Patriots kickoff 2016: A look at Frank Kearse
Today marks 72 days until the New England Patriots open the 2016 season in the Arizona desert, so we’re going to profile the owner of the No. 72 jersey, defensive lineman Frank Kearse.
Size: 6-foot-4, 315 pounds
College: Alabama A&M
2015 stats: One tackle, one sack (four games)
NFL experience: Five seasons
Hometown: Savannah, GA
Since being drafted in the seventh ground of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, Kearse has been the definition of a journeyman, receiving paychecks from the Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins before joining the Patriots this offseason. However, Kearse has only appeared in games for the Panthers, Cowboys and Redskins.
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The highlight of Kearse’s career thus far was his total of three sacks for the Redskins in the 2014 season. 2014 was also the only year that Kearse suited up for more than eight games, appearing in 15 that season.
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In New England, Kearse has no shortage of competition entering training camp. Of course, Jabaal Sheard, Rob Ninkovich and Chris Long are locked-in atop the defensive end depth chart. Furthermore, it’s hard to see promising sophomore pro Geneo Grissom getting cut, leaving Kearse to battle it out with Trey Flowers and Anthony Johnson for a No. 5 defensive end spot that probably won’t exist on the final roster.
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That being said, Kearse does bring an element of veteran experience to the competition that should serve him well in the dog days of summer. Who knows, maybe the sixth-year pro will show us something promising in the preseason.
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Be sure to stop by Musket Fire tomorrow morning as we mark 71 days until Patriots kickoff by profiling the owner of the No. 71 jersey, offensive tackle Cameron Fleming.