Sportsnaut
The preseason couldn’t have gotten off to a much better start for the Patriots. The team went up against the Commanders on Friday night and dominated in almost every way, winning 48-18. The defense forced two turnovers and the special teams’ unit looked incredible.
Drake Maye didn’t have the best game, but he wasn’t asked to do too much. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, undrafted free agent Efton Chism III, and rookie defensive back Craig Woodson were among the most impressive performers for the Patriots.
The end result of preseason games doesn’t matter, but it was still nice to see the Patriots put so many points on the board. Several players seemingly helped their chances to make the final roster, while several more are now in more danger than ever of being cut.
Today, let’s predict what the 53-man roster could end up looking like after the preseason opener.
Neither Maye nor Dobbs had their best performance against the Commanders, but that doesn’t mean anything changes here. Third-string quarterback Ben Wooldridge did impress in the opener, but it still seems very unlikely the team keeps three passers on the roster.
Dobbs has the experience and familiarity with Mike Vrabel, so he will be the backup.
Stevenson is still going to be the lead back, but the rookie Henderson should see plenty of snaps. Gibson is still around as well, and he’s a solid veteran who brings experience and can fill in in a pinch.
For now, Larison holds onto the fourth spot. There’s no fullback on the roster, so it does seem likely that four running backs make it. However, it wouldn’t be completely surprising to see an outside addition made here.
Efton Chism III impressed in the opener, leading the team in catches and yards. However, I still don’t think the undrafted free agent makes the final roster due to how deep this group is.
Diggs, Douglas, Hollins, Williams, and probably Boutte at this point, are all locks. That means there’s probably just one spot up for grabs, and currently, Baker has to be considered the favorite.
Henry and Hooper are obviously the first and second tight ends. Behind that, it’s wide open for the final spot. For now, we’ll go with Bell, who made the most of his opportunity in the opener, catching one pass for 18 yards.
Josh McDaniels utilizies tight ends and he likes versatility. Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jack Westover make it due to his experience as a fullback, but for now, Bell makes it in.
Earlier this summer, most expected Cole Strange to be a starting guard for the Patriots....
