Five Patriots players who can help themselves in preseason finale

Share

FOXBORO -- Tonight's Patriots preseason finale isn't all about quarterback reps. And it isn't all about getting through the night uninjured. There are players auditioning for jobs. Whether those jobs will be in New England or somewhere else remains to be seen, but there is plenty on the line. 

Here are five Patriots players who could help themselves earn a spot on coach Bill Belichick's 53-man roster -- or grab a spot on a roster or practice squad elsewhere -- with strong performances against the Giants. 

DJ Foster, RB: The undrafted rookie out of Arizona State saw only nine snaps in last week's preseason game against the Panthers, but he made the most of those reps with two carries for nine yards and three catches for 33 yards. He looked dynamic with the ball in his hands -- something we haven't seen much of as he's recovered from a nagging injury for much of the preseason -- but his work came late. Should he perform well with early opportunities on Thursday night, at which point he should be playing against better competition, he could make a case for a roster spot. James White looks like the team's top sub back, but especially with Dion Lewis on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, Foster could provide value as White's backup as well as in the kicking game. If Foster flashes the athleticism that made him a highly sought-after player following the draft, it may be difficult for him to make it through waivers and become a practice-squad option in New England.

Anthony Johnson, DT: Johnson's 40 preseason snaps have been almost entirely as a pass-rusher on the interior. His frame and skill set are unique to the roster, but does he provide so much value in that niche role that his place on the roster is guaranteed? It's debatable. The Patriots like to use their defensive ends -- and they have a plethora -- as interior rushers so Johnson may have to separate himself as the clear-cut No. 1 interior pass-rusher on the team in order to solidify a spot. He has recorded a sack, four quarterback hurries and a batted pass in the last two preseason games. If he can keep that up against the Giants, Belichick's hand may be forced.

Jonathan Jones, CB:  One of the fastest players at this year's combine, the undrafted rookie out of Auburn has shown up in pass coverage, in run support, and in the kicking game this preseason. His speed and special teams potential -- he's played on the punt, punt return and kickoff teams against the Panthers -- could put him over the top in a competition with fellow undrafted rookie Cre'Von LeBlanc. If Jones can do more with the snaps he's given in coverage -- LeBlanc has seen almost twice as many defensive snaps over the course of the preseason -- he may be worthy of roster consideration. LeBlanc missed practice time this week with what's been reported by the Boston Herald as a hip injury, which could open the door for more playing time for Jones.

Elandon Roberts, LB: The sixth-round rookie out of Houston has quietly had a strong summer, and he put together his best preseason performance in Carolina last week. Seeing extensive snaps early -- with the Patriots, in all likelihood, trying to evaluate him against top competition -- he did not seem out of place. It may be a difficult position for Roberts to crack with Jamie Collins, Dont'a Hightower and Jonathan Freeny all serving as roster locks, but Roberts could force Belichick and Nick Caserio to find room for him if he pops against the Giants. Roberts may be in competition for a spot with Kamu Grugier-Hill, another sixth-round rookie, who has the decisive athletic and special-teams advantages when compared to Roberts. However, Grugier-Hill missed last week's game with an illness, and Roberts could be gaining ground.

Clay Harbor, TE: Typically it's younger players looking to make names for themselves who have the most to gain from preseason game No. 4. But in this instance, veteran tight end Clay Harbor could help himself with a strong showing. AJ Derby looks like a high-upside developmental tight end, and it may be hard for the Patriots to find roster space for Harbor -- who received $400,000 guaranteed this offseason -- unless he shows some chemistry with New England's quarterbacks against the Giants.

 

Contact Us