Another August 4 roster projection, with explanations; this one from Patriots Wire/USA Today:
There have been some surprises during training camp, so it's time for a new Patriots 53-man roster projection.
patriotswire.usatoday.com
WR (6) In: Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, Ja'Lynn Polk
Out: Kendrick Bourne, Efton Chism, Javon Baker, DeMeer Blankumsee, John Jiles, Jeremiah Webb
Kendrick Bourne is hard to leave off the roster, but he has mainly been practicing with the second team. Javon Baker is another one, but he hasn't done enough. Efton Chism was once viewed as a high possibility to make the roster, but he has fallen off somewhat during training camp compared to his performance in the spring.
TE (3) In: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover
Out: Jaheim Bell, CJ Dippre, Gee Scott Jr.
So far, Jack Westover has had the best performance in camp. . .
OL (9) In: Will Campbell, Cole Strange, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Jared Wilson, Demontrey Jacobs, Caedan Wallace, Ben Brown
Out: Vederian Lowe, Sidy Sow, Jack Conley, Layden Robinson, Yasir Durant, Mehki Butler, Tyrese Robinson, Marcus Bryant
Caedan Wallace has made the transition from tackle to guard this offseason and has earned praise from Vrabel. Cole Strange provides depth at the guard and center position. Bradbury departed practice early one day, and Ben Brown immediately replaced him with the top unit, showing how the coaching staff views him.
Edge (6) In: Harold Landry, Keion White, K'Lavon Chaisson, Anfernee Jennings, Bradyn Swinson, Truman Jones
Out: Elijah Ponder
Anfernee Jennings was on the bubble due to the new system, but he has had a very good camp. Truman Jones was another one who was on the outside looking in, but he was named an offseason award winner, proving that the coaching staff likes what they are seeing.
LB (4) In: Robert Spillane, Jack Gibbens, Christian Elliss, Jahlani Tavai
Out: Marte Mapu, Monty Rice, R.J. Moten
Marte Mapu is finally getting the opportunity to focus on linebacker rather than safety, but the room is very talented with numerous established veterans in the room. Because of that, he is one who, unfortunately, would be pushed just off the roster.
CB (6) In: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, Marcellas Dial, D.J. James
Out: Miles Battle, Kobee Minor, Brandon Crossley, Isaiah Bolden, Jordan Polk
Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis will be the starters this season, but the depth behind them is very important. Alex Austin has that third spot locked down, while D.J. James has been a training camp standout. Meanwhile, Marcus Jones and Marcellas Dial are both crucial on special teams.
Safety (5) In: Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Brenden Schooler
Out: Marcus Epps, Dell Pettus, Josh Minkins
Dell Pettus is another one who will be tough for the Patriots to cut considering his impressive performance during his rookie season after signing with New England as an undrafted free agent. But, with Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers as the presumed starters, along with Jaylinn Hawkins' two interceptions during the in-stadium scrimmage, it seems hard for him to get in. The Patriots drafted Craig Woodson, so that's someone they want to develop, and Brenden Schooler is a no-brainer.
