because only Joey Slye was brought in as competition for Ryland, he could have a fair chance at beating out the veteran at training camp. Slye is a good kicker, but he's far from perfect. If he doesn't appear to give them a better chance to be successful on special teams, Mayo might stick with Ryland instead.

He will need to have a good summer, not impressive but at least improved. And if he manages to show that, there's no reason to believe he won't make the final roster.

QB Bailey Zappe

There are a lot of questions regarding the Patriots' final decision about who the starting quarterback will be this fall, with most believing it will remain Jacoby Brissett. That will likely be the case unless Drake Maye outperforms him by a mile, which is possible. But who will make up the bench is just as curious.

If Brissett is the QB1, surely Maye be will be his backup. That creates an opportunity for Bailey Zappe to be the third guy in line. He will compete against rookie Joe Milton III, who has an incredibly impressive arm, and his size is desirable for the position. But Zappe's experience in the NFL and with the team could give him a leg up.

It wouldn't be surprising to see the new regime want to retain another experienced quarterback on the roster besides Brissett. Although Zappe is far from impressive, he might bring stability that Mayo is more comfortable with.

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