The New England Patriots finished their first preseason with Mike Vrabel with a 2-1 record. After their final game on Thursday, Vrabel opened his press conference on Friday afternoon by announcing that the team had cut 14 players as they need to submit their 53-man roster by Tuesday’s deadline.
As training camp and the preseason progressed, it started to become clearer that the Patriots don’t have as much depth as we all thought heading into the preseason.
The lack of positional depth was evident during the games at essential positions, and it’s concerning as the season is right around the corner. From the offensive line and wide receivers to linebackers and defensive backs, there are holes throughout the roster that weren’t as noticeable until they played in preseason games.
Offensive Line
The offensive line is trending towards starting two rookies on the left side with Will Campbell at tackle and Jared Wilson at guard and it’s possible that he becomes the starting center. The main backup for both tackle positions is another rookie with Marcus Bryant, who showed that he’s capable of swinging and has been the immediate backup for Campbell in the preseason.
In a recent press conference, Vrabel mentioned a plan to see Verderian Lowe play both sides of the line as well. He wants versatility in the depth of his offensive linemen, and right now it seems to only be with two rookies in Bryant and Jack Conley, who is still on the roster after the first wave of cuts.
On the right side, however, there’s a lot of hope and expectations for Morgan Moses to be a big-time player for New England at right tackle. Moses is 34 years old and was on a limited plan throughout the offseason.
Garrett Bradbury has been exactly as advertised as a bottom-of-the-barrel pass-blocker, which is largely why he was replaced and released by Minnesota in the offseason.
Wide Receiver
The Patriots did well in retooling second-year QB Drake Maye’s arsenal, but it might not be enough as offense continues to improve and be finalized as the season begins in just two weeks.
The offense is going to rely heavily on offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to scheme game plans on a week-to-week basis that will exploit opposing defenses based on the talent he has to work with.
As it currently stands, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Efton Chism III, and Kyle Williams look to be roster locks.
Diggs is returning from ACL surgery from less than 10 months ago. His status for Week 1 was more so a lock, but in a recent interview with Diana Rusini, Diggs seemed uncertain on his readiness for the start of the season.
On the other hand, Javon Baker has shown to be a great fit on special teams and could make the team for that role while also serving as depth on the wide receiver depth chart.
Kendrick Bourne is still recovering from an injury he suffered in practice on Aug. 1 when he was rolled up on and left with a leg injury. He’s been sidelined ever since and missed the preseason. It’s unclear how severe the injury is, but Bourne could be an IR candidate if the injury is prolonged through the start of the season.
Ja’Lynn Polk is on season-ending IR and will need another shoulder surgery after re-injuring it in the preseason.
Linebacker
The Patriots retooled the entire defense and have a solid group of starting linebackers, but it gets very thin after that. Behind Robert Spillane, there’s Jack Gibbens and Jahlani Tavai, who is likely to start the season on IR.
Anfernee Jennings is on the outside looking in and is a potential trade candidate, which is unfortunate because he’s a great football player, but it seems as if Jennings doesn’t fit the new defensive scheme in New England.
Defensive Back
Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis are poised to lockdown the outside of the field as the starting corners, but the depth behind them is still spotty as the preseason ends. Part of the first wave of roster cuts, New England released three defensive backs, two of whom looked to have a role with Jordan Polk and Isaiah Bolden.
Kyle Dugger had much to prove to Vrabel and the defensive coaches that he can be more of a cover safety rather than just a box safety that plays like a linebacker.
Other Notes & Takeaways
- Defensive Coordinator Terrell Williams was calling plays from inside the booth during all three preseason games. After the offseason health scare and then dehydrating in camp, the Patriots are trying to keep things simple and easy for Williams. After the first game in the preseason, Vrabel mentioned that Williams' calling plays from upstairs in the booth is something that has its benefits, from being able to see the whole field from up above. Having him up there during the season is being considered.