FOXBORO — Atonio Mafi was the third offensive lineman the Patriots chosen within the 2023 NFL Draft this spring, however he’s seen probably the most enjoying time on offense out of the workforce’s rookies.
Jake Andrews, who hasn’t performed on offense but, and Sidy Sow, who hasn’t performed since beginning Week 1 at proper guard, have been each fourth-round picks. Mafi, a fifth-round decide, began Week 1 at left guard, rotated with Mike Onwenu at proper guard in Week 2, changed Cole Strange at left guard in Week 3 and began once more at left guard in Week 4.
Belichick has been impressed with the younger offensive lineman, who might be set to begin once more Sunday if Strange can’t play.
“I believe he simply retains rising by means of his entire profession. Started as a defensive lineman, performed one yr at UCLA on the offensive line. You know, we had him out on the East-West sport. Even his development from the East-West sport, to the spring, to coaching camp was rather a lot. He’s been on the market on daily basis. He works arduous. He’s a sensible child. He’s actually good. He simply doesn’t have plenty of expertise enjoying on the offensive line, however will get higher on daily basis, doesn’t repeat plenty of errors. There’s just a few issues he hasn’t seen plenty of. The extra he sees them, the faster he reacts to them.
“He’s grown in all areas – fundamentals, just overall awareness, recognition and playing against different types of players. … He gets better every day. He’s got a good future, if he keeps working hard and keeps working on his fundamentals and just be a really good fundamental, technique player, he’s got a chance.”
If Mafi continues to enhance, it might create competitors for the beginning left guard spot with Strange.
Extra factors
Linebacker Jamie Collins, who had three stints with the Patriots, introduced his retirement to ESPN on Friday. He gained one Super Bowl, was named to 1 Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro in 2015 … Belichick spent a significant a part of Friday’s information convention memorializing ex-Patriots tight finish Russ Francis, who died Sunday. Belichick referred to as Francis a “prototype” for his place. “Great guy, really a love of life, love for the game. He’s about as good as we faced, and we faced some pretty good ones when I was at the Giants.” … Offensive lineman Riley Reiff has been designated to return off of injured reserve. He might be activated on Saturday. Belichick stated Reiff will proceed to work at offensive deal with, the place he’s performed for his whole 11-year profession, and guard, the place he was moved this summer time. “He’s comfortable playing different spots. Some guys need to lock in to one spot, and he’s comfortable doing multiple things. He gives us that versatility if we need it, at both spots — guard and tackle.” … Belichick sees QB Mac Jones as being “mentally tough.” “If it just goes from bad to worse, then you’re not going to be around very long. We all get knocked down, got to get up and go back in the ring.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com