After 16 in-house practices, one joint practice, and two preseason games, training camp is officially over for the Patriots this summer.

Although three more practices will be open to the media, head coach Jerod Mayo has structured the lead-up to Sunday's preseason finale like a mock regular season week. Following an off day on Tuesday, the Patriots will have an in-season work week with practices Wednesday-Friday. Then, they'll travel to Washington on Saturday.

According to Coach Mayo, every healthy player on the roster will play against the Commanders. The team will then quickly turn the page to roster cuts with next Tuesday's deadline looming. It's a big week for the Patriots, who still have some unanswered questions, including at quarterback.

During his pre-practice media availability on Monday, Coach Mayo said the team has yet to name a starting quarterback. Jacoby Brissett is the front-runner, but third-overall pick Drake Maye has made significant strides. It's now a matter of when, not if, Maye will take over as the starter this season. However, that doesn't mean the rookie will play right away.

Along with Maye continuing to stack positive days, several factors outside his control could play a role in when he takes over as QB1. For example, one factor is the opening month of New England's schedule, where they play projected contenders in the Bengals, Jets, and 49ers. It could also be worth seeing how the rest of the offense settles in, mainly the offensive line, to ensure Maye enters a functional environment.

The other consideration could be avoiding the rookie wall late in the season. The college football season is much shorter than a 17-game NFL season. In his two seasons as North Carolina's starter, Maye played 14 and 12 games. If you look at Mac Jones's rookie year, New England also had a Week 14 bye like they do this season. Before the bye, Jones's Patriots had a 9-4 record, while Mac completed over 70% of his passes with 16 touchdowns to eight interceptions and a 97.0 passer rating (13th in the NFL).

Following the bye week, New England lost three of its last four regular-season games before getting blown out in the AFC Wild Card round. Jones's numbers also took a huge dip: 59.9% completion rate, six touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 79.7 passer rating (23rd).

Hopefully, Maye won't peak 13 games into his rookie season like Jones did, but the NFL season is considerably longer than anything Maye has ever been through in the past. From this perspective, Maye is the best quarterback on the roster. However, the wise thing to do would be for the Patriots to think about the long-term development of their rookie quarterback rather than the short-term gain of him starting Week 1.

New England must consider all the factors, both Maye's individual development plan and the situation around him, before turning the offense over to their future starting quarterback. Still, make no mistake: Maye's time is coming sooner rather than later, with Week 5 at home vs. the Dolphins following a trip to San Francisco as a potential sweet spot.

After taking in training camp in its entirety, here's a position-by-position rundown of the Patriots roster heading into the preseason finale:

Quarterbacks

- As mentioned, Drake Maye has made considerable strides, with his first extended preseason action against the Eagles being the turning point. He came out of that game with more confidence and decisiveness in his decision-making, which wasn't always the case for the first few weeks of camp. Early on, Maye was tentative to pull the trigger and sometimes double-clutching before letting the ball go. Although the second-string offensive line did him zero favors, Maye's indecisiveness was inviting pressure. The coaches also spoke about him needing to run the operation faster, from relaying the play in the huddle to pre and post-snap processing.

After showing off his high-end physical traits vs. the Eagles last week, which were never in question, Maye had three practices where he looked significantly more comfortable. As EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf said, "It was really nice to see him the other night go out there and just play ball rather than thinking." If the second preseason game was when the light bulb came on, the physical traits that made Maye the third-overall pick have shined ever since.

The final hurdle for Maye is improving situational football, like operating the hurry-up offense, which has been bumpy in practice. Plus, there are questions about Maye running the under-center elements of OC Alex Van Pelt's offense. Maye was in the shotgun on 10 of his 11 pass attempts last Thursday night, and he did well with similar schemes to his gun-heavy UNC offense. However, AVP wants to run a chunk of his offense from under center due to the run and play-action pass game advantages.

So, here's the question: will Van Pelt build the offense around Maye's strengths to get him in there earlier, or do they want the rookie to master all elements of the playbook before he starts? Maye's talent is undeniable, and the offense should adapt to his skill set rather than vice versa.

- Jacoby Brissett deserves credit for how he's handled the whole situation. The 31-year-old knows this will eventually be Maye's team. He also knows it's a good opportunity to start, keeping the seat warm for a 21-year-old rookie. Brissett was checking both boxes early in the summer, operating the offense well while also being a good sport about mentoring Maye.

Brissett is still doing the latter, but the former has been more up-and-down lately. He has struggled with his ball placement and decision-making since the preseason began, going 3-of-10 with an interception in limited game action. The veteran has sprayed more passes in recent practices but did end camp on a high note. On his final one-minute drill, Brissett hit WR Tyquan Thornton ~40 yards downfield on a well-executed go route to put the Patriots in position for the "game-winning" field goal. It was a good ending to camp for Brissett, who needed it because Maye is coming on strong, and Brissett's play has tailed off slightly.

- Joe Milton has been as advertised. Milton's arm talent is unreal. He has also been better at the details, especially post-snap processing than expected, and he adds mobility to the offense. That said, he is not in consideration to start, which was made clear by how the coaches split up practice reps, where Milton would sometimes not rep at all in team. Still, Milton brings dynamic arm talent that's fun to watch. Isn't that the perfect backup?

- Bailey Zappe was put in a difficult situation in a crowded quarterback room with no clear role for him on the roster. Brissett is the bridge/mentor, Maye is the future, and Milton is the lottery ticket: where does Zappe fit into that equation? He has made some decent plays while protecting the football, but it's hard to envision a role for him here. Zappe should be in an NFL QB room somewhere, though.

Running Backs

- Rhamondre Stevenson has moved well in camp and seems fresher than last summer. I still have my doubts about his fit in an outside zone-based scheme, mainly because the scheme works best if the ball carrier is a threat to bounce runs around the corner. But his yards after contact numbers are more reflective of his 2022 breakout season, he'll still be an early-down factor in the pass game, and the Pats will be able to adapt to more gap schemes if needed. Stevenson's statistical production will hinge, as it does for many backs, on the blocking he gets. If he gets serviceable blocking, he looks poised for a big year.

- Antonio Gibson brings some straight-line burst and versatility to the running back room, which should complement Stevenson. He's not in the James White mold when it comes to short-area quickness, but Gibson can run away from defenders and pick up yards as a screen back. He'll be a nice addition, but one thing to watch is his ball security. Gibson has 12 career fumbles, with four last season. Still, there's a clear role for him in this offense.

- Kevin Harris has looked more decisive with his reads in this zone-based scheme compared to the past downhill runs the Pats featured. His jump cuts have caught the eye more often, while he's still a bruiser who can finish runs. Harris is not an overly dynamic open-field back, but he should get an opportunity to prove he's a capable RB3.

- JaMycal Hasty is a player I'm trying to find a roster spot for in my projections. He runs with good contact balance and jump-cut ability and can make yards as a receiving back. There's a skill set, along with his special teams contributions, to make the roster.

- Terrell Jennings runs hard and doesn't look out of place catching the ball on check-downs, but it's a numbers game for him. He'd be a prime practice squad candidate as RB depth.

Wide Receivers

- The Patriots are still searching for that coverage-dictating receiver to be 'the guy' in their offense. However, the overall talent level feels higher than in recent years. Maybe that's naive or a product of having two early-round rookies. But at least there's some upside with the younger receivers replacing DeVante Parker and JuJu Smith-Schuster. It still projects as a bottom-tier group, but if the rookies emerge, that'll change things.

- The only question the coaches should have with DeMario Douglas is whether he can stay healthy as a high-volume receiver. Douglas is the Patriots most dynamic playmaker, by far, with the ability to instantly separate on quick-hitters or break free with dynamic downfield route breaks. Plus, he's a jitterbug as a ball carrier with immense YAC potential. AVP's traditional scheme might not have an early-down role for Pop outside of being a decoy on motions, and you always worry about him taking too many big hits over the middle, but Douglas is a difference-maker.

- If the goal is to have him running routes at the first two levels, Ja'Lynn Polk should develop into a nice chain-moving piece for the passing game. The third-level routes aren't his strong suit, and he's still a rookie working to master the nuances of route running and the offensive system. But he has a nice blend of foundational traits with his hands, play strength, and smooth route breaks.

- Javon Baker has big-time upside due to his quick-twitch movements and build-up speed. However, the rookie has only caught three of his eight preseason targets due to struggles with finishing through contact at the catch point and route releases. If he can develop a go-to release and maybe a counter to beat press-man more consistently, there's something there. Right now, it's all just a little too inconsistent.

- Tyquan Thornton is making this team. When available, he has run with the top offense, often as the starting X. He looks more sturdy out there with the added weight, which has helped him get off press-man more consistently. I'm not sure if he'll be a high-volume guy, but this offense needs a field-stretcher who can win on the vertical route tree from outside the numbers, and nobody does that better than Thornton on this roster.

- K.J. Osborn could start the season in New England's top-three receivers until the rookies are ready for full-time roles, but Polk is already starting to emerge as the primary Z (Thornton - X, Douglas - slot). He gives them some inside-outside versatility, has shown flashes of strong hands/body control, and will block in the run game. Eventually, however, the younger receivers will likely get the bulk of the snaps.

- Jalen Reagor had a solid start to the summer, but that has fizzled some recently. Still, you could see him making the roster as another option in the 'speed X' role that Thornton has the inside track on, while he'll also be a primary return man. I have him on the 53 right now.

- Kayshon Boutte did everything he could to make the team. He picked up the playbook quickly and made some great sideline catches on the vertical route tree, but it's simply a numbers game with a lot of receivers who have similar skill sets.

Tight Ends

- Before an injury Mayo noted isn't long-term, Hunter Henry had a strong camp. The AVP offense saw him targeted deeper downfield on slot fades, skinny posts, and seams while his red-zone prowess is still there. Whoever is at quarterback will love throwing to Henry.

- Austin Hooper also got banged up toward the end of camp but was back for the final practice on Monday. Although he has been inconsistent at the catch point, Hooper has gotten open more downfield than expected and has a good grasp of the scheme – a capable TE2.

- The third tight end spot will come down to what the Patriots prioritize more; blocking or receiving upside. Mitchell Wilcox, who is also banged up, is a better in-line blocker. However, seventh-rounder Jaheim Bell is an explosive athlete with upside in the passing game. For a team the desperately needs playmakers, I'm still leaning toward Bell here.

Offensive Tackle

- The word to describe the Patriots offensive tackle situation this season is survive. They'll need to survive for a year and likely enter the Will Campbell (LSU) sweepstakes in the 2025 draft. We can second guess how they approached the offseason at the position, where they could've sought a better stop gap at left tackle, but it was going to be tough to adequately fill needs at three premium positions (QB, WR, OT) on offense in one offseason.

- Vederian Lowe has improved in unlocking his 88th percentile length with better hand usage and balance in his pass sets. He needs to be more consistent with his technique to cut down on quick losses. But there are tools to work with in his length, power, and initial foot quickness out of his stance. It's not his fault that he's the projected starting left tackle, and he has gotten better. We'll see if his progress is enough to be serviceable during the regular season.

- Chuks Okorafor has some limitations with a linear and high-cut build (affecting his pad level). He'll never be a big-time people-mover. But he seems to maintain his leverage well enough as a pass-blocker and will likely start the year at right tackle until third-round pick Caedan Wallace is ready.

- Caedan Wallace should start pushing for starts on the right side soon. Wallace's lower half has improved in his pass sets to avoid opening his hips early like he did in college, and he plays with good power and anchoring ability. But the rookie still needs to improve his hand technique to keep rushers out of his chest to stay connected to his blocks.

- Calvin Anderson’s story after an illness essentially wiped out his 2023 season is inspiring. I hope he can stick in the league, but he's banged up again and has been inconsistent as the top backup at left tackle.

Interior Offensive Line

- Mike Onwenu told reporters that he's currently playing at 350 pounds. There were some rumblings about his weight when he reported to camp, and that is heavy for an OT. Still, his play on the interior has been rock-solid. Onwenu has been one of the best players in Pats camp and was on a heater to start camp in one-on-ones. However, right guard seems like his permanent home unless they need him to play right tackle in a pinch.

- David Andrews is as feisty and stoic as ever. There are concerns about backup center, both as injury insurance and because Andrews is 32 years old. But he's still a solid pro.

- My initial impression of Sidy Sow this summer was that he's making the leap into entrenched starter status. He seems to have improved in pass protection to add to a solid foundation as a run blocker. However, he played a bit out of control in the preseason opener, and now fourth-rounder Layden Robinson is pushing him for playing time.

- Speaking of Layden Robinson, there's a strong case to be made that he's one of New England's best five linemen. Unfortunately, he doesn't play tackle. Robinson's play strength and initial quickness to reach blocks on the line of scrimmage have translated nicely. Sometimes, he looks a little frantic, but there's a lot to like here. He was rotating at left guard with Sow by the end of camp. There's a world where he's inserted into the lineup at one of the guard spots with Onwenu kicking outside to tackle, but we'll see if Onwenu is on board.

- Nick Leverett is sneaky important for the depth along the offensive line. He can play all three positions on the interior and will likely be Andrews's primary backup at center. The veteran can hold his own as a blocker, but snapping is a work in progress if he needs to spell Andrews at any point. Still, three-position IOLs are valuable in this league.

- If we had to guess who has the best chance to make the roster among the other IOLs in camp, fifth-year vet Michael Jordan would be the leader in the clubhouse. Liam Fornadel has also shown relatively well at guard, but not so much at center. Based on the reps, they're not seeing it with rookie UDFA Charles Turner, which is disappointing.

Defensive Line/Edge Rushers

- After trading Matthew Judon and Christian Barmore (blood clots) out indefinitely, my first big-picture concern with the defense is the lack of one-on-one winners in the pass rush. They'll scheme it up with their pressure package on third downs, but early-down pass rush is a concern, as is having to commit extra resources to generate pressure, sacrificing bodies in the backend. We'll see a ton of creeper/simulated pressures where they rush four but disguise where the pressure is coming from.

- Keion White is the defender the Patriots are counting on the most to "make the leap" in his second season. White's had a strong summer, with a role that resembles Trey Flowers. In certain early-down packages, White will play as an outside linebacker where he can set the edge and win with power in the pass rush. However, he's most effective as an interior disruptor, where his get-off and lateral quickness are a problem for guards. White has made considerable strides as an interior pass-rusher, but even he admits that rushing off the edge is a work in progress. The Pats need him to be Barmore-like in 1-on-1 pass rush opportunities.

- Joshua Uche and Oshane Ximines are the direct Judon replacements in the Patriots pass rush fronts, but both have missed recent practices. Uche needs to re-establish the rhythm we saw him rush with in the 2022 season. He hasn't found that form again, where he was in his bag of pass-rush moves every week. Now, we see a lot more speed-to-power from him, but I'd like to see him return to using his quick-twitch movements to go around tackles. Ximines is a long-strider with a little more length/size than Uche. He challenges the corner by covering ground in his initial steps. Between these two, they need one finisher.

- Two guys that look ready for the season: NT Davon Godchaux and DL Deatrich Wise. Wise has two sacks in 12 pass-rush snaps in the preseason, while Godchaux has anchored the run defense nicely with the top unit. Both are role players, but they excel in those roles.

- Anfernee Jennings is another role player who will step right back into his spot as the Patriots primary strong-side edge defender. Jennings plays the run at a high level, and I love how his motor runs hot in practice to set a tone. He'll do his job in this defense.

- Daniel Ekuale and Armon Watts have been in a camp battle to be interior options in pass-rushing situations. Ekuale has moved comfortably ahead of Watts and could even play some three or four-technique on early downs without Barmore. Watts, who played deep into the fourth quarter vs. the Eagles, is a surprise veteran cut candidate.

- Jeremiah Pharms has been a pleasant surprise this summer. There's still some work to be done as a run defender, particularly absorbing double teams, but Pharms has tallied a sack and six total pressures in the preseason. He has a knack for getting on the edges on the interior, and should make the roster.

- Mike Purcell goes way back with new D-Line coach Jerry Montgomery. He's got a blocky build that allows him to play with good pad level and hold his ground. I'm not sure he's a true nose tackle, but a backup shaded nose in the A-Gaps is probably where he could contribute.

- I'm not totally out on Sam Roberts and Trysten Hill contributing this season, likely as practice squad elevations. Hill is an energetic interior rusher with some block-beating ability in the pass rush, while Roberts is a classic 3-4 end who can play in a two-gapping system.

Inside Linebacker

- They might not be the rangy coverage players everyone swoons over, but Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai are an underrated duo. Bentley is just a downhill force, clogging rushing lanes and blitzing on the interior, while Tavai has turned into a really solid player with a good combination of versatility and instincts. They deserve more national recognition.

- It's been nice to see Raekwon McMillan healthy again. Who doesn't love watching a football player who lays the wood? McMillan is a throwback linebacker who goes through blocks and brings constant physicality to the kicking game. He's on my roster.

- Nice roster push by Christian Elliss and Joe Giles-Harris. However, they've fizzled out after a strong showing in the preseason opener and will likely make it through to the practice squad. Elliss has caught the eye this summer. He's got some pop and play speed.

- Free-agent addition Sione Takitaki has been around practice more lately, but he remains on the PUP list after having a knee procedure in the offseason, per reports. It's beginning to feel unlikely that he'll be cleared to start the year on the active roster. Without a training camp, it's difficult to project a role for Takitaki. What does he do well in the context of this defense? We don't know because he hasn't been out there.

Cornerback

- My other big-picture concern with the defense is the CB3 spot, or as we like to call it on Catch-22, the Jason McCourty role. There hasn't been a clear winner yet this summer. It's one guy one day and another the next, which makes it difficult to project who will emerge as a consistent contributor. My guess is that it'll be matchup-based, with Marcus Jones as the preferred slot CB, unless they're playing a team with bigger receivers.

- Christian Gonzalez has allowed more catches in camp than you'd like for a star cornerback. He can get away with trying new things in practice, but at some point, the light needs to come on and stay on. My concern level isn't overly high because Gonzo might be more of a game player than a practice player, which is fine. If he's getting consistently beat in the first month of the season, then I'll be worried. Until then, I'm trusting my priors and his rookie season over some lapses in camp.

- Jonathan Jones has earned the veteran treatment in camp, where he'll have some maintenance days here and there. When he's out there, he looks like his usual self and is a vital part of their entire secondary. Jones will play everywhere in the backend, including some in the slot and maybe at safety in certain coverage rotations. Good football player.

- Marcus Jones has the tools to be a good cover corner in this scheme, but he will always be at a size disadvantage. A great example came in Sunday's practice, where he had good coverage on KJ Osborn, but Osborn elevated over Jones to make the catch on a ball from Maye. If they manage his matchups properly, Jones's talent is at the level of a starting nickel corner. Obviously, he'll also be a big-time factor in the return game.

- I like the role the Patriots have second-year DB Isaiah Bolden trying out this summer. Bolden has mostly played as a nickel safety, where he'll play over the slot while also playing deep in split-safety coverages. Bolden gives them some size on the inside that could be useful, especially against Shanahan tree teams who like to attack the nickel in the run game. We'll see if he can perform well enough to become a regular.

- As mentioned, it's a day-by-day battle between Alex Austin,** Marco Wilson,** and Shaun Wade for the "big" third corner. Wade has played more in the slot, while the other two are vying for snaps as outside corners. Austin struggled early in camp but has turned it up lately. Wilson seems more steady, while Austin has higher upside. We'll see what the coaches prefer: the boom-or-bust ball-hawk (Austin) or Wilson, who doesn't get burned as often but won't make as many splash plays.

- Sixth-round draft pick Marcellas Dial Jr. has had his ups and downs in camp. Dial has allowed 10 catches for 119 yards on 12 targets in two preseason games. The rookie's issues have been at the top of routes and the catch point. He's in a decent position for most of the route, but he's getting boxed out and is struggling to locate the ball when targeted. Dial has the physical traits to develop into a rosterable player. However, he's on the bubble in a crowded cornerback room.

Safety

- The Patriots have one of the best safety duos in the NFL with Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. They have tons of versatility and are throwback hitters who always find the ball. Yes, there are concerns about covering the deep part of the field, but these two are impact defenders.

- The safety who could be the Duron Harmon for this group is Jaylinn Hawkins. Hawkins won't make the splash plays on the ball, but he's a position-sound free safety who can play up top as the center fielder, allowing Dugger and Peppers to play to their strengths closer to the line.

- It has been a disappointing summer for Marte Mapu after an early injury sidelined him for most of camp. I was hoping Mapu would emerge in the role referenced above with Isaiah Bolden as a sturdier nickel vs. run-heavy offenses. But that never came to fruition because of the injury. We'll see if they save a roster spot for Mapu. I'd say yes, for now.

- Dell Pettus had some good moments in practice. He's an aggressive coverage defender who plays bigger than his listed size (5-11, 200). Although he might not have the range for post-safety duties, he can play split-safety zones and cover tight ends. Pettus could make the roster if they decide to place Mapu on IR. Joshuah Bledsoe could also stick on the roster instead of Mapu since they have similar body types, but Pettus has been more noticeable.

- Brenden Schooler hasn't looked as out of place at safety as expected. He gets lost at times in zone coverage, probably because he doesn't have much experience doing it, but his open-field tackling translates and he's been serviceable covering tight ends. Schooler was going to make the team as a coverage ace anyway, but the more you can do, right?

Special Teams

- Joey Slye has won this kicking competition to this point. However, it might be close enough that the Patriots don't want to give up on a fourth-round pick in his second season with Chad Ryland.

DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer