The New England Patriots have played two full preseason games under new head coach Jerod Mayo, and we are starting to get an understanding of who's trending upward.
New England has already made some roster moves in recent weeks, including trading Matthew Judon to the Atlanta Falcons, but there will almost certainly be more in the near future.
Before we get to the actual roster cutdown day, let's do our best to predict who the Patriots will be keeping for the 2024 regular season.
Quarterback (3)
KEEP: Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, Joe Milton III
CUT: Bailey Zappe
While Zappe has looked solid in preseason, if there's anybody left in the locker room from last year who still believes Zappe deserves a starting job, getting rid of him would be a smart idea.
Running back (4)
KEEP: Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Kevin Harris, JaMycal Hasty
CUT: Terrell Jennings, Deshaun Fenwick
There are really no surprises in the running back room this year. Jennings has been fun to watch in his limited reps, so the Patriots would probably try to get him back on the practice squad.
Wide receiver (6)
KEEP: Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, Ja'Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, Kayshon Boutte
CUT: Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Reagor, JaQuae Jackson, Kawaan Baker, David Wallis
Boutte has been a go-to receiver in both preseason games for whoever he's been on the field with. No one else has done enough to earn a spot just yet.
Tight end (4)
KEEP: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Mitchell Wilcox, Jaheim Bell
CUT: La'Michael Pettway, Jacob Warren
None of the tight ends have been overly impressive, so it's no guarantee that these are the four who make it, but it gives them three veterans and an athletic rookie.
Offensive line (9)
KEEP: Vederian Lowe, Sidy Sow, David Andrews, Michael Onwenu, Chukwuma Okorafor, Calvin Anderson, Caedan Wallace, Nick Leverett, Layden Robinson
CUT: Atonio Mafi, Michael Jordan, Charles Turner III, Zuri Henry, Kellen Diesch, Liam Fornadel
PUP: Cole Strange
The offensive line has struggled in the games and joint practice sessions, so who knows if the Patriots will ever find a consistent starting five. Nine is a lot for one group, but it will give them the most versatility.
Defensive line (7)
KEEP: Keion White, Deatrich Wise Jr., Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Daniel Ekuale, Armon Watts
CUT: William Bradley-King, Mike Purcell, Trysten Hill, Sam Roberts, Josiah Bronson, Jotham Russell
This group isn't too surprising either. Pharms has popped a bit in the preseason, and with Barmore probably landing on injured reserve after cuts, this makes sense.
Linebackers (6)
KEEP: Joshua Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Raekwon McMillan, Oshane Ximines
CUT: Joe Giles-Harris, Christian Elliss, Steele Chambers
PUP: Sione Takitaki
Takitaki could start the year on PUP, forcing him to miss the first six games, but the ret of the group is pretty set in stone. McMillan and Ximines have really put themselves on the map recently.
Cornerbacks (6)
KEEP: Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Marco Wilson, Alex Austin, Shaun Wade
CUT: Marcellas Dial Jr., Isaiah Bolden, Azizi Hearn, Mikey Victor
New England would probably like to keep a few of these cuts around on the practice squad, as there's a chance that they can improve with some time in the system.
Safety (5)
KEEP: Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Marte Mapu, Brendan Schooler
CUT: Joshuah Bledsoe, Dell Pettus, A.J. Thomas
The question for the safeties will be whether or not New England keeps Mapu or Bledsoe with the former not being on the field for most of training camp. If they still believe in him as a versatile linebacker/safety hybrid, they should keep him around.
Specialists (3)
KEEP: Joey Slye, Bryce Baringer, Joe Cardona
CUT: Chad Ryland, Tucker Addington
Ryland was just so bad last year that it's hard to imagine him turning it around in games. Technically, Slye only has one more made field goal than Ryland between training camp and the preseason, but he just feels more competent.
MORE PATRIOTS NEWS
Former Patriots CB reunites with former coach in the NFC North
Recently retired Patriots WR joins college coaching staff
NFL analyst breaks down two good plays, two bad from Drake Maye vs. Eagles
Patriots coach makes interesting announcement for third preseason game
