Analyzing the film and projecting roles for the Patriots' newest additions, starting with offensive players in running back Corey Kiner, tight end Cameron Latu, and offensive lineman Greg Van Roten:
COREY KINER, RB, 24 years old
Strengths:
- Compact and strong player at 5-foot-8 5/8ths and about 220 pounds. Very strong lower body.
- Doesn't have breakaway speed at 4.57 in the 40, but he hits the line quickly and strongly.
- Good vision and has excellent cutback ability. Will press the hole and see the cutback lane developing. A promising outside zone runner with one-cut ability.
- Often gets more than what is blocked. Loves to deliver a blow against safeties, and rarely gets knocked back.
- Pass protection is decent, but he'll be limited with his size and inexperience.
Weaknesses:
- Not a natural ball catcher, but is adequate in that area.
- Lack of height will limit him in blitz pickup against linebackers.
Possible role this season once he gets up to speed with the playbook: I think TreVeyon Henderson will be given an opportunity to show he can execute in pass protection (that was still a struggle in practice) and be the lead pass back, but I don't think the Patriots will hesitate to let Kiner show what he can do in that area should Henderson struggle, provided Kiner is up to speed with the scheme. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Kiner get some opportunities as the goal-line back because of how physical he runs.
Does he have a long-term future here?: Possibly, but his size will always have the team looking for more, especially as another lead back. But, yes, he could have some staying power as the next Terrell Jennings type.
Is he an upgrade over what the Patriots previously had?: I'm a Hassan Haskins fan, especially as a two-down back, and am glad he's back on the practice squad should Rhamondre Stevenson go down. But I think Kiner is a better option than the other versatile backs (Lan Larison) due to his strength and blocking. I'm a fan. Out of all the new guys I've seen, I'm most excited about Kiner.
CAMERON LATU, TE, 26 years old
Strengths:
- Strong with a good frame at 6-4 ½, 242 pounds.
- Plays with a lot of enthusiasm and effort.
- Good blocker. Executes a high percentage of the time.
- Can block from and play the fullback position.
- Blocks well on cross blocks across the formation, which the Patriots have been doing this summer.
- Solid hands.
Weaknesses:
- Doesn't have much speed, and isn't much of a consideration as a receiver.
- Eagles reporters noted he had some drops in practice.
- Wouldn't say he's a great blocker. Solid.
- Eagles sources said his football IQ can be lacking at times.
Possible role this season once he gets up to speed with the playbook: He's here to compete with Tanner Arkin as the blocking fullback, and Latu has a little bit more experience, so the Patriots just wanted to give themselves more options. Arkin, who the Patriots like, may still win it. The Patriots just want to give themselves another option not named CJ Dippre.
Does he have a long-term future here?: I doubt it, but can't rule it out. Julian Hill will be the guy next season, and Arkin should be his backup. Could see Latu being a one-and-done.
Is he an upgrade over what the Patriots previously had?: Slightly, but that's only if he picks up the playbook quickly. Arkin could very well end up being the better player throughout. But they are competing right now for the blocking TE/special teams role. Latu has more experience there.
Greg Van Roten, iOL, 36 years old
Strengths:
- Very smart player with tons of experience at every interior line position (limited at center).
- Knows where to help and to look for games and secondary rushers.
- Better pass blocker. Can bow out and stand his ground after giving on the initial rush.
- Tough physically and durable.
Weaknesses:
- Doesn't have much athletic ability or speed left.
- Won't blow anyone off the ball or displace defenders in run blocking.
- Shotgun snaps were erratic in the limited practices we saw him in.
Possible role this season once he gets up to speed with the playbook: He'll back up both guard spots and possibly center if Ben Brown is on the mend.
Does he have a long-term future here?: No. This will likely be it for him. It's kind of amazing the Patriots couldn't find a UDFA or waiver claim to do this, but they needed someone with experience to back up Alijah Vera-Tucker, especially.
Is he an upgrade over what the Patriots previously had?: Unfortunately, yes. A team should be able to develop its own guard depth, but it speaks to how bad the roster needed upgrades in other spots first. In a perfect world, the Patriots would have drafted a guard this year. They tried to go Will Campbell and a guard in 2025, but the Dolphins traded up to take Jonah Savaiinaea, and the Patriots turned to Henderson.