As always, the New England Patriots have some tough choices to make in formulating their initial 53-man roster, as they balance short- and long-term considerations. Here is one projection as to how things might unfold, leaving two spots open for a waiver claim and/or a trade:
They could try to sneak Danny Etling (seventh round, No. 219) to the practice squad, but that comes with a risk of another team unexpectedly claiming him and wiping out five months of investment/development at the game’s most important position. In the past, the club preserved a spot for Ryan Mallett (2011 third round) and Jacoby Brissett (2016 third round) when they were drafted and served as the third quarterback, but Etling's limited playing time in the preseason seems to be a way for the team to limit his exposure to others in hopes of sneaking him to the practice squad.