By the fourth preseason game, the picture becomes a bit clearer when considering a roster projection.
For example, running back LeGarrette Blount might not have been considered a lock at the start of training camp. But when considering that he was one of 23 players who dressed for Thursday's preseason finale but was held out of action, that pretty much clinches his spot.
Others, such as running back Leon Washington, safety Adrian Wilson and tight end Daniel Fells, fall into a different category. They all played into the second half Thursday night.
There are always some unexpected twists, but here's our best guess for what Bill Belichick might be thinking with this year's roster: