With two exhibition games left and 25 days until the season opener, this is really kind of sink or swim time for some of the youngsters on the roster. Some will solidify spots, some will make a push to start, while others could get left behind.
A look at where things stand with several young Patriots players, starting with the most recent draft class:
2021 DRAFT CLASS
Mac Jones, QB (first round): Has been ahead of the curve for a rookie QB in this system since the first day he stepped on the practice field. Has handled everything the Patriots have thrown at him, and looks to be a perfect fit for this offense and personnel. Will that be enough to start Week 1? No matter what happens in the next 10 days, it's possible. With two weeks behind closed doors after the final preseason game and before the regular season starts, anything could happen. The odds are, the Patriots start Cam Newton to begin the season, but Jones could get tabbed at any point to replace him if the passing offense does not progress and it costs the Patriots games. By Week 10 against the Browns — that starts a big stretch in which they also play the Titans, Bills (twice) and Colts — the Patriots will need to make a firm decision on which QB gives them the best chance to win down the stretch. Could be Newton. Could be Jones.
Christian Barmore, DT (second round): When he's been on the field, he's been way ahead of schedule. He's been a demon pass rushing, but the Patriots are giving him a lot more looks in base than is typical for a rookie. Another first-year player who could play a lot way ahead of schedule. But only if he stays on the field. Hoping his on-again, off-again routine is just bad luck and not an indicator of something else (he almost quit Alabama last year in camp). Because he looks to be a special talent.
Ronnie Perkins, DE (third round): Inconsistent for the most part. Showed out against backups in the preseason opener, but he has struggled against the Patriots and Eagles starters in practices, plus he got dinged the other day. Will need to add more strength to go with his speed and motor to get a lot of playing time. Will he play Chase Winovich off the roster? It's possible, but only if he stays on the field and off IR.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB (fourth round): Was an afterthought the first couple of weeks, but has seen more and more time in the past 10 days. Shows a lot of natural running ability and instincts, has great balance for a big back, and could be in line to be the team's goal-line back at some point if he earns the trust of Ivan Fears and Bill Belichick.
Cameron McGrone, LB (fifth round): Continues to rehab from ACL surgery.
Joshuah Bledsoe, S (sixth round): Had wrist surgery from an injury at the Senior Bowl in January. Either this is the longest rehab in recorded history, or something is going on here. He should have been cleared weeks ago. Either the first surgery wasn't a success, or the Patriots are slow playing this with more safeties than they need. Wouldn't be a surprise to see them keep him out of preseason games to make it easier to stash him on practice squad, if he ever does get clear.
William Sherman, OG (sixth round): Looks the part and looks good in his stance, but he's had a really rough camp (1-9-1 in 1-on-1s) and seems to be hard-pressed to make this team with a guy like Marcus Martin (7-4-1) holding his own.
Tre Nixon, WR (seventh round): Was having a decent camp before getting injured. Seems destined for practice squad.
2020 DRAFT CLASS
Kyle Dugger, S (second round): Still a dynamic athlete with tremendous physical skills around the line of scrimmage, but with Adrian Phillips playing in the box and performing well, Dugger has struggled in space at strong safety, specifically in coverage against tight ends. He'll be one of the guys that the Patriots try to narrow down his role in the next 25 days. He could very well platoon with a Myles Bryant. Dugger against the run, Bryant more in passing situations.
Josh Uche, LB (second round): Now that he seems settled into a role on the edge, he's had a terrific camp to the point he's even seeing time at middle linebacker. Expect big things opposite Matthew Judon.
Anfernee Jennings, LB (third round): Hasn't been healthy very much, so another year of being a LB depth player seems to be in order, if he makes the team.
Devin Asasi, TE (third round): Should get plenty of reps with Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith and Matt LaCosse dealing with injuries, and he needs them. Still gets corrected often in practice. This is about the point where he disappeared last year. He needs to push through and grab that third TE role.
Dalton Keene, TE (third round): On IR for the season (knee).
Mike Onwenu, OG (sixth round): Shaping up to be one of the best draft picks ever by Belichick. The Michigan product has made a smooth transition to LG and could be headed to Pro Bowl status. Has had a great camp. Has almost made me forget Joe Thuney. Almost.
Justin Herron, OT (sixth round): Got stronger, like he needed to, in the offseason and has really had a nice camp (6-2-3 with team-leading three decisive wins). Looks to be the top OT backup heading into the season.
Cassh Maluia, LB (seventh round): Back for a second tour that looks a lot like the first. Good special teams player, but that's about it.
OTHER
Yodny Cajuste, OT (3rd round, 2019): After sustaining injuries each of the previous two seasons, Cajuste has finally been able to practice ... and he's done a decent job (2-5-3). Looks the part of an NFL OT, and he's coming along well. He's been the second-team LT consistently over the past week. Certainly needs to get more consistent, but appears headed towards a roster spot if he keeps this up.