Latest news with #DrakeMaye
New York Times
2 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Patriots 53-man roster projection 2.0: Tough decision looms at wide receiver
The Patriots' preseason opener went remarkably well. You could quibble with a few things, as Mike Vrabel did, but for the most part, a 48-18 win over the Commanders checked all the boxes. The Patriots head to Minnesota this week for a pair of practices and then an exhibition game against the Vikings. Advertisement But the success of Friday does make for some tougher decisions when looking at the depth chart. So today, let's reset with a projection for what the 53-man roster might look like. In: Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs Out: Ben Wooldridge Maye's preseason debut was similar to his training camp: There were a lot of positives, but it came without downfield passing to receivers, and it did include one botched play when Maye fumbled on the opening drive (which Vrabel bemoaned). Still, Maye's scrambling ability is such a threat on third downs, and it's probably wise to avoid making too much of two possessions in a preseason opener. In: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson, Terrell Jennings Out: JaMycal Hasty Henderson is a stud. It will take time to fully evaluate the rest of the Patriots' draft class, but at this point it would be a shock if Henderson didn't become a good player. He's been the most electric weapon the Patriots have in training camp, and that was on full display during the preseason opener. Gibson, too, contributed with a big kickoff; his roster spot seems safe. Lan Larison suffered a season-ending injury, which is disappointing after a strong preseason debut, but it could open Jennings up to make the team if he plays well the next two weeks. In: Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Javon Baker Out: Ja'Lynn Polk, Kendrick Bourne, Efton Chism, John Jiles, Jeremiah Webb Baker wasn't able to do much offensively in the team's preseason game, but he drew praise from Vrabel for making a pair of special-teams tackles; after some nice practices last week, he's probably done enough to make the team at this point. Williams ran some impressive routes, but the passes were not always crisp so he did not register a catch on four targets Friday. They'd love Polk to push for a spot since no team wants to cut last year's second-round pick, but he appeared to suffer an injury Friday night, which further hurts his chances at making the team. Advertisement In: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover Out: Gee Scott, Jaheim Bell, Jack Westover, C.J. Dippre, Cole Fotheringham Trying to pick a third tight end is still difficult. Clearly, the team wants three since they came out for their opening play with three tight ends, but no one is separating from the competition. Still, we're going with Westover since he provides flexibility as someone who can line up at fullback as well. In: Will Campbell, Jared Wilson, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Marcus Bryant, Cole Strange, Demontrey Jacobs, Ben Brown, Caedan Wallace Out: Layden Robinson, Sidy Sow, Alec Lindstrom, Tyrese Robinson, Mekhi Butler, Jack Conley, Vederian Lowe After the first preseason game, it seems the starting five is pretty close to set (it's those first five names listed). The questions now come at backup center (is it Brown or Strange?) and in picking the depth guards. Campbell and Wilson struggled to pick up a stunt on Friday, but such is life with rookies; for the most part, they've done what the Patriots have asked and are off to promising starts heading into a big week with three matchups against Brian Flores' defense. In: Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Keion White, Khyiris Tonga, Joshua Farmer, Harold Landry, K'Lavon Chaisson, Bradyn Swinson, Truman Jones, Elijah Ponder Out: Anfernee Jennings, Jahvaree Ritzie, David Olajiga, Isaiah Iton, Jereme Robinson Tonga has been an impressive player in practices, clogging running lanes and setting things up for Robert Spillane. White has been up and down. Barmore and Williams have been about what you'd expect. Chiasson has had some really nice moments. But the surprise here is Jennings. It doesn't seem the new coaching staff is as big a fan of his edge-setting ability as previous ones, part of why he was still on the field in the fourth quarter Friday. That's not typically a great sign for someone's hopes of making the roster. Advertisement In: Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai Out: Marte Mapu, Monty Rice, Cam Riley, R.J. Moten This is still a little lighter than you'd like from your linebacker position, especially since this is a group that typically contributes quite a bit to special teams. But no one from the bottom of the depth chart has really stood out, and keeping just four linebackers here allows for more safeties — a position where the Pats have a lot of depth. In: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, DJ James Out: Tre Avery, Isaiah Bolden, Kobee Minor, Miles Battle, Jordan Polk, Brandon Crossley This group feels pretty set. The only real question is whether anyone toward the bottom of the depth chart can do enough to convince the Patriots to keep a sixth corner (or, if the health of Gonzalez or Davis necessitates it). If not, the Patriots like what they've seen from Austin and James while Gonzalez and Davis have been out with injuries. In: Jabrill Peppers, Kyle Dugger, Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Marcus Epps, Brenden Schooler Out: Dell Pettus In this projection, the last spot came down to whether you keep Epps and have a bloated safety group, or whether you keep a fifth linebacker. The fact that a linebacker just hasn't stepped up enough to earn it plays in Epps' favor. There is some concern about Dugger at this point, but Hawkins has been playing great and Woodson isn't far behind, so this group is pretty solid. In: Andres Borregales, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby Out: John Parker Romo It's a good problem to have, but both Borregales and Romo are even because they keep making their kicks. This will likely get sorted out over the next two weeks, but if it's a true tie, the Pats probably go with Borregales considering they used a sixth-round pick on him. (Photo of Ja'Lynn Polk: Paul Rutherford / Imagn Images) Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
4 Winners And 3 Losers From Patriots' dominant preseason
The Patriots took the field for their preseason opener on Friday night, and it couldn't have gone much better for the team. The Patriots dominated the Commanders for much of the night and walked away with a 48-18 win. In the preseason, the score and final result doesn't matter as much as the individual performances do. And, when you win by 30 points, it's safe to assume there were plenty of solid performances to talk about. The game started off as exciting as possible when rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson took the opening kickoff 100 yards back to the house. Drake Maye began the game as the quarterback, but he attempted just five passes and didn't want to do to much, which is understandable. On defense, the team definitely looked to be playing with a ton of energy and excitement. The unit forced two turnovers and allowed just three points in the first half. Now, let's identify the biggest winners and losers from the Patriots' opener. Winner: TreVeyon Henderson, RB As mentioned above, Henderson couldn't have had a better start to his NFL career. The rookie had a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown, had one run for 18 yards, and caught three passes for 12 yards. Henderson definitely made the most out of his limited opportunities and gave the team plenty of reasons to be excited about his future. Rhamondre Stevenson is still in place as the lead back, but Henderson is making a case to split carries with the veteran and also be a reliable weapon on special teams. Loser: Javon Baker, WR Baker had an incredible summer and seemingly helped his case to be one of the final receivers on the roster. The former fourth-round pick had excellent chemistry with Joshua Dobbs in camp and was one of the most productive receivers in practice. Thus, many were hoping to see Baker make an impact in the preseason opener and separate himself from the pack. Instead, Baker was only targeted twice and didn't come down with a catch. Leaving the first game without any offensive stats is disappointing, even if it isn't entirely Baker's fault. Baker did pick up a couple tackles on special teams, which is definitely something Mike Vrabel appreciates, but it would've been nice to see some more production. Winner: Craig Woodson, DB Craig Woodson has been probably the most impressive rookei on defense this summer, and he continued to shine in the preseason opener. Woodson led the team with five tackles and also picked up a quarterback hit. The one negative was a potential tackle for loss that Woodson missed, but other than that, it was a solid performance for the rookie. Woodson is proving that he's ready for the moment and could end up playing a large role as a rookie. Loser: Joshua Dobbs, QB Dobbs had been pretty solid this summer, but his performance on Friday night was not the best. Dobbs struggled with his accuracy and completed just five of his 12 passes for 45 yards and no scores. Dobbs did add a rushing score, which helps his overall statline, but it would've been nice to see the veteran pass better. Now, the team will likely be a little bit more nervous if Drake Maye has to miss any time. Winner: Ben Wooldridge, QB While Dobbs struggled, third-string passer Ben Wooldridge actually looked pretty solid. The undrafted free agent completed nine of his 12 passes for 132 yards and one touchdown. After the game, Vrabel even praised Wooldridge, saying he was 'excited to see him settle down.' It will be worth watching to see if the UDFA can continue to impress and force his way onto the final roster. Loser: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR Polk needed a big game to remain in the running for one of the final wide receiver spots. Instead, the former second-round pick left early with a shoulder injury. That was the same shoulder Polk had surgery on this offseason, which isn't a great sign. It also doesn't help that undrafted free agent Efton Chism III, one of the guys competing with Polk, had a nice game and led the team in catches. Winner: Efton Chism III, WR Speaking of Chism, the rookie out of Eastern Washington has to be considered a winner. Chism is competing valiantly for a roster spot, and he caught six passes for 50 yards and one score in his preseason debut. The shifty receiver had no problem getting open and looked quick out of the slot. Considering Baker and Polk failed to contribute on offense, Chism may have just bumped himself up the pecking order ahead of the second preseason game. Related Headlines Patriots PFF grades vs. Commanders: Garrett Bradbury, John Jiles among top performers in blowout win NASCAR: Austin Hill Doubles Down on Defense of Indianapolis Incident After Return from Suspension NASCAR standings: Cup Series points leaders 2025, Truck and Xfinity Series standings right now Las Vegas Raiders Schedule Predictions: Game by Game Raiders Predictions 2025
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patriots 4th-Round Rookie failing to impress ahead of preseason opener
The New England Patriots are preparing for their preseason opener against the Washington Commanders on Friday night. There is definitely more excitement around the team than there has been in several seasons, and the young talent is a major reason why. Drake Maye, who the team drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, is obviously the biggest x-factor. The passer looked impressive in his debut campaign and should take a step forward in 2025 with a better supporting cast and coaching staff. The team's 2025 rookie class also appears promising. First-round pick Will Campbell has had an up-and-down camp, but that's to be expected from a tackle. Second-rounder TreVeyon Henderson should factor heavily into the offense immediately, as should third-rounder Kyle Williams. Craig Woodson, who was one of the team's fourth-round selections, has seemingly played himself into the third safety role already. Finally, third-round pick Jared Wilson could end up starting at left guard in Week 1. But what about fourth-rounder Joshua Farmer? Farmer has been quiet, and ESPN's Mike Reiss recently suggested that the rookie has failed to impress. 'The 6-foot-3, 312-pound Farmer has had a quieter camp, in part because he missed three practices (undisclosed) and is also working behind starters Williams, Barmore and Khyiris Tonga,' Reiss explained. 'In the one-on-one pass-rush drills in which he has taken part, he hasn't seemed as explosive as Jeremiah Pharms Jr., a player he'd likely be competing against for a spot on the game-day roster.' As Reiss mentioned, Farmer missed multiple practices, which definitely doesn't help his case. Also, Khyiris Tonga has been one of the stars of camp, while Christian Barmore and Milton Williams were always going to be starters. What is concerning, however, is the fact that Farmer has even been outplayed by Jeremiah Pharms Jr. On a deep Patriots' line, Farmer likely needs to beat out Pharms to be active on gamedays, and it doesn't seem like that's going to happen. The preseason could change everything for Farmer though. With a couple of strong performances in games, the rookie could be back in good graces. Related Headlines Patriots 2025 free agent signing is an unexpected cut candidate heading into preseason opener Cowboys Expert Wouldn't Be Surprised if Jerry Jones Took Micah Parsons Offer 'Off the Table' Report: Thunder Could Shop Pair of Major Players Before Next Season's NBA Trade Deadline 4 players to keep a close eye on in Patriots preseason opener vs. Commanders
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection After Dominant Win In Preseason Opener
The preseason couldn't have gotten off to a much better start for the Patriots. The team went up against the Commanders on Friday night and dominated in almost every way, winning 48-18. The defense forced two turnovers and the special teams' unit looked incredible. Drake Maye didn't have the best game, but he wasn't asked to do too much. Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, undrafted free agent Efton Chism III, and rookie defensive back Craig Woodson were among the most impressive performers for the Patriots. The end result of preseason games doesn't matter, but it was still nice to see the Patriots put so many points on the board. Several players seemingly helped their chances to make the final roster, while several more are now in more danger than ever of being cut. Today, let's predict what the 53-man roster could end up looking like after the preseason opener. QB (2): Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs Neither Maye nor Dobbs had their best performance against the Commanders, but that doesn't mean anything changes here. Third-string quarterback Ben Wooldridge did impress in the opener, but it still seems very unlikely the team keeps three passers on the roster. Dobbs has the experience and familiarity with Mike Vrabel, so he will be the backup. RB (4): Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson, Lan Larison Stevenson is still going to be the lead back, but the rookie Henderson should see plenty of snaps. Gibson is still around as well, and he's a solid veteran who brings experience and can fill in in a pinch. For now, Larison holds onto the fourth spot. There's no fullback on the roster, so it does seem likely that four running backs make it. However, it wouldn't be completely surprising to see an outside addition made here. WR (6): Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, Javon Baker Efton Chism III impressed in the opener, leading the team in catches and yards. However, I still don't think the undrafted free agent makes the final roster due to how deep this group is. Diggs, Douglas, Hollins, Williams, and probably Boutte at this point, are all locks. That means there's probably just one spot up for grabs, and currently, Baker has to be considered the favorite. TE (3): Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jaheim Bell Henry and Hooper are obviously the first and second tight ends. Behind that, it's wide open for the final spot. For now, we'll go with Bell, who made the most of his opportunity in the opener, catching one pass for 18 yards. Josh McDaniels utilizies tight ends and he likes versatility. Therefore, it wouldn't be surprising to see Jack Westover make it due to his experience as a fullback, but for now, Bell makes it in. OL (9): Will Campbell, Mike Onwenu, Garrett Bradbury, Jared Wilson, Morgan Moses, Marcus Bryant, Caedan Wallace, Ben Brown Earlier this summer, most expected Cole Strange to be a starting guard for the Patriots. Now, the former first-rounder may not even make the team. The rookie Wilson has been starting at left guard in camp, and he has been one of the most impressive linemen on the team. Bryant, another rookie, has looked better than Demontrey Jacobs and could easily win the swing tackle role. Wallace and Brown make it as well for depth on the interior. DL (5): Milton Williams, Khyiris Tonga, Christian Barmore, Joshua Farmer, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. This group seems set already. Williams, Tonga, and Barmore will start, while Farmer and Pharms provide solid backup options. Farmer hasn't had the best summer, but he's a rookie and missed some time in camp. He shouldn't be at risk of losing his roster spot, but Pharms may be above him in the pecking order. It would be hard for any of the other linemen to crack this roster. EDGE (6): Harold Landry III, Anfernee Jennings, K'Lavon Chaisson, Keion White, Bradyn Swinson, Truman Jones Landry, Jennings, Chaisson, and White are probably all locks. Swinson is close to a lock due to his draft status, which means there may just be one spot unspoken for. If the season ended today, Jones would get the final spot. The former Harvard standout has been impressive this summer and racked up five tackles against the Commanders. Undrafted free agent Elijah Ponder has impressed too, though, and could still earn a spot. Linebacker (4): Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai Spillane was one of the team's prized free agent additions, and he's impressed this summer with his playmaking and leadership. Ellis should start next to Spillane, while Gibbens should be a solid backup who also has experience playing for Vrabel. The final spot, for now, goes to the experienced Jahlani Tavai. Tavai led the team in tackles last season, but he was inconsistent overall and it wouldn't be surprising to see the team move on. Don't count Marte Mapu out in this race. Cornerback (6): Carlton Davis II, Christian Gonzalez, Marcus Jones, D.J. James, Alex Austin, Kobee Minor If healthy, the duo of Davis and Gonzalez could be among the best in the league. However, both corners have been banged up this summer, and that has to be at least a little concerning this close to the season. Behind that duo, Jones and James make it as the slot corners, while Austin and Minor provide depth. It would be hard to cut Miles Battle at this point, but he's a solid practice squad candidate. Safeties (5): Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Craig Woodson, Jaylinn Hawkins, Marcus Epps Dugger, Peppers, and Woodson are all locks, while Hawkins is probably close after a strong summer showing. The final spot will be between several guys who have impressed at times, so it will be a tough decision. For now, let's go with the veteran Epps over Brenden Schooler and Dell Pettus. Schooler and Pettus are solid on special teams, but Epps has more experience and could even start if needed. Specialists (3): Andy Borregales, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby Borregales has been in a tight competition with Parker Romo this summer, but due to being a draft pick, Borregales has the inside edge. Baringer and Ashby don't have any competitioin on the roster currently, so those positions should be set. Related Headlines Patriots' Will Campbell gives brutally honest assessment of NFL preseason debut San Diego Padres Game Today: Includes Full 2025 Padres Schedule Texas Rangers Game Today: Includes Full 2025 TV Schedule Baltimore Orioles Game Today: TV Details and Start Times for Upcoming 2025 Orioles Schedule
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patriots' Will Campbell gives brutally honest assessment of NFL preseason debut
New England Patriots first-round pick Will Campbell made his NFL preseason debut versus the Washington Commanders on Friday, and the young left tackle performed well in limited action. Campbell played 14 snaps on Friday, surrendering zero sacks and zero quarterback pressures, though he did play a role in allowing a Drake Maye sack and fumble. However, Campbell's biggest impact came in the run game, as the LSU product made a few impactful blocks to open up rushing lanes for running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson. Though Campbell showed a ton of promise in his NFL debut, the rookie offensive tackle wasn't satisfied with his play. 'I just feel like I gotta get better,' Campbell said of his performance against Washington during a press conference on Sunday via Tom Carroll of WEEI 93.7 FM. 'We have to get better as a team. There's still a lot of meat left on the bone. No matter what really happened on the scoreboard, I feel like this team – we even have a lot more that we can do…' It's great to hear that Campbell isn't getting complacent after posting a fantastic debut. The 21-year-old is expected to be New England's long-term answer at left tackle and eventually provide All-Pro level play at the position. The Patriots will get on the road for the first time this year, as the team will travel to Minnesota for a joint practice and preseason matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. It will be another excellent opportunity for Campbell to get valuable reps ahead of his rookie campaign in 2025. Related Headlines Connor Zilisch Injury Update: NASCAR Star Provides Insight on Timeline for Return Could MLB buy the Savannah Bananas? Co-Owner Jesse Cole Weighs in on Possibility San Diego Padres Game Today: Includes Full 2025 Padres Schedule Texas Rangers Game Today: Includes Full 2025 TV Schedule
