Jason Pombo

The Patriots started their 2020 season on the right foot, as they took care of business and defeated the Miami Dolphins by a score of 21-11.

This was Cam Newton’s first game since September 12th, 2019. The former MVP performed well, shook off some early rust, and helped propel the Patriots to victory.

The new-look Patriots offense featured a lot of old school football tactics, and it was quite effective. Running the football, controlling the clock, and winning the turnover battle were three things the Patriots really excelled at during their week 1 performance.

After three seasons in Jacksonville, the Jaguars have released the 4th overall pick pick in the 2017 draft, Leonard Fournette. The 25-year-old Fournette is coming off a season in which he had a career high in a number of statistical categories. Fournette had a career high in games played, rushing yards, yards per carry, and receptions. But, Fournette’s departure in Jacksonville shouldn’t come as a surprise. He had previous issues with head coach Doug Marrone, and reportedly has been on the trade block for quite some time.

Fournette cleared waivers and can officially sign with any team. At this point in time, Fournette’s market is unknown, but according to BetOnline, the Patriots are co-favorites to land Fournette at 11-4 odds.

The Patriots head into 2020 with an abundance of question marks at the wide receiver position. The Patriots currently have 11 receivers on the roster. But, the question is, which of these receivers will step up and make the 53-man roster?

Last season, the Patriots really struggled at the wide receiver position. Julian Edelman was productive, but he still led the NFL in drops. The Patriots were never able to truly establish a number two receiver last season. Antonio Brown and Josh Gordon did not pan out, N’Keal Harry was often injured, Mohamed Sanu never established himself, and Philip Dorsett regressed.

Many expected the Patriots to make a big splash via trade or free agency to address the need. But, the only free agent addition the Patriots made at the position was signing the speedy Damiere Byrd. They also signed Marqise Lee, but he opted out of the 2020 season, so he will not be in the fold.

After sitting out free agency many expected the Patriots to pursue a wide receiver in the draft. This was supposed to be one of the deepest drafts at wide receiver. There was projected talent all over the board. However, Bill Belichick and the Patriots decided to pass up on drafting a wide receiver completely. The draft concluded with 37 receivers taken, and 17 in the first three rounds, none by the Patriots.

So, as training camp progresses, Bill Belichick will soon need to figure out which combination of wide receivers gives the Patriots the best chance to win.

ROSTER LOCKS

Julian Edelman

Even at age 34, Julian Edelman is clearly the best receiver on this team, and will likely lead the team in receptions if he can stay healthy. His leadership, toughness, and grit sets him apart. Going into year 12, expect Julian Edelman to still be that reliable target who will catch 70-80 passes. Edelman is now tasked with the challenge to prove that he’s not just a creation of Tom Brady. If he can continue to act as a safety blanket and continues to shoulder the workload for the receivers, he’ll become a huge help for whoever the next quarterback is.

N’Keal Harry

When it comes to N’Keal Harry, the expectations are a little bit different. Harry is entering his second season after a disappointing, injury plagued rookie season. Harry has not really had a good training camp to this point, and has missed a couple of practices. However, this season is very important for Harry, as he needs to take a step forward in his growth and development. N’Keal Harry was a first-round pick in the 2019 draft, and needs to play like it in 2020. But, none-the-less, N’Keal Harry will be on the roster just off his draft position alone. Not even Bill Belichick can bail on a first-round draft choice after one season.

LIKELY TO MAKE THE ROSTER

Damiere Byrd

Damiere Byrd came to New England in free agency after a brief one season stint in Arizona. Before that Byrd spent time with Cam Newton in Carolina. His quickness and ability to take the top off a defense is evident, and has to be one of the reasons why Bill Belichick brought Byrd into New England. So far, Byrd has been a constant playmaker in training camp, and has turned some heads. I could see Byrd replacing Phillip Dorsett in this offense, as they both are similar players. Byrd could ultimately become a big part of this offense, and is certainly one of the wild cards of this group. I’d be really surprised if Bill Belichick cut bait with Byrd.

Mohamed Sanu

Mohamed Sanu is entering his first full season in New England after the Patriots traded for him last October. They paid a hefty price to land Sanu, and to this point it has been an utter disappointment. Giving up a second-round pick was a lot for Sanu, and he’ll need to make an impact in 2020 to justify the move. Sanu hasn’t really stuck out in training camp, and hasn’t drawn much praise or criticism. But, Sanu is owed $6.5 million this season making it likely he’ll be on the roster. Similar to N’Keal Harry, I don’t expect Bill Belichick to jump ship on Sanu after only eight games last season.

ON THE ROSTER BUBBLE

Jakobi Meyers

Jakobi Meyers was the training camp darling last season, and scratched and clawed his way onto the 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie free agent. Many people expected Meyers to make an impact on the depleted receiving corp last season. But, Meyers only brought in 26 passes on 41 targets. Meyers struggled with getting on the same page with Tom Brady and only caught four passes in his last three regular season games. On top of his poor finish to last season, Meyers has not had a good training camp, thus far. Meyers needs to really step up in the next week or two if he wants to make the roster. At this point in time, I think he’s on the outside looking in as training camp heats up. If Meyers turns things around and shows some flashes like last training camp he can put himself in better position to make the 53-man roster.

Gunner Olszewski

Gunner Olszewski has really stood out in camp, and is really turning some heads. NESN’s Doug Kyed said that, “Olszewski has looked like the second best WR in camp behind Julian Edelman.” Even Bill Belichick has had some high praise for Olszewski, “Gunner’s improved tremendously. Again, both physically and from a football standpoint, he’s a smart kid, he works extremely hard. He’s tough, he’s very, very competitive.” That’s some high praise for Olszewski who made his way on the 53-man roster last season as an undrafted rookie from Bemidji State. However, before landing on injured reserve with an ankle and hamstring injury, Olszewski was used on special teams as a punt returner. But, this season could be different, I expect Olszewski out there catching passes along with being a contributor on special teams. He’s outplayed Meyers so far in training camp and his ability to be a factor in special teams gives him a leg up on the other receivers on the bubble.

Devin Ross

Devin Ross has come out of the woodwork in camp, and has put himself in position to have a chance for a roster spot. The Patriots signed Ross to their practice squad last October, and his name is gaining traction in camp. He’s been an active playmaker, and has been active catching the deep ball. Bill Belichick sounded very pleased with Ross thus far when he was asked about him, “I think that he’s improved from this year to last year. We’ll see how things go here, but yeah, he looks like he’s ready to go and ready to compete, and we’ll see how that all comes together.” Belichick also cited that he did not believe that Ross was healthy last season, and Ross seems healthier now. It might take an injury to get Ross on the 53-man roster, but he will certainly be in the conversation for a roster spot.

UNLIKELY TO MAKE THE ROSTER

Jeff Thomas

There was a lot of commotion surrounding Jeff Thomas entering training camp. Many had him pegged as an underrated candidate to steal a roster spot. Thomas came into camp as an undrafted rookie from the University of Miami. But, Thomas has been quiet this far and has missed some time in practice. He suffered a leg injury on Friday that has forced him to miss the last three practices. At this point, Thomas has not done enough to warrant a roster spot. He could be a practice squad candidate, or depending on the severity of his injury could be placed on injured reserved. If placed on injured reserve, the Patriots would retain his rights in 2021. So, Thomas may become a future project for the Patriots.

Will Hastings

Will Hastings was an undrafted rookie free agent signing out of Auburn. However, Hastings was originally released on July 26th, but he was resigned on July 28th. Hastings had a productive career at Auburn, and played well when Jarrett Stidham was his quarterback. Hastings has not really shined in training camp, so it seems like he truly is a long-shot to make the roster. Hastings would be a practice squad candidate.

Isaiah Zuber

Isaiah Zuber is in a similar situation as Will Hastings in regard to a roster spot. Zuber had a prolific college career as he caught 141 passes registering over 1,500 receiving yards at Kansas State and Mississippi State. But, with a plethora of options ahead of him, it’ll be tough for Zuber to get on the squad. However, he may have to compete with Hastings for a practice squad spot.

ROSTER PREDICTION

Julian Edelman

N’Keal Harry

Damiere Byrd

Mohamed Sanu

Gunner Olszewski

Training camp may be underway, but should Bill Belichick and the Patriots be looking to upgrade their pass-rush?

Three-time pro-bowler Jadeveon Clowney has still yet to find a home, and is the highest profile free agent remaining on the market. The Patriots pass-rush took a hit this offseason as they lost their two leading sack leaders from 2019 in Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy. Even with Collins and Van Noy last season, the Patriots still ranked only 12th in the NFL in sacks per game. Now with the loss for those two, the Patriots immediately project to finish in the bottom third of the league in sacks. But, if Clowney was to enter the picture, everything changes.

First off, if Clowney and Belichick were to unite, Clowney would likely have to swallow one-year contact that would likely be under market value and would likely be tied to a plethora of incentives. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Clowney already rejected an offer from the Seahawks that was worth $15 million for one-year. Bill Belichick certainly won’t break the bank for Clowney, but from a football standpoint, it’s tough to resist. This could be similar to when the Patriots inked Darrelle Revis in 2014.

The front-seven of the Patriots’ defense is certainly the weakest part of their defense, and it really isn’t up for debate. Losing Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy, and Danny Shelton in free agency was already a big enough loss in itself. But, then losing their anchor Dont’a Hightower for the season was a huge blow to the Patriots’ defense. Their front-seven will look lightyears different in 2020. As currently constructed, the Patriots would have to rely on John Simon, Lawrence Guy, Adam Butler, and Chase Winovich to provide a constant spark.

That’s a lot to ask for, for that particular group of players. Jadeveon Clowney would instantly be an upgrade, and would instantly have the chance to flourish with the Patriots. Clowney even has a connection with Bill Belichick. Clowney played under defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, who was under Bill Belichick in New England, and has had a relationship with Belichick since their days with the New York Giants.

Clowney is coming off of a season in which he only recorded three sacks, bringing his career total to 32. Clowney struggled in his one and only season in Seattle, and never was able to get into a rhythm. This is part of the reason why he still remains unsigned to this point. After all the hype surrounded Clowney when he was the first-overall pick of the 2014 draft, it’s fair to say that Clowney has underachieved to this point in his career. If Clowney wants to take his career to new heights, teaming up with Bill Belichick would be the best path to stardom.

Bill Belichick has had some gifted pass-rushers come through his system over the year. Most recently Chandler Jones and Trey Flowers, who both left the Patriots and cashed in. The path to landing a lucrative contract for Clowney might start with a quick stop in Foxboro.

According to spotrac, the Patriots currently have about $35 million in cap space remaining. After being pressed up against the cap for most of the offseason, the Patriots now find themselves with a plethora of remaining money. However, with these unprecedented times the cap will more than likely be lowered in 2021, so the Patriots would be wise to leave a good chunk of change for 2021.

But, if the Patriots want to offer Clowney a one-year deal that is incentive based that could be worth a total of $10 to $12 million, it would be worth wild for both parties.

The Patriots need some kind of pass-rush to go with their high flying secondary. The Patriots will likely have to rely on their defense if they want to be successful in 2020. With a new quarterback at the helm, question marks at receiver and tight end, the offense will likely be off to a rocky start.

If the price is right, the Patriots would be foolish to pass up on Clowney, and Clowney would be foolish to pass up on Bill Belichick and the Patriots.