6 surprise Patriots players that could make the final 53-man roster

Every year, training camp is held as an open competition. Even long-time veterans can lose their jobs if they are outcompeted by a rookie with the drive and commitment to join the squad.

Several New England Patriots players were deemed easy cuts when they first arrived. They’ve now turned that assumption on its head, with the roster cut deadline just a few days away.

Coach Jerod Mayo may not have the finest roster in the league, but he does have a competitive group that has put everything on the line in hopes of securing a slot for themselves.

Here are six potential surprise players that could join the Patriots’ 53-man roster:

RB JaMycal Hasty

If Rhamondre Stevenson is injured, the Patriots will have a serious problem at running back. Antonio Gibson is primarily considered as a third-down back, while Kevin Harris is not a proven workhorse running back.

This might allow a flexible veteran rusher like JaMycal Hasty to sneak onto the squad. Alex Van Pelt’s offense will rely heavily on running backs, and the Patriots may be better served carrying four players at that position.

WR Kayshon Boutte

Kayshon Boutte faces an uphill struggle to reach the final roster, but he has done an excellent job of giving the coaching staff something to ponder about.

The team would probably like to keep him on the practice squad, but they may not get the opportunity. He led the Patriots in receptions in the first two preseason games, with three for 53 yards in the opener against the Carolina Panthers. The volume is sufficient to give him serious consideration.

OT Vederian Lowe

Vederian Lowe is now out with an injury, but he was given increased playing time as the team’s primary left tackle. It’s surprising because nobody expected him to make the roster at the start of training camp.

Chukwuma Okorafor has been filling in at left tackle amid Lowe’s absence, but Lowe should return to the lineup once recovered. That is the current position for the Patriots’ offensive line, which does not have many options.

DT Trysten Hill

Trysten Hill is making the most of his reps while standout defensive tackle Christian Barmore is out indefinitely. The Patriots are likely to cycle as many fresh bodies as possible alongside Davon Godchaux. Hill has demonstrated his ability to defend against the run and put pressure up the middle.

LB Joe Giles-Harris

Joe Giles-Harris has been the epitome of a ballhawk in New England. He had several pass breakups in training camp and two pass deflections in the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. His performance on the field will allow him to make a solid argument for a position on the 53-man roster.

S Dell Pettus

Dell Pettus has been one of the Patriots’ biggest surprise players. The undrafted rookie has 10 total tackles in the first two preseason games. He has also made numerous plays throughout training camp. It’s an incredible accomplishment given the huge uphill battle he’s faced since the outset. Pettus sees this as a true underdog narrative in the making.