Cole Strange could still have value for the Patriots if injuries crop up along the offensive line.
Cole Strange could still have value for the Patriots if injuries crop up along the offensive line.John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
The regular season is looming, and roster decisions have to be made. What’s the best course of action for some veterans who might be on the outside looking in come cutdown day? We have some answers. Let’s get to it.
What do you think two former first-round players (Kyle Dugger and Cole Strange) are worth in a trade (second day)? Will another team eat Dugger’s salary? How about Kendrick Bourne (third day) orAnfernee Jennings (second or third day)? These guys, except maybe Jennings, seem to have played their way off the team but are NFL-caliber players.
— Romeo Farese, via email
These aren’t bad players. They’re all capable of playing in the league, and in the right scheme, playing well. I just don’t think they represent a fit for what Mike Vrabel is doing with this team. Given their history and the market, you might be able to get a Day 2 pick for Jennings and/or Bourne. (If you’re a playoff team in need of roster depth, I think Bourne would represent a great add.) Dugger’s contract will make it difficult to move him, but I’ll submit there’s still a place for him in the NFL. I’d take the chance to get Strange through to the practice squad. There are injuries every year, and he would represent good short-term value along the interior if the offensive line has health problems.
I have a concern about depth in numerous positions. We saw middle linebacker, in particular, really get hurt with the Ja’Whaun Bentley injury last year. How competent are Robert Spillane’s backups (Marte Mapu, Monty Rice)? Any thoughts on re-signing Bentley (or is he out of the league)?
— Danny, via Bluesky
Depth is always an issue at any position, but specifically at linebacker, I’d say Jack Gibbens and Christian Elliss provide decent support for Spillane. (I’d say Elliss will start alongside Spillane.) Rice and Mapu serve as serviceable backups. It’s also worth noting that while veteran Jahlani Tavai could end up elsewhere (via a cut or trade), he’s still on the roster and might be part of the conversation here, as well. You never say never, but I’d be shocked if we see Bentley back in New England.
Looks like the Patriots nailed the top half of the draft. How about the bottom half? Any potential jewels?
— Tim C. Charlestown, R.I.
This might not necessarily be the “bottom half” of the draft, but I’ve been impressed with fourth-round pick Craig Woodson. The safety has looked natural playing next to Jaylinn Hawkins, and while there have been a few rookie moments, he’s certainly ascending. (Part of that is because of his past connection with Hawkins, to their college days at Cal.) I’ve also been impressed by the feistiness of seventh-round pick Kobee Minor. This year’s Mr. Irrelevant hasn’t been afraid to go toe-to-toe in team drills. He’s not going to the Pro Bowl, but he’s done enough to make the team, at least as a practice squadder/special teamer.
Craig Woodson has impressed in preseason.
Craig Woodson has impressed in preseason.Abbie Parr/Associated Press
Greatarticle on Jaylinn Hawkins! Seems like Craig Woodson is getting all the buzz along with Dugger for his demotion, but I was intrigued by your story. He flew on my radar anyway, but now I’m excited to keep an eye out for him … Kind of reminds me a bit Vrabel’s story, an underutilized, mid-round draft pick that finds a home with New England and ends up starting.
— Gregory Moscatel, via email
Thanks, Gregory. Hawkins probably has benefited the most from Dugger’s recent demotion, and while we have yet to see how it will look back there to start the regular season, there’s no reason to think Hawkins won’t be a big part of the defense. I don’t know if I’d go so far to make the Vrabel comp, but he’s certainly looked at home this summer.
How do you feel about the current depth at cornerback? Not worried about Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis when on the field, but Gonzo’s hammy and Davis’s history are concerning. With Marcellas Dial out for season and DJ James recovering, where do they turn if anything happens to Alex Austin or Marcus Jones?
— Jack Abbott, via Bluesky
I think if any team lost two or three of their top five corners, depth would be in trouble. I talked with cornerbacks coach Justin Hamilton, and he anticipates having Gonzalez and Davis back for the opener, but he did say it has been great experience for the younger guys, specifically Minor and Miles Battle. Bottom line? It would depend on the opponent, but given the nature of the rest of the defense, using some of the younger players as short-term stopgaps might be enough to get you over the hump, at least for a couple of games.
In your estimation, which on-the-bubble Patriots have significant trade value and could be moved from now until final cutdown?
— Ed Helinski, via Bluesky
Bourne and Jennings are the first two that come to mind. Bourne is well-regarded and cost-effective, and he could provide another layer of depth for a team in need of a third or fourth receiver. Jennings is a good edge presence who can hold up against the run or the pass consistently, and also is cost-effective. (Dugger might be a stretch because of his contract, but if they could make the money work, he’d be another trade candidate.? I don’t know if either would fetch anything more than a Day 3 pick, but those are likely your two best trade options.
Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social.