The New England Patriots had a massive 38 players over the NFL’s 53-man roster limit after their preseason finale on Thursday. Coach Mike Vrabel and his crew had to make some serious cuts to get the team down to size, and they absolutely went to work on those transactions this past weekend.
Youth Movement: Rookies Are Sticking Around
Here’s the wild part: these Patriots are rolling with their youth. They drafted nine players this year, and sure, only three were those “safe zone” guys from the first four rounds, like offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, edge Gabe Jacas, and tight end Eli Raridon. Those three, no surprise, landed on the initial 53. But get this, a huge majority of the other six draft picks also made it. The only one who didn’t? Seventh-round running back Jam Miller, and even he got let go with an injury designation, meaning he could still come back if he clears waivers. Plus, undrafted free agents Tanner Arkin, Khalil Jacobs, and Channing Canada also snagged spots! This is a stark contrast to last year, when two of their 11 draft picks were cut before the season even started. It’s clear they are betting big on this new crop of talent.
Preseason Hype Fades Fast for Some Vets
Man, the NFL truly is a marathon, not a sprint, and that applies to training camp too. Just because you’re shining early doesn’t mean you’ll stay on that upward trajectory to a roster spot. You just gotta ask guys like Bradyn Swinson, Chad Muma, Kindle Vildor, and Mike Brown. All four of them looked like they were on the path to making the roster at different points in camp. But for whatever reason, they’re now on the outside looking in. Whether it was Swinson never emerging past reserve status, Muma struggling in preseason, Vildor’s inconsistency all summer, or Brown just not making the push everyone expected, it’s a tough reminder of how quickly things can change.
Who Steps Up? A Leadership Void Emerges
The Patriots are heading into the season with a big question mark looming: who is going to step up and lead? Two of last year’s team captains won’t be on the active roster for at least the first four weeks of the regular season. Outside linebacker Harold Landry is opening the year on the physically unable to perform list, and special teams safety Brenden Schooler is on the non-football injury/illness list. Both guys were sidelined at the start of training camp and remain there now. This means the Patriots are not just missing their on-field plays, but also their presence in the locker room. There are candidates like Milton Williams, but someone’s gotta fill that void fast. The regular season is upon us, and the Patriots have some serious leadership shoes to fill right away.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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