New England Patriots: examining the practice squad
Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
8. DB Daxton Swanson
Swanson is not a stranger to the Patriots’ practice squad. After turning heads in training camp last season (among a loaded cornerback group of Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner and all of those guys), Swanson spent the entirety of the 2014 season as a reserve. He beings 2015 in the same positon, but that’s not such a bad thing.
Considering all the turnover the Pats’ cornerback depth chart endured this offseason, it’s an accomplishment that Swanson has been able to stick around. The Pats like his ball skills and recovery ability, traits that should serve him well should a significant injury hit the secondary.
Note that the Patriots kept Swanson around instead of veteran Robert McClain, indicating how highly the Pats think of him. Also note that the Patriots have only four corners on the active roster right now, so Swanson is essentially No. 5; on most teams, he would be on the 53-man roster.
Related: Is Daxton Swanson the next Asante Samuel?
- LB Brandon King
When the Patriots signed undrafted free agent King back in May, he was considered to be a safety. But the Patriots have him listed as a linebacker, showing that Bill Belichick envisions the Auburn product developing into a hybrid safety-linebacker role. This is consistent with the Patriots’ recent scheming on defense that involves three safeties (which may explain why they took just four corners on the active roster).
At 6-foot-2, King is a bit undersized to be a regular linebacker, so keep an eye on this guy. It will be interesting to see if and how the Pats will use him in 2015, and beyond.
Next: 6. Darius Fleming & 5. Asante Cleveland