Post by PatsFan on Aug 5, 2013 19:59:42 GMT -5
I'm only doing this for newcomers that I think will or have a chance at making the 53-man roster.
EDIT: Updated after preseason
Danny Amendola, WR (Free Agency): He seems to be learning the offense quite quickly, because he was already in McDaniel's system in St. Louis. He worked during the offseason with Brady to establish a relationship with Brady and gain his trust. That seems to be paying off and if he can stat healthy, I could see him matching or surpassing Welker's production. Like many reports say, Amendola is the brightest spot in the Patriots receiving corps right now. Projection: 101 receptions, 1,134 yards, 7 touchdowns
Aaron Dobson, WR (Draft Pick): He fills the void that the Patriots passing game has been lacking since the days of Randy Moss: a deep threat. He hails from the same college as Moss, and like Moss, has decent speed and reliable hands. As a former basketball star, he is able to time jump balls very well and has shown that ability to get over defenders to snag the ball out of the air. In college, he didn't have a single dropped ball, and catching every ball thrown to you is important if you want to earn Brady's trust. Projection:75 receptions, 1,034 yards, 5 touchdowns 20 receptions, 312 yards, 2 touchdowns
Josh Boyce, WR (Draft Pick): Boyce is a freakish athlete and can burn you with his speed. At 5'11" he isn't the tallest receiver but he can play both inside and outside. A foot injury has limited him for most of the offseason, but he has been participating during camp. I could compare him to a faster version of Amendola. He has some catching up to do, but if the "injury prone" Amendola and Edelman get hurt, I could see him being able to step in a produce. Projection: 20 receptions, 287 yards, 2 touchdowns
Kenbrell Thompkins, WR (Undrafted Free Agent): It seems like every year, at least 1 UDFA makes it onto the Patriots roster. This year, that may be Kenbrell Thompkins. He isn't the fastest guy out there, but when you can get open like this guy, you don't have to be the fastest. During Dobson's absence, he took advantage of the situation and made some great plays beating press coverage and finding gaps in the defense. He could be a solid outside receiver for the Pats. I would keep an eye on him if I were the team because he's got a troubled past. Projection:19 receptions, 241 yards, 1 touchdown 61 receptions, 723 yards, 6 touchdowns
Michael Jenkins, WR (Free Agency): During earlier practices Jenkins was getting first team reps, but as camp started and resting players started to participate, Jenkins tumbled down the depth chart. He's not the fastest or youngest guy, and that could prevent him from making the team. Dobson and Thompkins seem to be getting reps on the outside before this veteran and I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't make the 53-man roster like the other veteran WRs that were released, but if he sticks around, he'd be buried in the depth chart. Projection: Released
Tim Tebow, QB (Free Agency): His skill sets are none like the other 2 QB's on the team. He's a better runner than he is a passer, but he has made progress as a QB. If Tebow didn't have the running factor, there's no doubt he would have been released already. But slowly he is getting better at throwing the ball and the Patriots could use him. His uses might include trick plays and special packages on offense, or he might be a scout QB against teams that have scrambling QBs. I wouldn't look to hard to see him playing other positions. Projection: 4 pass attempts, 1 completion, 11 passing yards, 12 rushes, 68 yards, 1 touchdown Released
Will Svitek, OL (Free Agency): He is reported to be the top backup at the tackle position on the team. He had a solid year in 2011 with Atlanta but spent 2012 injured. Should Solder or Vollmer go down, I would trust Svitek to get the job done. Projection: Makes the 53-man roster, solid backup
Leon Washington, RB (Free Agent): He was signed to return kicks for the Patriots. Washington looks to help in both the return game and the offense. On offense, he could be put into a Woodhead/Vereen/Faulk role as a passing back. The Pats should have better starting field positions if Washington can keep up his good work. Projection: 11 rushes, 50 yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 10 receptions, 56 yards, 0 receiving touchdowns, 1 return touchdown Released
LeGarrette Blount, RB (Trade): With Brady being one of the most efficient short yardage rushers and Ridley being a hard runner, Blount will have to show something special to earn playing time. Blount could make this team over Bolden as he has been injured through parts of camp so far. Blount had a solid rookie year at Tampa but lost his spot to Doug Martin. Although the Patriots are already good in goal line and short yardage situations, Blount can perhaps make them better. Projection: 22 rushes, 97 yards, 2 touchdowns
Zach Sudfeld, TE (Undrafted Free Agent): Like Thompkins, Sudfeld has a chance to make the 53-man roster. If Gronkowski starts the season on PUP and Ballard's knee keeps bothering him, he becomes the #3 TE behind Fells and Hooman. He is taller than Gronk, and maybe quicker. He can threaten the seam like Gronk can and if he can beat out the veterans, he can be a big asset. When Gronk comes back, Sudfeld will need to prove himself worthy enough to keep 5 TEs on the team or knock a veteran off. Projection:9 receptions, 114 yards 35 receptions, 412 yards, 4 touchdowns
Tommy Kelly, DT (Free Agency): Something Belichick has been searching for over the past couple years is an interior pass rusher. Kelly has the ability to collapse the pocket and can play against the run. So far during camp, there hasn't been anything that has wowed anybody, but compare that to Wilfork's role. Wilfork doesn't put up the most stats, but is respected because he can create havoc on the line. Kelly hopefully won't be a bust like Haynesworth. He should be a solid DT next to Wilfork, and if he's not getting to the QB, him and Wilfork should be making the job easier for the DEs and LBs to get there. Projection: 4 sacks, 41 tackles, 2 forced fumbles
Adrian Wilson, S (Free Agency): Wilson has been compared to the role of Rodney Harrison back in the Dynasty years. He's a hard hitting safety that shows good leadership. He's already had a positive impact in the secondary by spreading his knowledge of playing DB and adding a physical presence to the secondary. He can play against the run very well and can even rush the passer. He should be a solid starter next to McCourty and switch with Gregory. Projection: 68 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles Injured Reserve
Jamie Collins, OLB (Draft Pick): As a former QB and safety, he has athletic ability for a linebacker. The Patriots need a linebacker that can play against the pass, and Collins might be that guy. He can cover, he can rush the passer, he can play against the run. As the first draft pick for the New England Patriots this year, he has high expectations and I'm sure we won't let us down. Projection: 39 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble
James Buchanan, DE (Draft Pick): A late round draft pick. Some say he won't make the team with the team being as crowded as it is at the DE position. He produced well his junior and senior year and should help the Pats pass rush. He has to compete with Cunningham, Bequette, Francis, and Forston for that sub package rusher role. Projection: 1 sack, 14 tackles
Armond Armstead, DT (CFL): Had a good career at USC that was ruined by a heart attack. He went on to play in the Canadian Football League and became an All-Star there. So far, there isn't much on him in the NFL because it's his first year and he has been hurt most of the offseason and camp. He needs to get healthy and catch up before he falls behind to the point of no return. He should serve as a solid interior pass rusher during sub packages. Projection:21 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles Reserve/NFI
Logan Ryan, CB (Draft Pick): The first of the 3 Rutgers drafted by New England this year. The top 3 corners seem to be set and Talib, Dennard, and Arrington. Depending on Dennard's DUI outcome and Ras-I Dowling's health, he could potentially be bumped up into the top 3 over veteran Marquice Cole. He hasn't shown anything spectacular during camp while Dowling looked to be performing well before the injury bug bit him again. If Dennard's case goes well and Dowling can stay healthy, it'll be difficult for Ryan to find playing time. Projection:Special teams 12 tackles, 1 interception
Duron Harmon, S (Draft Pick): The second Scarlet Knight taken by Belichick in the same round as Ryan. He didn't have much of a spectacular college career and many people like myself question why he was picked so high when he was rated as a late draft pick or UDFA. But at a crowded safety position, he'll have to be a good special teamer like fellow safety Nate Ebner. Projection: Special teams
Steve Beauharnais, LB (Draft Pick): The last Rutgers player picked by the Patriots this year. Like many of the backup linebackers on the Patriots, he'll have to hope special teams can earn him a spot on the 53-man roster. Like Harmon, if he can't find a spot in the crowd of special teamers at his position, he might have a chance of being on the practice squad. Projection:Released or Practice squad Special Teams
I think I covered just about every newcomer that has a chance of making the team. Any Pats fans who keeps up with all this stuff, feel free to add someone who I didn't include that may make the team. If you aren't a Patriots fan, the redo at the receiver position might not be as bad as people are saying. I've seen projections like 9-7 and 10-6, and that's ridiculous. As long as Brady continues to play at the level he's capable of playing and Amendola and Dobson can match or outproduce Welker and Lloyd, the offense should be fine. Hernandez can either be replaced by one of the tight ends or a 3rd receiver like Edelman or Boyce, even a back like Vereen or Washington. I'm not worried about the offense at all. It's the defense like the past half decade that scares me. Hopefully Jones improves and doesn't slump and Kelly can produce while Wilfork and Ninkovich continue to disrupt offenses. Talib, Dennard, McCourty, and Wilson seem like a solid to good secondary. The SEC linebacker corps should be solid again against the run and Collins and Wilson should help play against the pass. Hopefully this will be a good season for us. Let's go Pats!
EDIT: Updated after preseason
Danny Amendola, WR (Free Agency): He seems to be learning the offense quite quickly, because he was already in McDaniel's system in St. Louis. He worked during the offseason with Brady to establish a relationship with Brady and gain his trust. That seems to be paying off and if he can stat healthy, I could see him matching or surpassing Welker's production. Like many reports say, Amendola is the brightest spot in the Patriots receiving corps right now. Projection: 101 receptions, 1,134 yards, 7 touchdowns
Aaron Dobson, WR (Draft Pick): He fills the void that the Patriots passing game has been lacking since the days of Randy Moss: a deep threat. He hails from the same college as Moss, and like Moss, has decent speed and reliable hands. As a former basketball star, he is able to time jump balls very well and has shown that ability to get over defenders to snag the ball out of the air. In college, he didn't have a single dropped ball, and catching every ball thrown to you is important if you want to earn Brady's trust. Projection:
Josh Boyce, WR (Draft Pick): Boyce is a freakish athlete and can burn you with his speed. At 5'11" he isn't the tallest receiver but he can play both inside and outside. A foot injury has limited him for most of the offseason, but he has been participating during camp. I could compare him to a faster version of Amendola. He has some catching up to do, but if the "injury prone" Amendola and Edelman get hurt, I could see him being able to step in a produce. Projection: 20 receptions, 287 yards, 2 touchdowns
Kenbrell Thompkins, WR (Undrafted Free Agent): It seems like every year, at least 1 UDFA makes it onto the Patriots roster. This year, that may be Kenbrell Thompkins. He isn't the fastest guy out there, but when you can get open like this guy, you don't have to be the fastest. During Dobson's absence, he took advantage of the situation and made some great plays beating press coverage and finding gaps in the defense. He could be a solid outside receiver for the Pats. I would keep an eye on him if I were the team because he's got a troubled past. Projection:
Will Svitek, OL (Free Agency): He is reported to be the top backup at the tackle position on the team. He had a solid year in 2011 with Atlanta but spent 2012 injured. Should Solder or Vollmer go down, I would trust Svitek to get the job done. Projection: Makes the 53-man roster, solid backup
LeGarrette Blount, RB (Trade): With Brady being one of the most efficient short yardage rushers and Ridley being a hard runner, Blount will have to show something special to earn playing time. Blount could make this team over Bolden as he has been injured through parts of camp so far. Blount had a solid rookie year at Tampa but lost his spot to Doug Martin. Although the Patriots are already good in goal line and short yardage situations, Blount can perhaps make them better. Projection: 22 rushes, 97 yards, 2 touchdowns
Zach Sudfeld, TE (Undrafted Free Agent): Like Thompkins, Sudfeld has a chance to make the 53-man roster. If Gronkowski starts the season on PUP and Ballard's knee keeps bothering him, he becomes the #3 TE behind Fells and Hooman. He is taller than Gronk, and maybe quicker. He can threaten the seam like Gronk can and if he can beat out the veterans, he can be a big asset. When Gronk comes back, Sudfeld will need to prove himself worthy enough to keep 5 TEs on the team or knock a veteran off. Projection:
Tommy Kelly, DT (Free Agency): Something Belichick has been searching for over the past couple years is an interior pass rusher. Kelly has the ability to collapse the pocket and can play against the run. So far during camp, there hasn't been anything that has wowed anybody, but compare that to Wilfork's role. Wilfork doesn't put up the most stats, but is respected because he can create havoc on the line. Kelly hopefully won't be a bust like Haynesworth. He should be a solid DT next to Wilfork, and if he's not getting to the QB, him and Wilfork should be making the job easier for the DEs and LBs to get there. Projection: 4 sacks, 41 tackles, 2 forced fumbles
Jamie Collins, OLB (Draft Pick): As a former QB and safety, he has athletic ability for a linebacker. The Patriots need a linebacker that can play against the pass, and Collins might be that guy. He can cover, he can rush the passer, he can play against the run. As the first draft pick for the New England Patriots this year, he has high expectations and I'm sure we won't let us down. Projection: 39 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble
James Buchanan, DE (Draft Pick): A late round draft pick. Some say he won't make the team with the team being as crowded as it is at the DE position. He produced well his junior and senior year and should help the Pats pass rush. He has to compete with Cunningham, Bequette, Francis, and Forston for that sub package rusher role. Projection: 1 sack, 14 tackles
Armond Armstead, DT (CFL): Had a good career at USC that was ruined by a heart attack. He went on to play in the Canadian Football League and became an All-Star there. So far, there isn't much on him in the NFL because it's his first year and he has been hurt most of the offseason and camp. He needs to get healthy and catch up before he falls behind to the point of no return. He should serve as a solid interior pass rusher during sub packages. Projection:
Logan Ryan, CB (Draft Pick): The first of the 3 Rutgers drafted by New England this year. The top 3 corners seem to be set and Talib, Dennard, and Arrington. Depending on Dennard's DUI outcome and Ras-I Dowling's health, he could potentially be bumped up into the top 3 over veteran Marquice Cole. He hasn't shown anything spectacular during camp while Dowling looked to be performing well before the injury bug bit him again. If Dennard's case goes well and Dowling can stay healthy, it'll be difficult for Ryan to find playing time. Projection:
Duron Harmon, S (Draft Pick): The second Scarlet Knight taken by Belichick in the same round as Ryan. He didn't have much of a spectacular college career and many people like myself question why he was picked so high when he was rated as a late draft pick or UDFA. But at a crowded safety position, he'll have to be a good special teamer like fellow safety Nate Ebner. Projection: Special teams
Steve Beauharnais, LB (Draft Pick): The last Rutgers player picked by the Patriots this year. Like many of the backup linebackers on the Patriots, he'll have to hope special teams can earn him a spot on the 53-man roster. Like Harmon, if he can't find a spot in the crowd of special teamers at his position, he might have a chance of being on the practice squad. Projection:
I think I covered just about every newcomer that has a chance of making the team. Any Pats fans who keeps up with all this stuff, feel free to add someone who I didn't include that may make the team. If you aren't a Patriots fan, the redo at the receiver position might not be as bad as people are saying. I've seen projections like 9-7 and 10-6, and that's ridiculous. As long as Brady continues to play at the level he's capable of playing and Amendola and Dobson can match or outproduce Welker and Lloyd, the offense should be fine. Hernandez can either be replaced by one of the tight ends or a 3rd receiver like Edelman or Boyce, even a back like Vereen or Washington. I'm not worried about the offense at all. It's the defense like the past half decade that scares me. Hopefully Jones improves and doesn't slump and Kelly can produce while Wilfork and Ninkovich continue to disrupt offenses. Talib, Dennard, McCourty, and Wilson seem like a solid to good secondary. The SEC linebacker corps should be solid again against the run and Collins and Wilson should help play against the pass. Hopefully this will be a good season for us. Let's go Pats!