It’s that time of year where we talk about 90 different players, even though 37 of them won’t be on that final roster, and we do it with gusto because we are fans after all.
The weekend saw rookie minicamp and some signings. A little early for much surprise and much information, but let’s see what went on…
Friday May 8th the Pats signed up 5 of the draft selections:
CB Karon Prunty
T Dametrious Crownover
LB Namdi Obiazar
QB Behren Morton
RB Jam Miller
Saturday was extra exciting with the reported signing of TE Eli Raridon and LB Quintayvious Hutchins.
I don’t mean to move the spotlight from the 6 foot 3 linebacker from Boston College, but you all know my affinity for a spot of tight endage, and third round draft pick,6 foot 6 245 lb Notre Dame tight end, has me excited for the season!
The rookie mini camp saw a few bits of information, but at the moment, with it so early in the training part of the season, and no pads or contact, there’s only so much you can take from any reports.
Caleb Lomu took reps at left tackle AND at right tackle, with full participation on Saturday, giving head to the possibility that this kid is going to be that swing tackle back up guy, before taking his position of the future. Perhaps.
Dametrious Crownover, the 6 foot 7, 319lb mammoth human, selected in the sixth round by the Pats, reportedly took all his reps at his college position of right tackle, with exceptionally light feet.
Two UDFA’s of note, Tanner Arkin TE of Illinois and David Blay Junior of Miami. Whilst Tanner Arkin is looking at a room becoming cramped for a spot, with the Patriots stacking up the TE room with Hunter Henry, off season free agent signing Julian Hill, the third round pick of Eli Raridon, as well as C.J Dippre still around, Arkin may be fighting for a practice squad role more than a realistic 53 man roster spot however I feel about how many TE’s there should be!
David Blay Jnr whilst a smidge undersized for a nose tackle, at 6 foot 2 and 292lbs, is the only DT the Pats picked up during this post draft season.
May 11th we were advised that the Pats had signed linebacker Xavier Holmes and safety Peter Manuma following a good rookie mini camp.
The other news to come out, if you are into that sort of thing of course, is roster numbers. At this time of year this kind of thing is still a little fluid, but for those of you that like to know…
OL Jared Wilson has shifted to 55, his number at Georgia.
DT Eric Gregory switched from 55 to 95.
WR Kyle Williams said to be moving to 8, has reportedly stuck with his original number of 18.
Presently for the rest of the newbies, as I write this anyways we have:
Prunty at 21, Crownover taking 68, Obiazar number 48, new QB Morton wearing 15, Hutchins 45 and RB Jam Miller 30.
To top this all off, making me a happy bunny (sorry a touch personal, I get it, but you stay for the fun!) Eli Raridon selecting a proper (in my humble opinion) tight end number of 82.
So there’s a little summary, with much still to come, including a new episode of Pats Procrastination (hopefully) next week.
Go Pats!