5 New Patriots Emerging in Camp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMNuIREIhPk

There have only been five Patriots training camp practices, and while we don’t want to annoy Bill Belichick by getting overzealous with our analysis just yet, it’s obvious that some young and new players are emerging and could take on significant roles with the team this season.

It’s an annual right of passage — some random undrafted player or veteran free agent castoff suddenly clicks in the system and becomes someone the team leans on. This summer has been no different, and while some of those emerging were more anticipated than others, it’s clear that the 2017 Patriots will have new faces in a number of spots.

Let’s take a look at the five guys getting the most attention early in camp.

1. Lawrence Guy — Not much of a surprise if you’re a reader of this blog, but Guy has been the beast inside that we expected he would be, getting snaps with the first team defense as Alan Branch works his way back in. Guy should be a solid rotational player on the defensive line and can play a variety of different spots, though he’ll primarily line up over the center and guards.
2. Dietrich Wise — Pretty much anyone who has watched a training camp practice has come away impressed with the fourth-round pick’s size and ability. He’s looked like he fits in immediately and on Monday got plenty of looks with the first team defense. Wise is getting looks in a variety of roles, including defensive end and along the interior, as well as spending some time on his feet. He seems very much in the Trey Flowers mold in terms of his role, but is bigger and longer than Flowers. So far, Wise has been the rookie standout.
3. Harvey Langi — Langi was a heralded undrafted signee and the Patriots have backed up that interest by giving Langi plenty of looks, mostly at outside linebacker. He’s looked overwhelmed at times, but with Rob Ninkovich‘s retirement it could open up a roster spot for someone like Langi. He’ll be one to watch in the preseason to get a sense of how he’s grasping the defense and how he handles NFL competition in real game situations.
4. Brandin Cooks — File this under “not a big surprise” but Cooks has been every bit explosive as we all knew he would be and has already shown good chemistry with Tom Brady. How exactly the Patriots will use Cooks in gameplan situations won’t be unveiled until the regular season, but it’s already clear in camp the new dimensions that the receiver can add to the offense. Between him and Edelman there’s just so much speed and quickness for defenses to deal with. Throw Gronk, Hogan, Mitchell, Amendola and the running backs in the mix and yeah, good luck stopping them.
5. Kenny Moore — There’s always an undrafted defensive back who makes some noise, isn’t there? Moore is just 5’9″ out of Valdosta State, but has been getting thrown into the fire moreso than any of the other six undrafted d-backs. Moore  was a four-year starter and played a ton of college football, but no one has a tougher road to make the roster. The cornerback group is stacked, with everyone, including Justin Coleman and Cyrus Jones making plays in camp. It might take an injury for Moore to stick, but they’re sure taking a long look at him.
6. (BONUS) Austin Carr — I left Carr off of here in the initial post but as many astute followers pointed out, he should definitely be on here. So far, Carr has caught everything that has come his way and has lined up in multiple receiver spots. There’s a log jam at receiver, but you can never have a shortage of guys who know how to get open quick. The Pats might be forced to find a roster spot for Carr, and a receiver injury might be what he needs. Slipping him through to the practice squad seems like a good bet at least.