Quick Hits on Patriots Positional Groups

As I not-so-patiently wait for the first rookie helmet/number reveal it’s a good time to run through the Patriots position groups heading into mini-camps. There’s still some team building to be done over the course of the summer — re-works (Hi Gronk!), extensions perhaps — but for the most part the Patriots’ main core is set.

Like nearly all Patriots’ teams, this one has some question marks and some noticeable lack of depth at certain spots. But the Pats will do what they do, let competition and injuries play out and then figure things out from there.

Here are two notes on each position group.

Quarterback

1. We’re in Brady Ride or Die mode now, but I do think that Brian Hoyer would be able to win games. My biggest concern with Hoyer would be if he could stay healthy if forced to play.
2. Danny Etling doesn’t have much pressure on him but will still be put under the microscope and compared to other rookie quarterbacks from recent years, including Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett. Important to remember that rookie quarterbacks always look like rookie quarterbacks.

Running Back

1. I am very much looking forward to the Mike Gillislee, Jeremy Hill death match this summer in training camp. Michel, Burkhead and James White are the only locks, but it’s nice to have good depth, especially with guys who run hard, aka the kinds that always get banged up.
2. Last year the heavy rotation at running back helped when injuries added up at the end of the season, but when all were healthy I felt like they never found the right dosage and management of each. Right now I see Burkhead starting the season as the lead back, with White on passing downs. Michel and Gillislee/Hill as the short yardage. Sprinkle Michel in as lead back as season progresses.

Tight End

1. I’m fine holding on to Dwayne Allen as long as possible. He might be expensive but sometimes you have to overspend for Gronk insurance. Having a good blocking tight end is worth it, especially one who is a locker room tone-setter.
2. Despite all the bickering, I’m still excited that Gronk has gone TB12. It might be the only thing that makes it possible he makes it another five seasons. Imagine if Guerrero cured the need for the arm brace…

O-Line

1. I see a really good and fascinating battle going on the left side of the line between Thuney – Wynn – Waddle – Brown – Garcia. Competition is always good and with the turnover at left tackle adding so many potential left tackles, including Matt Tobin, will give them choices.
2. If I had to bet on it now, I’d put Wynn-Thuney-Andrews-Mason-Cannon starting and Garcia/Brown as the swing tackles.

Wide Receiver

1. I expect Edelman to be brought back along SLOWLY. Throw Jordan Matthews into the flames and see how quickly he can develop as a slot option who can be relied upon after Edelman. Mitchell and Hogan should be fine as the outside x-receivers, I’d be surprised if Dorsett or Britt surpass either of them.
2. Patterson is a near-lock for special teams and gadgetry.

Defensive Tackle

1. Alan Branch‘s 2016 to 2-17 dropoff was a big reason why the Pats’ run defense fell from 4th to 29th in DVOA. How well Danny Shelton steps in aside Malcom Brown will be a big part of how this year’s defense does.
2. Lawrence Guy is a good rotational third piece, but Vincent Valentine will push him for a roster spot, with Adam Butler causing good disruption as the interior designated pass rusher.

Defensive Edge

1. The primary hand-down edge players should be Flowers-Clayborn-Wise, a solid trio that must be better at getting consistent pressure this season.
2. Eric Lee got thrown into the fire last year, I’m very curious to see how that experience develops this summer. If he emerges it would provide a big boost to the pass rush depth.

Linebacker

1. Hightower and Van Noy should be the primary nickel linebackers once again, but on run-stopping downs it’s still probably Elandon Roberts, as I’m not sure Ja’whaun Bentely can unseat him.
2. Not sure how exactly Derek Rivers or Harvey Langi fit. Langi was active and aggressive, but size-wise might be better inside than on the edge. Rivers had a great get-off in college, we’ll see how it looks coming off his ACL injury. There are options to play with and a couple rookies who will make things interesting.

Cornerback

1. Slide J. McCourty into Butler’s starting role, use Rowe in a matchup role, let Gilmore build off his strong finish to 2017. McCourty should fit in seamlessly for many reasons, including any secret twin language he and D-mac have.
2. Duke Dawson gives them a needed small, quick slot presence and should be a useful tool, just like Rowe is with his height. All about matchups.

Safety

1. Hopefully D-mac, Chung and Harmon can get off to a better start than they did last season. And of course, Jordan Richards is back to be everyone’s favorite target. For this group, it’s all about staying healthy and communicating.
2. Keep an eye on David Jones and Damarius Travis this summer. Both are versatile fits who spent all last season on the practice squad and could really push for Richards’ roster spot.

Special Teams

1. An interesting year with all three main specialists playing on the final years of their contracts. You have to wonder if this is Gost’s last go-round.
2. Have to be excited about the addition of Patterson who will add some big-play potential that was lost with Dion Lewis. As usual the question is who can return punts to limit Edelman. That might be Cyrus Jones’ only chance.