The Patriots quarterback room continues to evolve. After adding Mac Jones with the 15th overall pick last night, the team opened up a roster spot by waiving Jake Dolegala. ESPN’s Mike Reiss was the first to report the move.

Dolegala had been with the Patriots since September, when he was signed to the practice squad. He wasn’t on the active roster for any games in 2020, but was signed to a futures contract at the end of the season.

With Dolegala gone, the Patriots quarterback room now sits at three – Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, and Jones. Following the first round Thursday night, Bill Belichick announced that he currently views Newton as the starter, but expects the other two to push him for the job.

Following the move, the Patriots now have 76 players on their 90-man roster, including Jones. The team is scheduled to make nine more selections in the NFL Draft, and will likely want room to sign UDFAs as well.

Who might the Patriots look to take with their remaining picks? Here’s a look at who could be on the board at some key positions on Day 2.

• Offensive Tackle

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  • Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State (46)
  • Sam Cosmi, Texas (46)
  • Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State (46)
  • Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa (96)
  • Stone Forsythe, Florida (96)

  
  With Trent Brown and Isaiah Wynn both entering the final year of their contracts, the Patriots have a chance to cross off a need a year early. Teven Jenkins was graded by many as a first-round talent, and could be a steal if he falls to 46. If the Patriots want to wait a bit, both Spencer Brown and Stone Forsythe offer the overpowering size the team has trended towards at the position.

• Cornerback

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  • Tyson Campbell, Georgia (46)
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse (46)
  • Kelvin Joseph, Kentucky (96)
  • Elijah Molden, Washington (96)
  • Ambry Thomas, Michigan (96)

  
  Like tackle, cornerback is a spot where the Patriots can get ahead of a projected need by a year. Plus, we all know how Bill Belichick tends to gravitate towards defensive backs in the second round. Georgia’s Tyson Campbell is an intriguing high-upside pick at 46. Ambry Thomas might be available a little later on - he’s a stronger fit for the Patriots’ traditional No. 2 corner mold, and would continue the run of Michigan players making their way to Foxborough. 

• Safety

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  • Trevon Moehrig, TCU (46)
  • Jamar Johnson, Indiana (46)
  • Richie Grant, UCF (46)
  • Jevon Holland, Oregon (96)
  • Tyree Gillespie, Missouri (96)

  
  Sticking with the theme of finding potential replacements a year ahead of time, the slide on safeties could give the Patriots a shot at drafting the next Devin McCourty. No safeties went in the first round, so this board is pretty stacked. Moehrig might be gone by 46, but he checks all the boxes for a Patriots deep safety. Don’t rule out the team possibly getting aggressive in the third round and reaching a bit for Tyree Gillespie, who would be a great fit.
• Linebacker

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  • Nick Bolton, Missouri (46)
  • Joseph Ossai, Texas (46)
  • Jabril Cox, LSU (46)
  • Baron Browning, Ohio State (46)
  • Pete Werner, Ohio State (96)
  • Dylan Moses, Alabama (96)

  
  The Patriots could go with an inside linebacker to add depth behind Dont’a Hightower, or an outside linebacker to upgrade their pass rush. Both options are on the board at 46, with Nick Bolton as the downhill run stopper and Joseph Ossai as a hybrid linebacker/end who can get after the quarterback. Baron Browning is also an intriguing pick, having drawn come comparisons to Jamie Collins.

• Wide Receiver

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  • Rondale Moore, Purdue (46)
  • Elijah Moore, Ole Miss (46)
  • Nico Collins, Michigan (96)
  • Amari Rodgers, Clemson (96)
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown (96)

  
  Of course, wide receiver remains a possibility for the Patriots. Four of the five players listed are slot options, as the team looks for a long-term replacement for Julian Edelman. However the fifth player - Nico Collins - stands out as a fit for what the Patriots’ like in receivers. His game is very similar to N’Keal Harry, but obviously he won’t cost a first round pick. Could the team bring him in to push and potentially eventually replace Harry as the main ‘X’ receiver? 

For more NFL Draft coverage check out the Patriots Draft Hub 

Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Patriots.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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