The Patriots’ preseason slate opens Friday in opposition to the Commanders.
With practically a month left earlier than the 2025 common season begins, loads of Patriots gamers are nonetheless vying for roster spots and beginning roles.
Listed here are eight gamers, together with two undrafted free brokers and three former excessive picks, with probably the most on the road in Friday’s preseason recreation in opposition to the Commanders.
RB LAN LARISON
It’s been a quiet week for Larison since Friday’s scrimmage, when he dropped a go, resulting in an interception.
Anticipate Larison to see quite a lot of work within the Patriots’ three preseason video games. Working backs can solely present a lot throughout coaching camp practices as a result of there’s no stay tackling. Larison has an opportunity to show himself as a ball-carrier beginning in Friday evening’s preseason recreation in opposition to the Commanders.
If the Patriots select to maintain a fourth operating again on the roster behind Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson, then Larison is competing with Terrell Jennings and JaMycal Hasty. Larison has extra upside, however he’s additionally probably the most unproven of that group.
WR JA’LYNN POLK
The 2024 second-round choose seems to be competing with Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker, and Efton Chism for one or two spots on the 53-man roster for roles behind Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams.
Polk missed the primary 4 practices of coaching camp with a smooth tissue damage. He had one sturdy apply, dominating 1-on-1 drills however in any other case has been quiet.
WR JAVON BAKER
Baker appeared to ascend up the depth chart for Tuesday’s walk-through. He was inconsistent in Wednesday’s joint apply with the Commanders however caught a landing from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs on a slant. He proceeded to throw the ball excessive up within the air in celebration however appeared to remorse the celebration.
Baker has a ton of expertise. If he can put all of it collectively, head coach Mike Vrabel might nonetheless resolve he’s worthy of a roster spot.
WR EFTON CHISM
A robust spring has led to a quiet camp for Chism. He caught 5 passes in Wednesday’s joint apply, and it wouldn’t be stunning if he continues to be a security valve for quarterbacks within the preseason out of the slot.
The Patriots don’t have an apparent backup for Douglas out of the slot. Chism might nonetheless take that sixth vast receiver function.
OL BEN BROWN
Brown appears to be making a powerful case for a roster spot this summer time. After rookie Jared Wilson slid over to start out at left guard, Brown started taking backup snaps behind Garrett Bradbury at middle.
Cole Unusual is one other choice to function the Patriots’ backup middle. The Patriots additionally might elect to make use of Wilson as a backup middle and to maintain an additional guard on their roster.
OL COLE STRANGE
The 2022 first-round choose has performed left guard and middle this summer time. He started coaching camp because the group’s prime left guard earlier than that function was taken over by Wilson. Now he’s getting used as a backup guard and middle in apply.
Unusual has extra NFL expertise as a guard, however he did see a while final season as a middle. He lacks bulk, which is why some projected him to be a middle on the NFL degree when he was popping out of Chattanooga.
Unusual seems to be preventing for a roster spot. A robust preseason might guarantee his spot come late August.
LB MARTE MAPU
One other current excessive choose, the 2023 third-rounder was moved from security to linebacker this offseason. At 6-foot-3, 230 kilos, he’s an excellent match for the place in Vrabel’s protection.
Mapu was chosen by Invoice Belichick for his smarts and flexibility. It was believed that he might play security, linebacker and the slot on the NFL degree. He’s struggled to remain on the sphere as a result of accidents and ineffective play. He was benched at occasions final season as a wholesome scratch regardless of a scarcity of high-end expertise at security.
CB DJ JAMES
James has been one of many stars of camp, profiting from his alternatives with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis being held out of form.
A spot at cornerback opened up this week when Marcellas Dial (torn ACL) was positioned on injured reserve. If James can show he can play within the slot, it might improve his worth to be saved round as Dial’s alternative behind Marcus Jones.
