PATRIOTS NEWS Rookie Mini Camp - news, notes, etc

[BUSTAMOVE]

Not just rookie mini camp but camp battles that interest me...

Backup RB, ILB and CB probably have the most clear job openings. You can see this by counting the new bodies they brought in.

RB should be intriguing with Lan Larison, Jam Miller and Myles Montgomery. This is a solid trio from which to find one backup and potentially a PS player.

I think TE will be an interesting battle for snaps. Raridon has the inside track as a 2nd rounder, but TE’s who block often have a hard time with the jump to the pros. I also think they spent free agent money on Hill, but Dippre has the best tools to become a dominant blocking TE… he’s simply the best combination of huge, strong and athletic. I think Hill will run with the ones at the open of camp but it may not last.

WR will be interesting depending on the AJ Brown trade. If it happens there is less mystery, but if not they did a great job of scouting the UDFA market for some really talented guys. I especially like Kyle Dixon, Logan Collier and Nick DeGennaro. If Philly insists on a first round pick, I think NE should tell them to kick rocks.

OL is pretty straightforward now barring injury, but I’m interested to see if this Jacob Rizy guy can crack the roster. They could use another solid interior guy, but they could also probably sneak him to the PS. Worst case scenario Lomu can give them snaps at tackle or guard, but would be nice to have a developmental guard in the waiting.

I still wonder if they’ll bring in another big fatty NT, I don’t think they have that guy currently on the roster besides Barmore. If he's healthy and can pass a physical, they should sign Christian Wilkins. He's youngish, may have a touch of bipolar... but it's something they can work with.

At OLB it will be interesting to see if Landry is healthy enough to start the season. Landry, Ponder, Jacas and Swinson is an abundance of riches.

At ILB UDFA’s Declan Williams and Khalil Jacobs are very similar players, I think they want one of these guys to turn into another Spillane who can play at the line of scrimmage and stuff the run... both of these guys are strong. Namdi Obiazor is more of an athlete, they probably want him to become the future behind Elliss... a guy who can play in space.

At CB Kindle Vildor, Karon Prunty, Kenneth Harris and Channing Canada add a lot of speed and athleticsm to the CB room behind the big three. The group behind the big three in 2025 weren't good at all.

All in all the front office did a great job stocking the shelves and adding layers of depth.

I think Rairdon needs some time to develop. He has skills but NFL ready takes time. I am sure you mis quoted but Raridon was drafted in the 3rd round.

 

[mgteich]

I think the 2 UDFA's that could make the 53 are:
OG Rizy - we need a solid Guard with versatility to push Wallace and backup both AVT in case of injury AND Onwenu who might be on his last year due to $$.
DT Blay - he is a solid big-body, but with good athleticsm. He already looks better than Farmer, who disappeared and might be in jeopardy if Blay can shine over Farmer or Pharms (who is a bubble guy in my projection)

i also like ILB Jacobs.

 

[DaBruinz]

I think the 2 UDFA's that could make the 53 are:
OG Rizy - we need a solid Guard with versatility to push Wallace and backup both AVT in case of injury AND Onwenu who might be on his last year due to $$.
DT Blay - he is a solid big-body, but with good athleticsm. He already looks better than Farmer, who disappeared and might be in jeopardy if Blay can shine over Farmer or Pharms (who is a bubble guy in my projection)

Farmer didn't disappear. Not sure what you were watching, but Farmer was out there and put up a high snap count of 34 snaps in week 15 against Buffalo. He got injured in week 16 and was IRed.

Not sure where you get that Blay is athletic, but he's not. His Pro-Day numbers read like that of a 325lb NT, not a 292lb DT. Scratch that. Vince Wilfork at 323 lbs had a Short Shuttle of 4.5 and a 3C of 7.62. I honestly think that Blay was a bone for Highsmith since the Pats didn't take a player from Miami in the draft.

 

[DaBruinz]

Rookie Mini-camp: Initially Crownover will practice at RT and Lomu at LT but really most of the 3 days will be getting the uniform / shells / pads, where their locker is, where the food is, meeting the coaches, etc.

Most of what you mentioned happened before Mini-camp. Lomu was there the day before, checking out his locker and such.

I think that they'll be doing basics tomorrow and seeing what the invites have to offer.

 

[Real fan 02]

Rookie Mini-camp: Initially Crownover will practice at RT and Lomu at LT but really most of the 3 days will be getting the uniform / shells / pads, where their locker is, where the food is, meeting the coaches, etc.

And washing veterans uniforms... rookie initiations LOL

 

[Real fan 02]

Farmer didn't disappear. Not sure what you were watching, but Farmer was out there and put up a high snap count of 34 snaps in week 15 against Buffalo. He got injured in week 16 and was IRed.

Not sure where you get that Blay is athletic, but he's not. His Pro-Day numbers read like that of a 325lb NT, not a 292lb DT. Scratch that. Vince Wilfork at 323 lbs had a Short Shuttle of 4.5 and a 3C of 7.62. I honestly think that Blay was a bone for Highsmith since the Pats didn't take a player from Miami in the draft.

I'm high on farmer as he was in the rotation along with Tonga prior to him getting the ankle last season. Personally due to farmer and how the team feels about him likely made it easier to allow Tonga to get his $$# elsewhere.. can never go wrong having a guy on his rookie deal that will give you the same or potentially better at the position.

 

[Wozzy]

I'm high on farmer as he was in the rotation along with Tonga prior to him getting the ankle last season. Personally due to farmer and how the team feels about him likely made it easier to allow Tonga to get his $$# elsewhere.. can never go wrong having a guy on his rookie deal that will give you the same or potentially better at the position.

I like Farmer also, he's just not a NT who is the immoveable object in the middle. I wonder if they'll look to add that, or wait until the season begins and see if it's even a need.

 

[Real fan 02]

I like Farmer also, he's just not a NT who is the immoveable object in the middle. I wonder if they'll look to add that, or wait until the season begins and see if it's even a need.

Yes. He's light on his feet and has a quick first step.. he would have been more productive hadn't he got hurt.. as he was coming on.. I also believe there's still another addition to come at DT/NT possibility of a veteran or will a UDFA emerge?

 

[Zuma]

And washing veterans uniforms... rookie initiations LOL

They will be doing non-football stuff for sure.

 

[Real fan 02]

They will be doing non-football stuff for sure.

Oh absolutely without a doubt.. can't wait to see the funny looking haircuts, ect from the rookies..

 

[Zuma]

Yes. He's light on his feet and has a quick first step.. he would have been more productive hadn't he got hurt.. as he was coming on.. I also believe there's still another addition to come at DT/NT possibility of a veteran or will a UDFA emerge?

Farmer is my candidate to put on 20 LB to play NT when needed

 

[Real fan 02]

Farmer is my candidate to put on 20 LB to play NT when needed

That's alot of weight! Yes I'm sure Vrabel's told him to get stronger like all the rookies needed to over the course of the offseason.. we need to see continued improvement because I feel as strictly from a defensive line perspective we have probably one if the deepest position groups in the league.. Williams, Barmore, Durden, farmer, Gregory, that's 5 guys who can all rotate to keep each other fresh. Most teams have 1 or 2 beyond the starters.

 

[Pape]

I'm high on farmer as he was in the rotation along with Tonga prior to him getting the ankle last season. Personally due to farmer and how the team feels about him likely made it easier to allow Tonga to get his $$# elsewhere.. can never go wrong having a guy on his rookie deal that will give you the same or potentially better at the position.

Was ticked off when tonga left... but honestly Never thought about that, about farmer just taking his spot on the roster... Good point

 

[Real fan 02]

Was ticked off when tonga left... but honestly Never thought about that, about farmer just taking his spot on the roster... Good point

Yes.. As we all Know or knew Farmer had that ankle and wasn't available so we didn't get a chance to see more of him.. but he was Impressive and noticeable when we was on the field..

 

[TinhWoodhead]

I’m pulling for Jam an SEC RB but do have to add the caveat that his weaknesses are very similar to Hendo’s…habit of not seeing holes /reading blocks well. That said, Bama’s o line was unusually inconsistent last year

Pats had a Sony and now a Jam

 

[Wozzy]

Yes. He's light on his feet and has a quick first step.. he would have been more productive hadn't he got hurt.. as he was coming on.. I also believe there's still another addition to come at DT/NT possibility of a veteran or will a UDFA emerge?

I don’t see a UDFA DT on the roster that will make the team.

Farmer is unique because he has DT traits but
a wide wingspan like a three technique DE like Deatrich Wise.

The other DT’s besides Barmore are blue collar try hard guys and solid players but the immovable mountain with the ability to collapse a pocket I’m not sure is there.

Another every down Barmore type next to Barmore would make this defense impossible to match up with. It would allow the smaller DL like Williams, Dremont and the edge players to see fewer double teams. The ability to get pressure with 4 guys being the optimal outcome.

 

[Real fan 02]

I don’t see a UDFA DT on the roster that will make the team.

Farmer is unique because he has DT traits but
a wide wingspan like a three technique DE like Deatrich Wise.

The other DT’s besides Barmore are blue collar try hard guys and solid players but the immovable mountain with the ability to collapse a pocket I’m not sure is there.

Another every down Barmore type next to Barmore would make this defense impossible to match up with. It would allow the smaller DL like Williams, Dremont and the edge players to see fewer double teams. The ability to get pressure with 4 guys being the optimal outcome.

2026 Interior Defensive Linemen Free Agents

Tracking the status and signings of all 2026 Interior Defensive Linemen free agents, including total value, average and guarantees.

www.spotrac.com

The choices if Vrabel decides to bring someone in to fulfill the role that you mentioned.. those guys are great to have but are becoming more scarce as teams are going to a more attacking type of front to counter passing offenses. Right. Getting pressure rushing 4 should always be the goal. Mixed in with the best secondary in football this will frustrate OCs.. I'm expecting a much improved pass rush where the edge helps the Defensive line and the defensive line helps the edges..

 

[Real fan 02]

I don’t see a UDFA DT on the roster that will make the team.

Farmer is unique because he has DT traits but
a wide wingspan like a three technique DE like Deatrich Wise.

The other DT’s besides Barmore are blue collar try hard guys and solid players but the immovable mountain with the ability to collapse a pocket I’m not sure is there.

Another every down Barmore type next to Barmore would make this defense impossible to match up with. It would allow the smaller DL like Williams, Dremont and the edge players to see fewer double teams. The ability to get pressure with 4 guys being the optimal outcome.

 

[Wozzy]

2026 Interior Defensive Linemen Free Agents

Tracking the status and signings of all 2026 Interior Defensive Linemen free agents, including total value, average and guarantees.

www.spotrac.com

The choices if Vrabel decides to bring someone in to fulfill the role that you mentioned.. those guys are great to have but are becoming more scarce as teams are going to a more attacking type of front to counter passing offenses. Right. Getting pressure rushing 4 should always be the goal. Mixed in with the best secondary in football this will frustrate OCs.. I'm expecting a much improved pass rush where the edge helps the Defensive line and the defensive line helps the edges..

I’ll take Chritian Wilkins if healthy.

 

[Wozzy]

I like Jacas, but he’s not a DT.