The Patriots are formally two weeks into coaching camp and get to switch things up on Wednesday with a joint apply towards the Commanders.
Earlier than we see how the Patriots fare towards a 2024 playoff crew, let’s reply some reader questions in our weekly coaching camp mailbag.
@Jojomomo1224: Greatest shock and largest disappointment up to now
It’s not essentially the most thrilling reply, however cornerback DJ James has been the largest shock of coaching camp. Nobody would have had him on their preliminary 53-man roster projections after free company and the draft, however he’s been constantly repping as a top-five cornerback in apply. With Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III being held out of full-team drills, it’s James and Alex Austin as the highest cornerbacks. James has made extra performs than Austin by the primary two weeks of camp.
James might decelerate, clearly, however he’s presently trending towards a 53-man roster spot. Another nice surprises: working again TreVeyon Henderson, huge receiver Kayshon Boutte, guard Jared Wilson, defensive deal with Khyiris Tonga, exterior linebacker Okay’Lavon Chaisson and kicker Parker Romo.
The checklist of disappointments is shorter, which I assume is an efficient signal. Huge receiver Kendrick Bourne could be up there, although. He had a quiet camp after which suffered an damage throughout Friday night time’s scrimmage. Head coach Mike Vrabel anticipated that to maintain him out of the following week of coaching camp.
Undrafted huge receiver Efton Chism has began to make extra performs in current practices but in addition hasn’t made a huge effect. Left deal with Will Campbell has been using the rookie curler coaster, as one supply put it. The crew has been taking it gradual with Davis and proper deal with Morgan Moses as they return from accidents. And second-year guard Layden Robinson has been buried on the depth chart after being a daily starter final season.
@JuicePickm: Who’s your shock roster lock AND minimize
At this level, I’d put Austin as a roster lock. He wouldn’t have been included on that checklist coming into camp. However he’s been the highest reserve cornerback after Gonzalez and Davis, and he even performed slightly bit within the slot throughout Tuesday’s walk-through.
Bourne could be among the many potential shock cuts. I’d additionally throw Cole Unusual within the combine. It looks like he’s having a tough time discovering his footing at guard or middle.
@Deeznutsmw: Who’re the wr’s that make the roster
I’ve Boutte, Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams fairly properly locked in at this level. If the Patriots hold a sixth, it will come right down to Bourne, Chism, Javon Baker or Ja’Lynn Polk.
I included Polk in my current 53-man roster projection. Baker appears to be making up floor, nonetheless. There was a interval of Tuesday’s walk-through when the first-team offense was on the fitting apply discipline, and the second-team offense was on the left apply discipline. It was notable, to me, that Baker was on the fitting apply discipline, and Polk was on the left. So, perhaps I’ll swap Baker for Polk, however the huge receiver state of affairs will in all probability be fluid up till near September.
@Bedsyy69: can they deal with throughout joint apply
No, they can’t. That’s going to have to attend till Friday’s preseason sport between the Patriots and Commanders. Wednesday’s joint apply with the Commanders needs to be enjoyable, although.
@VanillaVick10: How a lot commerce worth does polk, stevenson, and bourne maintain? Really feel like they maintain little or no, but when we have been to enhance our crew by way of commerce these could be the gamers we wish to transfer. I believe…
Rhamondre Stevenson would in all probability maintain essentially the most commerce worth, however I’d even be fairly shocked if the Patriots traded him. A crew just like the Titans fairly badly wants working again assist, however would they offer up a Day 2 decide for Stevenson? I’ve my doubts.
Polk would maintain the following most commerce worth though he produced little or no final season. He’s on an inexpensive contract, and you’d suppose there’s some crew on the market who would surrender a Day 3 decide primarily based on their prior analysis of Polk popping out of the College of Washington.
I don’t know if Bourne has commerce worth. He’s two years faraway from ACL surgical procedure and didn’t appear to be the identical participant final season. An buying crew could be inheriting a two-year, $12-plus million contract. He could be a match with the 49ers, however paying him $6 million per yr is steep.
@KleaverSports: What are the largest roster holes which have stood out?
Backup quarterback, huge receiver, third tight finish, backup deal with, backup slot cornerback.
I believe backup deal with is essentially the most obtrusive, as a result of it seems like the possibilities are slim that each beginning tackles will play all 17 video games this season.
@SneakergeekTre: Any replace on Davis?
Carlton Davis III was on the sector for Tuesday’s walk-through. The crew is easing him again in.
@Klege23: Do you suppose Drake takes an enormous sophomore leap this yr ?
You’ll hope so. He has an improved offensive coordinator in Josh McDaniels, a reliable No. 1 huge receiver in Stefon Diggs and a greater offensive line.
So, I anticipate Drake Maye to be higher this season. I’d prefer to see how he performs in joint practices earlier than I’m able to say it’s going to be an enormous leap.
@thatgaryman: Boutte had a stable season final yr. Folks appear to proceed to dismiss his potential affect on the offense. Might the addition of Diggs permit for Boutte to place up higher numbers this yr with defenses specializing in Diggs extra?
Boutte has been an enormous playmaker in coaching camp up to now, however he hasn’t been as constant as different receivers like Diggs and Douglas.
I believe Diggs’ presence will in all probability assist Douglas essentially the most. However I might see Boutte barely bettering upon final season’s manufacturing.
@patriots_harley: Do you suppose guards Layden Robinson and Sidy Sow will make the crew?
I had each Robinson and Sow off of my newest 53-man roster projection. Robinson has been buried on the depth chart, and Sow has been coping with an damage in current days.
