Soccer has returned.
The Patriots reported for coaching camp this week, and practices formally start Wednesday morning.
Earlier than camp kicks off, let’s reply reader questions in our newest Patriots mailbag.
@patsplanetmedia: Who’s your most beneath the radar participant to observe going into camp?
Most under-the-radar is hard to gauge, however I’ll say operating again Antonio Gibson.
He’s most definitely secure for a roster spot. He was the Patriots’ greatest operating again final season, outperforming Rhamondre Stevenson, who skilled a down 12 months coming off of a contract extension.
However the Patriots did choose TreVeyon Henderson within the second spherical and signed Lan Larison as an undrafted free agent. If Henderson emerges as a change-of-pace again and potential third-down choice, then it’s unclear what Gibson’s position within the offense could be.
Gibson confirmed off spectacular velocity and game-breaking capability within the second half of final season. He additionally possesses pass-catching prowess relationship again to his time in school as a large receiver at Memphis.
Coaching camp could possibly be a make-or-break time for Gibson as returning offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels decides what to do with the previous Commanders ballcarrier.
@JaBxsv: With a very good camp, do you are feeling like Brock Lampe has a professional likelihood to make the 53? I really feel prefer it’d be useful to have a real FB/hybrid tight finish sort of participant that may assist with pass-pro and provides groups totally different seems.
Lampe is the one true fullback on the roster, in order that does appear to provide the undrafted free agent an inside monitor for a roster spot. I requested tight ends coach Thomas Brown what he seems for out of a possible fullback, and he mentioned it takes distinctive traits, noting that generally the position is crammed by a school defender. That’s partially, nonetheless, as a result of the truth that most faculties don’t use a fullback.
Tight ends Jaheim Bell, CJ Dippre, Gee Scott Jr. and Jack Westover will doubtless additionally see reps at fullback this spring. They might be hybrid tight ends/fullbacks, whereas Lampe appears extra pigeonholed right into a backfield position.
@nfl_trades: Are Patriots all for buying and selling for a giant title WR? Terry McLaurin?
The Patriots have been open to exploding all avenues in direction of bettering their roster this offseason. If buying McLaurin by way of commerce turned a sensible chance, then I’d not be stunned in any way in the event that they pursued the veteran broad receiver.
McLaurin entered the NFL as an older prospect, so he’s not truly that a lot youthful than present Patriots broad receivers Stefon Diggs, Kendrick Bourne and Mack Hollins. He’s a professional No. 1 broad receiver, although.
Finally, it’ll price the Commanders, however it will be silly for Washington to let Jayden Daniels’ greatest weapon stroll by way of commerce.
@mageejr: No actual speak about PK. How can we see the competitors shaking down between a drafted rookie and a retread veteran appears to me to be a reasonably large query for this group contemplating most video games are determined by just a few factors. drafted kicker rookies for the Pats have struggled.
They’ve, however the struggles of Chad Ryland and Justin Rohrwasser, fairly frankly, don’t have anything to do with Andres Borregales.
Borregales regarded good in the course of the spring, and Parker Romo must be glorious this summer season to beat out a sixth-round choose.
I’d contemplate Borregales the heavy favourite, however time will inform.
@CoachB_ESPNNH: Who would be the 6 week 1 WR’s
That is such a troublesome query. The candidates are Diggs, Bourne, Hollins, Javon Baker, Demeer Blankumsee, Kayshon Boutte, Efton Chism, DeMario Douglas, John Jiles, Ja’Lynn Polk, Jeremiah Webb and Kyle Williams.
Diggs, Hollins, Douglas and Williams must be thought-about locks at this level. Bourne and Boutte are in all probability the conservative projections for 2 ultimate spots. However I’ll exit on a limb and provides the ultimate two spots to Bourne and Chism.
@littleashtag: Are you continue to involved concerning the lack of depth on the OL?
I believe it’s a worthy concern, simply because a lot is unknown. The Patriots do appear set at middle, assuming Jared Wilson will get over the ailment that restricted him within the spring. No matter whether or not Wilson or Garrett Bradbury begins, these two gamers are locked into beginning and backup roles. And the Patriots may do worse as a 3rd choice than Ben Brown.
Caedan Wallace is the highest backup behind tackles Will Campbell and Morgan Moses. Normally, you’d really feel fairly good a couple of second-year third-round choose like Wallace as a backup, however he barely performed final season. Behind Wallace is rookie Marcus Bryant, Yasir Durant, Demontrey Jacobs and Vederian Lowe.
Mike Onwenu will begin at proper guard, however it’s unclear who will begin at left guard and who shall be a backup inside offensive lineman between Cole Unusual, Layden Robinson, Tyrese Robinson, Sidy Sow and rookies Jack Conley and Mekhi Butler. Wilson, Brown and Wallace additionally could possibly be candidates at guard.
