Bedard: After a very productive draft, what does the Patriots' 53-man roster look like now?

The Patriots just concluded what can only be described as a very productive draft. They didn't get everything on their checklist — they're still light at tight end and nose tackle — but drafts aren't really about that season, and there is still time in the team-building process. Not only will teams fill out their 90-man rosters with undrafted free agents (Patriots have had one make the squad the past 15 years), but teams will look to replace aging and expensive vets with their top draft picks, and players will come available in training camp.

So the Patriots are far from a finished product.

But that doesn't mean we can't play a little fantasy football and look at the impact of the draft with a way-too-early look at the Patriots' 53-man roster and identify which veterans could be in danger. But first, let's go over the draft picks and how they initially fit into the roster.

WR N'Keal Harry, first round: Will be in the mix with Josh Gordon (if he's reinstated) and Demaryius Thomas (if he gets healthy) at the boundary receiver spot.

CB Joejuan Williams, second round: Will compete with J.C. Jackson and others for the starting left boundary corner spot opposite Stephon Gilmore.

Edge Chase Winovich, third round: While Michael Bennett has one side locked down (likely the left), Winovich will compete with Deatrich Wise, John Simon and Derek Rivers for the starting spot on the other side.

RB Damien Harris, third round: Will compete with Rex Burkhead for the Swiss Army knife three-down back role. If he hits, Harris could compete with Sony Michel for lead back.

OT Yodny Cajuste, third round: Will complete with Cole Croston and others for the backup/swing tackle spot. If he really impresses, Marcus Cannon could be in danger. That's a long shot.

OG Hjalte Froholdt, fourth round: He'll be thrown into a blender with Ted Karras, James Ferentz and Brian Schwenke for the swing interior gameday position. Could make Joe Thuney expendable in a contract year if Froholdt shows he can start.

QB Jarrett Stidham, fourth round: Will likely displace Danny Etling as the developmental quarterback. Brian Hoyer likely sticks, but the top backup job is there for the taking.

DT Byron Cowart, fifth round: Likely makes the team as a backup interior lineman, but he'll have to earn it.

P Jake Bailey, fifth round: Goes head to head with Ryan Allen for the starting spot. Kind of a rough go for arguably the Super Bowl MVP.

CB Ken Webster, seventh round: Faces about the same odds as an undrafted free agent — long in a crowded and young defensive backfield.

When it comes to formulating a 53-man roster, it actually wasn't all that difficult. There weren't a ton of difficult cuts, and I think most of the core stays together. Of course, we haven't even seen these players on the field yet, so this is very hypothetical.

RETURNING PLAYERS MOST IN DANGER OF BEING CUT

TE Jacob Hollister: Has shown he can be a really good fit on this team, but with Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Matt LaCosse added to Ryan Izzo, I have the oft-injured Hollister out.

OG Ted Karras: This pains me, because Steady Teddy has long been a favorite of mine, but the increase in size Froholdt offers allows the Patriots to go skinny on the line with just one extra tackle and interior player.

Edge Derek Rivers: Has yet to show much and with Winovich added to Belichick favorites Keionta Davis and John Simon, Rivers could be out if he doesn't pop early.

Safeties Obi Melifonwu/Terrence Brooks: I think one of these players goes in favor of Jason McCourty, but since we have yet to see them on a Patriots practice field, it's tough to tell which one. I think all seven cornerbacks stick, with McCourty offering some safety options.

LB Elandon Roberts (trade): Since the Patriots love Brandon King even though he never sees the field, that's going to displace one or two players. If Bentley is ready to go at middle linebacker, I think the Patriots could find Roberts a home with one of his former defensive coordinators in Brian Flores or Matt Patricia.

LB Christian Sam: I'll admit that this is a straight-up guess because he didn't start flashing until late in camp and then got hurt. He could very well make the team. Patriots went heavier on defensive numbers last year.

P Ryan Allen: Allen won a battle last year in camp against an undrafted free agent. Not sure he can hold off a fifth-round pick, but stranger things have happened.

RETURNING PLAYERS PUT ON NOTICE

RB Rex Burkhead: Due to his contract and the dead money associated with it, he's still on my roster, but he better stay on the field if Harris is up to snuff.

QB Brian Hoyer: He's a glue guy behind the scenes, but if Stidham impresses, all bets are off.

WR Phillip Dorsett: Has played well when given a chance, but the Patriots have shown they think he's expendable.

OG Joe Thuney: If Froholdt plays lights out, the veteran guard could very well be put on the trade block.

CB Jason McCourty: If the Patriots go with a straight-up young movement at cornerback, J-Mac could be on the bubble.

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