5 Patriots players who are already turning heads at OTAs

Keion White

Although his performance on the field is yet to stand out for the media when in attendance, Jerod Mayo let everyone know that defensive end Keion White is well on his way to having the second year jump we all are hoping for.

White was a part of a well-oiled machine last year, and despite opportunities presented to him, like Matthew Judon's absence from Week 4 on, he couldn't make much of an impact on the field. Some of it can be blamed on his lack of usage, especially in his natural position.

But he also failed to put together many flashy moments that lent some confidence in what he could eventually become for the defense.

Fortunately, he has put in the work this offseason and has already demonstrated improvements from last year, which Mayo noted when speaking to reporters after practice on Wednesday.

“I would say Keion is kind of taking that step forward as far as being a leader. Not as much vocally, but you see him actually leading the groups and working well with others. … He’s always been a strong guy. But I would say he’s even stronger now. He is here each and every day, and in the meeting rooms, he is actually kind of talking and leading those conversations, which I think is important. And we always talk about that Year 2 jump, that’s the biggest jump you’re going to have.”

With such an impressive final season at Georgia Tech, it's clear White is capable of great things; he just needs to harness it and bring it to the field on game day. It's great to hear the work he's put in is already showing this early in the offseason, and hopefully, that will continue as the summer nears.

It would strengthen the defense to have another solid pass rusher in the lineup to help make Judon's job a bit easier, as he has been the sole producer against opposing quarterbacks. White stepping up to the plate would benefit everyone involved and help solidify his role on the team moving forward.