One of my favorite times of year is when Patriots rookie numbers are chosen, along with their helmet/facemask combo, putting the final touches on the new players as professionals. We won’t actually get a shot of the rooks in their new duds for a couple weeks at rookie minicamp, at which point I’ll whip up a full “Rookie Eyeball Test” report (as I’ve been doing for far too long), but for now let’s speculate on what numbers would best fit some of the notable rookies.
Reminder: Seven numbers have been retired by the Patriots: 73 (John Hannah), 20 (Gino Cappelletti), 89 (Bob Dee) 79(Jim Lee Hunt), 57 (Steve Nelson), 40 (Mike Haynes), and 78 (Bruce Armstrong).
Cyrus Jones, college number: 5
Cornerback Numbers Available: 24, 25, 31.
Choice: No question about it, 24 is maybe the best cornerback number there is so Jones should jump on that one. Though if he’s attached to his 5 from college 25 might be his choice. But come on, Ty Law and that guy who went back to the Jets both wore 24, if I were Jones I’d pounce on it.
Jacoby Brissett, college number: 12
Quarterback Numbers Available: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 13, 19
Choice: Not likely Tom Brady gives up 12 so the rookie can keep his college number, so I’m going with 9. Second choice would be 4. Disaster choice is 13. Or 1. What kind of a d-bag would pick 1? BB would never let that fly here, especially for a QB.
Malcolm Mitchell, college number: 26
Wide Receiver Numbers Available: 13, 19, 81
Choice: Slim pickings for now, but 81’s an elite receiver number choice so Mitchell should pounce on that one. 84/85/86 could all come available too after cutdown. A switch to 86 could make sense if AJ Derby gets the axe. But hard to do better than 81 and we need someone to finally get that murderer-y scent off it.
Devin Lucien, college number: 15
Choice: With 81 going to Mitchell, let’s give Lucien 19 which keeps him in the teens and it was my high school number so it’s always one of my faves. Just as long as he doesn’t try switching to 17 after Dobson gets whacked. 17 is a wide receiver death sentence number here.
Joe Thuney, college number: 54
Offensive Line Numbers Available: 62, 75
Choice: Not a lot to pick from, though 62 is fine. This is one area where plenty more will come available, like 70 (fka Mankins) and 72 (fka Light).
Vincent Valentine, college number 98
Defensive Line Numbers Available: 99
Choice: Not a lot available at this point, but it doesn’t matter, put this monster of a man in 99 and be done with it.