As the start of training camp nears for the Patriots, taking a deep dive into the roster is becoming commonplace.
Although OTAs and minicamp are not the best evidence to evaluate a player's performance, a few indicators allow you to assume who may or may not be on the roster bubble come late summer.
Because the Patriots have had a few standout players so far, including a handful of rookies, a few veterans may have to fight a bit harder this year to keep their position on the team. But because of that, they find themselves on the roster bubble heading into training camp in a few weeks.
Trent Brown
Even before the confusing reports regarding his absence from minicamp a few weeks ago circulated online, Trent Brown would likely find himself fighting for his job throughout training camp and preseason.
Although the team undoubtedly needs as much help on the offensive line as possible, Brown's performance in the latter half of last season became noticeably inconsistent, which didn't bode well with Isaiah Wynn's struggles on the other side.
Pair that with Brown missing minicamp last month, and he now finds himself on the outside looking in, for now.
Whatever the reason for his absence is yet to be clarified, as it was first reported to be weather delays causing him to arrive later than expected. Training camp will inevitably become a make-it-or-break-it summer for Brown as he fights to remain on the team over the newly signed free agents and rookies.
Lawrence Guy
The story with Lawrence Guy has become interesting since he is reportedly holding out due to an issue with his current contract situation.
If that report is accurate, it wouldn't be surprising to see him straight-up cut from the team rather than sitting on the roster bubble with some of his teammates.
During Bill Belichick's time as the Patriots head coach, the most notable players who have held out received different results upon their return. Some were given contract extensions; others were traded despite how valuable they were to the team at one time.
In the case of Guy, it's difficult to say what will happen, but it's possible because he's become a significant part of the defensive line over the last six years; Belichick may be more willing to work something out with him.
Nick Folk
As the 2023 draft unfolded, it was apparent that adding much-needed youth and talent to the special teams unit was a priority for Belichick.
Because the Patriots were seemingly able to draft two of the top players at their positions in punting and kicking, Nick Folk will likely find himself fighting for his job come August.
Although he wasn't the original plan at kicker, Folk was signed at the perfect time in 2019. Longtime kicker Stephen Gostkowski had been performing poorly due to a left hip injury, and he was placed on injured reserve in October of that season.
A few kickers were brought in to replace Gostkowski for the remainder of the season, and after the latest had been released, Folk was signed to play for the final seven games of the season.
In the four years since then, he has become one of the most consistent and reliable players on the entire team, which became even more significant as the special teams unit began to go downhill. Now entering his 16th season, Folk will compete with rookie Chad Ryland to remain the team's go-to kicker for 2023.
Jack Jones
Under normal circumstances, a player like Jack Jones, entering just his second NFL season, wouldn't be on a list about being on the roster bubble heading into training camp. Still, given the circumstances the cornerback finds himself in, it seems more likely that he will compete for a spot on the team this summer.
After the performance he had during his rookie year, Jones was expected to be more involved in the Patriots secondary this year. With Devin McCourty retiring and Jalen Mills moving to safety, an opportunity opened up for the younger cornerbacks to work their way to being a starter alongside Jonathan Jones.
And for much of the spring, it looked like it would come down to Christian Gonzalez and Jones for that spot.
Jones had been impressive throughout OTAs and minicamp, with even Belichick taking the time to mention the progress he had seen from him already. Everything looked great for the once-labeled troubled player until he got into a sticky situation in late May.
That's when Jones was arrested at the Boston airport, receiving several charges that, if convicted, could require significant jail time.
Fortunately for him, the Patriots didn't immediately release him upon hearing the news. However, that is still a possibility overall, mainly depending on the outcome of his case.
Any punishments won't be known until Jones appears in court in August, and it will be interesting to see if he shows up to training camp in the weeks before.
Of course, there's hope that everything will get worked out and he will be able to continue his future in the NFL, but these are serious charges he's dealing with, making his position on the Patriots and his NFL career uncertain.