PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Patriots Set Practice Squad

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It was a far quieter day than I expected on the Patriots roster front and good thing too, as the internet in the Ministry of PatsPropaganda was out for most of the day. The Patriots did end up setting their nine-man practice squad and surprisingly it features all players who were in training camp with the team.

Usually there’s at least a couple players who were elsewhere this summer but were cut and signed to New England. But that was not the case this year and, at least initially, that’s a good sign of how much the team liked their own players.

Let’s take a look at the initial nine guys signed to the practice squad.

  • Linebacker Trevor Bates — an active player, Bates flirted with the outskirts of the top defense for much of the preseason. While he plays with good energy, he struggled to make plays and didn’t do himself any favors in then finale. Still, he seems to find his way into the middle of things and could be a special teams contributor at some point if injuries strike.
  • Receiver Cody Hollister — Hollister’s twin brother Jacob made the 53-man roster, but Cody will start on the practice squad where he will look to develop within the offense.
  • Running Back DJ Foster — Foster had a solid summer but is just stuck behind four great backs who are all better than him. He has a useful skillset, but it would take a rash of injuries for him to get called up to the big club.
  • Offensive Lineman Ted Karras — Karras spent 2016 on the active roster, but was beat out by Cole Croston this year. He’s still a developing player and with limited depth along the interior he could be an important player down the road.
  • Offensive Lineman James Ferentz — Ferentz was an undrafted rookie and will get valuable teaching from Dante Scarnecchia.
  • Safety David Jones — More of a free safety, Jones got a slow start in camp due to injuries. He’s another undrafted rookie, stuck in a long jam at a position of strength.
  • Defensive End Geneo Grissom — Grissom was playing with the starters early in the summer but had an injury set back and never recovered. Not sure how long he’s on the practice squad, he’s likely the first guy called up.
  • Defensive Lineman Darius Kilgo — Kilgo impressed at defensive tackle this summer but just couldn’t unseat any of the top four. He’s at a valuable position so I’m glad they hung on to him.
  • Safety Damarius Travis — Travis is another undrafted rookie, but more in a strong safety mold. I liked some of his work in the preseason finale, he’s aggressive and seems to find his way to the ball. Of everyone here I think he could have the most promise and best inside track to getting a role with the Patriots down the road. It could happen even faster if Patrick Chung were to get hurt.

Between the 53-man roster and then nine-man practice squad, seven undrafted rookies made the Patriots this season, while just one drafted rookie (Deatrich Wise) did. Conor McDermott was claimed off waivers by the Bills, Tony Garcia was set to the NFI list and Derek Rivers was sent to IR. Just goes to show how important what happens after the draft is.