FOXBORO — As far as James White’s management goes, his professionalism, toughness and expertise, the Patriots can wave all of that goodbye, too, as they need their former third-down again nicely in retirement.
But on the sphere, their plans for changing White are nicely underway.
Through two weeks of coaching camp, Rhamondre Stevenson seems primed to switch White on passing downs. During staff durations in apply, Stevenson has routinely taken the second reps after beginning operating again Damien Harris. He’s caught 14 of 18 targets in these durations, one of many larger totals on the staff, regardless of the actual fact Stevenson was restricted for 3 practices final week.
In 2021, Stevenson flashed delicate arms and averaged 8.8 yards per reception, greater than Harris and White. Stevenson additionally grew to become the uncommon rookie operating again to contribute instantly, one thing Harris and White by no means did. In the spring, Stevenson stated he devoted most of his offseason to changing into higher as a receiver and go protector.
His efforts present on the apply area, the place it’s evident he’s a extra pure go catcher than Harris, an early-down bruiser.
Veteran operating again/huge receiver Ty Montgomery may additionally issue on third downs, having caught 11 of the 12 passes he’s seen in coaching camp. Montgomery gives far much less burst and elusiveness than the 24-year-old Stevenson, however these days he’s began splitting third-string reps with J.J. Taylor. The Patriots have deployed Montgomery as a operating again and slot receiver, a indication he’s gained actual belief from the teaching workers.
“Ty is another player that had a real good offseason for us,” Pats coach Bill Belichick stated final week. “Again, it’s a player we’re getting to know, trying to get familiar with what his skill set is, what he can do. He’s pretty versatile. It looks like he can do a lot. We’ll see how all that goes together.”
Part of the training curve with Montgomery can be in go safety, the place he’s taken simply 23 snaps over the previous three seasons, per Pro Football Focus. Montgomery additionally hasn’t cracked 300 complete yards since 2018, proof of his eroding offensive ability.
On the other finish of the skill-experience spectrum is fourth-round rookie Pierre Strong. The South Dakota State product runs with 4.2 velocity, however grew to become a full apply participant lower than per week in the past. Strong has additionally stated he’s going through a significant transition with the playbook, having seldom performed outdoors the backfield in faculty, whereas in New England he’ll often cut up out huge and go in movement.
Taylor, now coming into his third season, figures to have a leg up on Strong in the mean time, however that might change relying on Strong’s improvement over the following three weeks. Sixth-round rookie Kevin Harris can be within the combine, although he initiatives to be squarely on the roster bubble.
Back within the spring, when White continued to rehab from season-ending hip surgical procedure, the Patriots re-signed him to a 2-year deal value as much as a reported $5 million. The most telling determine in White’s contract was neither variety of years or complete cash, however $500,000 in ensures; a smaller-than-expected quantity that meant one factor: the Pats knew they needed to shield themselves in case White could be compelled into untimely retirement.
And from then on — by signing Montgomery, honing Stevenson’s focus and drafting Strong and Harris — they deliberate accordingly.
Source: www.bostonherald.com