Patriots kickoff 2016: A look at Kevin Snyder
Today marks 45 days until the New England Patriots open the 2016 season, so we are continuing our summer-long series by taking a look at the owner of the No. 45 jersey, second-year linebacker Kevin Snyder.
Size: 6-foot-2, 240 pounds
College: Rutgers
Experience: One season
After going undrafted last year, Snyder signed with the Detroit Lions. He worked in the Motor City all summer long, but unfortunately broke his hand in the second week of the preseason, from which point he was placed on injured reserve. As the season progressed, Snyder was signed the to San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad, only to be released in early December.
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The Patriots swooped in and signed Snyder to their practice squad in mid-December. He actually suited up for the AFC Championship Game, but did not touch the field. A product of the Rutgers pipeline of humble, hard working defenders, Snyder also possesses the versatility trait that Bill Belichick looks for throughout the roster; he was Rutgers’ backup long snapper, so he could pull that duty in a pinch.
Recent installments in Patriots kick-off countdown profile series:
46 days – No. 46 James Develin
48 days – No. 48 Kamu Grugier-Hill
There aren’t many scouting reports out there on Snyder, but the general consensus is that he is better suited toward specials teams. He’s not a guy you want playing 50, 60 snaps a game because he is vulnerable against the run, but Snyder holds potential in a small special teams role. The problem is that there is a LONG line of competitors Snyder faces, from rookies Kamu Grugier-Hill and Elandon Roberts to special teams veteran Ramon Humber and 2015 training camp standout Rufus Johnson.
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Realistically, Snyder’s chances of lasting through even the first few rounds of cuts are slim. He will really have to show the Patriots something to navigate all the way through August and onto the practice squad (the final roster is pretty much out of the question).
Next: 10 Most Exciting Sophomore Pros on Pats Roster
Be sure to stop by Musket Fire on tomorrow morning as we count down 44 days until kickoff by profiling the owner of the No. 44 jersey, undrafted rookie tight end Steven Scheu.