Today In Patriots History August 24: Ja'Whaun Bentley

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Today in Patriots History
Ja'Whaun Bentley​

Happy 28th birthday to Ja'Whaun Bentley
Born Aug 24, 1996 in Glenarden, Maryland
Patriot ILB, 2018-present; uniform #51 (2018-20), #8 (2021-)
Pats 5th round (143rd overall) selection of the 2018 NFL Draft, from Purdue

Ja'Whaun Bentley Bio | Patriots.com


April 29, 2018:

How Ja'Whaun Bentley Fits With The New England Patriots

On Saturday, the New England Patriots finally made the call to address the linebacker situation during the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. With the 143rd pick, the Patriots selected Ja'Whaun Bentley, linebacker and three-time captain of the Purdue Boilermakers.

lastwordonsports.com

During the 2017 season, injury knocked Dont’a Hightower off the board and into the Limbo of the Injured Reserves. Harvey Langi, a 2017 undrafted free agent signing for the Patriots, was involved in a motor vehicle accident with his wife and also found himself off the table for New England. All of a sudden, Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts found themselves headlining the linebacking corps with Marquis Flowers and Geneo Grissom in supporting roles. The Patriots had to work their magic to try and restock the linebacking corps, bringing in Nic Grigsby and former Pittsburgh Steelers legend James Harrison.​

The Patriots lack of depth at linebacker felt exposed for much of the season despite the signings. There was widespread speculation that the Patriots would address this lack of depth in the draft. This is where Bentley fits into the equation for the time being. The linebacker room will get Hightower and Langi back in 2018. However, Harrison has since retired and Grissom is expected to return to his place on the defensive line. Bentley will most likely serve as a rotational reserve inside linebacker for the Patriots during his rookie season.​

Bentley was graded at 5.19 by NFL scouts, giving him a “better-than-average change to make an NFL roster.” One of the biggest criticisms about Bentley was that he lacked speed, and unfortunately, speed cannot be taught. However, Bentley possesses strength and consistent ability to win head-to-head battles.​

Bentley is going to be best used in obvious running situations. His lack of speed and inability to change direction quickly makes him rather inefficient as a coverage linebacker. This notion is backed up by the two interceptions in four years that Bentley gathered at Purdue. But his ability to defeat blockers with strong, fast hands, solid tackling fundamentals, and powerful build made him one of the best run-defenders in the Big Ten.​

It looks like Bentley could compete with Elandon Roberts down the road with significant development. But for the time being, it will serve linebackers coach Brian Flores well to develop Bentley’s ability to slide and loosen up some of the stiffness he demonstrates in open-field coverage.​

Bill Belichick loves players out of the Big Ten conference. Bentley fits that bill as a four-year Purdue Boilermaker. In 32 games, Bentley racked up 272 total tackles. However, the most impressive statistic about Bentley’s college career is that he is the first three-time captain in Purdue Boilermaker history.​

After the 2017 season in which everyone and their cousin seemingly had inside information about the Patriots horrid internal culture, Belichick is making a statement by taking one of the Big 10’s biggest leaders. Bentley may not start many games in 2018, but he will certainly add intangible strength to the locker room din.​

March 28, 2019:

Why Patriots Fans Should Be Excited About Linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley - NESN.com

Three weeks into the 2018 NFL season, the New England Patriots’ most exciting rookie wasn’t running back Sony Michel or cornerback J.C. Jackson. It was linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. In the first few months of his Patriots career, Bentley had gone from a relatively unknown fifth-round draft pick...

nesn.com

Three weeks into the 2018 NFL season, the New England Patriots’ most exciting rookie wasn’t running back Sony Michel or cornerback J.C. Jackson.​

It was linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley.​

In the first few months of his Patriots career, Bentley had gone from a relatively unknown fifth-round draft pick to New England’s No. 1 middle linebacker, bumping out incumbent starter Elandon Roberts.​

The 22-year-old Purdue product started two of the Patriots’ first three games, tallying 14 tackles and an interception after also returning a fumble for a touchdown during the preseason.​

May 13, 2019:

Ja’Whaun Bentley: New England Patriots X-Factors

New England Patriots linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley was one of the most promising rookies in the league in 2018 and should be healthy for the start of 2019

lastwordonsports.com

Nobody expected much of anything from Ja’Whaun Bentley when he first joined the Patriots. Selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, most expected Bentley to fight for one of the last spots on the Patriots roster. He was supposedly a north-south linebacker who didn’t have the speed or agility to go sideline-to-sideline.​

Bentley immediately proved that scouting report wrong in the preseason. The rookie was one of New England’s best defenders in August and seemingly made big plays every time he stepped on the field. Playing in three of the four preseason games, Bentley recorded 15 tackles, one pass defended, one forced fumble, and even returned a fumble for a touchdown. He demonstrated the ability to make plays all over the field both against the run and the pass.​

Bentley’s impressive preseason earned him a starting spot in the Week One lineup, and the fifth-round selection proved his preseason wasn’t a fluke. Appearing in three games (starting two), Bentley recorded 14 tackles, one quarterback hit, one interception, and one pass defended. With Hightower slowly working his way back from injury, Bentley essentially served as the top linebacker alongside Kyle Van Noy.​

Unfortunately, Bentley didn’t have the chance to build on his hot start to the season. The rookie suffered a biceps injury late in New England’s 26-10 loss to the Detroit Lions and landed on the injured reserve. Since Duke Dawson and Rex Burkhead were already designated to return from their respective injured reserve stints, Bentley’s season was over before it really began.​

Ja’Whaun Bentley was a steal in the fifth round and should be one of New England’s best defenders in the 2019 season. Bentley displayed great athleticism, ball skills, and tackling ability throughout his rookie year and those skills should carry over into 2019.​

Bentley is coming off of a season-ending injury but should easily be ready for the start of the season. The biggest concern with Bentley is his long-term health. The Purdue product will need to prove that he can stay healthy for the duration of a season. Back in college, Bentley only played double-digit games in two of a possible four seasons.​

Additionally, opposing offensive coordinators will have a better idea of how to attack Bentley. Bentley will need to prove that he’s able to handle these adjustments and remain a productive player. Ultimately, he should be able to do this. Bentley displayed an ability to be effective in multiple areas of the game and should be able to handle anything opposing offensive coordinators throw his way.​

If Bentley can build on his rookie season and stay healthy, then New England could have one of the best linebacker trios in the league. Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy are both great players, but adding Bentley to the mix could send New England’s defense over the top.​

May 31, 2024:

PFF Linebacker Rankings: Top 32 ahead of the 2024 NFL season

We rank the top 32 linebackers ahead of the 2024 season, beginning with the San Francisco 49ers' Fred Warner.

www.pff.com

32. Ja’Whaun Bentley, New England Patriots​

Bentley has earned PFF grades above 65.0 in each of the past three seasons and in five of his six seasons in the NFL. It’s probably unfair to expect him to be at the level he was in 2022, when his 80.4 PFF grade ranked eighth among linebackers, but he has proven himself to be a solid starter to this point.​

Ja'Whaun Bentley - Highlights - New England Patriots - NFL 2023 Season [10:48]
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Bentley has really developed into a very good player... good guy, glad he's here

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The 1971 Draft​

In memory of Josh Ashton, who would have turned 75 today
Born Aug 24, 1949 in Eagle Lake, Texas
Died October 4, 1993 at the age of 43
Patriot RB, 1972-1974; uniform #31
Pats 9th round (209th overall) selection of the 1971 draft, from Tulsa


1971 was a year of transition for the Patriots. The short-lived Joe Kapp era was over after a terrible season that resulted in the Pats having the first overall pick of the draft. This was following the first season of a fully merged National Football League. Although the common draft had been in place since 1967, 1970 was the first year when Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cleveland moved from the NFL to the AFC.

The Pats drafted Jim Plunkett first overall, and Julius Adams at the top of the second round; both were great picks. However the rest of that draft yielded virtually nothing from that rookie class, with the exception of Josh Ashton being chosen 209th overall.

At the end of training camp in 1970 the Pats had traded away their 1971 3rd and 7th round draft picks for aging DE Ike Lassiter. Their 4th round pick had also been traded away the previous year, for Charlie Gogolak. The kicker spent almost as much time sidelined with injuries as he did on the field in two years with the Patriots, while connecting on only 20 of 36 field goal attempts. Denver used that pick on Lyle Alzado, who went on to play in 207 games as one of the era's premier defensive ends.

Nine of the 13 players the Pats drafted in 1971 never played in the NFL, and one played in only four games. Ashton is the only not named Jim Plunkett or Julius Adams that is worth mentioning. Josh Ashton played in 38 games with 20 starts for the Pats, scoring four touchdowns.



October 4, 1993:
Obituaries - The Eagle Lake Headlight

Josh Aston Jr.​

August 24, 1949 - October 4, 1993​

Josh Ashton Jr., 44, of Houston, died Monday, October 4, 1993.​

He was the eldest son of Josh and Evelyn Ashton, born August 24, 1949. He completed school in Eagle Lake and attended Blinn College on an athletic scholarship.​

He then went to the University of Tulsa, Ok., where he had an exciting career in football. Ashton was drafted into the Canadian Football League where he played for the British Columbia Lions. He later played in the NFL for the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, and St. Louis Cardinals.​

In 1970 he met Wainna Johnson of Tulsa, Ok. They were married December 27, 1971, and had three children.​

Ashton served in the U.S. Army in the Army National Guards, and was honorably discharged.​

He is survived by his wife; three children, Darryn Ashton of Tulsa, Ok., Bonita and John Ashton IV of Houston; his mother, Evelyn Ashton of Eagle Lake; brother, Frank Ashton of Eagle Lake; two grandchidren; and a number of other relatives and loved ones.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Jermaine Cunningham​

Happy 36th birthday to Jermaine Cunningham
Born Aug 24, 1988 in the Bronx
Patriot OLB/DE, 2010-2012; uniform #96
Pats 2nd round (53rd overall) selection of the 2010 draft, from Florida


The former Gator had a decent rookie season, taking over for Tully Banta-Cain and starting eleven games. Things went dramatically south the following year when he was a healthy scratch seven times, never working his way into the defensive rotation - on a unit that finished the season ranked 31st in team defense. Then towards the end of 2012 Cunningham was suspended for four games for performance enhancing drugs.

Jermaine Cunningham was cut at the end of the 2013 training camp, ending an inglorious three year stint with the Patriots. During that time he played in 36 games with 14 starts, totaling 59 tackles (43 solo), ten quarterback hits, eight tackles for a loss and just 3½ sacks.

In a typical Rex Ryan stunt, the Jets signed Cunningham. Predictably he did even less there - appearing in two games over two seasons, with zero stats.


Jan 6, 2015:

Jets linebacker Jermaine Cunningham arrested, charged with spreading sexual images, gun offenses

Cunningham, who missed the season with a torn Achilles tendon, is charged with disclosing sexual images of another, destroying clothes and illegally transporting a .380 handgun in the glove compartment of his Audi.

www.nj.com

Former Patriots Bust Jermaine Cunningham Arrested on Sex and Gun Charges

The former second round draft choice is now a member of the Jets organization, but missed the entire 2014 season with an achilles injury.

www.boston.com

Former Patriots draft bust and current New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Cunningham was arrested December 29th on “charges of spreading sexual images and illegally transporting a gun in his Audi.’’​

NJ.com reports police found a handgun in Cunningham’s glove compartment, and he’s also accused of violating a state law prohibiting the disclosure of sexual images of a person without the person’s consent.​

Cunningham was the Patriots “other’’ second round draft pick in 2010, selected 53rd overall and just 11 picks after Rob Gronkowski. Cunningham registered just 3.5 sacks in three seasons in New England before moving on to the Jets in 2013. He missed all of last season with an Achilles injury.​

It’s another off-field incident involving one of Urban Meyer’s former Florida players. But as the Aaron Hernandez jury selection process gets underway and Cunningham faces his own on and off-field issues, Meyer is preparing for a national championship game at Ohio State.​

 

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Today in Patriots History
The 1971 Draft​

In memory of Josh Ashton, who would have turned 75 today
Born Aug 24, 1949 in Eagle Lake, Texas
Died October 4, 1993 at the age of 43
Patriot RB, 1972-1974; uniform #31
Pats 9th round (209th overall) selection of the 1971 draft, from Tulsa


1971 was a year of transition for the Patriots. The short-lived Joe Kapp era was over after a terrible season that resulted in the Pats having the first overall pick of the draft. This was following the first season of a fully merged National Football League. Although the common draft had been in place since 1967, 1970 was the first year when Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cleveland moved from the NFL to the AFC.

The Pats drafted Jim Plunkett first overall, and Julius Adams at the top of the second round; both were great picks. However the rest of that draft yielded virtually nothing from that rookie class, with the exception of Josh Ashton being chosen 209th overall.

At the end of training camp in 1970 the Pats had traded away their 1971 3rd and 7th round draft picks for aging DE Ike Lassiter. Their 4th round pick had also been traded away the previous year, for Charlie Gogolak. The kicker spent almost as much time sidelined with injuries as he did on the field in two years with the Patriots, while connecting on only 20 of 36 field goal attempts. Denver used that pick on Lyle Alzado, who went on to play in 207 games as one of the era's premier defensive ends.

Nine of the 13 players the Pats drafted in 1971 never played in the NFL, and one played in only four games. Ashton is the only not named Jim Plunkett or Julius Adams that is worth mentioning. Josh Ashton played in 38 games with 20 starts for the Pats, scoring four touchdowns.



October 4, 1993:
Obituaries - The Eagle Lake Headlight

Josh Aston Jr.​

August 24, 1949 - October 4, 1993​

Josh Ashton Jr., 44, of Houston, died Monday, October 4, 1993.​

He was the eldest son of Josh and Evelyn Ashton, born August 24, 1949. He completed school in Eagle Lake and attended Blinn College on an athletic scholarship.​

He then went to the University of Tulsa, Ok., where he had an exciting career in football. Ashton was drafted into the Canadian Football League where he played for the British Columbia Lions. He later played in the NFL for the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, and St. Louis Cardinals.​

In 1970 he met Wainna Johnson of Tulsa, Ok. They were married December 27, 1971, and had three children.​

Ashton served in the U.S. Army in the Army National Guards, and was honorably discharged.​

He is survived by his wife; three children, Darryn Ashton of Tulsa, Ok., Bonita and John Ashton IV of Houston; his mother, Evelyn Ashton of Eagle Lake; brother, Frank Ashton of Eagle Lake; two grandchidren; and a number of other relatives and loved ones.​

just in case you want to round out your photo collection of 1971 Draft picks who actually played in a game for the Pats, here's the fourth member of that crew... Alfred Sykes

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More August 24 Birthdays​

Happy 36th birthday to Ishmaa'ily Kitchen
Born August 24, 1988 in Youngstown, Ohio
Patriot NT, 2015; uniform #70
Signed as a free agent on December 16, 2015

Ishmaa'ily Yuwsha Kitchen was originally signed by Baltimore as an undrafted rookie out of Kent State in 2012, and appeared in 40 games with the Browns from 2012-2014. The Patriots signed the 6-1, 334lb nose tackle after their week 14 victory at Houston when Dominique Easley was placed on injured reserve. Kitchen was a healthy scratch for the next game versus Tennessee, then released to make room for RB Steven Jackson. In the following game the Patriot defense surrendered 143 rushing yards and 428 total yards in an overtime loss to the Jets, and Kitchen was re-signed. He appeared in the week 17 loss at Miami, then was again a healthy scratch in both playoff games. Defensive linemen Kitchen, Easley and Chris Jones were all released by New England two weeks prior to the 2016 draft.

Patriots Sign Defensive Tackle Ishmaa'ily Kitchen To 53-Man Roster - NESN.com

FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots boosted their defensive tackle depth one day after placing Dominique Easley on injured reserve. The Patriots signed veteran defensive tackle Ishmaa’ily Kitchen to their 53-man roster. Kitchen spent three seasons with the Cleveland Browns before being...

nesn.com

New England Patriots release defensive tackles Chris Jones, Ishmaa'ily Kitchen

The New England Patriots released defensive tackle Chris Jones Friday.

www.masslive.com

Two days after releasing former first-round pick Dominique Easley, the New England Patriots have parted ways with two other defensive tackles.​

Chris Jones and Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, both projected to be on the roster bubble, were cut Friday.​

Kitchen, a wide body in the middle, was brought on late last year for depth.​

Currently, the Patriots have Malcom Brown, Terrrance Knighton, Alan Branch, Markus Kuhn, Frank Kearse and Joe Vellano at defensive tackle. The team may look to add an interior defensive lineman in the draft. The position ranks among the Pats' top draft needs.​

Happy 26th birthday to Kawaan Baker
Born Aug 24, 1998 in East Point, Georgia
Patriot WR, 2024 offseason-; uniform #86
Signed to a reserve/futures contract on Feb 6, 2024


Feb 6, 2024:

Patriots Sign Developmental Wide Receiver To Futures Contract

The Patriots are adding another new name to the fold for next season, and this time it's actually a player.

nesn.com

Baker entered the league as a seventh-round pick out of South Alabama in 2021, spending time with the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles in the last three seasons.​

He made two game-day appearances for the Saints during his rookie campaign as a practice squad elevation, playing exclusively on special teams.​

Patriots sign WR to future contract

Jerod Mayo’s offense has added another depth wide receiver.

www.masslive.com

The Patriots signed 25-year-old Kawaan Baker to a futures contract on Tuesday afternoon. A seventh-round pick out of South Alabama in 2021, the 6-foot-1, 215-pounder has bounced around a bit since coming into the league.​

Baker was drafted by the Saints and spent his rookie season on their practice squad. Before his second year, Baker tested positive for performance enhancing drugs and was suspended for six games. The Saints cut him after the suspension ran its course, and then Baker spent time on the Packers and Eagles practice squads before returning to New Orleans last offseason. One of the Saints’ final cuts last summer, the wideout hadn’t been on a roster since August.​

Given New England’s woeful production in 2023, there’s certain to be some turnover in the wide receiver room this spring. The Patriots have JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pop Douglas, DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, T.J. Luther and Kayshon Boutte under contract for the 2024 season, while Kendrick Bourne is slated to hit free agency next month.​

New England Patriots

Follow all the latest on the New England Patriots — game results, player updates, trade coverage, stats and expert insights from Patriots Football Now.

patriotsfootballnow.com

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound receiver totaled 126 receptions, 1,829 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns in his college career. His teammates at South Alabama included punter Corliss Waitman, who spent time on the Patriots practice squad in 2023.​

New Orleans cut Kawaan Baker at the end of his first training camp, but he was signed back to the practice squad. He appeared in two games as a rookie in 2021. He played exclusively on special teams, recording a tackle. He was signed to a future contract for the 2022 season.​

Kawaan Baker joins DeMario Douglas, DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte, and T.J. Luther as wide receivers under contract with the New England Patriots for the 2024 season.​

Two August 23 birthdays with a New England connection:

- Gary Wisener (1938-2020)
1960 Boston Patriots draft pick
A defensive back from Baylor, Wisener chose to stay in-state, playing for the Dallas Cowboys in 1960 and Houston Oilers in 1961.

- Gill Fenerty, 61 (1963)
Holy Cross
A 7th round pick by New Orleans in '86, the KR/RB had his best season in 1991 when he started 12 games for the Saints, scoring five touchdowns.




Other NFL notables born on this date include:

- Arian Foster, 38 (1986)
Houston Texan RB scored 47 touchdowns in a 3-year span from 2010-12. He was an All Pro in 2010 and four-time Pro Bowler, but overuse - 393 touches in 2010, 331 in 2011 and 391 in 2012 - left him with no tread on the tires after just a few years in the league.


- Gary Dunn, 71 (1953)
Nose tackle played in 146 games for the Steelers from 1976 to 1987, winning tow Super Bowls.

Gary Dunn - University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame

Biography page for University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame member, Gary Dunn

www.umsportshalloffame.com

- Allen Robinson, 31 (1993)
Wide receiver from Penn State led the NFL in touchdown receptions in 2015, and has 562 receptions for 7,028 yards and 43 TD over the course of his ten-year NFL career.

Allen Robinson named a player the Giants should cut

Early in May, the New York Giants added some veteran depth to their wide receiving corps when they inked Allen Robinson to a one-year deal. With Robinson joining a crowded group on the Giants roster, he would have to compete for a roster spot. Robinson started all 17…

giantswire.usatoday.com