Braxton Berrios, WR – The second-year receiver has seen a lot of first-team reps in camp but has had his ups and downs. In a perfect world, Berrios could step into a Danny Amendola-like role, taking some punt return pressure off of Julian Edelman and chipping in from the slot in multi-receiver packages. Berrios had just one reception for three yards last preseason before ending up in IR and should be a focal point of the offense against the Lions. He had a good week of joint practices.

Derek Rivers, DE – After a rookie season lost to an ACL tear, Rivers got his feet wet with 78 defensive snaps in 2018. In year three expectations are rising for the former third-round pick, who has flirted with the top defensive unit throughout camp but also taken "opportunity" reps. Expect Rivers to play early and often in Detroit. Now two years removed from his injury, he should have some of his explosive get-off back. The defense could use some speed off the edge.

Duke Dawson Jr., DB – Dawson lost his rookie season to injury and the second-round pick is now still firmly behind Jonathan Jones at slot cornerback. But he's seen time on special teams and that figures to be where his best shot to make the team will come. Dawson's been inconsistent in camp, but will finally get his first chance to show what he can do in a game.

Damien Harris, RB – With Sony Michel likely on the bubble wrap preseason protection plan and Rex Burkhead once again battling an injury, it looks like the rookie Harris will shoulder a big portion of the running back load in Detroit. Harris has shown good burst through the hole in camp and has caught the ball better than expected. He'll be looking to make up for back-to-back goal line stuffs last week.

Dan Skipper, OL – Yes, Skipper has been the "starter" in place of Isaiah Wynn at left tackle, but he still has a long way to go to prove he's a roster lock. Without much tackle depth the Patriots will have no choice but to play Skipper. Is he more than just a replacement-level player or does he have something to contribute? A solid game from the 6-10 tackle would be reassuring.

Jake Bailey, P – Last year we never saw Corey Bojorquez in the preseason but that didn't stop the Bills from grabbing him off waivers. Bailey's been more consistent than Bojoquez was, but that's not saying a lot. He's good enough to warrant a full game audition, as he's also been brushing up on holding field goals and even making some kickoffs. Bailey booms it and a great preseason performance could be an interesting salvo in the punter competition with Ryan Allen.

Matt Lacosse, TE – The Patriots signed Lacosse to help replace Rob Gronkowski but so far none of the new tight ends have really stood out. Stephen Anderson, a 2018 practice squadder, still looks very much in contention as well. Lacosse's performance against the Lions could determine the trajectory of the positional battle. Simply put, no one knows what the team will do without Ben Watson in September, that's why it's critical that we come out of this first game feeling better about Lacosse (or Anderson). Lacosse was solid in joint practices with the Lions. Hopefully that translates to the game.

Chase Winovich, DL – Winovich is buried on the depth chart so his top-team reps have been nearly non-existent, but he appears to have both edge-setting and pass-rushing upside. He also just seems like one of those players who will take their game to another level when the bright lights go on. Returning to Michigan should only provide more motivation for Winovich to announce his presence on the Patriots with some long-haired flourish. He was a standout in Tuesday's practice.

Jakobi Meyers, WR – Meyers is the early breakout candidate from Pats camp and, with N'Keal Harry likely to miss the first preseason game, Meyers will be a focal point of the offense. The undrafted rookie has been consistently in the right spot and making catches day in and day out. But we don't know how it will translate on gameday. The Patriots should give him plenty of opportunities to translate his solid practices onto the game field. If he continues to produce against the Lions, likely with Brian Hoyer, it will be a really good sign that Meyers is primed to be a real contributor.

Shilique Calhoun, LB – The third-year veteran has been a late riser in training camp, consistently finding his way into the Lions' backfield during joint practices. Calhoun has ideal outside linebacker size and while there's good depth at the position, he'll be looking to make some splash plays to elevate himself into the 53-man roster conversation.