Bedard: Breaking down the pros and cons for Patriots bubble players heading into final cuts

Cutdown day is coming quickly after the final preseason game on Thursday night against the Giants. While we're working on a comprehensive list of who might be available on other teams, here's a breakdown of the pros and cons for every player we anticipate is somewhat near the roster bubble or could be traded:

QB Brian Hoyer

Pro: Knows the system better than anyone but Tom Brady and Josh McDaniels. You can run anything in the playbook if Brady goes down. Has gone through the gameplan process as the starter. Had a winning record (10-6) as the starter for the Browns. The Browns.
Con: Has no upside. Patting of the ball is a tell on passes. If he's not traded, will get his $1.5 million guaranteed anyway. Had a 15.9 passer rating in his only postseason start. Jarrett Stidham looks as ready as Jimmy Garoppolo was as the lone backup as a rookie.

LB Elandon Roberts (possible trade)

Pro: A good, solid linebacker who is better against the run than the pass. Will do anything the coaches ask and takes coaching well. Feels like he's capable of more if given a chance.
Con: His role has gotten very small with Jamie Collins and Ja'Whaun Bentley back. Would be better in a 4-3.

LB Calvin Munson

Pro: Good, instinctive linebacker who obviously understands the scheme and how to attack blocking schemes. Plays special teams and might be very good there.
Con: Limited athlete. Not sure he'll ever be a starter. Can he cover backs?

LB Christian Sam

Pro: 2018 sixth-round pick was injured last year and hasn't been a disappointment this summer. Good athlete, could help in coverage.
Con: Patriots are stacked at linebacker. Can he play on the outside as well? Patriots tried to find out last week and it wasn't great.



S Duron Harmon (possible trade)

Pro: Former captain who is a solid, dependable deep safety and team leader.
Con: No upside. Johnny on the spot for interceptions but he doesn't make the plays himself. Always a step late on passes over the middle. Questionable angles on deep passes. Role shrunk in postseason last year. Doesn't play on special teams.

S Obi Melifonwu

Pro: Rare body type/athlete for this position. Very smart. Plays a lot of special teams.
Con: Not sure the game is instinctive for him, and safety is an instinctive position. Hasn't made a play this summer.

DE Deatrich Wise (possible trade)

Pro: Second on the team in sacks and pressures his first two seasons. Tremendous and infectious personality. Relentless worker.
Con: Patriots have gone to more of a 3-4 and he's not a good fit for end there. Would be better as a 4-3 end and can kick inside on passing downs.



RB Rex Burkhead

Pro: Might be the best all-round back on the team — when he's healthy. Can flex and play receiver. Hard runner, can return kicks. Guaranteed salary of $1.5 million.
Con: Never stays on the field.

WR Braxton Berrios

Pro: Solid second-year slot guy who is probably ready to be an NFL punt returner. Plays special teams. Tough.
Con: Nothing really special with him as a receiver, mostly average for a slot. Catches the ball with his body.



WR Phillip Dorsett

Pro: Total pro and has obviously earned Brady's trust. Solid possession receiver. Can return punts.
Con: There has to be a reason why the coaches have chosen not to use him all that much, especially last year. Doesn't get great separation.

TE Lance Kendricks

Pro: Has improved in the scheme during the summer and is not afraid to block. Sold all-around player. Knows scheme from Rams.
Con: No longer athletic, has a tough time getting open. Not a great blocker.

TE Ryan Izzo

Pro: Good blocker who loves to do it. Good hands.
Con: Undersized and not sure he can get much stronger. Very limited athlete in pass patterns.

TE/FB Andrew Beck

Pro: Got one of the largest UDFA bonuses from Patriots. Has a future as a FB/H-back. Good blocker and pad level. Could he make James Develin expendable? Special teams hero.
Con: Doesn't stand out in any area and is slow on pass routes.



CB Jonathan Jones (possible trade)

Pro: Really, really good slot corner who's not really on the bubble but I guess you can't rule out a trade if another wants to overpay for him now as opposed to in free agency.
Con: I would be shocked if he's not starting in the slot against the Steelers.

CB Duke Dawson

Pro: Missed most of last season so this is really his first go-around and it's early to give up on a second-round pick. Quick and athletic.
Con: Hasn't jumped out at all. Sometimes looks clueless in the slot and unfocused. Patriots might be willing to cut their losses here.

CB Jason McCourty ($2 mill guarantee)

Pro: Good, solid player last year as a full-time starter. Leader. Can play multiple positions.
Con: J.C. Jackson is ready to be a starter opposite Stephon Gilmore. Aging player at a tough position for older players.

CB Keion Crossen (possible trade)

Pro: Outstanding gunner. With upside as a corner. A smart team would try to pry him from the Patriots.
Con: Penalties. Young and inexperienced, and it shows at times.