36 players are locks to make the Patriots' 53-man roster
· Yahoo Sports
The New England Patriots closed out their three-game preseason slate with an ugly 37-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night.
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With all of the starters sitting, it was the final opportunity for many players to prove to the coaching staff that they're worthy of a spot on the final 53-man roster. Since the start of the summer, it has been an endless grind of competing to make the team.
As with all roster cuts, there will likely be some surprises as the coaching staff works to get down to the 53-man requirement by the Sunday 6:00 p.m. ET deadline. But some players are clear locks to make the final roster. Those players are pretty much guaranteed a spot without any real possibility of being cut.
Here are the 36 locks to make the final roster for the Patriots:
Quarterback (2)
- Drake Maye
- Tommy DeVito
Drake Maye is the Patriots' franchise quarterback, and Tommy DeVito has established himself as the top backup option. Rookie Behren Morton had a great summer, but he threw three interceptions in Thursday's preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns. One interception was wiped out after a defensive pass interference penalty was called on the Browns.
Running back (2)
- Rhamondre Stevenson
- TreVeyon Henderson
No other running back has stood out behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson throughout training camp and the preseason. Granted, there are some intriguing No. 3 options with Jam Miller, Hassan Haskins and Lan Larison.
Wide receiver (6)
- A.J. Brown
- Romeo Doubs
- DeMario Douglas
- Mack Hollins
- Efton Chism III
- Kyle Williams
The same six receivers have been a lock since training camp started. It was seven before Kayshon Boutte was traded to the Houston Texans.
Tight end/fullback (3)
- Hunter Henry
- Eli Raridon
- Reggie Gilliam (FB)
Hunter Henry was just rewarded with a two-year contract extension, and Eli Raridon is a rookie third-round draft pick who has already shown a ton of promise.
As for Reggie Gilliam, the former Buffalo Bills fullback signing was one of the best moves made by the Patriots in the offseason. His elite blocking abilities should provide a major boost to the rushing attack.
Offensive line (6)
- Will Campbell
- Alijah Vera-Tucker
- Jared Wilson
- Mike Onwenu
- Morgan Moses
- Caleb Lomu
The five starters are obviously a lock for the Patriots' offensive line. Rookie first-round draft pick Caleb Lomu clearly isn't going anywhere, either. The Patriots are banking on this year's unit being significantly better than it was last season.
Defensive line (3)
- Milton Williams
- Christian Barmore
- Cory Durden
Things are looking lighter along the defensive front without Khyiris Tonga on the roster. However, the Patriots still have a devastating duo with Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. Cory Durden has also done an admirable job of stepping up and filling in as the top nose tackle.
Linebacker (2)
- Robert Spillane
- Christian Elliss
Another area with serious depth issues for the Patriots is at linebacker. Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss are obvious starters, but the drop-off behind those two is steep.
EDGE (3)
- Dre'Mont Jones
- Elijah Ponder
- Gabe Jacas
Harold Landry would be on this list, but it feels like he's destined for the PUP list instead. That leaves Dre'Mont Jones, Elijah Ponder, and rookie second-round draft pick Gabe Jacas as the only locks on the edge. This is without question the weakest position on the entire roster.
Cornerback (3)
- Christian Gonzalez
- Carlton Davis III
- Marcus Jones
The depth at cornerback has never looked more questionable than it did in Thursday's preseason finale. One would think that would light a fire under the Patriots to get an extension done with star corner Christian Gonzalez.
Safety (3)
- Kevin Byard
- Craig Woodson
- Jaylen Reed
Brenden Schooler will make this list if he's healthy enough to come back in time for the start of the season. Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson are the projected starting safeties, and Jaylen Reed was part of the Kayshon Boutte trade. All three are easy locks on the roster.
Specialists (3)
- K Andy Borregales
- P Bryce Baringer
- LS Julian Ashby
The Patriots are set at kicker, punter and long snapper. Perhaps the only question is Bryce Baringer's health. If he's believed to be out for any extended period of time, the team would turn to Matt Haack as their replacement punter.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 36 players are locks to make the Patriots' 53-man roster