Here are four points of interest for the New England Patriots as they head into the practice-portion of organized team activities, which commenced on Monday, and minicamp, which spans from June 4 to June 6.
1. How will the Patriots compensate for Rob Gronkowski’s retirement?
They seemed resolved not to replace him at all – at least when it comes to the tight end position. What’s worse, they have significant turnover at the position beyond Gronk. The Patriots cut Dwayne Allen and traded Jacob Hollister.
New England will start fairly fresh at tight end in 2019. The Patriots didn’t draft a tight end, instead filling out their roster with middle-class signings in free agency. They added veteran Benjamin Watson, who started his career as a first-round pick in New England in 2004. The Patriots also signed Austin Seferian-Jenkins on a veteran minimum deal and signed lesser-known tight end Matt LaCosse. That doesn’t paint a clear picture of how they’re going to make up for Gronkowski’s production.
Without huge talent at tight end, they’ll look to players at other positions, with running back James White, a natural pass-catcher, likely to take on an increased workload. The Patriots also added or retained four receivers that are 6-foot-2 or taller, which should help compensate for the absence of a hulking Gronk in the starting lineup. Veteran receivers Demaryius Thomas arrived in free agency. Josh Gordon signed a restricted free agent tender and will return to the Patriots, if the league brings an end to his indefinite suspension. New England also signed veteran free agent Dontrelle Inman. And finally, Belichick drafted reciver N’Keal Harry in the first round in the draft, the highest the coach has ever taken a receiver.
2. How will Patriots respond to OTAs without Tom Brady?
The workouts aren’t mandatory, and Brady treated them as such last year. He skipped them for the second time in his tenure with the Patriots. It worked out just fine, with the Patriots ultimately winning the Super Bowl. But at the time, Brady had a solid group of returners in Julian Edelman, Gronkowski, White, Chris Hogan and Phillip Dorsett.
This year, there will be significantly more turnover and fewer familiar faces. Brady’s presence would be a welcome sight as they install the offense. And for those that don’t believe his presence is important, there’s evidence in running back Sony Michel. He missed significant practice time during training camp in 2018, his rookie season. Likely because of that, he and Brady were never on the same page in the passing game, and Michel’s contributions were limited to work on the ground.
Chemistry is paramount. That starts in the summer.
3. Which quarterback gets to back up Tom Brady?
The Patriots drafted Jarrett Stidham in the fourth round, which should put Brian Hoyer and Danny Etling on notice. Hoyer was a very solid backup in 2018 when he helped prepare the defense in meetings and on the scout team. Etling was on mysterious special assignments while working with the practice squad. Bill Belichick has made a habit of carrying three quarterbacks when he drafts a player in the third or fourth round.
Stidham may have been held back in Auburn’s simplified offense with an inept offensive line. He took an enormous amount of sacks in 2017, which seemed to stunt his development in 2018, when he had his worst year as a college starter. The Patriots will hope to strip down his bad tendencies to build on the good, which could take a year or two, even for Belichick. Still, if Stidham comes along at an accelerated pace, Hoyer could get bumped.
4. Who will rush the passer?
Defensive ends Trey Flowers and Adrian Clayborn both departed this offseason. They were the main starters for New England, even if Clayborn fell out of favor with Belichick as the season progressed. That leaves the Patriots with returning situational pass-rusher Deatrich Wise, who was also a bit of disappointment in 2018. Surely, that necessitated the trade for Michael Bennett, who will become an immediate starter. But that only fills one of the open spots. Wise may take an increased role. Chase Winovich, a 2018 draft selection, could also compete for a spot. And perhaps the Patriots will purse other options in free agency and by trade.
