Training camp is a great preview for the fall.
It’s where we learn about players’ skill sets and where they fit into the Patriots depth chart. With Mike Vrabel now running the show, there are a lot of unanswered questions. It remains to be seen what his scheme looks like when the pads come on. Then, we’ll get a look at which players step up and fit into his system.
Every summer, there are surprises on the depth chart. There will be younger players who steal jobs from veterans. There are often veteran players who start to slow down and are not as efficient.
The competitions happen within each position on the roster. There are some where we already know how they’ll play out. For example, Drake Maye will be the starting quarterback, and Joshua Dobbs will be the backup this season. At cornerback, no one will be surprised when Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis start in Week 1.
In other positions, however, there is less clarity. Here are the top five position battles heading into training camp, which starts today.
Wide receiver
The biggest competition this summer is at the receiver position. The Patriots have 12 players vying for six (maybe seven) spots. Add in the tight ends and running backs and there are only so many players who will have a role the Patriots passing offense this fall. This competition could see some surprise cuts.
At this point, if everyone is healthy, roster locks look like Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams. It would also be a surprise if the Patriots cut Ja’Lynn Polk a year after drafting him in the second round. That leaves Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Javon Baker, and Efton Chism III fighting for one or two spots.
Left guard
The Patriots have some of their offensive line figured out. Morgan Moses and Will Campbell should start at right tackle and left tackle. Mike Onwenu will be the team’s starting right guard. At center, the favorite is veteran Garrett Bradbury. That leaves left guard as the big mystery.
This summer, it’ll also be one of the biggest competitions. In the spring, Cole Strange had the inside edge after Wes Schweitzer retired. We didn’t see Jared Wilson at all in the spring, but he could factor into this competition and also push Bradbury at center. Tyrese Robinson, Layden Robinson, and Jack Conley could also factor into the competition.
Running back
The Patriots head into training camp in a good spot at their running back position. This group will feature a heated competition between Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, and Antonio Gibson. At this point, Stevenson and Henderson are expected to be at the top of the depth chart. Gibson played well at times last season and could push for some playing time.
At the bottom of the depth chart, undrafted free agent Lan Larison is an intriguing prospect who could push someone for a roster spot. The team also has Terrell Jennings, veteran Trayveon Williams, and fullback Brock Lampe on the roster.
Cornerback
The top of this depth chart looks set with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis on the outside as well as Marcus Jones in the slot. Gonzalez and Davis have the potential to be the best cornerback duo in the NFL. Jones had one interception, and 10 passes defended last season in 14 games.
The real competition is behind those three veterans. Alex Austin, Isaiah Bolden, Marcellas Dial, D.J James, Miles Battle, Cobee Minor, and Brandon Crossley will compete for the top backup outside cornerback spot and top backup slot cornerback spot. Austin leads the charge here. Bolden had a nice showing in minicamp.
Kicker
Who doesn’t like a kicker competition? The Patriots enter training camp with two placekickers – sixth-round pick Andy Borregales and Parker Romo. This spring, Borregales looked like the real deal. The rookie connected on 95% (19-of-20) of his kicking attempts in five open practices.
Romo made 70% (14-of-20) of his attempts in those five practices. He joined the Patriots practice squad last season. Romo played in four games with the Minnesota Vikings, making 91.7% (11-of-12) of his field goal attempts. He was 7-of-8 on extra-point attempts.
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