Will Black Bear Make Pats Roster?

Former UMaine Black Bear Derrick Johnson caught two passes in the Pats preseason win over Carolina as he tries to make the team roster.Johnson played most of the second half catching an 8 yard pass from rookie quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the 3rd quarter and a 31 yard pass form Garoppolo in the 4th quarter that was part of the Patriots final touchdown drive of the game.

The team must cut their roster down to 75 by Tuesday leading into the final preseason game, and the maximum 53 by 4pm on Saturday the 30th. The Pats currently have 11 wide receivers and will probably keep 5 on the active roster. Johnson has been used as a slot receiver in camp, a spot normally occupied by Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola.

Johnson's best chance to stick with the team will be on the practice squad which the league expanded to 10 players, up from the customary 8 in previous years. For that to happen, Johnson would be cut and signed to the practice squad which teams cannot start forming until 12 noon on the 31st.

Johnson was Maine's second leading receiver last season with 608 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Below are the wide receivers still in camp.