There’s always a need to build depth by exposing players to multiple positions in the offseason. So just because someone like Logan Ryan might see some time at safety, it’s more to protect the team when injuries strike (which of course they will, especially in the secondary.
So Ryan might get his feet wet back there, just as McCourty will still take some reps at corner from time to time. Hightower could see some time as a pass rushing defensive end or even as an interior sub rusher.
I am curious where they have Armond Armstead. He’s listed as a defensive end on Patriots.com but he mostly been projected as a defensive tackle.
Another interesting spot to watch will be whether Dennard starts seeing time at nickel corner. He has been almost exclusively an outside corner since his rookie year, despite being undersized. He seems to have the necessary quickness, ball skills and toughness to play inside.
Some are speculating whether Mark Harrison could see time at tight end, but it sounds like they still with him at receiver to begin with.
There’s always some juggling on the offensive line. Will Marcus Cannon continue to see spot reps at guard? Or will he move there full time? Does Connolly get much time at Center? Some think Wendell could go and Connolly could slide back to center. Is Cameron Fleming exclusively at right tackle? How versatile are Stork and Halapio?
There’s a lot of unknowns behind the starters at linebacker. Which spots are each of them playing? Cameron Gordon, Deontae Skinner, Darius Fleming,Steve Beauharnais and Taylor McCuller will be interesting to watch. Some unknown will make the team.