5 players whose stock has gone up since the start of Patriots training camp
With the first preseason game just around the corner and the third week of training camp about to begin, the new regime in New England will be taking a long, hard look at the roster over the next few weeks. It is even more important that roster bubble players demonstrate the level of performance worthy of making the final 53-man roster.
Some players aren't necessarily on the bubble, but they have predominantly flown under the radar through two weeks of training camp, which isn't always great. While bad performances would bring more attention to them, middle-of-the-road performances are almost as bad as struggling.
A few players, however, have taken the task to heart to shine during training camp and prove they have the skills to be the type of contributors the team needs, while others have shown they have improved their skills since last season.
These five players have been consistent standouts for all the right reasons, and their stock has increased because of it.
5 players whose stock has gone up since the start of Patriots training camp
G Sidy Sow
Collectively, the offensive line has been more of an issue throughout training camp so far than providing promise for the season ahead. But two players have stood out for their consistently effective performance despite their struggling teammates, with the most exciting one being second year guard Sidy Sow.
He was one of the better players at the position during his rookie season last year, and he has already proven this summer that he's projecting forward in his development.
Because the new regime is determined to test out any and all combinations on the offensive line, especially with the lack of an official starting left tackle and Cole Strange set to miss much of the season, Sow has been moved around the line a lot and asked to play out of position on most days. That hasn't been a problem for him, though, which is a pleasant surprise given how poorly offensive line protection has been otherwise.
Sow has shown great improvement in a short amount of time and has been a standout during one-on-ones over the past two weeks. Given the circumstances surrounding the offensive line, his growth couldn't have come at a better time. He is now considered one of the best players on the unit, along with Michael Onwenu, which is quite high praise for the Eastern Michigan alum.
WR Javon Baker & Ja'Lynn Polk
While neither looking impressive on the practice field is a surprise, the rookie pair have been the top contributors of the offense and have already shown they will be just that once the regular season begins next month.
Ja'Lynn Polk took off running early in training camp, with his versatility and reliability standing out the most. He has been a weapon for Jacoby Brissett with the starting offense, but has also shown he can be just as good with Drake Maye leading the charge.
He's already being compared to Jakobi Meyers, a former Patriots receiver who worked his way to becoming the WR1 on the team through three years. Knowing how good Meyers was for the Patriots throughout his tenure, especially during his final season in 2022, it's exciting to think they might have that back with Polk.
Baker has also been making highlight-worthy plays this summer, probably putting together the most impressive catches since the start of camp nearly two weeks ago. His speed and natural skill at gaining separation have been on full display, and one of the most thrilling parts of his performance has been his ability to make plays over defenders.
How these two have looked so far brings a bit of optimism to a widely considered unexciting and untalented receiving corps. Baker and Polk will clearly be significant parts of the offense moving forward and will prove they are much better than what analysts are giving them credit for.