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Today marks the second day of New England Patriots training camp. Let’s keep talking about real football. In particular, let’s talk about some returning Patriots players who could find themselves on the cutting block in a matter of weeks.
During the offseason, personnel turnover is a constant reality. It’s not just limited to losses in free agency and trades; it lasts all the way until Week 1. Some of the players who hoisted the Lombardi trophy back in February may not be with the team at this time next month.
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With that in mind, let’s take a look at four Super Bowl XLIX ring-bearers who are in serious danger of getting in the month of August. These are familiar players, so it would be tough to see them depart New England, but the realities of the NFL may set in for them sooner rather than later.
Remember that with each veteran cut, there is an upstart rookie or another promising young player taking his place on the roster. That’s the way it goes in the NFL, especially in New England.
Let’s get to it.
Next: 4. Hooman
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4. Michael Hoomanawanui
Hooman is a classic Bill Belichick player. He quietly goes about his business, works hard and succeeds in his clear-cut role.
Wait, that’s the wrong tense. It should be “succeeded”… not “succeeds”.
You see, the days of Hooman’s outstanding blocking are dwindling. Hooman’s rare contributions in the passing game (when he catches a pass, you can look up in the sky and see a pig flying) weren’t an issue when he was blocking so well. But now that his blocking ability is tailing off, we have a problem.
Here is what EndZoneScore.com’s Cameron Doherty had to say about that problem:
"Last season Hooman missed so many blocks and just looked lost out there at times. What Hooman was once only good for he can’t do any longer. Belichick may have a not so hard decision to make. With guys like Rob Gronkowski, Scott Chandler and even rookie A.J. Derby ahead of him on the depth chart, it’s hard to see how Hooman will fit in. He can’t do anything anymore. Gronkowski and Chandler are both fantastic blockers. Derby, who isn’t the best blocker, is a natural pass catcher who will find a role on this team."
What puts Hooman in such a tough spot is the introduction of Derby into the tight end competition. With two excellent blockers already on the depth chart, the Patriots may decide to keep the promising rookie instead of the declining veteran.
In short, Hooman is in danger of getting cut because the Patriots may not need the skill set that Hooman can no longer offer at a high level.
Next: 3. Josh Boyce
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3. Josh Boyce
Drafted out of TCU in the fourth round back in 2013, Boyce has yet to make a significant impact for the Patriots. The only real game action Boyce has seen came in his rookie year when he snagged nine passes for 121 yards and averaged 23.8 yards on nine kick returns.
In 2014, Boyce was active for only one game, and it was the meaningless Week 17 encounter with the Buffalo Bills. So he isn’t exactly riding a chariot of experience into Patriots training camp.
Saying it’s an uphill battle for Boyce to make the 53-man roster would be an understatement. Aaron Dobson are Brian Tyms are returning Patriots that have a leg-up on Boyce in training camp, and one could argue that free agent addition Brandon Gibson and undrafted rookie Chris Harper bring more to the passing game than Boyce.
Really, Boyce’s only path of entry onto the team is kick returning. According to Kevin Duffy of MassLive.com, Boyce got work on kick returns in yesterday’s practice along with Travaris Cadet and Danny Amendola. However, since Cadet and Amendola are better equipped to serve roles in the offense, the cards are stacked against Boyce as training camp continues.
Boyce spent all but one week on the practice squad last year. He’ll be lucky if he assumes that post again in 2015.
Next: 2. Tavon Wilson
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Tavon Wilson
2. Tavon Wilson
In the first day of Patriots training camp, Rob Gronkowski embarrassed Wilson. Here’s an account from Erik Scalavino of Patriots Football Weekly, who called it the play of the day:
"During red zone 11-on-11, QB Jimmy Garoppolo dropped back and play-actioned not once, but twice (to his running back and a receiver on an end-around) before firing a pass down the seam to TE Rob Gronkowski. With safety Tavon Wilson trailing him, Gronk raised both arms above his head and kept them there to make the catch in the end zone. He then transferred the ball to his right hand while swatting away Wilson with his left and, in one fell swoop, spiked the football in the back of the end zone."
Of course, this is Gronk we’re talking about, so it’s sort of unfair to pick on Wilson. But this could be a hint of what’s to come for the fourth-year free safety.
After making the clinching interception in the Divisional Round this January, Duron Harmon has proven himself as the best backup for Devin McCourty at free safety. Since picking off four passes as a rookie, Wilson’s role in the secondary has steadily decreased, and 2014 very well could have been his final year in New England.
And it’s not like Wilson stands a good chance of switching to strong safety; Patrick Chung has resurrected his career in a major way, and rookie Jordan Richards looks promising (he picked off Garoppolo yesterday). As for the fifth spot, that is reserved for special teams ace Nate Ebner.
Next: 1. Chris Jones
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1. Chris Jones
Currently on the PUP list, Jones was not in attendance at the first day of Patriots training camp, according to NESN’s Doug Kyed.
The drafting of Dominique Easley last year didn’t bode well for Jones, but he managed to retain his roster spot and record three sacks. The drafting of Malcom Brown this spring, however, could spell the end of Jones’ time in New England.
Also working against Jones is the presence of proven veterans Alan Branch and Sealver Siliga on the depth chart, both of whom are slated to start ahead of Jones right now. While he should have the edge over Antonio Johnson and undrafted rookie Vince Taylor, it will be tough for Jones to survive Patriots training camp.
Jones has been a solid member of the Patriots for two seasons now. He is best known for his deciding role in not just one Jets-Patriots game, but two in the past two seasons (blocked field goal for the win this past October and costly penalty in October of 2013).
If he gets cut, we’ll miss the Bowling Green product. But it’s time to make room for Brown and Easley, who represent the future of the Patriots’ interior defensive line.