Ten Players to watch ahead of the Patriots preseason finale

After two days of joint practices, the Patriots will take on the Raiders on Friday night at 8:15 est. Roster cuts are looming, and this game will provide one final opportunity for those on the bubble. Here are ten players I am watching for tonight.

Pierce Strong JR, Running back.

Strong was drafted in the fourth round of this year’s draft, indicating he will likely make the roster. However, Strong has had a quiet camp and left many unimpressed. Pierce was the fastest running back drafted, but the Patriots have yet to see his explosiveness. Yet, he may be guaranteed a roster spot if he performs well tonight.

Lill Jordon Humfrey, Wide Recciver

Humfrey may have had the best camp out of every Patriot. With Tyquan Thorton out for 6-8 weeks and Kristin Wilkerson suffering a concussion, there may be room for one more receiver. There are two options the veteran Lill Jordon Humfrey or the second-year speedster Tre Nixon. Humfrey has led the Patriots in receptions and yards in the last two games combined.

Devin Asasi, Tight end

The Patriots have two clear-cut tight ends. Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, now the question is, do the Patriots add another tight end or use that spot for another position. One name that comes to mind is Lill Jordon; he has been described as a big-body receiver who can play special teams extraordinarily well. Asasi right now provides very little to no value on the offense. Regardless if Asasi can have a career game tonight, Bill may have a decision on his hands.

Tre Nixon, Wide receiver

Nixon had impressed early in mandatory minicamp in the spring but has since slowed down. In the first preseason game vs. the Giants, he had four receptions for 81 yards yet had four drops. Drops were an issue for Nixon, but if he can fix that, he might add value. Another reason to keep Tre around is his special team’s value. He often returns kicks and told the media, “I will do whatever to stay on the field.”

Kody Russy, Offensive lineman

Seen as one of the most improved players this summer, Russy is trying to squeeze his way on the roster. Russy has done exceptionally well this preseason and allowed minimal pressure on the quarterback. However, if he proves to be worthy of a backup spot, he has to continue impressing.

Sam Roberts, Defensive Line

Roberts, the rookie out of Northwest Missouri State, has caught the attention of many fans. Roberts has been disrupting opposing offenses all summer; combined with his special team’s skills and versatility, he has an excellent chance to be on this team next week.

Damcurcus Mitchill, Deffesinve line

The undrafted free agent, Damcurcus Mitchell, has continued to excite the Patriots. Whether he is on the Kicking unit or at outside linebacker, the 6’3, 265-pound kid is ready to make noise. Mitchell is a dark horse to make the roster, but if he can perform tonight, he can secure a spot. If other teams do not claim him, he is seen as a candidate for the practice squad.

Shaun Wade, Cornerback

Jalen Mills, Jonathon Jones, Marcus Jones, and Jack Jones are all locks to make the roster, while the former Raven Shaun Wade and the veteran Terrance Mitchell are on the bubble. Shaun Wade had an impressive showing last week and looked to keep it the same. Although Wade has injury concerns, he is seen as a more versatile and natural ball hawk than Terrance. He shouldn’t be going anywhere if he can keep it up and get snaps tonight.

Jaberill Peppers, Saftey

The Patriots acquired safety Jaberill Peppers in March. Peppers suffered an ACL injury last fall and has been recovering. He was off to a slow start this summer but has begun working up to full speed. It is still unclear if he will get playing time tonight, but if he doesn’t want to end up on the PUP list, he has to show he is ready to play.

The pre-season finale takes place in Las Vegas tonight at 8:15 pm est. Follow @thepatriotsbeat on Twitter for live analysis and updates.