Now, many people way smarter than I have put out their 53-man roster projections. So rather than give you a full projection of the roster, we will examine some of the more under-the-radar guys that could make an impact in 2021.

Yes, yes, of course, ALL the tight ends should make the list, well, if they have any that is. However, in the interest of this piece, we will put a pin in the 'tight-endage' discussion and focus on some of the more intriguing players that aren't necessarily roster-locks. I have only chosen one player from most position groups (not all) that I would definitely have at the top of my list. Some are a little obvious, some maybe not so much, and many some won't even agree with. It's all good. Let's have some fun, folks!

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Quinn Nordin

As each day passes with no Nick Folk, it would appear that Quinn Nordin is the Patriots' kicker. But at this point, nothing is set in stone. With Folk not at seven straight practices and the reports coming out of camp/practice of mostly a positive persuasion it may end up being "Quinn Nordin everybody!" (a random Patriots Unfiltered reference there, thank you Marine Matt Morel for the sound drop that has wormed its way into everyone's subconscious for life.)

But don't you just love it when your kicker has a bit of sparkle? 

Troy Fumagalli 

I know I know, he's been released. But (and I'm cheating a little here) I'm hoping he's a practice squad addition. This kid could do with a chance. He's been wrong place, wrong time, too much depth, so often. I think he's a sneaky below-the-radar guy and I watched him as much as I could during the preseason game against the Washington Football Team. I conclude: his blocking was good. If injuries befall the tight ends they have, I could see him stepping up, if they bring him back of course.

Henry Anderson

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A newbie and free-agent signing, so he's probably got the job. But I haven't heard as much about Anderson as I'd like. Although he missed some practices due to injury, with the depth at his position, the likes of Lawrence Guy, Christian Barmore, and other new signings, I don't think he's necessarily an obvious roster lock. But the big guy makes my list!

J.J. Taylor

Okay, so I know Taylor is probably on many lists, but he is also probably off many too. The Patriots have some considerable running back depth, and I think this might be one of the lists that many are finding hard to get settled on. This guy is strong and quick and has a high-energy mode that I'm sure plenty of fans love but is the key to his roster spot the trading of Sony Michel? 

Mike Onwenu

Right now, before you start shouting, I know he is making EVERYONE's list, but on a recent episode of One Patriots Place, I posed the question "who on this current Patriots roster would you clone, if you could?" and Onwenu would be my answer. The depth at the offensive line is spotty. The starting lineup is really good, the concern is the depth behind the starters. And so in typical bend don't-break fashion, I bend my own rules a little and chose Onwenu.

Josh Uche

There are all sorts of linebacker depth (grouping inside and outside together here) simply because Dont'a Hightower returned. Sometimes one player does make the world of difference. Uche's second year is going to be key especially when other names in his position pack are the likes of Kyle Van Noy and Matt Judon! I hope we see this Patriot drafted linebacker flourish amongst these veterans, and so his name makes my list. 

Wide Receiver

 

This is the position I found trickiest. Other than quarterback, it's probably the most talked-about position on the roster. And for good reason. The Patriots spent significantly in the offseason to upgrade the group, signing both Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. Fan-favorite and popular choice for Patriots breakout play, Jakobi Meyers, likely round out the top three receivers to start the season, so, who else will make an impact for the Patriots in 2021?

I shall pick the Gunner! Gunner Olszewski. Predominantly a special teams player to this point, although we didn't see him returning punts against Washington, could Olszewski earn more snaps as a receiver? He did line up at receiver on a few occasions during the team's first preseason game which could be a good sign for the third-year player as nothing is guaranteed beyond the aforementioned trio of receivers. If he does earn more playing time, the comparisons between him and recently-retired Julian Edelman would grow strong as their early careers begin to mirror one another. So if there's a kid that's got an Edelman vibe, then I'm struggling to find a reason not to consider him.

Clare L. Cooper is a special contributor and columnist for Full Press Coverage Patriots and a writer for Pats Propaganda(.com). Her podcast 'A Clare Perspective' can be found on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker and most places from which you download your podcasts.