Latest news with #AndrewCallahan
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Recent Patriots misses the cut in latest 53-man roster projection after preseason opener
The New England Patriots tallied a dominant win over the Washington Commanders to open the preseason on Friday. Mike Vrabel's group never trailed and put together elite outings on both sides of the ball. With the first preseason game in the books, the Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan decided to reveal his latest 53-man roster projection, and a recent Patriots draft pick was noticeably absent from the prediction. Callahan predicts wide receiver Javon Baker will miss New England's initial 53-man roster. Baker was a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and played just 11 games during his rookie season with one reception for 12 yards. Kendrick Bourne and Efton Chism III make the cut over Baker in Callahan's projection. 'In the end, the Patriots keep Bourne — presently injured and squarely on the roster bubble — because he is one of their best 53 players regardless of position,' Callahan wrote. 'The Pats need talent. Bourne has system experience and is a positive influence on the locker room.' 'Bourne can also buy time until Chism III is ready to take the field. The undrafted slot was lauded by coach Mike Vrabel for his play strength after Friday's preseason opener, when he had a game-high six catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. Chism was the last player included in this projection.' During Friday's contest versus Washington, Baker failed to tally a reception on two targets. However, the 23-year-old did play well on special teams and drew some praise from Vrabel after the game. 'Just happy for Javon just being able to go out there and contribute,' Vrabel said of Baker's special teams contributions on Friday. 'When you do those things, your teammates get excited. Hopefully his confidence continues to grow.' Baker may not post prolific receiving numbers in the preseason, but if the UCF product continues to excel on special teams, he will have a strong case to make the roster. The 23-year-old posted two tackles on special teams in the preseason opener. Related Headlines 2025 NFL Offense Rankings: Evaluating All 32 Teams After Week 1 of the Preseason New York Jets: Justin Fields TD Drive Among Key Takeaways from 30-10 Preseason Win vs. Packers Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection After Dominant Win In Preseason Opener Khamzat Chimaev Next Fight: 'Borz' Is Back This Saturday Night to Headline UFC 319
USA Today
09-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Patriots eyeing two positions as the top priority in free agency
Patriots eyeing two positions as the top priority in free agency The New England Patriots reportedly have a clearly defined approach as they enter free agency and the 2025 NFL draft. They want to make the offensive and defensive lines the top priority, but they'll also be emphasizing the cornerback, wide receiver and linebacker positions, according to Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed. It's no secret that dominating in the trenches is the recipe to building a championship team, and the Philadephia Eagles once again proved it to be a fact by upsetting the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LIX. The Patriots will be looking to improve in the same areas coming off a year where both the offensive and defensive lines struggled. Callahan and Kyed wrote: "Overall, the Patriots are taking a trenches-first approach to free agency, with cornerback, wide receiver and linebacker close behind. Their plan is to come heavy on Day 1 by extending their best offers to their top targets, ideally a left tackle, receiver, defensive lineman and defensive playmakers in the back seven. Unlike past offseasons, the Patriots won't hesitate to sign a player if a recent draft pick plays the same position." The Patriots are expected to be one of the most aggressive teams in free agency. ESPN's Mike Reiss even predicted the approach to 2025 free agency will be similar to the aggressive approach the team had in the 2021 offseason. New England has the most money to spend in free agency, and they're running out of excuses to make the sort of moves necessary to get the team back on track.
