Patriots Rookie/Newcomer Progress Report: What's going on with Devin Asiasi?

Considering David Andrews' recovery from thumb surgery — which should land him on three-week IR at some point unless he has a miraculous recovery — the Patriots will likely turn to Hjalte Froholdt to take over the center duties in the interim.

We'll look at some of the other options at center the team could turn to, but this also seemed like a good opportunity to check in and evaluate some of their rookies and newcomers two games into the season, including a popular topic: What's going on with rookie TE Devin Asiasi?

Froholdt should be next man up at center

Fox's Jay Glazer reported today that Andrews had surgery on the thumb of his snapping hand, and he's out for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

https://twitter.com/JayGlazer/status/1309519688297140225

The Patriots have really three internal options.

Hjalte Froholdt: The 2019 fourth-round pick was a disaster in his first camp before going on IR, but he had an outstanding training camp this year as he moved from guard to center with apparent ease. He was so good, he was our Comeback Player of Camp. Bill Belichick had, for him, some kind words about Froholdt with the significant parts in italics.

"Hjalte’s had a good offseason," Belichick said. "He’s been able to be out on the field every day and work hard and continue to get better on a daily basis since we’ve had the opportunity to begin practicing. So, way ahead of where he was last year on a number of levels. He’s still a young player that has a lot of room to grow and works very hard at it, so he’s taken a step to, as you said, being close to playing and hopefully he’ll be able to compete for playing time here as he continues to improve."

Sounds like a green light to me.

James Ferentz (practice squad): He started two games last year when Ted Karras was injured, but it was not good and the team didn't try very hard to bring him back until camp was over. I'm not sure he'd even be signed to the active roster.

Joe Thuney: He's always been the emergency center on this team and he could do it if needed. I do not see them moving Thuney to start at center and inserting, say, Michael Onwenu, at left guard because you're weakening yourself at two spots instead of one — most NFL teams operate that way. The Patriots contemplated it last year but decided against it. I don't see what would have changed — they're in a much better position this year.

Most likely outcome: Froholdt starts, Thuney is the backup option and Onwenu would go to LG in that case. Justin Herron could also play guard.

OTHER NEWCOMERS

WR Damiere Byrd: After getting no targets in Week 1 and largely not being open besides a stray zero blitz here and there, Byrd was a much bigger factor in Week 2 against the Seahawks. That being said, he's only averaged 2.5 yards of separation on targets according to NextGenStats. That's fairly low.

DT Beau Allen: Hadn't practiced a snap before landing on three-week IR. A complete mystery. This team needs him back as soon as possible to give them another needed body up front.

S Adrian Phillips: Has showed a lot of potential in the Patrick Chung role, but he's missed some tackles and was burned for a TD against Seattle vs. a RB. Think he just needs to settle down within the scheme and he'll be a more consistent performer.

LB Brandon Copeland: Was switched from edge to ILB with the apparent struggles of rookies Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings. Hasn't really done much. Someone needs to step up there.

ROOKIE REPORT

S Kyle Dugger (2nd round): Had a quiet opener but he jumped out of the film in Week 2 and I think you know where we stand on him. He could be a star very quickly here. A real weapon.

LB Josh Uche (2nd): Looked to be off to a rocket start in camp as he was firmly a starter almost from Day 1. And then ... he just disappeared to the point of being a healthy scratch for Copeland in the opener, and then has battled a foot injury the past two weeks. They really need him to be a playmaker in the front seven at some point. It's too early to say he won't be this season. But every week puts him further and further behind.

LB Anfernee Jennings (3rd): Had a delayed opening to camp but quickly climbed up the depth chart. Nine snaps in the opening game was a promising start — including a goal-line stop — but had just two against Seattle as the team went with more speed and safeties against Russell Wilson. I think Jennings will be the starter next to Ja'Whaun Bentley in short order over Copeland. Jennings' usage this week, against the Raiders and a more traditional style of offense that needs their ground game to work, should be a really good barometer on what they think of him.

TE Devin Asiasi (3rd): The big mystery because there were initially high hopes for him — and they were justified. He got off to a nice start in camp, and then really nothing ever since. He played 10 snaps in each of the first two games. 17 of those 20 snaps were for blocking, and he hasn't been targeted on his three routes. This is all very odd. There was a belief within the team that Asiasi would, at some point, be a weapon in the pass game. That hasn't come close to happening and it could be the biggest offensive shortcoming to this point.

Sometimes rookies get to a point where the NFL game becomes very hard for them — either with the coaches or getting open in practice. Some push through that at some point and contribute. Others continue to have issues and they don't get past them until Year 2 or 3. That Josh McDaniels hasn't deemed Asiasi worthy of one designed play — a shot play, a TE screen, anything — is a very worrisome sign. If he doesn't receive a target in the next couple of games, you have to wonder if he'll do anything as a rookie. The bus is going to pull out of the lot headed for the postseason. If Ryan Izzo's healthy and Asiasi doesn't step up to grab a role, he risks being left behind and the Patriots going out and trading for that athletic option they need.

TE/FB Dalton Keene (3rd): Was all over the place in camp but showed signs of slowing down. However, a neck injury is a really tough thing for a player who will be asked to block a lot. It knocked out James Develin last season. It could do the same to Keene.

K Justin Rohrwasser (5th): After a terrible camp, he's relegated to the practice squad.

OL Michael Onwenu (6th): He missed the block on the final play against the Seahawks, but he's largely off to a very good start and looks the part of a starter at guard or tackle right now. Got some real action at RT in a series late against the Seahawks, but I was told that was about keeping Jermaine Eluemunor fresh, and not competition. But stranger things have happened.

OL Justin Herron (6th): Has been on the field for seven snaps, mostly in the Super Jumbo package as a TE. His blocking on the field has been average. Continues to look like he needs a year of strength building, and then he'll be in line to compete. Has been active for both games ahead of veteran Korey Cunningham. That's significant.

LB Cassh Maluia (6th): Was active against Seattle and appeared on kick coverage and punt return. Doesn't seem like he's close to defensive action.

C Dustin Woodard (7th): Retired before his first practice.