Fans will get an opportunity to see New England Patriots rookies this week. The rookies will arrive in town for the first time later this week. ESPN’s Mike Reiss talked about it in his Sunday notes column.
The Patriots fielded a draft class of nine players this year. This includes first-round selection Caleb Lomu. Gabe Jacas was also thought of highly following the draft, and now fans will get a chance to see them.
This all leads up to the mandatory rookie minicamp, which begins on Friday. Reiss discussed what the process would look like, as a new era of Patriots football is set to get underway.
Lomu (No. 28) and the rest of the rookie class are scheduled to arrive in town Thursday for the official start of the team’s rookie minicamp. So the expectation is for Lomu’s introduction/ceremonial picture on Thursday, with on-field work beginning Friday
Patriots Have Polarizing Draft Class
The reviews on this particular draft class have been mixed. Lomu, for example, is someone that the Patriots view very highly. He is expected to start as a swing tackle. He is viewed as a potential Morgan Moses replacement, and can also help out on the left side in case Will Campbell continues to struggle on the line.
Jacas could be tasked with revitalizing the pass-rush. That aspect of the defense got a bit of a makeover this offseason. K’Lavon Chiasson went to the Washington Commanders, leaving a big hole in that area. The Patriots did sign Dre’Mont Jones from the Baltimore Ravens in order to help replace the production. However, Jacas could definitely be viewed as a younger option and a player who can grow within the defense.
Beyond that, there are other intriguing rookies. This includes former Texas Tech quarterback Behern Morton. A former Big 12 Player of the Year, Morton is more than happy to do whatever it takes to help out this Patriots team. Eli Raridon would help ease the Patriots into the future of the tight end position. Hunter Henry is 34 years old, and Raridon offers younger upside.
Then, you have a player like Dametrious Crownover. He measures at 6-foot-7, 336 pounds. He could add line depth, and at the very least, add size to the line. It is clear that the Patriots wanted to strengthen the offensive line, and they did that in this draft.
Patriots Offseason Work Continues
This is just another step towards the start of the football season. Rookies will be able to establish their routines, and begin getting familiar with the coaching staff and their teammates. This is certainly a unique year for the Patriots, as they are coming off a year in which they made a Super Bowl appearance. The trick now is being able to get back there and sustain. This can be done through solid drafts with rookies who can make an impact.
The Patriots certainly were able to get impact rookies in the first two rounds, while there are players with promise in the back half. Development and coaching are going to be important for this group, as the Patriots may need these players to step up in the not-so-distant future. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out, as the team looks to take on a tougher schedule than last season.
Patriots’ Future Arrives This Week as Minicamp Sparks Major Buzz