Musket Fire
FanSided

Ramon Humber: Forecasting 2016 production

By Connor Fulton

Nov 9, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) carries the ball as New Orleans Saints inside linebacker Ramon Humber (53) and cornerback Corey White (24) tackle during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) carries the ball as New Orleans Saints inside linebacker Ramon Humber (53) and cornerback Corey White (24) tackle during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Welcome to our tenth installment in a 12-part series in which we are forecasting the 2016 production of each of the New England Patriots’ offseason veteran additions. Today, we’re projecting the debut season of linebacker Ramon Humber in a Patriots uniform.

In case you missed them, here are three recent installments in the series:

Forecasting EJ Biggers’ 2016 production

Forecasting Donald Brown’s 2016 production

Forecasting Terrance Knighton’s 2016 production

The skinny: The Patriots signed veteran linebacker Humber to a one-year deal just under $1 million after the retirement of Dane Fletcher. After entering the league as an undrafted free agent, Humber has played seven season for the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints.

Predicting every Patriots game of 2016

Pessimistic forecast: Pushed by fellow veterans Jon Bostic, Jonathan Freeny, Kevin Snyder and James Vaughters in training camp, Humber fails to make the final roster. Even though he was signed with special teams in mind, Humber doesn’t prove worthy enough to be retained solely as a special teams contributor.

Pessimistic stats projection: Cut in training camp

Expectations of Patriots third-year players

Optimistic forecast: The longest-tenured Saints defender before his release in February, Humber’s experience and veteran prowess shines through during training camp and he the Patriots simply can’t cut him. Over the course of the season, Humber is an asset on special teams and gets on the field from time to time as the No. 4 linebacker behind Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower and Shea McClellin, standing above Freeny on the depth chart.

Optimistic stats projection: 34 combined tackles, sack, interception, fumble recovery

6 reasons why Patriots fans should be excited for 2016 NFL Draft

Realistic forecast: Humber makes the final roster by the skin of his teeth. In fact, he only makes the roster because of his special teams strengths. On the depth chart, Humber gets slotted behind Freeny at the No. 5 spot, and he isn’t activated for every regular season game. Humber does his job in his specific role, and that’s all the Patriots can ask.

Realistic stats projection: 15 combined tackles

Next: Revisiting and grading Patriots’ 2015 NFL Draft picks

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.

Home/Patriots News