A few off-day thoughts on the Patriots while we wait for Friday's preseason opener against the Commanders, starting with an updated 53 that boosts the defense, and updated 1-on-1s that are a mixed bag for projected starters (including Will Campbell):
UPDATED 53
In my first two versions, I was at a 26/23 split in favor of the offense (not counting Brendan Schooler for now, but he will be in the safety mix). Figured they needed a lot more help. But with more time to think about it, and watching a little bit more of who is on special teams, I'm now going with a 24/25 split in favor of the defense.
The risers for me?
DE Elijah Ponder, who just continues to impress at every turn, and LB Monty Rice.
My tradebait players are unchanged: WR Kendrick Bourne, OL Cole Strange, DE Anfernee Jennings, LB Jahlani Tavai, and S Kyle Dugger.
On to the update:
Receiver: I've kept it the same, mostly because I still think Ja'Lynn Polk is rounding into form and hasn't turned it loose yet. But Javon Baker is definitely coming on, to make it a three-person race between Polk, Efton Chism and Baker for one or two spots.
Tight end: I like Jack Westover and he's definitely the best of what they have for No. 3, but I don't think he's good enough to hold a roster spot. Patriots could go claim/practice squad route for a few TEs to augment Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper.
Tackle: Jack Conley's not quick enough for tackle, and Demontrey Jacobs hasn't shown enough to hold on to. But that's pending Vederian Lowe doing anything.
Guard/center: Make no mistake, Ben Brown is definitely getting a chance to show if he can overtake Garrett Bradbury. Brown is WAY better in pass protection (he showed that last year). But can he get movement in the run game? Brown has earned a real look, and he's getting it. Cole Strange made a move for a few days, but hasn't sustained it.
Edge: Yup, I'm keeping six for now because all of them can play in the NFL. Ponder has some inside/outside versatility. Truman Jones still keeps showing up.
Linebacker: Monty Rice and Marte Mapu are on a lot of special teams, which could lead to both being kept. But I think Rice has the edge right now.
Kicker: Andy Borregales hasn't missed in a while, but Parker Romo is right on his tail.
1-ON-1 TOTALS
Could only watch the offense against the Commanders, and I'll probably do the same against the Vikings. Much more to be sorted out there.
Well, there's good news and bad news.
Three of the projected starters, especially Jared Wilson, have been lights out.
Garrett Bradbury and Will Campbell have not. I would say the good news for Campbell is that he's been pretty good in team periods, but we can't say the same for Bradbury.
No, I'm still not all that worried about Campbell. It's not like he's losing to slappies. Keion White is pretty good, and Deatrich Wise is long.
Yes, White is good - and so are Elijah Ponder and Truman Jones, which is why I'm keeping them.
At least Milton Williams hasn't lost yet, but he's shown like his film - he's not a wow pass rusher at this point. He has good power, which is his only real tool, but that doesn't lead to many wins.
I'm not overly concerned about Christian Barmore because he doesn't have that many reps, and they're pacing him.
I think Harold Landry is just working on stuff because he shows up in team period a lot.