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Patriots need to follow through with plans for their rookies to end the season

By Sara Marshall

Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) celebrates with offensive tackle Caedan Wallace (70) and guard Layden Robinson (64) after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Aug 15, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) celebrates with offensive tackle Caedan Wallace (70) and guard Layden Robinson (64) after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images / Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
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The Patriots 2024 rookie class has been seriously underwhelming so far this season, which has been a disappointing development given some of their impressive showings throughout the summer. There was a lot of excitement surrounding the receivers, in particular, with both Javon Baker and Ja'Lynn Polk having standout moments at some point during training camp, only for neither to make much of an impact through 13 games.

The rookie offensive linemen Layden Robinson and Caedan Wallace have had the most opportunities to show what they can do for the team with the countless injuries to the starting linemen group. But they have also dealt with their own injuries to limit the coach's view of what they have in their latest prospects.

With just four games left to be played, there aren't many more chances for that to change, but that's not the plan that Jerod Mayo has in mind for the final stretch.

Patriots rookies will be getting more chances to make an impact before the end of the season

While speaking to NBC Sports Boston's Tom Curran, the head coach shared the Patriots' desire to have the rookies on the field more for the remainder of the season, mostly to see what kind of players they are before making moves in free agency and the draft.

“You have (Javon) Baker, you have (Ja’Lynn) Polk, you have Layden Robinson, Caedan Wallace — all of those guys — we wanna push them out there in an effort to know what we have in the offseason.”

It's crucial that the coaching staff follow through with this, especially with the players Mayo mentioned. The receiving corps and offensive line will be two of the most important groups to improve upon, and if they already have some players they can lean on on the roster, it lessens the urgency of filling those spots.

The Patriots know what they must prioritize if they're not up to par. That could drastically change their approach to free agency and the draft, both of which are even more important next offseason.

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