Patriots Seventh-Round Rookie Wins Surprising Roster Battle Over Recent Draft Pick originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots made a notable choice between two of their recent draft picks while setting their initial 53-man roster.
Seventh-round rookie Quintayvious Hutchins made the team ahead of Bradyn Swinson, a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hutchins joined Dre’Mont Jones, Elijah Ponder and second-round rookie Gabe Jacas as the four edge rushers on New England’s active roster, according to the Patriots’ official roster analysis. Swinson was waived after spending only one season in the organization.
The result represents a quick rise for Hutchins and a potentially costly development for Swinson.
Both players entered the competition as developmental pass rushers who would need to contribute on special teams. Hutchins ultimately appeared to separate himself with his speed, explosiveness and ability to help in the kicking game.
His signature moment arrived during New England’s second preseason contest. Hutchins recorded a strip-sack that sealed the Patriots’ victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, providing a timely example of the first-step burst that helped him earn a roster spot. That one play did not determine the entire competition, but it certainly did not hurt.
Quintayvious Hutchins Could Receive Immediate OpportunityHutchins’ emergence became even more important after Harold Landry III was placed on the physically unable to perform list. Landry must miss at least the first four games of the regular season and has yet to practice with New England this year. Without Landry, the Patriots will begin the season with uncertainty at one of the defense’s most important positions.
The Patriots announce they've released the following players:
S Mike Brown
S Eric Butler
G Mehki Butler
OL Jack Conley
CB Brandon Crossley
OL Darrian Dalcourt
WR Nick DeGennaro
CB Marcellas Dial Jr.
TE C.J. Dippre
WR Kyle Dixon
WR Cameron Dorner
LB Amari Gainer
DT Eric Gregory
P…
Jones is an experienced option, while Ponder has developed from an undrafted prospect into an intriguing player. Jacas carries significant expectations as a second-round pick but struggled at times during his first preseason.
Hutchins now enters the season as part of that relatively unproven rotation.
New England opened last season with five edge rushers on its active roster, along with linebacker Jahlani Tavai carrying the ability to handle multiple assignments. The current roster does not possess the same established depth or positional flexibility. That could force the Patriots to give Hutchins meaningful snaps earlier than initially anticipated. At minimum, he will need to become a reliable special teams contributor while supplying occasional pressure in passing situations.
MORE: Patriots Cut Unlikely Training Camp Interception Leader After Roster Shakeup
The Patriots did not keep Hutchins simply because he was a 2026 draft choice. They kept him over a player selected two rounds earlier only one year ago.
For a seventh-round rookie, that is a significant early victory. His next challenge will be proving New England made the correct decision.
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