Examining New England Patriots rookies snap counts through Week 3

Three of 16 New England Patriots games in 2016 are in the books, giving us enough of a sample size to start analyzing the contributions of rookies this season.

Let’s take a closer look at the snap counts of the eight Patriots rookies on the roster, starting with those who have played the least.

[Editor’s note: All snap counts statistics come by way of Pro Football Reference.]

9. Jonathan Jones (UFA signing)

Total snaps: 0

Percentage of total defensive snaps: 0%

Week 1 snaps: 0

Week 2 snaps: 0

Week 3 snaps: 0

After making the final roster over fellow undrafted rookies Cre’Von LeBlanc and V’Angelo Bentley, as well as veterans Darryl Roberts and E.J. Biggers, Jonathan Jones has yet to touch the field.

When the Patriots bring additional defensive backs onto the field outside of Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung, it goes in this order: Duron Harmon, Justin Coleman and Cyrus Jones. The other Jones rookie is in the same boat as Jordan Richards in that the Patriots will rarely use him unless injuries start to rack up.

So at this point, it looks like the Auburn product will have to wait his turn, just like 2015 Auburn undrafted rookie Brandon King did last year.

Next: 8. D.J. Foster