FOXBOROUGH – We’re three weeks into Patriots training camp. There have been 15 practices, including a joint practice with Indianapolis, along with Thursday night’s preseason opener with the Colts. There’s a lot to like about Mike Vrabel’s team. Other aspects, not so much.Injuries have really started to have an impact, especially with the offensive line. Here’s my take on who makes it on the final 53-man roster, and who doesn’t with two weeks to go until cutdown day.QUARTERBACK (3)IN – Tommy DeVito, Drake Maye, Behren MortonOUT – NoneMaye has had a few ups and downs over the course of the first three weeks of training camp but nothing to lose sleep over. He’s taken charge, and has a much keener grip on the offense. DeVito has the backup role locked down. He wasn’t great on Thursday night, but he’s performed well enough in practices to seal the deal. Morton,meanwhile, is 50-50 for making the roster. The rookie has learned the offense enough that it makes sense for the Patriots to keep three, and take advantage of the game-day ‘emergency QB’ rule.It’s also possible the Pats cut him, and hope to get him on the practice squad. That’s an option to gain a roster spot. But for now, I have him on the 53.RUNNING BACK (3)IN – TreVeyon Henderson, Jam Miller, Rhamondre StevensonOUT – Hassan Haskins, JaMycal Hasty, Lan Larison Stevenson has looked terrific early on. Henderson has his breakaway burst, but still hasn’t exhibited the best vision finding holes. He’s still running into tackles, but he’s working on it.Beyond those two, it’s anyone’s guess.Terrell Jennings looked like he was going to be the No. 3, but wound up on season-ending IR.Haskins and Hasty were signed during the week, so it’s a bit early to get a read on them. Hasty has had different stints with the team as a reserve. For now, he’s someone to take reps.Right now, it’s between Larison and rookie Miller who will make the 53.At this stage, my vote would go to Miller. Mike Vrabel loved his attack hitting holes Thursday night.FULLBACK (1)IN – Reggie GilliamOUT – None Gilliam was signed to help give the running game a boost. He’s the type of lead blocker Josh McDaniels loves in his offense.He’s the man. Period.WIDE RECEIVER (6)IN – A.J. Brown, Efton Chism III, Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle WilliamsOUT – Kayshon Boutte, Nick DeGennaro, Kyle Dixon, Cameron Dorner, Kobe PrenticeIf it was up to me, Boutte would be on the team. He’s had a good camp, and his chemistry with Maye is unmistakable. He caught another deep ball Saturday.But it appears he’ll still be the odd man out likely via trade. It’s not practical to keep seven, so the Patriots will try and get a decent return for Boutte.Outside of that, Brown, Doubs, Douglas and Hollins seem to be locks. Doubs has really come on of late. On Saturday, he made some ridiculously good catches in the red zone.As for Williams, he should be classified as a lock, too.Vrabel pretty much punched
Content Source: Yahoo News
Image Credit: Getty Images
All rights to the news content and images belong to their respective copyright owners.