Training camp is just over two months away, and while we’ll get a brief reprieve in mid-June with mini-camp, for the most part this will be one of the quietest times of years. (Unless someone gets arrested for a homicide again this year…)
With the majority of the roster set, here’s an early preview of some of the biggest positional battles we’ll have an eye on.
1. Defensive Line vs. Health: Last year the Pats finished the season with Sealver Siliga, Chris Jones and Joe Vellano as their top three defensive linemen. Now, four new players enter the fold who are coming off significant injuries. Vince Wilfork (torn Achilles), Tommy Kelly (ACL), Armond Armstead (infection) and first-round pick Dominique Easley (ACL) could end up anywhere from the top of the depth chart to the PUP list. There are plenty of questions at this spot, but if most of those returning are healthy and able to go, it will be interesting to see how it shakes out.
2. Interior OL: Incumbents Ryan Wendell © and Dan Connolly (RG/C) vs. rookies Bryan Stork (C/OG) and Jon Halapio (G). Wendell received a new contract but it wasn’t the kind of deal that makes you think he’s set in stone for the long term. Connolly is taking a sizable cap hit as well, but he has started a full season at center, so that versatility is a plus for him. Both Stork and Halapio have potential to start right out of the gate and that could be a badly-needed upgrade of size and talent to the interior OL.
3. X Wide Receiver: 2013 2nd-round pick Aaron Dobson could have the inside track but he’s still recovering from offseason foot surgery and that could hurt his progress. Kenbrell Thompkins showed promise early in 2013, but faded down the stretch. Can he bounce back? Newly acquired free agent Brandon LaFell was a versatile threat in Carolina but saw limited time at X due to Steve Smith’s presence. He could really blossom with a player like Brady. Second-year player Mark Harrison missed all of his rookie year recovering from injuries, he has the size and measurables. If he can live up to them he could be the wild card here.
4. Running back: Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen are roster locks, but behind them Brandon Bolden will have competition from rookies James White, Stephen Houston, Roy Finch and Jonas Grey for two, and possibly three, spots. White should be a lock as well, while the most direct competition could be Houston vs. Bolden for the short-yardage situations.
5. Designated Pass Rusher: The Pats are extremely thin at defensive end and who will step into the DPR role remains a question. They signed Will Smith who is still recovering from an ACL tear. Who knows if he still has the gas needed to consistently get after the quarterback. That then leaves second-year player Michael Buchanan, who started in the DPR role early in 2013 before being replaced. Jake Bequette hasn’t done much of anything in his first two seasons and will need to take a huge step forward to keep his job this year. Rookie Zach Moore is coming out of a small school and will likely need time to develop a full array of pass rush moves.