New England Patriots Digest: Things to watch in training camp

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on with Cyrus Jones
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on with Cyrus Jones /
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New England Patriots
CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 17: Kony Ealy /

Players to watch in training camp and the preseason

Names worth watching throughout the summer.

DE Kony Ealy

The Patriots acquired defensive end Kony Ealy in a trade with the Panthers this March. The former second-round pick tallied 14 sacks, six forced fumbles, and an interception in three seasons with Carolina. Ealy’s best known for his strong performance in Super Bowl 50 when he collected three sacks and an interception versus the Denver Broncos.

New England will rely on Ealy to help fill the void left behind by free agent departures, Chris Long and Jabaal Sheard. Despite his multi-sack showing in Super Bowl 50, Ealy was one of the league’s least efficient pass rushers in 2016, according to Pro Football Focus.

Whether or not he’s a roster lock is still up for debate but a solid showing in the preseason will increase his odds at making the team.