The battle for roster spots is about to kick off in earnest for the Patriots with coaching camp practices set to start out Wednesday.
Even although the Patriots didn’t make an enormous splash in free company this time round, there are nonetheless loads of new faces within the combine preventing for jobs between 2022 draft picks, gamers acquired in trades in addition to the few of observe that landed in free company.
Some of the perfect battles ought to come within the areas of third-down specialist with James White on the active-PUP record, boundary nook, and out of doors linebacker reverse Matthew Judon.
With that in thoughts, right here’s our first crack at a 53-man roster projection. We’ll see how a lot it modifications all through the course of coaching camp and the preseason.
QUARTERBACKS (3)
In: Mac Jones, Brian Hoyer, Bailey Zappe
Out: None
Analysis: It is smart to maintain the up-and-coming star (Jones), his much-needed mentor (Hoyer), and future backup (Zappe) within the constructing. The Patriots usually prefer to preserve simply two QBs on the 53-man roster, and it wouldn’t be stunning to see them play hocus-pocus with Hoyer as soon as once more, slicing him, signing him to the apply squad, and finally bringing him again up as they did final season.
But the underside line right here is extra about Hoyer’s worth to Jones, versus his function as a backup. With Josh McDaniels, the second-year quarterback’s first NFL place coach and play-caller now in Las Vegas, Hoyer stays a significant sounding board for Jones.
Needless to say, so much is driving on Jones bettering in his second yr, and he’s achieved so much on his personal to make that occur between consuming higher, trimming fats, and dealing all offseason together with his receivers. As for Zappe, the 2022 fourth-round choose can be, if something, fascinating to look at.
RUNNING BACKS (5)
In: Damien Harris, Kevin Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, Pierre Strong, J.J. Taylor.
Out: None
PUP record: James White
Analysis: This is without doubt one of the major positions of energy for the Patriots. Stevenson and Damien Harris are a terrific one-two punch. While Harris is the lead again, search for Stevenson to be much more impactful in Year 2, particularly catching the ball out of the backfield.
With White on the active-PUP record, rookie Strong and Taylor will basically be vying for the third-down again spot on the outset. Given Strong is coming off shoulder surgical procedure on each arms, don’t toss Taylor simply but. Both Strong and Taylor are going to should contribute as kick returners to enhance their possibilities. With White’s future unsure, that may go away a gap for rookie Kevin Harris on the outset, however he’s additionally a apply squad chance.
It additionally seems the Patriots are ditching the fullback place, not less than in title. They may have any of the tight ends carry out an H-back kind function from the backfield if essential.
WIDE RECEIVERS (7)
In: Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Nixon, DeVante Parker, Matthew Slater, Tyquan Thornton
Out: Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Ty Montgomery, Kristian Wilkerson
Analysis: Seven is a considerably sturdy whole for this group. Not able to chisel from that quantity principally as a result of Nixon confirmed so effectively through the early camps, and seems to have a blossoming chemistry with Jones. Rookie Thornton might need a redshirt yr, however once more, not keen to have him provide you with some unexpected illness simply but. Need to see extra from the spindly second-round rookie who possesses warp pace.
On the entire, the receiver place isn’t nice. More like sneaky good. Look for Bourne to tackle a much bigger function in a reshaped offense. Another secret is Parker with the ability to keep wholesome. Agholor ought to enhance with one other yr, whereas Meyers is and can proceed to be a dependable outlet for Jones.
Slater is listed as a receiver, however the 10-time Pro Bowler will as soon as once more be a core special-teamer.
TIGHT ENDS (2)
In: Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith
Out: Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene, Matt Sokol
Analysis: The Patriots will seemingly carry three tight ends when all is alleged and achieved. But till Asiasi or Keene truly present one thing, they don’t make the record.
Asiasi was a wholesome scratch all final season. Keene, in the meantime, has been tormented by accidents and in addition hasn’t seen the sphere a lot. This seems to be make-or-break time for each 2020 third-round picks, though one or them may wind up on the apply squad, assuming they clear waivers.
As for Henry and Smith, given all of the money the Patriots spent on them in free company final yr, they had been introduced in to be stars. Henry was the closest to it, as he grew to become Jones’ favourite pink zone goal. He led the workforce in TD catches and figures to have a fair higher season this yr.
Smith? He did little to encourage final yr. But with a brand new season, a streamlined offense making it simpler, and extra time spent within the early camps, the Patriots are relying on him to get it collectively and be the kind of participant they had been banking on.
OFFENSIVE LINE (8)
In: Trent Brown, Yodny Cajuste, James Ferentz, Justin Herron, Mike Onwenu, Kody Russey, Cole Strange, Isaiah Wynn
Out: Yasir Durant, Drew Desjarlais, Arlington Hambright, Will Sherman, Darryl Williams
PUP record: David Andrews
NFI (energetic/non-football harm): Chasen Hines, Andrew Stueber
Analysis: Health ought to be the important thing to success or failure for the road. If tackles Brown and Wynn can keep wholesome, and never miss gobs of time, which has been their historical past, the unit ought to be advantageous.
Rookie Strange, who figures to step in straight away, and third-year lineman Michael Onwenu will maintain down the beginning guard spots, with Andrews sandwiched between, as soon as he’s activated from the PUP record.
Of observe on the subject of the road, the Patriots are switching to a predominantly zone working scheme, a staple of the Kyle Shanahan offense. It additionally ought to work effectively with the personnel they’ve.
Herron is the seemingly swing deal with, though Cajuste additionally noticed time with the starters throughout minicamp. Given the harm historical past of Brown and Wynn, each will seemingly be saved.
Russey, in the meantime, seems like he has an honest shot to make the workforce as an undrafted free agent. His versatility to play each at guard and heart, the place the Pats are missing depth, could be useful.
Ferentz, in the meantime, will get to carry a spot till Andrews returns. He’s a candidate for the apply squad, a spot he’s usually resided whereas in Foxboro.
EDGE DEFENDERS (4)
In: Matt Judon, Ronnie Perkins, Josh Uche, Deatrich Wise Jr.
Out: Anfernee Jennings, DaMarcus Mitchell
Analysis: Basically, it’s Judon, Wise, and hope somebody steps as much as assist rush the passer in sub packages.
Judon (12.5 sacks) was a beast in his first Patriots season till he disappeared down the stretch. Belichick is of course hoping Judon, who he gave the very best contract ever for a defensive participant, can be a drive all year long.
Wise can play exterior or inside, however is usually out on the sting on early downs.
The key can be having Uche lastly emerge as a constant pass-rusher and never simply present up in flashes. And if not Uche, maybe Perkins can seize the day. Either manner, each ought to make the roster.
Don’t have a lot confidence that Jennings sticks. He’s been one other invisible man, principally on account of accidents. Purdue’s Mitchell, an undrafted free agent, is probably going headed for the apply squad.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES (4)
In: Christian Barmore, Carl Davis, Davon Godchaux, Lawrence Guy
Out: Henry Anderson, Daniel Ekuale, Bill Murray, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., LaBryan Ray, Sam Roberts
Analysis: Pro Football Focus ranked Barmore second behind Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence by way of being a prime “breakout candidate” amongst second-year NFL gamers.
Barmore racked up 48 quarterback pressures as a rookie, and PFF believes he’s on his method to stardom. That will surely assist the trigger.
“If Barmore improves, he’ll be a problem that offenses have to game plan around very shortly,” wrote PFF’s Mike Penner.
No different deal with up entrance has any hope of warranting that type of consideration, though Guy has been a superb, reliable participant within the trenches over time.
The Pats must get extra out of Godchaux within the center. His stage of efficiency didn’t fairly match up with the $9 million he was assured over two seasons.
Sixth-round choose Roberts may stick round on the apply squad. Ditto Ray, who performed at Alabama and was roommates with Barmore.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS (4)
In: Ja’Whaun Bentley, Cameron McGrone, Raekwon McMillan, Mack Wilson
Out: Harvey Langi, Jahlani Tavai
Analysis: It doesn’t seem the Patriots will make the most of greater than two inside linebackers on the sphere at any given time. Bentley is the chief of the group, then there’s the much-hyped, a lot ballyhooed McGrone, who has but to play a snap.
The Patriots have made no secret they’re banking on the previous Michigan linebacker, who principally had a redshirt yr final yr getting back from ACL surgical procedure, to assist the place evolve.
With growing old veterans Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins let go, the Pats have moved extra towards youth and pace with Wilson, who arrived through commerce, and McGrone, a Fifth-round choose in 2021.
McGrone is extra the prototype of the fashionable NFL linebacker at 6-foot-1, 236 kilos. He’s received the pace to defend pass-catchers, and simply sufficient muscle to assist cease working video games.
McMillan had been positioned on the active-PUP record, however was activated Monday.
SAFETIES (6)
In: Josh Bledsoe, Cody Davis, Kyle Dugger, Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips, Brenden Schooler
Out: None
PUP record: Jabrill Peppers
Analysis: Along with working again, the security group, with McCourty, Dugger, Phillips and Peppers, stands because the strongest and finest positional collective on the roster.
McCourty is the lone free security, with Dugger, Phillips and Peppers extra within the sturdy security mould.
In any case, this unit can be relied on to do so much, and principally, transfer across the protection to try to thwart opposing offenses. Don’t be shocked if Belichick makes use of them to blitz extra usually than prior to now.
With Peppers briefly on the shelf on the PUP record, that permits for second-year security Bledsoe to make a case. As for Schooler, the undrafted free agent and core special-teamer sticks for now.
The apply squad is a chance for one or each if want be.
CORNERBACKS (7)
In: Justin Bethel, Myles Bryant, Malcolm Butler, Jack Jones, Marcus Jones, Jalen Mills, Terrance Mitchell
Out: Shaun Wade, Joejuan Williams
PUP record: Jonathan Jones
Analysis: With J.C. Jackson signing with the Chargers, the Patriots certain may have used a prime nook. Not certain they’ve one. Butler’s return is each fascinating and amusing, however at age 32, having spent most of final season in retirement, it’s arduous to inform earlier than camp precisely what the Patriots are going to get. He’s definitely not a long-term repair.
When Jon Jones comes off the PUP record, he’ll assist the trigger as a slot nook, whereas Mills ought to begin out on the boundary.
Will Butler be the opposite perimeter nook? That’s seemingly, however arduous to say for certain at this stage.
Rookies Jack Jones and Marcus Jones present a little bit of hope each inside and outside. Jack Jones regarded so good in minicamp, he sparked conversations that he may land one of many beginning jobs on the surface. We’ll see how he performs in coaching camp.
Marcus Jones, in the meantime, oozes pace and talent, even at 5-foot-8, 175 kilos. He’ll get on the sphere in some capability, be it protection, offense, or particular groups.
Mitchell gives some veteran depth. The Pats appear to love what he brings to the desk. Bryant provides depth within the slot, whereas Wade and disappointing 2019 second-round choose Williams are out.
SPECIALISTS (3)
In: Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona, Nick Folk
Out: Jake Julien, Tristan Vizcaino
Reserve/NFI: Quinn Nordin
Analysis: Folk and Cardona are locks, and Bailey must also fall into that class.
Folk was among the best kickers in soccer final season whereas Cardona, who not has any competitors, has been a mainstay at lengthy snapper.
Vizcaino is one other kicker in camp, however he’s seemingly round to lesson the load on the 37-year-old Folk.
Bailey, then again, must proceed launching bombs to beat out Julien. The former All-Pro punter had a down yr by his requirements in 2021, and is seeking to recapture his type. Bailey received off to a superb begin in minicamp and will preserve his job.
Source: www.bostonherald.com