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Patriots Mini Camp Wrap: Defensive Backs Edition

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The Patriots defensive backs are a young, talented group, but is still unproven in big games and on the road.

For cornerbacks, Leigh Bodden was re-signed to a multi year deal, if nothing else he is a solid piece in the puzzle of creating the Belichick Defense 2.0. Darius Butler is a promising young player, said by Mike Reiss to be “ready to take the next step”. Devin McCourty is the first round pick, athletic and physical. Jonathan Wilhite and Terrence Wheatley are in the make or break years, though Wilhite is developing into a solid slot corner. The Patriots went out of their way to keep Kyle Arrington from signing with Cleveland off the practice squad. He was a special teams demon. Can he contribute as a corner? That will be something to follow.

For safeties, Brandon Meriweather is an every down player. Patrick Chung was being used as a “swiss army knife” all over the field. He seemed to be the first stringer over James Sanders, the calming veteran presence. Lastly is Brandon McGowan who flashed some playmaking abilities early on in 2009, but faded down the stretch. There could be a surprise cut from this group in either Sanders or McGowan. 

PatsPropaganda Depth Chart (as of 6/20/10)

RCB – Bodden, Wheatley

LCB – Butler, McCourty

Nickel – Wilhite, Wheatley

Dime – McCourty, Arrington

FS – Meriweather, Sanders

SS – Chung, McGowan

Patriots Mini-Camp Day 2 Wrap

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Never fun when real work and fake work (i.e. blogging) collide because the one that pays me is going to win out every time, and that ain’t blogging. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t have one eyeball on all things Patriots mini-camp related today.

Some points of interest to pass along:

It seems like a pretty safe bet that Wes Welker will be back sooner than later in 2010, but as we saw last year, a lack of 3rd and 4th receiving threats killed the Patriots offense. So this year all eyes are on Brandon Tate and Taylor Price, two young wide receivers who could make an impact this year. One quote I found particularly interesting from Andy Hart:

My early read on the young WR competition between Taylor Price and Brandon Tate is this – Price is the more fluid route runner with softer hands. Tate probably has better speed.

Nice to know they’re not the exact same player, and I hear more than one mention of Price looking a lot like David Givens.

The two areas on the defense that will be watched closest in training camp will be at OLB and RDE. Right now it sounds like former Raider Gerard Warren is getting a look at RDE, though it’s hard to read too much into a run stopper when they’re practicing without pads.

Meanwhile it sounds like everyone is getting a chance to show what they got at OLB, but early on it seems like TBC, Gary Guyton, Jerod Mayo and Derrick Burgess are the starting foursome. This is how an old coach of mine used to handle things when there were a lot of talented younger players… the vets got the early nod, putting the onus on the young guys to unseat them. So don’t rule Spikes, Cunningham, Crable or McKenzie out of the equation just yet.

The other player I’m expecting big things out of this year is Patrick Chung. Check out what Breer had to say about him:

Patrick Chung seems to be evolving into the type of “Swiss Army Knife” defensive back he was at Oregon, lining up all over the field. At times, he’d stay on the field when the first and second groups were switching, so it’s clear the coaches are trying to throw as much at him as possible. It’ll be interesting seeing how he’s employed in the fall.

It’s hard to read too much into these practices because you the coaches are rotating players thru all the positions, throwing a lot at them, and seeing what sticks.

Today’s recaps:

Thursday Patriots OTA Huddle Up

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The Patriots are scheduled to have mini-camp next week but I’m not sure if there will be media access, so this could be the last chance we have to hear about what’s going on in Foxboro these days until training camp.

First off, there’s a report from the Denver Post that the Pats sent Logan Mankins a letter notifying him that if he doesn’t sign his RFA tender by next week they will decrease his pay for 2010. Basically it comes down to this simple math for Logan:

  • Sign RFA Tender, make $3.268 million in 2010.
  • Don’t Sign RFA Tender, make $1.54 million in 2010.

Either way the Patriots hold all the cards. I’m sure the media will begin hammering the Pats for this, but look, they’re playing by the rules. I know everyone wants to live in a land where the best players get huge deals and are with the team forever but it’s far from that simple. If the NFLPA doesn’t like it, then they should negotiate to kill that, along with the Franchise Tag, in the next CBA.

It’s hard for fans to swallow when the team has power over a player, but that’s professional football. Get over it.

On to the OTA Huddle up after the jump…

Mike Reiss finally reports some news on Tyrone McKenzie, as well as a Ron Brace update:

Patriots followers haven’t seen much of Tyrone McKenzie, the 2009 third-round draft choice who missed his rookie campaign with a torn ACL. His reputation is as a Ted Johnson-type run-stuffer who could be a first- and second-down type option, and then coming off the field in passing situations in favor of more speed. But that might be underselling McKenzie, who at one point in this practice was the lone inside linebacker on the field in a sub package. He should be one of the more interesting players to watch in training camp as we learn more about his skill set.

With starting left defensive end Ty Warren not practicing, 2009 second-round draft choice Ron Brace stepped in next to Vince Wilfork when the team was working in its base 3-4. This was a reminder that while Brace didn’t see much time during his rookie campaign (approximately 50 defensive snaps all season), he very much remains in the team’s plans.

McKenzie played in three college programs and produced in all of them. His versatility is vastly underrated to this point, and he could even project as a pass rusher. Everyone wants to put the young Patriots linebackers in a box… a Ted Johnson-type, a Mike Vrabel-type, and so on… but the fact is that no two players are the same, and BB will use them each to maximize their strengths. What those are we’ll just have to wait and see.

As for Brace, a solid year on run downs from him would be greatly helpful to the Pats organization that could desperatly use a young, stout defensive lineman. He will be a player to watch in training camp.

Ian Rapoport has a Crazy Legs update:

It appeared that Shawn Crable got more looks with the big team, while Marques Murrell was with the scout team

It’s minor progress from last week for Crazy Legs, when he was running only with the scout team, but it’s progress none the less. Biggest question I have is whether or not he’s playing special teams.

Albert Breer (not FakeAlbertBreer) has an update on the one and only Patriot I can’t stand, Matthew Slater:

Matthew Slater, likely a player on the bubble, got some love from his teammates after making a great sideline catch on an out cut near the goal line (there was no defense for the drill); several receivers slipped trying to make the same catch on the wet grass.

Slater seems like a hard working, good kid, but I am DONE with him as a kick returner. It’s been two seasons of him catching the kick and running full speed into the closest oncoming defender, getting himself absolutely laid out, and thus firing up the other team. I get it. He’s fast. He works hard. He also never started at UCLA and there’s a reason. Lack of vision. I try not to be a hater, but I really would like to see the team say “Later Slater”.

Some other minor notes to pass along:

  • Welker was back out there again. This is really a great sign that he has not suffered any setbacks. Look no further than Thomas Davis of the Panthers who was just coming back from an ACL injury himself and re-tore the same ACL this week in OTAs. Things like that remind you that nothing is guaranteed and we’re lucky Welker has had smooth sailing so far.
  • Patrick Chung continues to run with Meriweather as a starting safety while James Sanders watches. Something tells me Sanders could be headed for the trade block if he’s not already there. He was a steadying force last year down the stretch but his high salary and low ceiling might open the door for Chung to become the starter.
  • Per Jason LaCanfora of NFL Network there’s still no real interest in Adalius Thomas. I try not to bash Thomas too badly, I feel like it’s more of a bandwagon thing to hate him, when no one really had a problem with him until this season. But it’s really interesting that no one wants him. Not even Rex Ryan. Says something about Adalius for sure.

Welker’s Still Practicing, and other news…

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Two more days of media access to OTAs this week. Let’s hope we stay injury free and maybe hear a little more about Tyrone McKenzie, Patrick Chung and Brandon Tate (aka this years x-factors). Early word is already out that Welker is back out there again, practicing as he did last week. This is a good sign, clearly he hasn’t had a setback and should continue to get better as we close in on training camp.

The season predictions are starting to roll in and, as we expected, the Jets are the sexy pick in the AFCE. Some people even have the Dolphins over the Pats, calling the Patriots “looking vulnerable” or saying they “just doesn’t ring like recent Patriots groups”. Well, last year at this time it looked like Bruschi and Seymour would be 2009 Pats, so in reality last years team wasn’t much different than the 2010 will be.

2009 was ground zero in the rebuilding process of the defense and they still won the AFC East. I don’t know how much better the Dolphins and Jets will truly be, but I feel extrememly confident that the Patriots will be significantly better, more experienced, hungrier, with an offense that will be as dangerous as anyones.

Projecting Roles on Patriots Defense

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Despite losing Trey Flowers and Malcom Brown, the Patriots brought in enough free agents and rookies, and have enough young veterans returning, that the 2019 squad shouldn’t miss a beat. The 2018 champs were as shutdown as any defense under Bill Belichick down the stretch, but this edition is more talented and deep.

The ability to morph in and out of different fronts and coverages defined the second dynasty defenses. How might this deep and versatile squad get deployed by Bill Belichick and the defensive staff (with unknown playcaller)? Let’s play.

The Additions

Michael Bennett has been a problematic pass rusher that Bill Belichick long coveted. Now that the Hoodie has him, expect Bennett to play to his strengths, which means getting after the quarterback from a variety of spots. The key with Bennett will be trying not to get him beat up in the run game early on in the year. If he’s still fresh in January he could produce the kind of game-changing plays Flowers has for the last three seasons.

John Simon was brought back after carving out a pass rusher role last season. If Simon can develop from there as Rob Ninkovich did he might seize a big role.

Rookie Chase Winovich could be an early contributor who can ease the early-down snaps for Bennett. Bringing an aggressive edge-setting mentality will really lock down a job for Winovich, but there’s also a good amount of competition for him.

Jamie Collins‘ return was unexpected and it sounds like Collins is right back to his old tricks within the Patriots defense. With Kyle Van Noy mastering the defense, the Patriots now have two really athletic linebackers. And that’s not including Ja’whaun Bentley, who showed a ton of promise last year before getting hurt.

Mike Pennel was one of the best run stoppers in the league last season and is a perfect fit to replace what Malcom Brown did. With Lawrence Guy coming off a career year and Danny Shelton also brought back, the middle of the defense looks solid.

Rookie Byron Cowart is another really good defensive tackle fit and could unseat Shelton.

On the back end it’s one of the most proven and deepest groups Belichick has ever had. Only rookie JoeJuan Williams would appear to have a shot at making the roster unless injuries strike.

So how will it all come together?

Run Downs/Regular

Guy and Pennel should anchor things inside when stopping the run is the priority. Behind them Elandon Roberts and Bentley should see plenty of action as the middle linebacker.

Deatrich Wise‘s development in year three is an area to watch. If Wise can emerge into an every-down edge-setting/pass-rushing end, the trickle-down effect will be immense.

The other edge spot is up for grabs after Bennett, who really should be saved from playing in the regular package. Ideally, Simon, Winovich or Derek Rivers wins the job in August. Those three should all see significant snaps early in the season at one time or another.

The outside linebackers finally have some depth, with Hightower, Van Noy and Collins all top-flight NFL players and edge setters in the run game. Collins’ return is great news for Hightower, who won’t have to play every snap right out of the gate.

The secondary core four has one question, who is CB2? J.C. Jackson? JoeJuan Williams? Jason McCourty? That will be determined in camp and the competition will only make a great secondary better.

Passing Downs/Sub

This is where the fun begins. The featured pieces upfront, Michael Bennett and Adam Butler on the line, with Hightower, Van Noy and Collins playing all kind of games behind them.

The versatility of those three linebackers is what will make the Patriots even better prepared to deal with the Chiefs this year.

After those five players, the Pats can search for the most effective combination, with Wise, Simon, Winovich and Rivers all getting opportunities. At least one should make some splash plays with the attention the linebackers will draw.

In sub, the Pats already go six deep with NFL experience and that doesn’t include the stud rookie Williams or last year’s top pick Duke Dawson. They have size, experience and an elite cornerback in Stephon Gilmore.

The key for the back-end are the safeties, especially Patrick Chung, who makes things work with his versatility. If there’s an Achilles Heel to this Patriots’ defense it might be losing Chung to injury. Having good linebacker depth is some insurance.

McCourty’s also versatile as Harmon has spent his career taking care of the back end and allowing D-Mac to move around. As a trio, there isn’t a better safety group in the NFL.

The Patriots have a veteran core that has led them to three Super Bowls and if they stay healthy there’s good reason to project this team back in the big game.

But there are still roles to be won and chances for new players to emerge. The team has a lot of really interesting depth which should make training camp fun.

As Tom Brady embarks on one of his final seasons, it’s nice to know the other side of the ball looks ready to carry things, if/when they have to and are set up to do so for a while.

Rodney Harrison Voted Into Patriots Hall of Fame

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Rodney Harrison beat out Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour to become the latest former member of the dynasty voted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. I’m going to be honest, I would’ve gone Mike Vrabel over him, but Rodney’s deserving nonetheless.

Let’s take a quick look back at Harrison’s tenure with the Patriots and the most memorable moments.

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Patriots Need Immediate-Impact 2019 Draft Class

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Things can change pretty quick around Foxboro. Today’s malcontent superstar on another team is tomorrow’s Patriots reclamation project.

That’s why the glaring holes on the Patriots roster might be deceiving. But if we’re going off how things look today on April 9th, there’s more pressure than ever for them to get the most out of their team-leading 12 draft picks and sooner rather than later.

Gronk is gone, along with Trey Flowers. They’re starting over at left tackle for the second year in a row after spending 17 seasons with only two different starters. Julian Edelman, Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung will all be 32 or older for Week 1. Tom Brady will be a decade older than them.

The cupboards aren’t entirely barren, but if they’re going to squeeze a seventh ring out of this thing, it’s once again time to find some to-be legends. If anyone can do it Belichick can, but it’s sure not getting any easier.

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