The Patriots’ preseason slate opens Friday against the Commanders.
With nearly a month left before the 2025 regular season begins, plenty of Patriots players are still vying for roster spots and starting roles.
Here are eight players, including two undrafted free agents and three former high picks, with the most on the line in Friday’s preseason game against the Commanders.
#### RB LAN LARISON
It’s been a quiet week for Larison since Friday’s scrimmage, when he dropped a pass, leading to an interception.
Expect Larison to see a lot of work in the Patriots’ three preseason games. Running backs can only show so much during training camp practices because there’s no live tackling. Larison has a chance to prove himself as a ball-carrier starting in Friday night’s preseason game against the Commanders.
If the Patriots choose to keep a fourth running back on the roster behind Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson, then Larison is competing with Terrell Jennings and JaMycal Hasty. Larison has more upside, but he’s also the most unproven of that group.
#### WR JA’LYNN POLK
The 2024 second-round pick appears to be competing with Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker, and Efton Chism for one or two spots on the 53-man roster for roles behind Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams.
Polk missed the first four practices of training camp with a soft tissue injury. He had one strong practice, dominating 1-on-1 drills but otherwise has been quiet.
#### WR JAVON BAKER
Baker appeared to ascend up the depth chart for Tuesday’s walk-through. He was inconsistent in Wednesday’s joint practice with the Commanders but caught a touchdown from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs on a slant. He proceeded to throw the ball high up in the air in celebration but appeared to regret the celebration.
Baker has a ton of talent. If he can put it all together, head coach Mike Vrabel could still decide he’s worthy of a roster spot.
#### WR EFTON CHISM
A strong spring has led to a quiet camp for Chism. He caught five passes in Wednesday’s joint practice, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he continues to be a safety valve for quarterbacks in the preseason out of the slot.
The Patriots don’t have an obvious backup for Douglas out of the slot. Chism could still take that sixth wide receiver role.
#### OL BEN BROWN
Brown seems to be making a strong case for a roster spot this summer. After rookie Jared Wilson slid over to start at left guard, Brown began taking backup snaps behind Garrett Bradbury at center.
Cole Strange is another option to serve as the Patriots’ backup center. The Patriots also could elect to use Wilson as a backup center and to keep an extra guard on their roster.
#### OL COLE STRANGE
The 2022 first-round pick has played left guard and center this summer. He began training camp as the team’s top left guard before that role was taken over by Wilson. Now he’s being used as a backup guard and center in practice.
Strange has more NFL experience as a guard, but he did see some time last season as a center. He lacks bulk, which is why some projected him to be a center at the NFL level when he was coming out of Chattanooga.
Strange appears to be fighting for a roster spot. A strong preseason could ensure his spot come late August.
#### LB MARTE MAPU
Another recent high pick, the 2023 third-rounder was moved from safety to linebacker this offseason. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, he’s a good fit for the position in Vrabel’s defense.
Mapu was selected by Bill Belichick for his smarts and versatility. It was believed that he could play safety, linebacker and the slot at the NFL level. He’s struggled to stay on the field due to injuries and ineffective play. He was benched at times last season as a healthy scratch despite a lack of high-end talent at safety.
#### CB DJ JAMES
James has been one of the stars of camp, making the most of his opportunities with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis being held out of practice.
A spot at cornerback opened up this week when Marcellas Dial (torn ACL) was placed on injured reserve. If James can prove he can play in the slot, it could increase his value to be kept around as Dial’s replacement behind Marcus Jones.