A day after sawing down their roster to 53 gamers, the Patriots have been again on the follow fields behind Gillette Stadium with another acquainted faces again in attendance because the group’s preliminary follow squad has been set.
The follow squad will stay at 16 gamers this season, with as much as 10 gamers allowed with beneath two years of enjoying expertise and 6 gamers allowed with limitless expertise. This carryover from the COVID protocols is a welcome one because it permits nice roster flexibility and new alternatives for veteran gamers who would possibly in any other case be out of the league.
Here is the rundown on who’s who on the preliminary follow squad.
Invoice Murray – A 2021 follow squad member as a defensive lineman, Murray transitioned to protect and nonetheless managed to make his option to the follow squad this yr as he gives depth on either side of the ball.
Kody Russey – A 2022 undrafted rookie, Russey confirmed stable progress over the summer season at heart, enjoying with an edge and incomes himself many followers on-line together with his snarly blocks.
James Ferentz – Ferentz is a dependable veteran who has been known as to motion quite a few instances over his Patriots tenure. He is began 27 video games over the past 4 seasons with the group and gives invaluable inside insurance coverage.
J.J. Taylor – The dynamic again has made his approach onto the follow squad for one more season, after enjoying 11 video games over his first two years. With Ty Montgomery not noticed at follow, Taylor may discover himself elevated to the gameday roster earlier than later to fill a third-down-back want.
Kevin Harris – The rookie sixth-rounder flashed some spectacular carries through the remaining preseason sport but in addition put the ball on the bottom twice. Fortunately he was capable of make it via to the follow squad the place the group can proceed to develop him and get these ball safety points beneath management.
Jalen Wydermyer – The massive rookie tight finish signed with the group only a couple weeks in the past however made sufficient of an impression to stay round on the follow squad.
Matt Sokol – Sokol has been making the follow squad rounds over the past three seasons and as soon as once more discovered a spot to stay in New England. He had an underrated coaching camp and confirmed some stable arms.
Tre Nixon – Nixon wasn’t capable of carry over his robust spring into the summer season as alternatives turned extra restricted, however the second-year participant stays one of many extra dynamic athletes on the group and he’ll present some invaluable receiver depth.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey – One of many darlings of summer season, the Patriots have been capable of hold on to Humphrey the place his large body may be put to make use of contained in the slot. With simply 4 wholesome receivers on the 53-man roster, both Humphrey or Nixon ought to see sport motion very quickly.
No. 68 – One offensive lineman was unidentifiable in follow and didn’t look like a participant who was with the group throughout camp. We’ll replace his id as soon as we get it.
LaBryan Ray – The undrafted rookie had a splashy summer season and the Patriots have been lucky to retain the ascending participant who battled accidents all through his school profession. Taking part in at a place with restricted youth and depth, Ray is a pleasant developmental piece at an vital spot alongside the defensive position.
Jeremiah Pharms – A former USFL participant, Pharms was one of many larger surprises from camp, approaching late to safe a spot with a powerful efficiency in opposition to the Raiders that included back-to-back run stuffs.
Harvey Langi – The veteran linebacker gives some in depth NFL expertise and particular groups savvy. He has 38 profession video games performed with 10 begins.
Cameron McGrone – The second-year linebacker missed his rookie season recovering from a torn ACL and by no means obtained an opportunity to shine this preseason. He’ll look to get absolutely again on observe as he continues to follow behind the scenes.
Terrence Mitchell – The veteran cornerback was a beginning fixture early in coaching camp earlier than the group moved in one other route. He’s nonetheless a fumble-forcer with good NFL expertise. With unproven depth at cornerback, Mitchell could possibly be known as upon.
Brad Hawkins – An undrafted security out of Michigan, Hawkins nonetheless managed to select up a spot regardless of the group retaining 5 safeties on the 53-man roster.
