![]() ![]() The question: Will rookies Jake Andrews and Mafi push out all of last year’s depth options? Both saw first-team reps at right guard this spring with Onwenu sidelined, and Andrews can back up David Andrews at center. The top trio here is set, assuming Onwenu recovers from his offseason ankle surgery in time for the season. ![]() Out: Bill Murray, James Ferentz, Chasen Hines, Kody Russey ![]() In: David Andrews, Cole Strange, Mike Onwenu, Jake Andrews, Atonio Mafi His status is one of the Patriots’ biggest X-factors after he didn’t fully participate in any of New England’s spring practices. If Brown is healthy and on his game, this group should be in decent shape. In: Trent Brown, Calvin Anderson, Conor McDermott, Riley Reiff, Sidy Sow Of that group, Lee - a UDFA out of Rhode Island - showed up the most in spring practice. We have Douglas nabbing the fifth and final one at the moment, but the battle between him and fellow rookies Boutte, Cunningham and Lee will be one to watch in camp. If he doesn’t come aboard, the first four names on that list should be locked into roster spots. Of course, there’s no guarantee Hopkins will leave his Patriots visit with a contract. They already were lean at wideout this spring with Smith-Schuster, Thornton and Boutte all missing multiple practices, so the latter might be the more desirable avenue. The Patriots could immediately part ways with Parker or Kendrick Bourne if they feel the need to clear salary cap space, or hold on to this whole group, plus Hopkins, until closer to cutdown day. Out: Kayshon Boutte, Tre Nixon, Raleigh Webb, Malik Cunningham, Ed LeeĪ DeAndre Hopkins signing obviously would change things here, with his arrival potentially pushing someone like Parker off the roster. In: JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, Demario Douglas Lumpkin, a massive UDFA who looks like an offensive tackle, could be in the mix, too, if New England wants a pure blocker for heavier sets. We gave Sokol the nod because he can supply some of the blocking ability that the Henry/Gesicki duo lacks, but if the Patriots want another pass-catching option, they could choose Firkser, who has far more NFL experience than Sokol, or converted receiver Washington. Who that’ll be depends on what they’re looking for from that spot. With the Patriots expected to major in two-tight end sets this season, it makes sense for them to carry at least one backup at the position. Out: Anthony Firkser, Scotty Washington, Johnny Lumpkin In: Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Matt Sokol Based on what we observed in those five practices, and keeping those aforementioned caveats in mind, here’s our latest crack at predicting New England’s initial 53-man roster: Reporters were permitted to watch a total of five Patriots practice between OTAs and minicamp, with the team canceling a planned sixth on Wednesday to close out its spring schedule. It’s the first time coaches - and, eventually, media members - get to see how a team’s new collection of players performs on the field together. The list of New England players who flashed in the spring only to fade in the summer is long, with wide receivers Tre Nixon (2022) and Maurice Harris (2019) standing out as two recent examples.īut that doesn’t mean spring practices are useless. So, any declaration that a player solidified his roster spot in organized team activities and minicamp is premature. The true competition and evaluation, the Patriots head coach says, don’t start until training camp begins in late July.
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