The New England Patriots’ minicamp — also known as teaching camp — is complete. Let the position battles begin.
The Patriots will have a few more organized team activities this spring, which will include further installation of the systems and playbooks for offense, defense and special teams. Then the team will get a summer break, before returning for training camp. Those practices — along with the preseason — will determine who makes New England’s roster.
That said, the Patriots have tipped their hand on what they expect out of some of the players on the roster. Their roles are far from defined, but the team is experimenting and tinkering with their new and returning players. And minicamp teased a few details about how the Patriots might construct their roster.
Quarterback (3)
Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Jarrett Stidham (rookie).
Stidham didn’t show enough during minicamp to justify bumping Hoyer off the roster. It’s likely that Stidham will need a year to develop before the Patriots entrust him as Brady’s backup.
Running back (6)
Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris (R), Brandon Bolden (special teams), James Develin (fullback).
Look out for the Patriots to consider trading Burkhead. After a long discussion with Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears, I can’t help but wonder whether the team wants Michel to step into Burkhead’s role as three-down threat. Meanwhile, Harris could take on Michel’s between-the-tackles role from 2018.
Receiver (7)
Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry (R), Josh Gordon, Phillip Dorsett, Demaryius Thomas, Maurice Harris, Matthew Slater (special teams).
The Patriots go heavy at receiver. It’s a group has a history of versatility (playing in the slot and outside) while contributing not just as pass-catchers, but also as run blockers. That’s important, because…
Tight end (1)
Matt LaCosse.
One tight end?! That’s right. Bill Belichick doesn’t bother trying to replace Gronk — not at the same position. He’ll use fullback Develin to help out with the tight end duties. But more importantly, the Patriots will lean on their large receivers (some of whom can play in the slot) in Harris, Harry and Thomas. Think of it this way: Would the Patriots rather keep Dorsett or second-year tight end Ryan Izzo? For now, it should be Dorsett.
Offensive line (8)
Isaiah Wynn, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon, Ted Karras, Yodny Cajuste (R), Hjalte Froholdt (R).
The offensive line may need a boost at tackle. But for now, they will rely upon Wynn and Cajuste getting healthy. Thuney, who has been taking reps at left tackle, could take over in a pinch. Because the Patriots are carrying so many skill players, their offensive line depth suffers — Brian Schwenke just missed the cut.
Defensive line (8)
Michael Bennett, Mike Pennell, Lawrence Guy, John Simon, Chase Winovich (R), Deatrich Wise, Adam Butler, Byron Cowart (R).
They’re lacking in depth, and while former third-round pick Derek Rivers has seen starter’s reps, he needs to prove himself in the coming months if he’s going to take a roster spot away from teammates like Butler or Wise — or even a player at another position.
Linebackers (6)
Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Elandon Roberts, Brandon King (special teams).
Roberts is in bubble danger, but for now, the Patriots keep a deep and impressive group of linebackers. Collins seems to be in the mix to start, but Bentley isn’t far behind him.
Cornerbacks (6)
Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones, Duke Dawson, Joejuan Williams (R).
Dawson will have to prove he can contribute on special teams if he’s going to bump Keion Crosse off the roster. Jones, meanwhile, seems like a decent trade candidate if both Crossen and Dawson have strong training camp and preseason performances. This should be the fiercest position battle.
Safeties (5)
Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Nate Ebner (special teams), Terrance Brooks (special teams).
It’s hard to imagine that anyone in this group is going anywhere. It’s also hard to imagine the Patriots carrying any more than five safeties. (Sorry, Obi Melifonwu.)
Special teams (3)
Stephen Gostkowski (kicker), Jake Bailey (punter), Joe Cardona (long snapper).
Bailey gives Ryan Allen the boot. The Patriots have loved Allen’s contributions, but they simply don’t like paying for punters. Bailey’s preseason performances may allow Belichick to move on from Allen.
