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Patriots Roster Projection 3.0: Final cuts

With the preseason done, it’s time for the final Patriots roster projection of the summer. Following Sunday night’s preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, the Patriots’ summer is in the…

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 15: The New England Patriots take to the field before a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on August 15, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 15: The New England Patriots take to the field before a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on August 15, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)

Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images

With the preseason done, it's time for the final Patriots roster projection of the summer.

Following Sunday night's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, the Patriots' summer is in the books. No more training camp practices, no more exhibition games - we're on to the regular season.

The next step for the team in getting ready for Week 1 is getting the roster down from 89 players (they currently have an open spot) to 53. They have to do so by the NFL deadline, which is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Who will make the cut? Which players are just on the outside looking in? Let's break it down in our final Patriots roster projection of the summer...

NOTE: Players are listed alphabetically, with order not reflecting a potential depth chart. Rookies are in italics

Quarterbacks (3)

Patriots roster projectionTommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

<em><sup>We're keeping one less quarterback on this Patriots roster projection, with Drake Maye expected to backup Jacoby Brissett outright. Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</sup></em>

--Jacoby Brissett
--Drake Maye
--Joe Milton

Changes from last week: CUT Bailey Zappe

The way both Jerod Mayo and Alex Van Pelt talked about the Patriots' quarterback situation this week made it seem like they're comfortable with Maye coming in as the backup if something happens to Brissett, even if it doesn't fit exactly into their timeline. That removes the biggest reason to keep Zappe, who they probably could/would retain on the practice squad assuming he's willing to come back.

Of course, this all changes if the right shoulder injury Brissett suffered on Sunday night is more serious than it initially appeared. If there's any doubt about Brissett's status, then keeping a fourth quarterback - either Zappe or another veteran claimed on waivers - becomes much more realistic.

Running backs (4)

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 15: JaMycal Hasty #39 of the New England Patriots carries the ball ahead of Jeremiah Trotter Jr. #54 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half of a preseason game at Gillette Stadium on August 15, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images

<em><sup>JaMycal Hasty played his way onto the Patriots roster with a strong close to camp. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)</sup></em>

--Antonio Gibson
--Kevin Harris
--JaMycal Hasty
--Rhamondre Stevenson

Changes: ADD JaMycal Hasty

We've kept three running backs through our first two Patriots roster projections, but Hasty was always right on the fringe. He closed camp strong and gives the Patriots added elements both with his pass-catching skill and special teams ability. That lands him a roster spot. UDFA Terrell Jennings is a strong practice squad candidate.

Wide receivers (6)

Tyquan Thornton at Patriots training campEric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

<em><sup>Tyquan Thornton projects to play a key role for the Patriots this year. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports</sup></em>

--Javon Baker
--DeMario Douglas
--KJ Osborn
--Ja'Lynn Polk
--Jalen Reagor
--Tyquan Thornton
--Kendrick Bourne (PUP)

Changes: ADD Tyquan Thornton, CUT Kayshon Boutte

Leaving Thornton off of our last Patriots roster projection was a little shortsighted, and didn't factor in his usage. The team has been talking about him and treating him like a starter, and there's no reason to think that won't carry over to the regular season. Meanwhile, Boutte failed to build on the momentum he built early in camp, leaving him on the outside looking in. He's a likely practice squad candidate, along with David Wallis.

Tight ends (3)

Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Jaheim Bell (88)  in coverage against Philadelphia Eagles safety Tristin McCollum (36) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY SportsEric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

<em><sup>Jaheim Bell takes over the 'TBD tight end' spot of our final Patriots roster projection. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports</sup></em>

--Jaheim Bell
--Hunter Henry
--Austin Hooper

Changes: ADD Jaheim Bell, REMOVE 'TBD veteran tight end'

Bell did just enough in the final days of camp to grab one of the final roster spots. Still, this is a spot where it makes sense for the Patriots to look for an external addition - especially if Henry is going to miss time to start the season. That player could start on the practice squad and be elevated to the active roster before being officially added a few weeks into the season.

Offensive tackles (4)

Vederian Lowe at Patriots training campEric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

<em><sup>The Patriots likely need to add a veteran tackle, especially if Vederian Lowe isn't healthy enough to start the regular season. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports</sup></em>

--Vederian Lowe
--Chuks Okorafor
--Caedan Wallace
--TBD veteran addition

Changes: ADD veteran TBD addition, CUT Calvin Anderson

Without any spot solidified at tackle, the more bodies the Patriots have at the position the better. Still, Anderson struggled before missing significant practice time due to injury. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Patriots make some sort of external addition, even if it's a minor trade like they did last year with Lowe and Tyrone Wheatley. At the same time, it makes sense to keep a player on the practice squad who is more familiar with the offensive system - either Anderson or Kellen Diesch.

Interior offensive linemen (5)

Jul 24, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) waits for a drill to start during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports award winnersEric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

<em><sup>There may not be a player on the roster the Patriots could afford to lose less than David Andrews. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports</sup></em>

--C David Andrews
--C/G Nick Leverett
--G/T Mike Onwenu
--G Layden Robinson
--G Sidy Sow
--G Cole Strange (PUP)

Changes: None

Nothing has changed here through three Patriots roster projections. However, guard Michael Jordan sits right on the bubble and was one of our last players left off. If the Patriots plan on having Onwenu play more at tackle like they did last week, extra guard depth would be needed and he'd be the most logical player to take that spot - which would likely come at the expense of a wide receiver or on the defensive side of the ball. It also wouldn't be surprising if the Patriots look for another backup center after cuts, but that player could potentially start on the practice squad.

If Sidy Sow's injury is serious, he could end up on IR after initial roster cuts. That would the door for the Patriots to add another guard (like Jordan).

Defensive linemen (7)

Jul 26, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end William Bradley-King (52) waits for the start of a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY SportsEric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

<em><sup>William Bradley-King gets onto our final Patriots roster projection after a late surge in camp. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports</sup></em>

--William Bradley-King
--Daniel Ekuale
--Davon Godchaux
--Trysten Hill
--Jeremiah Pharms
--Keion White
--Deatrich Wise
--Christian Barmore (IR)
--Jotham Russell (IPP)

Changes: ADD William Bradley-King

Injuries have taken their toll on the Patriots' edge-rushing group. That left more opportunities over the final week of camp and the preseason for Bradley-King who capitalized. With that and his special teams ability, he plays his way onto one of the final roster spots.

Linebackers (6)

Aug 03, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley (8) warms up during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY SportsEric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

<em><sup>Ja'Whaun Bentley will lead an experienced and talented linebacker group this year. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports</sup></em>

--Ja'Whaun Bentley
--Anfernee Jennings
--Raekwon McMillan
--Jahlani Tavai
--Joshua Uche
--Oshane Ximines
--Sione Takitaki (PUP)

Changes: None

The final spot between McMillan, Joe Giles-Harris, and Christian Elliss is the big story here. All three are similar sideline-to-sideline middle linebackers who can also contribute on special teams. That's a need for the Patriots, especially with Takitaki likely out to start the season. The two that don't get that final roster spot should be strong practice squad candidates.

Cornerbacks (6)

Jun 12, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) makes a catch at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY SportsEric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

<em><sup>Christian Gonzalez taking a Year 2 jump is crucial to maximizing the Patriots' cornerback group. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports</sup></em>

--Alex Austin
--Isaiah Bolden
--Christian Gonzalez
--Jonathan Jones
--Marcus Jones
--Marco Wilson

Changes: CUT Marcellas Dial

Dial showed some flashes early in training camp, but struggled in the preseason games. There's potential there, but the Patriots can probably get him to the practice squad and keep working with him from there.

Safeties (6)

Aug 25, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA;  New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (5) takes the field with teammates before the game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field. Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY SportsTommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Jabrill Peppers projects to be one of the leaders of the Patriots' defense this year. Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

--Joshuah Bledsoe
--Kyle Dugger
--Jaylinn Hawkins
--Jabrill Peppers
--Dell Pettus
--Brenden Schooler
--Marte Mapu (IR)

Changes: None

No need for things to change here. It's a pretty well-rounded group. The real question is what job - if any - is waiting for Mapu once he's healthy?

Specialists (3)

August 8, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Joey Slye (13) warms up before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY SportsEric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Joey Slye seems to have won the Patriots' kicker battle. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

--K Joey Slye
--P Bryce Baringer
--LS Joe Cardona

Changes: None

Slye has looked like the better kicker throughout the summer, after hitting more kicks outright and being significantly better from 40-plus (full breakdown here). The real question here is do the Patriots keep Chad Ryland or another kicker on the practice squad in case Slye cools off.

Bubble watch

Last 3 on:

--TE Jaheim Bell
--DL Trysten Hill
--DL William Bradley-King

Last 3 off:

--CB Marcellas Dial
--WR Kayshon Boutte
--QB Bailey Zappe

NEXT: Takeaways from the preseason finale

Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.

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