new england patriots

We’re fighting the good fight on two fronts this summer. First, and most important, is training camp. And there’s Deflategate, which took a turn on Friday for the Patriots’ good, and seems to be headed for a conclusion as quickly as the judge can make it happen.

Let’s stick to real football today, with things that are sticking out to me right now.

– Having Jerod Mayo full-go and Dont’a Hightower close to full-go is an amazing development to start camp off. I thought there was a realistic chance both would start on the PUP list and without Spikes or Fletcher, there’s basically be Jamie Collins as the only legitimate starting NFL linebacker in camp. Just having the veteran presence to make all the calls is going to help the defense get up to speed a lot quicker. 

– Speaking of Collins, he continues to look like a superstar in the making. I watched a lot of his film this offseason and I was only more and more impressed with how well-rounded he is. I would love to see what he does when there’s a complimentary cover linebacker like Mayo in the mix with him.

– While I still don’t think we can write Ryan Wendell off right away, it’s good to see the Pats starting and sticking with an interior line featuring two rookie guards – Shaq Mason and Tre Jackson. Last year they had no continuity at any position except right tackle in the early part of the season, even Solder was getting rotated out in camp. At least the rookies are getting their feet wet and from the sounds of it, Stork looks even more impressive this year. Have to say I’m most curious to see Shaq in pass protection, that could determine if he’s ready to start. He should be a wrecking ball in the running game. He’s one to focus on this preseason.

– Here’s how I see the current offensive depth chart after the first four practices, based on various reports. Nothing is set in stone but for the most part this is how it seems like they’re starting off.

Dobson has made some impressive catches but we’ve seen that before from him. The key will be to staying healthy and building on his good plays. Can he do enough to eat into LaFell’s snaps once he returns? I still have my doubts but a good start is a good start.

– While many of us could see Vollmer getting traded based on his age, salary, injury history and depth behind him, I’m not reading too much into Cannon getting more starter snaps early. Vollmer is coming off surgery and they’ll manage his return. Let’s not write Vollmer off completely, he’s one of the best right tackles in the game and could play left tackle if anything happens to Solder. I have my doubts Cannon or Fleming could slide to the left.

– Seems like James White and Travaris Cadet will be neck and neck all summer for the starting passing down back. Most important will be watching how well they pick up pass rushers when asked to block. White might be undersized but that didn’t stop Danny Woodhead. He still has the inside track as I see it.

– Defensively things are starting to become a little clearer as well especially at cornerback where it seems like Butler and Brown have made the most plays the first few days. Logan Ryan will get plenty of snaps and Robert McClain has drawn some praise as well. Not much mention of Bradley Fletcher so far, but it’s all very fluid. If Brown excels on the outside it could shift Ryan into more of a slot competition with McClain.

– Jordan Richards has the only interception of camp and has drawn consistent praise for being in the right spots. Another strong safety Belichick was said to have reached on, Richards is showing that he just might be a player worthy of his draft status. Still a long way to go.

– Jeff Howe reported that Flowers was ahead of Grissom on the depth chart so it’s reflected above. The Pats have also been using packages with Nink/Chandler and Sheard. That will be fun to watch.

– Eric Martin is a random name that has popped up a bit as well, even moreso after he won an offseason award. The backup/special team linebacker roles are always the hardest to project but he should be in the mix if White doesn’t get healthy sooner than later. Who knows how Fleming/Freney/Morris plays out. They’ll see plenty of time this preseason, would love for one of them to show potential on defense – a fourth LB would be hugely helpful, there’s not much depth there as is.