5 second-year Patriots players who need to step up in 2024
By Rhys Knott
Isaiah Bolden
Bolden had his own problem with a head injury in 2023. A collision with a teammate in preseason caused him to spend a night in Aurora Bay Medical Center in Green Bay and miss the entire 2023 season.
The Jackson State product was the only HBCU college athlete to be drafted in 2023, which made his absence even more depressing.
The Tampa native is the same size as Christian Gonzalez and has some serious speed. Bolden reportedly ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash in the lead-up to the 2023 draft. The only cornerbacks in his draft class who ran faster were Jakorian Bennett, now a Raider, and D.J Turner, a second-round pick for the Bengals.
He will compete with Jalen Reagor for kick-returning duties, but hopefully, he’ll see some defensive snaps, too. His injury was so freakish that he should be given more time to prove he can play in the NFL.
Patriots seventh round pick and NFLPA Alumn Isaiah Bolden reached a max speed of 21.3 mph (90%ile) on this touchdown.
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) May 6, 2023
With his elite speed, the lone HBCU player selected in the NFL draft could make an immediate impact as a returner. #ReelSpeed #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/vpnVWlamW9