90 thoughts on the Patriots ahead of the NFL preseason

The wait is over. It’s time for some real football. Well, as real as it can get in preseason.

Still, Thursday’s game against the visiting Carolina Panthers will be the New England Patriots’ first opportunity to put on their uniforms and show what they worked on in training camp the last few weeks. The focus will be on fundamentals, which means there is virtually no game-planning, so the final score will likely need to be taken with a grain of salt.

That being said, the game versus the Panthers will still be a chance for the players on the roster to prove what they can do against somebody else than their own teammates. Whether it is starters, key reserves, or those fighting for roster spots, it is go time.

Before turning our attention to that game, let’s take stock of where the Patriots currently stand. So, here is one thought on every player currently on the roster.

Quarterback

Jacoby Brissett: Jacoby Brissett entered training camp as the Patriots’ starting quarterback, and little has changed 11 practices in. The veteran QB has taken on a leadership role on the offensive side of the ball and is using his familiarity with coordinator Alex Van Pelt to his advantage. His ceiling is lower than Drake Maye’s, but his presence as a bridge QB highly valuable for a team in rebuild.

Drake Maye: There have been no real surprises when it comes to the Patriots’ first-round investment. Maye’s physical talents are on display on a daily basis, but so is his need for further refinement and consistent performance. Whether that means he is destined to spend 2024 on the sidelines to learn from, and back up, Jacoby Brissett is anybody’s guess, but at this point in time he remains the second option on the depth chart — despite the arrow starting to point up over the last few practices.

Joe Milton III: The “Bazooka Joe” nickname is justified: Milton’s arm talent has been on display time and again in training camp. He still is a project and the Patriots are treating him as such, even though he does appear to have the inside track for the QB3 job.

Bailey Zappe: In January, Zappe was the Patriots’ starting quarterback. Now, spending the day as the third quarterback on the depth chart can be considered a success. Frankly, he appears to be on his way off the team after repeatedly losing reps to rookie Joe Milton and sliding to occasional No. 4.

Running back

Rhamondre Stevenson: Fresh off a new four-year, $36 million contract extension, Stevenson’s status on the team is without question. He is the lead running back, and has been a regular with the starters in practice all summer. He has looked the part, too. Unsurprisingly, the fourth-year man will be a focal point on offense.

Antonio Gibson: Gibson started the summer on the non-football injury/illness list but has since returned to fill the role he was signed in free agency to fill. He is a rotational second option at running back alongside Rhamondre Stevenson, whose ability to contribute in the passing game and as a kickoff return option are obvious.

Kevin Harris: Harris has emerged as the frontrunner to earn the third spot on the running back depth chart. The third-year man is a physical presence capable of hitting holes with a purpose. In order to win a job, however, he also needs to show good ball security; Harris fumbled the ball on Tuesday, one of his few negatives this camp.

JaMycal Hasty: At 5-foot-8, 205 pounds, Hasty offers a different skill set than New England’s other reserve backs with his pass catching ability who can provide value on special teams. He got off to a strong start in the spring but has since seemingly been passed on the depth chart by Harris. Competing with younger options for perhaps just one roster spot, Hasty will need an impressive preseason on offense and in the kicking game.

Terrell Jennings: The UDFA back runs hard with some notable wiggle, which has been apparent since the pads have come on on the practice fields. Jennings, whose stock has been trending upwards lately, should see plenty of carries in the preseason where he’ll truly get a chance to impress.

Wide receiver

DeMario Douglas: Douglas suffered a hand injury leading into training camp, and has been limited ever since. Despite donning a red non-contact jersey in practice, however, the sophomore wide receiver has looked uncoverable at times. He is poised to play a big role in the Patriots’ passing game this season, regardless of who ends up starting at quarterback.

Kendrick Bourne (PUP): Bourne remains on the physically unable to perform list following his ACL tear last October. He has been spotted regularly at practice — a good sign — but has yet to be cleared. Recently, he was named as a potential asset to be used in the Brandon Aiyuk trade that never came to be.

Ja’Lynn Polk: The Patriots’ issues with drafting and developing wideouts are well-documented, and time will tell whether Polk will indeed work out. The early signs are promising, though: the second-round rookie has been one of the most consistent receivers on the team in training camp, and looks like he will play a prominent role in 2024.

K.J. Osborn: With Kendrick Bourne still on PUP, Osborn has seen plenty of reps with the Patriots’ starting offense. Especially the last few sessions, he has impressed and appears to be well on his way to earning not just a roster spot but a key rotational role.

Tyquan Thornton: Thornton is the Patriots’ top option at X-receiver, and he performed well early in camp. He has added to his frame, and looks more nuanced as a route-runner. A soft tissue injury has limited Thornton recently, however, leaving his outlook in question heading into the preseason.

Javon Baker: While not as consistent as fellow rookie Ja’Lynn Polk, Baker has made his fair share of big plays this summer. The fourth-round pick has lined up in various spots, but he appears to be a candidate for a regular role as a perimeter receiver capable of challenging defenses deep. His raw talent is obvious in practice.

Jalen Reagor: Reagor may never live up to his first-round draft status as a wide receiver, but the Patriots seem happy to use him as a rotational option on the outside. He has looked good in this role, all while continuing to look like the team’s No. 1 kickoff returner.

Kayshon Boutte: Despite seemingly being behind the likes of Thornton, Baker and Reagor on the depth chart, Boutte has made the most of his opportunities this summer. He has seen regular reps with the top offense and made several highlight-reel catches.

JuJu Smith-Schuster: Despite being the highest paid and most experienced wide receiver on the team’s roster, Smith-Schuster remains buried on the depth chart. He hasn’t been all bad in training camp, but his combination of usage and performance speak a clear language: his Patriots days are numbered.

Kawaan Baker: The 25-year-old has been a steady target on the third team offense, hauling in a handful of receptions this summer from Joe Milton and Bailey Zappe. He should continue to see time with those QBs in the preseason with a path to the practice squad.

JaQuae Jackson: Similarly to Baker, Jackson has caught a handful of passes with the third team, while his best play of camp may have been a diving catch from Maye earlier this summer. He too will be pushing for a practice squad spot.

David Wallis: The 6-foot-0, 184-pound Wallis wasn't done much in the receiver room, particularly struggling in 1-on-1s throughout camp. He does provide depth as a returner.

Tight end

Hunter Henry: Jacoby Brissett praised the Patriots’ tight end group in a recent mic’d up segment, and Henry is a big reason for that. The veteran has been a steady presence for the first-team offense all summer, and is well on his way to bouncing back from an injury-shortened 2023 campaign.

Austin Hooper: The Patriots’ free agency acquisition has been quite active so far, establishing himself as the clear No. 2 tight end behind Hunter Henry. While not quite as consistent a receiver, his experience in Alex Van Pelt’s offense is apparent and has helped him get on the field often.

Mitchell Wilcox: Wilcox was one of the surprise players early on in training camp, seeing regular opportunities with the starting offense. However, he has cooled off significantly after the first few days: he has been up-and-down as a receiver, and virtually non-existent as a blocker.

Jaheim Bell: Bell missed time early in training camp due to an undisclosed injury, but he has since returned to the field. The seventh-round rookie has ways to go before seriously pushing for a roster spot but his raw physical talent cannot be denied either.

La’Michael Pettway: After making a handful of splash plays in the spring, Pettway hasn't popped as much throughout training camp. He’s consistently worked in behind Wilcox as the fourth tight end and a strong preseason could elevate him over the veteran who has had issue at the catch point.

Jacob Warren: The UDFA out of Tennessee hasn't done much as a receiver nor a blocker despite his 6-foot-6, 251-pound frame. Perhaps game action will treat him better as he hopes to make a late push in the tight end room.

Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Offensive tackle

Chukwuma Okorafor: The free agency pickup started training camp as the No. 1 left tackle, but his outlook has since changed. He was moved to the right side after a few practices and some uneven play, and has missed the last three sessions due to injury. He might resume a starting spot when all is said and done, but his outlook is unclear.

Caedan Wallace: Wallace started training camp at right tackle, then moved to left tackle, then moved to second-string swing tackle. The third-round rookie has had plenty of encouraging moments so far this summer, but his eventual role remains undetermined — something that is true for every OT on the roster.

Calvin Anderson: Following his bout with malaria in 2023, Anderson seems to be on track to return to form. At the very least he looks like a capable veteran swing tackle, but a strong preseason might allow him to enter the starting conversation at either left or right tackle.

Vederian Lowe: The Patriots moved their tackles around over the first 11 practices, with Lowe as the top blindside protector a team-leading five times. Is that a sign of things to come, especially given that he was OK when called up? Possibly, but again: nothing is set in stone anywhere on the offensive tackle depth chart.

Zuri Henry: The UDFA tackle entered camp as mostly an afterthought after missing time in the spring, but Henry has quickly been elevated to the second team right tackle after a run of injuries. Henry is still a bit undersized but has plenty of experience on both sides after playing 1,854 snaps at left tackle and 886 at right tackle at UTEP. He’ll now have a chance this preseason to take advantage of his increased opportunities to perhaps carve out a depth role.

Kellen Diesch: After signing on Aug. 2, Diesch was thrown right into the mix on Aug. 3 serving as the team’s backup left tackle. In a similar situation to Henry, the run of injuries have opened the door for Diesch to carve out a depth role this summer.

Interior offensive line

David Andrews: Even though he missed some time due to a family matter, there are no questions about Andrews and his importance to the Patriots offense and locker room as a whole. The team captain will again be one of the team’s leaders and additionally serve as the starting center.

Michael Onwenu: When the Patriots signed Onwenu to a three-year, $57 million contract extension this offseason, the idea was that he would play right tackle. However, for reasons unknown, the team has installed him as its top right tackle so far this summer. Despite the change, he has impressed in what is arguably his most natural position.

Sidy Sow: Before missing team drills on Wednesday, Sow had been a steady presence at left guard. The sophomore was up to the challenge as well, looking at home in the starting lineup even with a revolving door outside at the tackle position.

Cole Strange (PUP): The former first-round draft pick remains on the active/PUP list while recovering from a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. The expectation is that he will start the regular season there as well, and only become a factor later in the process — if at all in 2024.

Nick Leverett: When Andrews was forced to miss time, the Patriots used Leverett as their starting center. Since then, the offseason free agency pickup has done nothing to show he isn’t worthy of a top backup spot along the interior offensive line.

Layden Robinson: Robinson is not yet pushing for a starting gig, but his potential cannot be denied either. The fourth-round draft choice looked particularly impressive on the first day of full pads, when he was one of the standouts in 1-on-1 drills.

Atonio Mafi: Mafi had an underwhelming rookie season, and is following it up with an underwhelming sophomore training camp. The former fifth-round draft pick has had issues when used as a center, and will likely need a big preseason to earn a roster spot — something that seems unlikely based on his practice performances so far.

Michael Jordan: Jordan has operated as a top reserve guard this summer and even saw time on the first unit in Tuesday’s practice with Sidy Sow limited. He should see plenty of action Thursday night — perhaps even drawing a start — where he’ll look to solidify a backup spot along the offensive line.

Charles Turner III: Despite starting 25 games at center the last two seasons at LSU, Turner has largely aligned at guard this summer. For whatever reason, New England has rather worked through Mafi’s snapping struggles than play Turner at his natural position, although he finally got one day of reps under center this past week. With Jake Andrews done for the season, Turner could be a strong practice squad candidate with a strong preseason.

Liam Fornadel: Signing after the UFL season ended, Fornadel has also worked up to a reserve guard spot after a string of training camp injuries. He’ll now see plenty of game action beginning Thursday night.

Interior defensive line

Christian Barmore: The Patriots signed Barmore to a four-year, $84 million extension to be the anchor of their defensive line for years to come. However, his future is in question after a recent blood clots diagnosis. From a pure football perspective, losing him for any extended period of time would be a blow — he’s that good, and that valuable to the operation.

Davon Godchaux: With his contract situation resolved, Godchaux can return to fill his usual role at the heart of the Patriots defense. The veteran nose tackle is doing his best work on early downs and in the running game, and there have been no issues in those areas so far this summer.

Keion White: The Patriots’ 2023 second-round draft pick is in line to make a big jump this season. One of the best players of training camp, White looks ready to take on a starter-caliber role up front — one that could be multi-faceted. He is lining up all over the defensive line, after all, and looking comfortable regardless of his usage.

Deatrich Wise Jr.: Despite being one of the only core players in a contract year to not yet receiver an extension, it’s been business as usual for Deatrich Wise this summer. He has remained versatile up front kicking inside on passing downs while also had a decisive win over Calvin Anderson from the defensive end spot.

Armon Watts: The free agent addition is expected to be part of the puzzle in replacing Barmore. While Watts started with some struggles in 1-on-1 situations, he’s recorded some notable pressures of late in team drills.

Daniel Ekuale: Returning from a season-ending biceps injury, Ekuale will also factor into the equation up front yet again as a rotation sub-rusher. He’s also seen some time in recent practices at defensive end in New England’s early down heavy look.

Jeremiah Pharms Jr.: Pharms will factor into the equation on early downs as a pure nose tackle who also showed some pass rush juice in a limited role down the stretch last season. The 27-year-old should see plenty of action in the preseason, while he also got some work at fullback in Monday’s practice.

Sam Roberts: Roberts likely slots in behind the likes of Watts, Ekuale, and Hill on the depth chart, but has flashed the past two years in the preseason. He logged a pressure on a stunt in Tuesday’s practice that helped force an interception, perhaps getting ready for another strong preseason.

Trysten Hill: Despite signing onto New England’s practice squad in October last season, Hill may be one of the more intriguing members of the defensive line as a former second-round pick in 2019. In Barmore’s absence, Hill has seen more run and has impressed in the run game and as a pass rusher — even recording a strip sack on Bailey Zappe on Tuesday.

Josiah Bronson: Added in late July after a stint in the UFL, Bronson has work to do to climb up a deep interior defensive line depth chart. The 27-year-old should see plenty of time this preseason to try and do just that.

Mike Purcell: Despite signing just a week ago, New England wasted little time getting Purcell involved on the defensive line. The 33-year-old was almost instantly running with the top unit at times and was a part of the aforementioned early down heavy personnel unit. His preseason usage and play will decide if New England truly envision a role for him moving forward.

Photo by Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Defensive edge

Matthew Judon: Possibly the biggest unknown on the Patriots’ current roster besides Christian Barmore, Judon’s contract situation remains unresolved with preseason right around the corner. Fact is that the Pro Bowler is New England’s most well-rounded and disruptive presence on the edge, and that the two sides not reaching an agreement might further weaken the pass rush following Barmore’s blood clots diagnosis.

Anfernee Jennings: Jennings looks like his usual dominant self in the run game, but has flashed some intriguing juice as a pass rusher of late. That started on Monday in 1-on-1s before carrying the success over to Tuesday with a pair of “sacks” in team drills. He’ll likely never be a dominant pass rusher, but it’s an encouraging development early on.

Joshua Uche: A more aggressive defensive plan under Demarcus Covington seemed to leave the arrow pointing up for Uche. However, that has yet to be determined as Uche has been limited for the majority of camp with an undisclosed injury.

Oshane Ximines: The former third-round draft pick has looked solid in training camp so far, and seems well on his way to earning a roster spot. With uncertainty higher up on the outside linebacker depth chart, the Patriots might rely on him quite a bit as a player who can both set the edge in the run game and attack the pocket as a pass rusher.

William Bradley-King: With no Judon or Uche in spring practices, Bradley-King took advantage of his increased opportunities, but hasn't flashed as much in the summer. He should see ample preseason action where he’ll look to start rebuilding momentum.

John Morgan III: The UDFA egde rusher’s most notable rep of camp came on a 1-on-1 pass rush win against third-round pick Caedan Wallace. He’ll look for more wins like that in preseason action to try and push for a depth spot — which may be important with Judon and Uche’s current status.

Jotham Russell (IPPP roster exemption): The former Australian rugby player will get his first live football action Thursday night as he never played organized football growing up. Russell will be fun to watch in his debut, but has work to do to earn a roster spot after his International Player Pathway Program exemption expires.

Linebacker

Ja’Whaun Bentley: The Patriots’ defensive leader and on-field signal caller remains a steady presence at the heart of his unit. While the training camp ramp-up period has limited his chances to showcase his trademark physicality, he did stand out in one of the few full-pads sessions. Bentley may not be a household name, but he is one of the better off-the-ball linebackers in the game today.

Jahlani Tavai: The Robin to Bentley’s Batman, Tavai is trying to expand his role this summer. Whether he will truly develop into a three-down defender capable of playing both on and off the line remains to be seen, but the team seems optimistic about his outlook. Otherwise, it would not have signed him to a three-year, $16 million extension in the offseason.

Sione Takitaki (PUP): The Patriots’ free agency pickup remains sidelined due to an offseason knee scope. His timeline remains unclear as of today, and depends on his recovery process.

Raekwon McMillan: Coming off another season-ending injury, McMillan has had some coverage issues in 1-on-1 drills (specifically against Rhamondre Stevenson). McMillan has been praised for his role in the locker room by fellow teammates, as Jahlani Tavai called him one of the “leaders” on defense. He’ll have to carve out a roster spot and defense and in the kicking game this preseason.

Christian Elliss: A pure specialists last season, Elliss is now playing more linebacker as Mayo looks to move off of special teams only players. While his role in the kicking game would likely be his main way onto the roster, Elliss has gotten limited run with the top defense. He’ll look to impress in his defensive opportunities in the preseason while continuing to make an impact on special team.

Joe Giles-Harris: With Takitaki sidelined, Giles-Harris has built momentum towards a role of late. He has got plenty of run with the projected started in Takitaki’s projected role and even baited Joe Milton into an interception earlier this summer.

Steele Chambers: Beyond an awesome name, it’s been a quiet summer for Steele Chambers. In a linebacker room that's solidified up top, Chambers will need a strong preseason along the second level and in the kicking game.

Cornerback

Christian Gonzalez: The Patriots’ top cornerback has not been in full lockdown mode this summer, giving up the occasional catch in 1-on-1s and team drills. Is there anything to worry about? From our perspective, the answer still remains no: Gonzalez has elite physical traits and shown an ability to quickly learn from mistakes and adapt his play; and lest we forget, he played only four games as a rookie last year before a season-ending shoulder injury. Chances are he will be fine, even if he does not reach 2019 Stephon Gilmore levels yet.

Jonathan Jones: The most experienced defensive back on the Patriots’ roster has looked good in his return from an injury-filled 2023 season. Jones projects as the top outside cornerback opposite Christian Gonzalez, who could move into the slot or to a safety alignment in an instant. He did suffer an injury in practice earlier this week, but all indications are he will be fine.

Marcus Jones: Jones appeared in just two games last season before a shoulder injury knocked him out for the remainder of his sophomore campaign. He too seems well on his way to returning to form, despite another ailment recently sidelining him in practice. When healthy and available, though, he will not only be the top slot cornerback on the roster but also a factor in the return game.

Alex Austin: The second-year defender has cooled off a bit over the last few practices, but the Patriots are giving him plenty of opportunity to showcase his talents. Regularly repping opposite Christian Gonzalez with the starting defense, he appears to be in the running for a key rotational role — if his preseason performance will look the part, too.

Marco Wilson: Just like Alex Austin, Marco Wilson also has seen plenty of reps as an outside cornerback with the top defense. His elite athletic profile does shine through on occasion, but his training camp so far also has been of a similar rollercoaster variety as Austin’s. For him, just like the other depth cornerbacks, preseason will be crucial.

Shaun Wade: Wade spent time in a red non-contact jersey this training camp, but has since returned as a full participant. His training camp so far has looked a lot like last year’s: he has shown positional flexibility and competitiveness in coverage. Time will tell whether this will translate to the actual games this time around.

Isaiah Bolden: Last year’s seventh-round pick, Bolden is healthy and remains versatile in the backend. He has taken on a large role in the slot — where he primarily played at Jacksonville State — and has been referred to as a special teams “demon” by Jerod Mayo. Despite his collegiate success, Bolden hasn't got many opportunities as a return man this offseason but hopes to get a chance this preseason.

Marcellas Dial Jr.: After spending the spring limited, the Patriots long defensive draft pick has started to become more involved of late — which translated to an interception on Tuesday off a tipped pass into the air. While he has had issues in coverage at times, Dial is certainly in the running for one of the depth cornerback spots up for grabs.

Azizi Hearn: Hearn started training camp on the wrong foot, giving up two long catches to Jalen Reagor. Those were not the only negative plays he was involved him, but his summer has not been all bad either: he did register some pass breakups as well, including one that led to a Jaylinn Hawkins interception last week.

Mikey Victor: The only other rookie in the cornerback room, Victor showcased his length in Monday’s practice as he recorded an impressive pass break up in the end zone on a fade to Javon Baker. With depth cornerback roles available, the UDFA is not going down without a fight as he looks ahead to the preseason.

Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Safety

Kyle Dugger: The Patriots made a big investment in Dugger this offseason, and based on his training camp performance so far it seems they might be getting a nice return on their four-year, $58 million investment early on. The starting safety continues to consistently be around the football and fly all over the field, and also has taken on a more active role as a leader both on and off the field.

Jabrill Peppers: Dugger’s running mate also signed a new deal this offseason when he put his signature under a three-year, $25 million extension through 2027. While he did miss some time due to injury in training camp, he did participate in team drills each of the past two practices. He will be fine, even though the team might decide to limit his preseason exposure to keep him fresh.

Marte Mapu: Originally in the running to serve as a top pass defender blurring the lines between box safety and coverage linebacker, Mapu has missed most of the summer due to an undisclosed injury. His status remains unclear as of the start of preseason.

Jaylinn Hawkins: With Mapu unable to fill the No. 3 safety role in practice, Jaylinn Hawkins has stepped up. The free agency addition has seen a healthy dose of starter-level reps and per head coach Jerod Mayo projects as a big part of New England’s defensive plans. He looked the part in practice, especially over the last few days.

Joshuah Bledsoe: Bledsoe returned to practice earlier this week after missing time with an injury. He might benefit from Marte Mapu’s own injury concerns, but needs to show that he can carve out a role every opportunity he gets.

Brenden Schooler: Despite seeing surprisingly many safety snaps in practice, Schooler’s main focus in 2024 will remain special teams. One of the best kicking game players in the league already, he projects to succeed recently retired Matthew Slater as the leader of New England’s kickoff and punt teams.

Dell Pettus: Once the pads showed up to Patriots training camp, so did Dell Pettus. The UDFA has flashed impressive physicality in the run game and in live tackling situations, while also has made several plays on the ball in coverage. New England’s safety room will obviously be tough to crack, but Pettus may be trending towards a practice squad/depth spot.

A.J. Thomas: With Mapu and Bledsoe missing time, Thomas was another training camp signee. He hauled in an interception off a tipped Drake Maye pass and laid a noticeably big hit in a live tackling period in just his second practice.

Specialists

Chad Ryland: Newfound kicking mechanics have led to a better summer for Chad Ryland — who leads the kicking battle by making 24-of-27 attempts through 11 practices. He seems to be hitting the ball better than last year but will be put to the test for real back in game action. After not getting any preseason attempts last year, Ryland should get opportunities (considering the offense can move the ball) this go around to continue to build his lead.

Joey Syle: While Slye trails Ryland by making 22-of-his-27 attempts, the veteran may have the most impressive kick of camp. That came on a 57-yard field goal in a live hurry-up situation that was right down the middle with room to spare. While Slye is currently trailing through camp attempts, this completion will come down to game action.

Bryce Baringer: After a strong rookie season Baringer looks even better heading into year two. The last two punting periods of training camp were simply dominant, as he tallied multiple five-plus second hang time attempts one day before landing multiple punts inside the five-yard line the next day.

Joe Cardona: One of the few remaining Super Bowl champions on the squad, Cardona has looked like his reliable self in camp. While Cardona does not need preseason action, the veteran appears to be dealing with a minor injury as he was limited on Tuesday and the team added depth at long snapper.

Tucker Addington: The Patriots recently signed Addington to offer depth behind Joe Cardona. With the incumbent long snapper seemingly nursing an injury, he was given a handful of practice reps without any noticeable issues.