Every summer, a handful of unfamiliar players will emerge and make their team's 53-man roster. And with Patriots’ training camp starting next Saturday, July 25, I thought, why not give my predictions to who those guys could possibly be? So here are five players who I think can end up with their names on the final 53-man roster.

TE Tanner Arkin (Rookie) Illinois

Following the season-ending injury to free agent addition Julian Hill, the Patriots need to adjust their plans at the “Y” tight end spot. Undrafted free agent Tanner Arkin is the perfect man for the role. Arkin, standing at six-foot four, is an extremely physical and massive tight end. Last year at Illinois, he was able to take on and even win a few battles against interior defensive linemen in the run-blocking game. Although he won’t give you much in the air, he can be a valuable part of the 2026 Patriots’ rushing attack.

DT David Blay Jr. (Rookie) Miami

With Khyiris Tonga leaving in free agency, and the Patriots not signing his replacement, it’s clear there will be a position battle at nose tackle this summer. The three names most commonly thrown around are Cory Durden, Leonard Taylor, and Eric Gregory. However, I think David Blay, the first-year player out of Miami, has just as good of a shot to fill that role. While Blay played nose tackle for the Hurricanes last year, he certainly doesn’t move like one. His athleticism jumps off the film and is going to be a key factor in his ability to make the team. Despite the above-average athleticism, Blay’s strength is his power. He was able to take on and beat double teams last year on the regular. In his collegiate career, Blay totaled 6.5 sacks, 90 tackles, and 13 tackles for loss. His power and athletic mix will lead to NFL success.

S Peter Manuma (Rookie) Hawaii

The Patriots’ third safety spot is up for grabs, and while I don’t necessarily think Manuma wins that job, I believe he has a real shot to grab the fourth spot. Manuma is a physical safety, which the Patriots lack. Ever since the release of Jabrill Peppers, the team hasn’t featured a fear-striking safety; however, I believe Manuma can be that guy. Last year for the Rainbow Warriors, Manuma played 313 snaps at free safety and 380 in the box, so he provides great versatility to the room.

S Mike Brown (4th year)

Brown is another candidate to fill the Patriots’ third safety role, and unlike Manuma, has NFL experience. Brown has primarily been a special teams contributor throughout his time in the NFL, but after the high praises he received throughout the media during spring practices, I could see Brown making the roster. Both Brown and Manuma will have to compete with Dell Pettus, who has the inside track to the spot.
 
Edge Bradyn Swinson (2nd year)

Hopes were high for LSU Tiger Bradyn Swinson heading into the summer last year, but after failing to stand out, the fifth-round pick did not see his name on the final version of the 53-man roster. Similar to Brown, Swinson was praised all spring by the media and head coach Mike Vrabel. “Bradyn’s done a nice job of working hard in the offseason and knowing what it is that we’re looking for, and what he’s gonna need to do to help himself and help our football team,” Vrabel said. In addition to standing out, Swinson has little competition at edge, and even without having a fantastic summer, I could see him making the final roster just as a depth piece.