The Patriots Face a Tough Roster Cut Down, But Will They Keep Their 2023 Fourth-Round Pick?
The New England Patriots are gearing up for a crucial week as they prepare for their final preseason game and the inevitable roster cuts. With the season opener against the Miami Dolphins looming, head coach Bill Belichick and his staff have some tough decisions to make as they pare down the roster from 90 players to 53. While the Patriots have a core of established players, some key battles are raging for remaining spots, particularly at wide receiver, cornerback, tight end, safety, and kicker.
Key Takeaways:
- Competition is Fierce: The Patriots seem to have a lot of talent at some positions, leading to several players vying for limited roster spots.
- Wide Receiver Battle Heats Up: The spotlight is on Tyquan Thornton as he competes for a starting role in a stacked receiver room.
- Cornerback Depth: With Isaiah Bolden and Shaun Wade leading the charge, the Patriots are facing a tough decision at cornerback.
- Will Wilcox or Bell Take the Third Tight End Spot?: The fight for the third tight end position hinges on whether the Patriots prioritize blocking or receiving ability.
- Kicker Showdown: Chad Ryland, a 2023 fourth-round pick, faces a challenge from Joey Slye, raising questions about the Patriots’ commitment to their young kicker.
Wide Receiver: The Sixth Spot is Up for Grabs
The Patriots’ offense looks formidable with the returning core of Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Javon Baker. With Tyquan Thornton seemingly locked into a starting role, the final spot comes down to a tight battle between Jalen Reagor and Kayshon Boutte.
Reagor, a former first-round pick, has shown flashes of brilliance and could benefit from his special teams experience. While Boutte, a 2023 sixth-round draft pick, is still honing his skills, he possesses immense potential and has made several eye-catching plays. His strong performance in recent weeks could be enough to secure him a spot.
"There’s not a doubt in my mind that I’m going to make the team," Boutte declared last week.
Cornerback: A Deep Roster Makes for Tough Choices
New England boasts a talented cornerback group, which Mike Pellegrino, the Patriots’ cornerbacks coach, described as the "deepest crew" he’s seen since 2015.
The starting lineup appears set with Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, and Marcus Jones, with the latter two competing for the outside cornerback spots. Marco Wilson and Alex Austin also seem to have secured their places, leaving Isaiah Bolden, Marcellas Dial Jr., Shaun Wade, Azizi Hearn, and Mikey Victor vying for one spot.
Bolden, a speedy second-year player, and Wade, a versatile player with three years in the system, are the frontrunners for that sixth spot. They both bring size and experience, but their performance in the final preseason game could be decisive.
"It’s going to be extremely tough," Pellegrino admitted. "We’re all horses running in a race."
Tight End: Blocking vs. Receiving Ability
The Patriots’ tight end group is led by the reliable duo of Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. The battle for the third tight end slot is a unique challenge, pitting two contrasting players against each other.
Mitchell Wilcox, a well-rounded player with blocking skills, could be the front-runner. However, his persistent dropping issues and recent injury may hinder his chances.
Rookie 7th-round pick Jaheim Bell, on the other hand, lacks blocking skills but brings a receiving threat to the table. His ability to create big plays as a pass-catching weapon could make him a valuable asset for the Patriots.
Ultimately, the Patriots will have to choose between Wilcox’s versatility and blocking skills or Bell’s potential as a receiving threat.
Safety: A Battle for the Last Spot
The Patriots have a strong foundation at safety with Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger. Jaylinn Hawkins, a free safety, is also considered a lock to make the team.
The battle for the fourth safety spot is a three-way race between Marte Mapu, Dell Pettus, and Joshuah Bledsoe.
Mapu, a second-year player, has been sidelined all of camp and is a strong contender for the PUP list, making him unlikely to compete for a roster spot.
Pettus, an undrafted rookie, has impressed with his energy and aggression, catching the eye of Peppers.
"He came in eager to learn, aggressive, hard-hitting," Peppers said of Pettus. "He just keeps improving every week."
Bledsoe, a former sixth-round pick, has spent the last three seasons bouncing between the practice squad and roster. His experience could give him an edge.
Kicker: A High-Stakes Showdown
The battle for the kicking job is arguably the most high-profile, as it features a 2023 fourth-round pick, Chad Ryland, competing with veteran Joey Slye.
Ryland struggled during his rookie season, making only 16 of 25 field goal attempts. The Patriots brought in competition to provide a spark, leading to this fierce battle with Slye.
Slye has outperformed Ryland throughout training camp and the preseason, displaying greater consistency. Ryland, however, possesses a stronger leg, which could provide an advantage.
It remains to be seen if the Patriots will be willing to give up on Ryland so soon after drafting him, but the competition has been tight and the decision will come down to the wire.
The Patriots will have to make difficult choices as they trim their roster, but the competition has been healthy and the team is poised to face the season with a competitive edge. Whatever decisions they make, it is clear that the Patriots are committed to building a strong team, even if it means saying goodbye to some promising players. This roster cut down will be one of the defining moments of the Patriots preseason, and it will be interesting to see how the final 53-man roster looks.
