Who makes the cut? Here's a Patriots 53-man roster projection after second preseason game

The New England Patriots' second preseason game was very telling, with some players truly standing out while others continued to fall down the depth chart.

With only one more preseason game remaining (Thursday, Aug. 21 at the New York Giants), cut-down day looms large, as the coaching staff will take the roster from 90 players to just 53.

So, with the Patriots' preseason win over the Minnesota Vikings, it means it's the perfect time for another 53-man roster projection.

Quarterbacks (2)

IN: Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs

OUT: Ben Wooldridge

Josh Dobbs has had a shaky training camp so far, but he is still the clear-cut backup to Drake Maye this season. As for Ben Wooldridge, he has impressed and taken advantage of his opportunities, possibly carving out a spot on the practice squad.

Running Back (3)

IN: Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, TreVeyon Henderson

OUT: Terrell Jennings, JaMycal Hasty

With Lan Larison going on injured reserve, the Patriots have three running backs who have stood out throughout training camp. So, that's the three we have making the roster. Terrell Jennings and/or JaMycal Hasty will be a clear favorite for a spot on the practice squad to add some additional depth.

Wide Receivers (7)

IN: Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins, Efton Chism III, Javon Baker

OUT: Ja’Lynn Polk, Kendrick Bourne, John Jiles, Jeremiah Webb

Instead of carrying four running backs, that additional spot goes to an extra wide receiver given the tough decision the coaching staff will face. Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams are all clear roster locks, but that final spot is coming down to Efton Chism III and Javon Baker. Based on Chism's performance in the second preseason game, he has certainly gone above and beyond to earn his spot.

As for Baker, he has taken advantage of his opportunities, but also has filled in at gunner beside Brenden Schooler with Marcellas Dial out for the season. And then, there's Kendrick Bourne, who has been on the roster bubble all throughout camp and recently has been sidelined due to injury. Depending on the extent of the injury, the team could decide to start him on injured reserve, meaning he will miss the first four games. The same can be said for Ja'Lynn Polk.

Tight end (3)

IN: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover

OUT: Gee Scott, Jaheim Bell, Jack Westover, C.J. Dippre, Cole Fotheringham

Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are the starters, with Jack Westover having earned a spot in Josh McDaniels' offense due to his work throughout training camp at fullback. Outside of those three, there has not been any other tight end who has earned a spot on the 53-man roster.

Offensive Line (10)

IN: Morgan Moses, Mike Onwenu, Garrett Bradbury, Jared Wilson, Will Campbell, Marcus Bryant, Ben Brown, Vederian Lowe, Caedan Wallace, Cole Strange

OUT: Layden Robinson, Sidy Sow, Alec Lindstrom, Tyrese Robinson, Mekhi Butler, Jack Conley, Demontrey Jacobs

Similar to the wide receivers, this is a position room that is certainly overloaded, but by necessity. Head coach Mike Vrabel has made it clear that they have yet to officially determine their starting five, with left guard being the position in question. With tackle, Morgan Moses has been taking it slow throughout camp, so is he able to play all 17 games? If not, you need depth options that can be easily slotted in.

Defensive Line/EDGE (11)

IN: Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Keion White, Khyiris Tonga, Joshua Farmer, Harold Landry, K’Lavon Chaisson, Bradyn Swinson, Truman Jones, Anfernee Jennings, Jeremiah Pharms

OUT: Jahvaree Ritzie, David Olajiga, Isaiah Iton, Jereme Robinson, Elijah Ponder

Anfernee Jennings had a standout performance in the second preseason game, tallying three sacks and earning high praise from Vrabel. He is someone whom the Patriots head coach challenged this offseason, but has stepped up and continued to prove himself. While some might have had him off the roster earlier in the summer, he has made a strong case for a spot with his perseverance and level of play. Truman Jones is a depth piece on the defensive line; their special teams contributions further solidify their spot.1

Linebackers (4)

IN: Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai

OUT: Marte Mapu, Monty Rice, Cam Riley, R.J. Moten

Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, and Jack Gibbens should come as no surprise for this one. As for Jahlani Tavai, he has been sidelined with injury for most of the summer, but before that, he appeared to be the fourth linebacker on the depth chart.

Cornerbacks (5)

IN: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, DJ James

OUT: Tre Avery, Isaiah Bolden, Kobee Minor, Miles Battle, Jordan Polk, Brandon Crossley

With Christian Gonzalez sidelined and Carlton Davis having taken things slower this summer, the other cornerbacks have gotten an opportunity to step up, and among them, Alex Austin and DJ James have done the best. Kobee Minor has also shown solid improvement in recent weeks and is a candidate for the practice squad.

Safeties (5)

IN: Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Brenden Schooler, Marcus Epps

OUT: Kyle Dugger, Dell Pettus

It's hard to believe, but at this point, Kyle Dugger's chances of making the team don't seem to be very high. He has been mainly playing with the second or third unit, which was further emphasized when he played throughout the third and fourth quarters of Saturday's game. As for Marcus Epps, he and Dell Pettus are competing for that fifth spot.

Special Teams (3)

IN: Parker Romo, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby

OUT: Andres Borregales

The only question here is the kicking battle, and as of now, it seems Parker Romo is in the lead. He nailed a 57-yard field goal in the first preseason game, which, when rookie Andy Borregales was given the chance, he missed by a wide margin. The two have been battling it out this summer, but Romo's performance in games is very telling and is why he has the job as of right now. However, another option the team could explore is a trade, similar to what they did with Nick Folk.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots 53-man roster projection following second preseason game