Ok, now that the final preseason "game" is over — thank goodness — let's just jump into our final 53-man roster prediction.
Now, this could change a little should the Patriots sign a veteran or two soon (come on down, Da'Quan Jones!), or swing a trade to keep a coveted player from hitting waivers (more likely), or some medical issues become public before Sunday's 6 p.m. cutdown time ... but this is what we're going with. And there aren't that many changes from the last one.
I kept only two players at two positions, which will likely cause some heartburn, but there is a method to our madness that we'll explain. We'll also go over the nine players that I see as expendable to make room for better talent.
So, on with the show...
Quarterback: I like Behren Morton, I would like to see him developed in this offense by Josh McDaniels, but I'm not using a roster spot on him. Who is claiming Morton and putting him on their 53-man roster? No one. P-squad it is.
Running back: Here come the pitchforks. Yup, I'm only keeping two, but I am using a waiver claim on a running back. (Remember, the Patriots are now 31st in the claiming process.) Of all the backs, I'm the biggest fan of Hassan Haskins. I do think there's something there, but running back is a buyer's market in the NFL — there aren't enough jobs. The Patriots should be able to get two of Haskins, Jam Miller, Lan Larison and JaMychal Hasty to the practice squad, and that's plenty of depth. But I'd like to find a better one somewhere and put them on the 53.
Receiver: No changes, but I'm not wedded to Efton Chism. He could be waived to make room for another position. I don't think he'll be claimed.
Tight end: I was disappointed in Tanner Arkin's blocking at fullback, but I think the team likes him and he'll probably be active in Week 1. I don't think he'd be claimed, so you could buy a spot here as well.
Tackle: To me, Dametrious Crownover has shown too much potential to subject him to waivers in a league dying for good tackle play. I like the depth here.
Guard: If Ben Brown is ready for Week 1, I like the depth here as well. Brown and Greg Van Roten cover you at all three interior spots. That's all you need.
Edge: I thought Bradyn Swinson cooled off the last couple of weeks, so his spot could be in danger. No other teams came for him last year, but I think he sticks. You could make the argument that Jesse Luketa and Quintayvious Hutchins showed more later in the summer.
Defensive tackle: I think the Patriots will add at least one player, and possibly two here. After the first three, it's up for grabs. But Josh Farmer and Leonard Taylor have flashed the most. Eric Gregory showed well at the end of last season after being claimed from the Bengals, but I think he's the first guy out.
Linebacker: Khalil Jacobs did not play in this game. Is he safe? Hurt? Going to be traded like Kayshon Boutte? I'm going with safe, but this is another spot they could add (had Shaq Thompson in for a visit as well).
Cornerback: I think Karon Prunty has good size and has shown well enough to stash for the future. Charles Woods played some key snaps last year, but he ended the summer on a down note. I don't love this group beyond the Top 3, so I'd be looking for better.
Safety: After "The Jaylen Reed" trade, he's safe. I like John Saunders, but he can join Mike Brown on the practice squad.
Punter: I have no clue whether Bryce Baringer needs to go on IR for four weeks, but Matt Haack looked pretty good in the game (I almost fainted when his punt stuck at the 1.5-yard line — take that, Baringer!). Baringer, in the final year of his deal, might have been Wally Pipp'd. It wouldn't be a shock to see him released.