New England Patriots Digest: On to Training Camp
In the first installment of New England Patriots Digest, we talk about two rookies trying to improve their game, a wide receiver aiming to crack the 53-man roster, and the Patriots newest tight end.
The New England Patriots finished their last organzied team activity (OTA) yesterday, now the wait until training camp begins. As coaches, staff, and players embark on their summer vacations, the buzz surrounding the team remains.
Every Friday, check back here for the week’s ‘Patriots Digest’, a collection of storylines, player analysis, and updates on your favorite team.
5 Rings, 5 Things
Five things you need to know
- An undrafted free agent gets a spot over a 2017 draft pick in Doug Kyed’s new ‘Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection‘.
- The Patriots will partake in joint practices with the Texans this August, according to a press release from Patriots.com.
- Tom Brady ranked third on Pro Football Focus’ ‘Top 50 NFL Players For 2017‘, Musket Fire’s Nick Ziegler broke down the quarterback’s spot on the list.
- On NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, Dolphins’ defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said his team’s “never been scared of the New England Patriots“.
- In his latest article, Musket Fire’s Matt Simo says the Patriots’ roster looks poised to win three Super Bowls.
Buying or Selling?
Which Patriots are helping their stock?
- WR Devin Lucien – Buying
Lucien continue’s to help his odds with another impressive grab in Tuesday’s OTA, per NESN’s Doug Kyed. Check out the photo on Patriots.com.
- DT Josh Augusta – Selling
According to the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe, Augusta “couldn’t finish” the second of two laps during minicamp. Doug Kyed says his conditioning is “a major concern” as he “struggled” again on Tuesday.
- DE Derek Rivers & DE Deatrich Wise, Jr. – Buying
The Patriots two rookie pass rushers stuck around after Tuesday’s practice to work with Trey Flowers, per CSN New England’s Phil Perry. NESN’s Zack Cox noted that Wise was one of the “last two players” off the field during Thursday’s minicamp session.
- CB Cyrus Jones – Selling
Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal shares, despite a good showing on Day 1 & 2 of minicamp, Jones’ struggles returned in the team’s final practice session. On Tuesday, the Herald’s Adam Kurkjian pointed out that Jones “dropped a kickoff” that landed “right in [his] hands”.
More from Musket Fire
- What trading Mac Jones during the draft can do for the Patriots
- Best and worst draft picks during the Bill Belichick era
- Early round Patriots draft picks you’ll hate now, love later
- Musket Fire Roundup: Our own final predictions for round 1
- Breaking down the Patriots’ options in the 2023 NFL Draft
Player of the Days: TE Dwayne Allen, #83
83 days remain until the New England Patriots kick off the regular season versus the Kansas City Chiefs.
This fall, Dwayne Allen will enter his first season with the New England Patriots following five-years with the conference rival, Indianapolis Colts. In March, the Pats traded their fourth-round pick in the 2017 draft for him and the Colts sixth-round pick.
Allen was drafted by Indianapolis in the third round of the 2012 draft, by way of Clemson University. The 6-foot-3 tight end had his best season in 2014 when he racked up 29 catches for 395 yards and eight touchdowns. Last season, he posted 35 grabs, 406 yards, and six touchdowns.
Next: 4 risers and fallers from OTAs
Unfortunately for Allen, he’s had trouble with drops throughout minicamp. However, struggles like this should begin to fade as his understanding of the offense increases.