The draft has come and gone. Mock big boards have been put away for another year
We now have a handful of months to narrow it down to the cream of the crop: the 53 man roster.
Sure we have plenty of time until September but so much can happen in that time!
There are certain parts of the Patriots offense that feels like its cup runneth over at the moment. Arguments over a four tight end set is whispering amongst some fans. Okay not that many fans, just a few, and usually when they talk to me…
However, for the first time in a few years, the Patriots have some really good depth at tight end and fullback. The loss of Robert Gronkowski and James Develin were rather significant, let’s face it the Patriots had some of the best there ever was and it’s been mostly slim pickings since they retired (yes I said mostly, I’m still an Izzo gal deep down).
Dan Vitale was a superb signing but the 2020 Covid opt-outs meant we didn’t get to witness what he had or how he may fit into the Patriots system and Jakob Johnson did a great job in the role. So already we have two options and the versatility of Dan Vitale could help edge him out for the fullback position and that isn’t even touching upon the prospect of using rookie tight end Dalton Keene in a more fullback slot way. Yes, folks I have been harping on about this one for a while and it kinda seems like it may have caught on!
The choices at running back is another plate with lovely treats such as JJ Taylor on his second rookie year and Damien Harris on his third. Not to mention Sony Michel, James White and the new addition of Rhamondre Stevenson drafted this year from Oklahoma. On a personal note I still have Rex Burkhead on my radar, social media posts show him recovering well during the off season and well I can’t rule the guy out… that’s possibly a heart over head thing but that’s just me and I am always the first to admit it. Burkhead was a powerhouse for the offence last year and well, nostalgia cuts deep in this fan.
- Ep. 197: Fields to Pittsburgh, Still Available Free Agentsby Full Press Coverage on March 18, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Although it may be argued that a WR1 is still lacking from the Patriots player register, there are ten wide receivers listed on the current roster (including Matthew Slater) and that’s not including the recent draft selection of Tre Nixon. Whilst it’s unclear what they have in quality, there is definitely some quantity.
And oh by the way did I mention the big guys? The defense and offensive line is beginning to look large!
Ooooh which big strong lineman to choose? Coach Bill is probably salivating over the defensive possibilities he has with the additions of Henry Anderson, Davon Godchaux and Matt Judon in free agency.
Resigning familiar names such as David Andrews and Lawrence Guy was definitely a hit with many fans and we still have developing players such as Mike Onwenu and Justin Herron.
I haven’t even touched on some of the familiar faces re-entering the Patriots fold in steady Teddy Karras and Kyle Van Noy. Not forgetting of course there is the return of Dont’a Hightower from the Covid opt out.
The only mildly sparse position really could be cornerback, but as the Patriots currently have (at the time of writing this) Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson that’s maybe a problem for next year!
How ever do we pick from all these delights?! There are many wonderful morsels I haven’t even mentioned! And yes, I purposely avoided the QB word this time… Quite frankly I’m glad I don’t have the job, okay not that glad, I mean what fan wouldn’t adore being their team’s Coach?!
But seriously as I look at the list of who we could use on the field I’m excited with the possibilities and wonder how it will ever turn into just 53!
-Clare L Cooper is a special contributor and columnist for Full Press Coverage Patriots and a writer for Pats Propoganda(.com). Her New England Patriots insight can be found @FPC_Patriots and her podcast ‘A Clare Perspective’ can be found on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker and most places from which you download your podcasts.