In case you missed it this spring, Bill Belichick was up to some new tricks with the rookies, not giving them numbers that fit their positions but instead just handing out numbers starting at 50 in order (h/t to NESN’s Doug Kyed for cracking that code).
Some rookie numbers that won’t stick:
Wynn 50
Michel 51
Dawson 52
Bentley 53
Sam 54
Berrios 55
Etling 58
Crossen 59
Izzo 60(Sense a pattern?)
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) May 22, 2018
Yup, right now the line in order of the picks, but still skipping the retired 56 (Andre Tippett) and 57 (Steve Nelson).
When training camp opens in 20 days everyone has to have actual numbers that fit their positions and even then players could again switch once cuts are made and other, better numbers become available. Yeah, it’s a good bet Christian Sam won’t be doubling up on 54 with Dont’a Hightower.
Let’s take a stab at which numbers would be good choices for the notable rookies.
Isaiah Wynn (72) – Though we’re still not sure where Wynn will end up, if he’s a left tackle let’s hope he picks up Matt Light‘s old 72 or Sebastian Vollmer‘s 76. Andrew Jelks and Luke Buwanko are roster long shots currently wearing those numbers respectively. If Wynn slides inside to guard James Ferentz‘s 66 might look nice. I’m a big fan of easy recognition, so a tackle number we’re already used to would be ideal in my book.
Sony Michel (22) – This is the kind of number prediction I live for because stud running backs always must have a good number. 33 (Jeremy Hill) and 35 (Mike Gillislee) will be competing for one roster spot likely. While I think Hill is the slight favorite I’d still prefer 33 for Michel. I’d prefer he avoids the Laurence Maroney 39 that currently belongs to safety Damarius Travis. That could put us into the 20s, with options like 22 (Jomal Wiltz) or 29 (open). Michel wore 1 in college. All considered 22 is my favorite.
Duke Dawson (27) – Dawson is a slot corner, so we’re in the 20s for him. After wearing 7 in college perhaps 27 makes the most sense. It currently belongs to CB Ryan Lewis so it could become available.
Ja’Whaun Bentley (55) /Christian Sam (51) – Putting these two linebackers together because they’re in similar position, praying for a 50s number or going off the beaten path into the 40s. I’m not sure where Eric Lee ends up, but his 55 doesn’t really fit him in my opinion. Maybe because he’s more a hand-down DE, or maybe because he wears a running back/receiver facemask. Based on what little I’ve learned of Bentley he seems ideal for 55 so perhaps if Lee disappoints it could be an option. 51 is open and 50 belongs to Nicholas Grigsby right now, so those are two great linebacker numbers as well. That should keep these two draft picks in the 50s, unless last year’s 48 Harvey Langi decides to make a switch (he would look good in 51).
Braxton Berrios (86) – Picking slot wide receiver numbers is almost as fun as picking running back numbers, but with Jordan Matthews already locked into 80, the next best option would be a Dwayne Allen-less 83. I’m not sure if that will happen, despite how Allen is overpaid, he’s still a very solid vet who leads by example and does the dirty work. 82, 85 and 86 could all be available, but I don’t love any of those for a quick slot guy. Maybe 86 if I had to choose (Tim Dwight shout out). Riley McCarron already jumped on the 17 grenade, so if something in the teens is necessary 14 or 16 might be a fun choice. Edelman made Bledsoe’s 11 a quick slot receiver number, maybe Berrios could do the same for Grogan’s 14 or… Zolak’s 16?
Danny Etling (9) – Quarterback number picking is an art form with 12 and 16 being the universal starting points. 16 is an option for Etling, but I think he’ll want to avoid 10 (Garoppolo). 9 would be a future starter look, while 7 or 8 would be solid picks as well. Etling has more good options than anyone.
Keion Crossen/JC Jackson (29) – 7th round pick Crossen and undrafted rookie Jackson are two low end of the roster players who might make the team. 29 is an already-open choice for them.
