5 Biggest New England Patriots Position Battles to Watch In NFL Preseason Week 2

Biggest New England Patriots Position Battles to Watch In NFL Preseason Week 2

New England Patriots
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With every preseason game, the picture becomes a bit clearer for each team about who will or won’t make the final roster. The New England Patriots have plenty of tight battles heading into their second preseason game. Here are five position battles to closely monitor during Saturday night’s preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.

5. Wide Receiver

Brian Tyms New England Patriots
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5. Wide Receiver

Brian Tyms New England Patriots
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With Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Danny Amendola and Matthew Slater locks to make the final roster, the Pats have two or three spots available. Brandon Gibson has been very consistent in camp, and could have locked down a spot. The two battles at receiver to watch are between Josh Boyce and Chris Harper, who are quick with return abilities, and Aaron Dobson and Brian Tyms, who are looked at as deep-threat options.

4. Defensive Tackle

Casey Walker New England Patriots
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4. Defensive Tackle

Casey Walker New England Patriots
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With veterans Sealver Siliga and Alan Branch sitting out last Thursday’s game against the Packers, the Patriots didn’t look good up the middle, allowing several long runs up the gut of their defense. Rookie Malcom Brown didn’t do anything special, but held his ground, and that’s what the Pats need. The fight is for the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation, and that battle is between Dominique Easley, Antonio Johnson and Casey Walker.

3. Right Cornerback

Logan Ryan New England Patriots
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3. Right Cornerback

Logan Ryan New England Patriots
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With Malcolm Butler on the left side, the Patriots have an open competition at the right cornerback spot. Fighting for that role is rookie Darryl Roberts, who looked good before leaving the game with an injury. Others competing for that spot are Logan Ryan, Bradley Fletcher and Tarell Brown. The battle should be decided in the next 10 days or so, and Saturday’s game begins that final push for a roster spot.

2. Left Guard

Ryan Wendell New England Patriots
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2. Left Guard

Ryan Wendell New England Patriots
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The competition for the starting job at left guard is heating up. Ryan Wendell, Ryan Groy, Josh Kline and rookie Shaq Mason all have legitimate shots at starting. Wendell is currently on PUP, so Groy, Kline and Mason should get plenty of action Saturday. Mason will make the team, but if he wants to start he must improve in pass protection. Kline and Groy could be battling for one spot, and playing well in New Orleans is a big deal for both.

1. Strong Safety

Patrick Chung New England Patriots
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1. Strong Safety

Patrick Chung New England Patriots
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With Devin McCourty moving around a bit more this preseason, the Patriots could have several combinations. However, it is unlikely the Patriots will keep Tavon Wilson, Patrick Chung, Jordan Richards and Nate Ebner. So someone will have to go. Wilson, Richards and Chung all have similar attributes, while Ebner is a valuable member on special teams. The Pats also could use Duron Harmon more at strong safety. It’s an interesting battle to watch.

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