The New England Patriots have completed all three of their preseason games under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, winning just one against the Carolina Panthers and losing to the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders.
New England will have to make a number of roster moves by Tuesday afternoon to cut their roster down to 53 players. Let's take a stab at what the group could look like when the Patriots take the field for the first time against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
Quarterback (3)
KEEP: Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, Joe Milton III
CUT: Bailey Zappe
New England has already exposed Zappe to waivers in the past and no one has scooped him up. They can probably move him to the practice squad if no other teams call, and he can be elevated if needed.
Running back (4)
KEEP: Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, JaMycal Hasty, Kevin Harris
CUT: Terrell Jennings, Deshaun Fenwick
Jennings really shined during camp. He'll probably get moved to the practice squad. The rest of the group is fairly chalk.
Wide receiver (6)
KEEP: DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte
CUT: David Wallis, Kawaan Baker, Matt Landers
PUP: Kendrick Bourne
With Bourne not practicing or competing in any games yet, moving him to reserve/PUP allows New England to keep Thornton, who's looked good in camp, and Boutte, who's looked good in games.
Tight end (4)
KEEP: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Mitchell Wilcox, Jaheim Bell
CUT: La'Michael Pettway, Jacob Warren
No one has really separated themselves in the tight end room. Bell is an interesting enough prospect that they should try to keep him around.
Offensive line (10)
KEEP: David Andrews, Michael Onwenu, Chukwuma Okorafor, Nick Leverett, Vederian Lowe, Caedan Wallace, Calvin Anderson, Layden Robinson, Sidy Sow, Atonio Mafi
CUT: Charles Turner III, Liam Fornadel, Kellen Diesch, Zuri Henry, Michael Jordan
PUP: Cole Strange
Honestly, there's very little to feel good about this offensive line group. This mix at least gives them some versatility.
Defensive line (6)
KEEP: Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms, Keion White, Deatrich Wise Jr.
CUT: Josiah Bronson, Trysten Hill, Sam Roberts, Armon Watts, Willaim Bradley-King, Jotham Russell
Barmore will be placed on injured reserve after the start of the season, but they have to get him on the initial roster for now. Once he's removed, it will likely be either Hill or Watts getting the callup.
Linebackers (6)
KEEP: Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Joshua Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Oshane Ximines, Raekwon McMillan
CUT: Christian Elliss, Steele Chambers, Joe Giles-Harris, Kobe Jones
PUP: Sione Takitaki
Elliss flashed in the preseason, but it might not be enough to make it over an experienced veteran like McMillan, who has looked solid considering he's returning from two season-ending surgeries in the last three years.
Cornerbacks (6)
KEEP: Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Shaun Wade, Marco Wilson, Alex Austin
CUT: Isaiah Bolden, Azizi Hearn, Mikey Victor, Marcellas Dial Jr.
No depth cornerbacks were overly impressive this offseason. It wouldn't be surprising to see at least three of these guys earn a spot on the practice squad.
Safeties (5)
KEEP: Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Jaylinn Hawkins, Brenden Schooler
CUT: Joshuah Bledsoe, Dell Pettus, A.J. Thomas
Mapu could be a candidate for an injured reserve trip once the season starts because he's been out for weeks, which could open a door for Bledsoe to return to the active roster.
Specialists (3)
KEEP: Joey Slye, Bryce Baringer, Joe Cardona
CUT: Tucker Addington, Chad Ryland
Slye hasn't been much better than Ryland, but he just has a more proven track record at this point. Ryland could still stick around on the practice squad.
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