The New England Patriots' first preseason game of the year was mostly forgettable. There weren't many moments that had fans jumping out of their seats or looking forward to the next couple of exhibitions.
But, the Patriots do have two more preseason games to play, and there are some questions on this roster. There are positions up for grabs.
With that said, there are four specific players we want to see a bit more of in the coming preseason games, starting with a guy who seems to finally be coming around.
1. Shaun Wade, CB
Two years ago, the Baltimore Ravens traded Shaun Wade to the Patriots during his rookie season. The Patriots gave up a fifth and seventh-round pick to acquire Wade, but the former Ohio State standout has appeared active in just six games over the last two years.
Now in his third season, Wade has had a fantastic summer. He has been playing both nickel and safety for New England, and has performed well.
Two standout plays in today’s fully-padded practice:
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) August 14, 2023
👋 Kendrick Bourne made a one-handed touchdown grab with Myles Bryant in tight coverage. Good ball from Mac Jones. Great catch.
👋 Shaun Wade picked off Bailey Zappe with one hand on a screen. Would’ve been a pick-six.
Some Patriots fans have joked over the last two years by asking whether or not Wade is a real person, because of how Bill Belichick has treated him. Wade has been mostly an enigma, but appears to finally be breaking out and carving out a role as a backup defensive back.
The Patriots have always had a knack for developing defensive backs, so maybe Wade is just a late bloomer. In any event, we want to see more of him in the team's final two preseason games. He was outstanding at Ohio State, and still has a future in this league.
2. Pierre Strong, RB
Monday, the Patriots opted to sign veteran free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year deal. Third-year pro Rhamondre Stevenson looked like he was in full control as the team's starting running back and would get the bulk of carries this season. But now, the Patriots have invested a good chunk into the former Cowboys running back.
Stevenson should still be the starter, at least for now, because Elliott's best days are behind him. But, what does that mean for the rest of the depth chart? Ty Montgomery looks like he's got the third down role locked down, unless Elliott chips into that.
Further back, though, is 2022 fourth-round pick Pierre Strong Jr. out of South Dakota State. Strong came into the league as an intriguing prospect with a lot of speed and potentially game-breaking ability. Yet, as a rookie, Strong was given just 10 carries on the season.
In the Patriots' first preseason game against Houston, Strong was given six carries and took them for a total of 21 yards with a long of eight. Now that he's firmly behind Elliott, Stevenson and even Montgomery, I want to see hiim get an extended look. Even if it's to ultimately take on a larger role in Year 3, he needs some experience and far more carries than he's received in his first year-plus.
3. Kayshon Boutte, WR
Receiver has been a fun position to watch throughout camp, with both sixth-round rookies having some strong moments. Both Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas have shown they can have a role in this offense, even as late-round picks. Boutte is the more intriguing name, to me, because of his long-awaited potential coming out of LSU.
Most of us know, by now, that Boutte had a high ceiling ever since his first season with LSU. Inconsistencies throughout his college career somewhat derailed his draft stock and potential, but now that he's in a good situation and under one of the best coaches in the game, he's taken full advantage of his time.
In the first preseason game, Boutte played 20 snaps, getting two targets and securing both for seven yards. I would love to see more of Boutte in the coming preseason action. This is a team that doesn't know much about the receiver position beyond this year, other than the recently-extended DeVante Parker.
if Boutte can continue to get worked in and targeted, there's a great chance he can become a focal point of the offense in the coming years.
4. Scotty Washington, TE
Earlier this week, Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki went down with a shoulder injury. The injury could reportedly threaten his Week 1 status, but regardless, he should be shut down for the time being. That leaves the door open for one of a few other tight ends to step up and make plays, and potentially earn not just a roster spot but maybe even some playing time should Gesicki remain sidelined.
One of the guys I want to see more of, at the tight end position, is a former college wide receiver, Scotty Washington. The Wake Forest product went undrafted back in 2020 and has taken a long road to get to a point where he might make an impact. He spent the last two and a half years with the Cincinnati Bengals as a practice squad player.
When he was released last August, it took a month before the Patriots brought him onto their practice squad. During camp this year, Washington has had a couple of flashes. Because of his background as a college wide receiver, he presents a similar skill set that Gesicki is known for. This could give the Patriots an opportunity to try him with the ones and twos for a bit, and see what the fourth-year pro can do with some extended time.
We don't want to see just playing time, though, we want to see Washington get targeted. Let's see what he can do with the ball coming his way and in his hands.