Tonight's game against the Redskins looks to be the final audition for some players vying for roster spots. I took a quick look over the roster and saw 35 "locks." I can't imagine any of these 35 players being cut, either because they are sureshot starters (Brady, Moss, Welker, Wilfork, etc.), been invested in recently (Kaczur, Wright, LeVoir), or are young, high draft picks (the whole crop of second rounders). That leaves 18 spots up for grabs in my opinion. A lot will depend on how many offensive and defensive linemen Belichick chooses to carry. Both lines have a depth of players who can play multiple positions along the front, allowing for flexibility, but also the possibility of carrying fewer than expected players. The first round of cuts will come on September 1st when the rosters drop to 75 players just before the final preseason game. After that, the players will have the preseason finale on September 3rd against the Giants to try and impress the coaches. Final cuts will be made by September 5th when rosters need to be at their regular season limit of 53 players. Here are some of the more high-profile position battles to watch during these final two preseason games:

Tight End- Benjamin Watson is by no means a lock, even as the returning starter, but has shown those flashes of pure athletic ability that made him a first-round pick. Chris Baker has had a strong showing so far since arriving as a free agent from the Jets. The Patriots under Belichick have typically carried 3 tight ends. That leaves one spot for Dave Thomas and Alex Smith to fight over. Smith was acquired for a fifth round pick this off-season, while Thomas is entering his fourth season since being drafted out of Texas in the third round. Injuries have hampered his career, in which he's totaled only 21 receptions for 261 yards and one touchdown.

Linebacker- The only clear locks at linebacker look to be Jerad Mayo, Adalius Thomas, Tedy Bruschi, and recently acquired Derrick Burgess. I also see Gary Guyton and Pierre Woods making the team. At the end of last season, the Pats had 8 linebackers on the roster. The key players for the final spots look to be Shawn Crable, Tully Banta-Cain, Paris Lenon, and Eric Alexander. Keep an eye on these four players, especially on special teams, as that just might determine who makes the roster.

Safety- The reserves behind Brandon Meriwether and James Sanders look to be another source of competition. Patrick Chung seems to be the top candidate, while Brandon McGowan and Matthew Slater might be fighting for the other backup spot. And don't count out Ray Ventrone, the safety by trade also can play receiver and was a key special teamer last year.

Running Back- I list running back as an after thought. If Belichick goes with only four running backs, someone not named Faulk will be cut. I think Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor are locks. That scenario would leave Laurence Maroney and BenJarvus Green-Ellis to fill one spot. However, Belichick may roll out with five backs and make this point moot. Personally, I think its time to cut Maroney loose. His style of running will never work with the Patriots line. Every time Green-Ellis has been given the opportunity, he has performed well and produced positive yardage. Of course, last year I said cut Cassel, so maybe Maroney will end up rushing for 1,000 yards this year.