As the end of July is near, one particular event stands out to fans of the New England Patriots.
The annual Patriots Training Camp showcases the draftees (undrafted as well) and veterans fighting for roster spots and their careers till the 53 man roster needs to be in place before Week 1 of the regular season.
Here is the Patriots schedule for Training Camp open to the general public (tentative):
July 27 – Morning Practice (9 am)
July 28 – Morning Practice (9 am)
July 29 – Morning Practice (9 am)
July 29 – Patriots Hall of Fame Induction (noon)
July 30 – Morning Practice (9 am)
August 7 – Joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars (time TBD).
August 8 – Joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars (time TBD).
As training camp dawns upon us, here are some key areas to look for in the process of evaluating the crop of guys looking to keep jobs on the gridiron.
Secondary- The signing of cornerback Stephon Gilmore was a huge hole fixed for New England, as Logan Ryan fell into free agency and ended up signing a larger contract with the Tennessee Titans. Malcolm Butler is essentially guaranteed a starting role but the depth chart behind him should bring out lots of competition. Former Maryland Terrapin Will Likely stands only 5’7, but the versatility factor is almost ridiculous, as he’s the equivalent to a Swiss army knife. Kenny Moore came out of a small school (Valdosta State) and intrigued the Patriots in bringing him in to see the small school prospect play at the next level. Dwayne Thomas on the other hand played at LSU and knows a thing or two about competition, as the SEC is one of the most dominant conferences in all of the FBS. Sophomore and third year players Cyrus Jones, Jon Jones, and Justin Coleman along with Eric Rowe are guys that know the system but could they potentially be replaced?
The safeties on this 90 man roster is certainly an area to look for. Guys like Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung anchor the line here along with special teams warrior Nate Ebner and ball hawk Duron Harmon. Incoming guys, all undrafted by the way, have size and versatility to potentially get on this exclusive roster. DJ Killings is the shortest out of next crop of guys I am listing here at 6′ and a lean 185 pounds coming out of Central Florida. With Killings, Damarius Travis and former Utah Ute Jason Thompson are each 6’2 and provide big bodies for the safety position. Not to mention, former Richmond safety David Jones is 6’3 and 210 pounds. In a college game back in 2015, Jones actually had FOUR interceptions against the University of Albany by himself in one game, tying the single game record.
Along with the secondary, the defensive end position, beginning with the signing of former Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy and drafting former Arkansas DE Deatrich Wise, is an interesting combination of size and production. On the the side, the emergence of Trey Flowers was incredible to watch, as he racked up a seven sack season. Along with Flowers, selecting another defensive end in Derek Rivers should be fun to watch.
With the defense looking sharp as always, the offensive side of the ball is where fans love to get excited. The signing of Brandin Cooks was arguably a game changing trade for New England, as now Brady acquires one of the fastest players in all of football. With Cooks, newcomers in the wide receiver position include rookie Austin Carr out of Northwestern, six year veteran Andrew Hawkins and rookie Cody Hollister.
Training camp should be a blast! T minus 6 days!
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