Today In Patriots History June 18: Jake Bailey - Best Patriot Punter Ever?

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Jake Bailey​

Happy 27th birthday to Jake Bailey
Born June 18, 1997 in Phoenix
Patriot P/K, 2019-; uniform #7
Fifth round selection of the 2019 draft (163rd overall), from Stanford

On April 27, 2019 the Patriots gave Philadelphia the 246th overall pick of the draft in order to move up four spots in the fifth round, swapping their 163rd and 167th picks in that draft. At the time the move appeared to be one of those random, overthought transactions that occur in every draft. In reality that trade turned out to be a very favorable one for the Pats.

As a rookie Jake Bailey made fans forget about the decision to let Ryan Allen go early on. For example in week two he was called on to punt three times, with the results being a 52 yard punt downed on the Miami 8-yard line; a 39 yard punt with enough hang time it resulted in a return of zero yards, at the Dolphins 15; and a 53 yard punt with a five yard return. Bailey finished the season with a punt of at least 53 yards in all 17 games, including the playoff loss to Tennessee. The only time he averaged less than forty yards per punt was in week seven at the Jets, when four of his seven punts ended up inside the twenty yard line. Bailey seemed to excel in that regard against gang green, with nine punts inside the twenty in the two games versus the AFC east rival. In week three five of his seven punts were downed inside the twenty, forcing the Jets to start drives at the 12, 10, 8, 8 and 1 yard line.

Other 2019 highlights were in week nine at Baltimore (45.2 yards net on five punts, with three inside the twenty); the next game at Philadelphia (46.0 net on eight punts, with six inside the twenty - including a 55 yard punt that gave Philly the ball on their own six yard line with 4:07 to play, and then a 54 yard punt that pinned the Eagles on their own 12 yard line with 34 seconds to go and no timeouts); and week 15 at Cincinnati (five punts for an average of 48.2 yards; the net of 42.4 would have been higher had somebody been able to down a 65 yard fourth quarter punt before it rolled into the end zone). The Stanford grad earned special teams player of the week honors twice, in the week three game against the Jets and for the week 11 game against the Eagles.

In addition to being the team's punter and holder on field goals and extra points, Bailey was pressed into service to handle kickoff duties as well when Stephen Gostkowski went on injured reserve with a bad hip after week four. Bailey finished the season with an average of 61.1 yards on 65 kickoffs, with 38 touchbacks, and 44.9 yards gross/41.3 net on 81 punts, with 36 inside the twenty. There were no punts blocked, and zero flubs due to the hold on the 79 attempts for a filed goal or extra point.

Bailey followed up a solid rookie season with a spectacular outing in 2020. The gross yards per punt increased 3.8 yards to 48.7 (third in the NFL), and the net yardage went up by 4.3 yards to a league best 45.6. For the year Bailey attempted 55 punts, for a gross average of 48.7 yards per boot. Of those punts, only five went into the end zone as touchbacks, five went out of bounds, 18 were fair caught, and 15 were downed by the Pats own coverage unit. There were only a league low 12 punts that opponents were actually able to run back, for a total of 71 yards (second best). As a point of comparison the Patriots returned punts for 357 yards in 2020, a net difference of 286 yards. That 2020 performance earned Jake Bailey first team All Pro honors as well as his first Pro Bowl.

On August 1, 2022, Bailey signed a four-year, $13.5 million contract extension through the 2025 season. While contracts such as that one can give a player enough money to insure financial staability for the rest of their lives, in the salary cap era it can also put you in the crosshairs of a team's capologist. Bailey was placed on injured reserve on November 19, 2022 - and on March 10, 2023, he was released by the Patriots.

If the NFL stands for Not For Long league, that saying is even more relevant for punters. In the history of the franchise there have been 29 'starting' punters - an average career of about 2.2 years. Despite only punting for 3½ years with New England, Jake Bailey ranks at or near the top in all franchise career punting categories. His 45.9 yards per punt is best for all with at least 100 punts as a Patriot.

Rich Camarillo - a player I had long considered to be the best punter in franchise history - holds the team record for most punts and most punt yards, but his 34.4 net yards per punt pales in comparison to Bailey's 40.9 yards. Jake's percentage of punts inside the twenty (45.9%) is by far the best of anybody with more than two punts in their career. Zoltán Meskó is a distant second with 40.6%, and Camarillo lags far behind at 22.4%. Camarillo and Ryan Allen do have higher numbers for total number of punts and punt yards, but they compiled those stats in a much longer timeframe (seven and six years respectively).

Jake Bailey - Football 2018

Jake Bailey - Football 2018

gostanford.com

Patriots punter Jake Bailey starting NFL career on high note

FOXBORO — Famously all-business at his press conferences, Patriots coach Bill Belichick once in a while cracks a window to the sarcastic wit that friends say he uses with great skill off stage. One such instance came recently when he d…

www.bostonherald.com

Patriots' most valuable rookie has been ... punter Jake Bailey?

The fifth-round pick has just one touchback and 10 punts inside the 20, and he has helped shift field position when New England has been pinned deep.

www.espn.com

With Stephen Gostkowski gone, could the Patriots turn to Jake Bailey to do it all? - The Boston Globe

While it's unorthodox to combine the kicking and punting roles, Bill Belichick likes to do unorthodox things.

www.bostonglobe.com

In Year Two, punter Bailey looks to kick it up a notch

Patriots notebook: Jake Bailey looking like Pats’ secret weapon yet again

Patriots punter Jake Bailey should again rank among the NFL’s best if he improves, plus notes on Damien Harris, the rookie tight ends and Tom Brady.

www.bostonherald.com

Jake Bailey punts to the top of NFL leaderboard

Bailey has been unflinchingly reliable in a Patriots season defined by inconsistency.

www.masslive.com

Patriots Jake Bailey ‘over the moon excited’ about Pro Bowl honor

Patriots Jake Bailey ‘over the moon excited’ about Pro Bowl honor

www.providencejournal.com

Jake Bailey Reacts To His Four Year Contract Extension | PatsFans.com

Punter Jake Bailey agrees to a four-year contract extension with the Patriots and shares his reaction to the news after practice.

www.patsfans.com

PATRIOTS NEWS - Bailey cut

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/03/10/patriots-cut-punter-jake-bailey/

www.patsfans.com

Patriots Player Departure - Jake Bailey leaving for Miami

Best of luck Jake ….wish it wasn’t the Doofins….Looks like we will grab a punter in the draft. https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2023/03/17/former-patriots-punter-jake-bailey-signs-with-miami-dolphins/?p1=hp_featurestack

www.patsfans.com

The geeky data from a site called Puntalytics showed Jake Bailey had a helluva good season in 2020.


​

 

[sb1]

One of I believe only 2 Pro Bowlers drafted by BB between 2014 and 2020.

Shame that the back(?) injury derailed his career here. Did well in Miami last season.

 

[Pape]

i believe Jeff White should hold that distinction...

 

[sb1]

Ken Walter FTW

 

[turkeyneck]

I remember Babe Parilli knocking out a few punts.

 

[jmt57]

 

[jmt57]

Matt Cassel is the Patriots all-time leading punter, with a 57.0 yard average.

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[sb1]

Matt Cassel is the Patriots all-time leading punter, with a 57.0 yard average.

​

Brady is not too shabby himself. I believe his is the all time highest percentage punting to inside the 10 (66%) lol


That first one - wow!

After the second one Von Miller took a cheap shot at a Patriots player I think it was Mankins and got his ass kicked by the Pats sidelines for his trouble.

 

[upstater1]

Ryan Allen, then Camarillo.

 

[upstater1]

Matt Cassel is the Patriots all-time leading punter, with a 57.0 yard average.

​

I was at that game. The crowd was in utter disbelief. A 3rd down punt with the wind at his back.

The wind was blowing so hard Gost was missing 12 yard field goals by 20 yards to the right. The goalposts blow over.

A very weird 60 degree day in December in Buffalo with the wind blowing consistently at 25-30mph with gusts up to 60.

 

[Real fan 02]

Ken Walter FTW

I'll be honest.. I never cared to pay to much attention to punting until the last few seasons..

 

[italian pat patriot]

I remember when i started this passion...so i go with...
Rich Camarillo !

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Harry the Thump​

In memory of Harry Crump, who would have been 84 today
Born June 18, 1940 in Framingham
Died September 4, 2020 at the age of 80
Patriot FB, 1963; uniform #31
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent, June 1963

Harry Crump (L) posing for a photo; (C) playing defense and laying a hit on an opponent; (R) part of a 1963 bottle cap collection​

Harry Crump grew up in Westborough, and went to Boston College in 1958. Pats head coach Mike Holovak brought Crump in after having seen him first hand at Chestnut Hill. "Harry the Thump" rushed for five touchdowns in a season that saw the Pats make it to the AFL championship game. He was waived near the end of training camp the following August and decided to get a 'real' job, thus ending his brief time with the Patriots.

In his post football career Harry became the president of American Flexible Conduit Company in New Bedford. He also served on the board of directors for Roger Williams University, Special Olympics, and two clubs in Miami. Mr. Crump passed away four years ago at the age of 80.




Below is a great article on Harry the Thump, well worth the few minutes it takes to read it.

Westborough’s Harry Crump ‘thumped’ his way into the football history books

By Nick Abramo, Sports Columnist WESTBOROUGH – A TV show based on the football playing days of the late Harry Crump would likely be a hit. Small-town boy makes a

www.communityadvocate.com

A TV show based on the football playing days of the late Harry Crump would likely be a hit.​

Small-town boy makes a name for himself as a fullback for the Westborough Rangers, Class of 1959. Goes on to star at Boston College. Makes the Boston Patriots in the early 1960s. Plays in the 1963 AFL championship game.​

“As a senior, Harry was 205 pounds, and that was big for the time,” said Donald Ayres, Crump’s high school teammate. “Somebody from the opposing team’s secondary would try to tackle him, and he would run right over them. They would bounce off. He wouldn’t have to go around them. That was just him.”​

A newspaper photograph of Crump at BC tackling Syracuse’s 1962 Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis is still in Ayres’ possession.??​

“He was on the [Westborough High School] team for six years, a rarity,” Ayres added. “That’s how talented he was. He was also on the baseball team from the seventh grade on. And as good as he was in football, in my opinion, he was even better [as a catcher] in baseball. In college [football], he played in the Senior Bowl and made a great showing.”​

In three years at Boston College from 1960 to ’62, Crump rushed for 1,497 yards, gained 4.5 yards per carry, and scored 13 touchdowns. In 1962, the Eagles went 8-2, losing only to Syracuse and a Roger Staubach-led Navy squad.​

Today in Patriots History
Who's Harry Crump?



​

Happy 58th birthday to Rodney Rice
Born June 18, 1966 in Albany, Georgia
Patriot CB/KR, 1989; uniform #43
Pats 8th round (210th overall) selection of the 1989 draft, from BYU

Rodney Rice played in ten games for the Patriots. He had one fumble recovery and returned 11 kicks at an average of 22 yards. In 1990 he signed with the Bucs as a Plan B free agent, and was out of pro football after that.

Rodney Rice Athlete Profile - FTB

Personal Born in Georgia ... parents are Rochelle and Marion ... brother Rocky played for Texas A & I and brother Stan played for the University of Cincinnati ... recruited by San Jose State, Pacific, Oregon, Virginia, the Air Force Academy, South Carolina State, UNLV and Utah ... majored in...

byucougars.com

Rodney Rice - Co-owner, personal trainer | Game Changers Sports Las Vegas

While studying for two years at Merced Junior College and playing football, Rodney achieved several football accolades and was recruited by several Division 1 schools for football. Rodney eventually accepted a scholarship for football at Brigham Young University. The next three years led him to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and drafted in the NFL by the New England Patriots where he played his first season. Rodney also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a year and ended his football career with the Detroit Lions.​

When the football days ended, Rodney put his NFL connections and his degree to work and started a Behavior Health company that served at-risk kids. He then established a therapeutic program in Utah named A Better Way, and then a therapeutic boarding school in Western Samoa called Coral Reef Academy. His program in Samoa is still running and impacting families to this day. He has been self-employed for over 20 years. Rodney gives credit for his success to his family, his upbringing, and his wife of 22 years who has stood by his side through thick and thin. They have not only built a successful business overseas for the last 20 years but are in the process of raising four wonderful boys towards becoming good young men.​

Oct 25, 2017:

Las Vegas gym provides training and mentoring to at-risk kids

They’re not running with gangs. They’re not running into trouble. They’re not running away. They’re just … running. Legging it out. Thundering down the gym floor turf....

www.reviewjournal.com

Preparing to officially unveil its status as a nonprofit organization on Nov. 3, followed by an open house on Nov. 4, the free, ongoing program supervised by those co-owners — former Navy SEAL Mel Spicer III, former NFL player Rodney Rice, probation officer Lamont Hicks and businessman Manus Edwards — provides strength and agility conditioning and sports coaching for boys and girls ages 6 to 18. About 30 kids have been through the program, and 12 are currently enrolled. Additional components, such as nutrition education, are planned.​

 

[borg]

Team MVP in 2020

Just edged Cam and his QB sneak offense

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
A pair of Pass Catchers that Failed to Catch on​

Happy 44th birthday to Visanthe Shiancoe
Born June 18, 1980 in Birmingham, England
Patriot TE, 2012; uniform #80
Signed as an unrestricted free agent on July 24, 2012

After nine NFL seasons with the Giants and Vikings, the Pats signed the 6'4 tight end just before the start of the 2012 training camp to a one year, $1.2 million deal.

In a move that was questioned at that time by many fans, four days prior to week one he received the team's sole IR 'with designation to return'. Visanthe Shiancoe was activated on November 10, after an injury to the player that would later be known as Inmate 174954. Shiancoe appeared in four games - with zero receptions on one target for the Patriots. On December 12 he was released, to make room on the roster for the re-signing of Deion Branch. Over 11 NFL seasons Shiancoe had 245 receptions and 27 touchdowns.

Happy 42nd birthday to Michael Jenkins
Born June 18, 1982 in Tampa
Patriot WR, 2013 off season; uniform #10
Signed as an unrestricted free agent on March 28, 2013

The Pats signed the 6'4, 31 year old veteran on the second day of free agency in 2013, after seven consistent seasons with Atlanta and two with Minnesota. His signing was lost in a news cycle that was dominated with the addition of Tim Tebow, as he, Austin Collie, Donald Jones, Danny Amendola, LeGarrette Blount and Leon Washington were all brought in to compete for roster spots after the departures of skill players Wes Welker, Danny Woodhead, Brandon Lloyd, and later that summer Aaron Hernandez. Jenkins did not make it to the final cuts though, as he was released in mid-August. The former first round pick from Ohio State finished his NFL career with 354 receptions for 4,427 yards, and 25 touchdowns.

Happy 46th birthday to Dyshod Carter
Born June 18, 1978 in Denver
Patriot CB, 2002-03 offseason; uniform #28
Signed to the practice squad on Decemeber 13, 2002

Patriots.com | Pats sign Dyshon Carter to Practice Squad

Carter, 24, was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as a rookie free agent on April 26, 2001, but was released following training camp on Aug. 28. The 5-foot-10-inch, 197-pounder was then signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad on Oct. 9, 2001. Carter was elevated to the Browns active roster on Oct. 24, but was waived and re-signed to their practice squad on Nov. 9. He returned to the active roster on Nov. 29 and played in the final five games of the regular season and totaled two special teams tackles.​

​

During his collegiate career, Carter tallied 140 tackles (111 solos) and 13 interceptions while at Kansas State (1997-2000).​

After being waived at the end of training camp, the Patriots allocated Carter to the Scottish Claymores of the NFL Europe. Carter played in a total of 19 NFL games for the Browns and Cardinals; his pro football career ended in 2008 when he was arrested for possession of cocaine.

The Patriots Dyshod Carter can't complete the catch during a drill in training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 27, 2003​

Happy 87th birthday to Wray Carlton
Born June 18, 1937 in Wallace, North Carolina
Patriot FB, 1960 offseason
Signed sometime in early 1960

Wray Carlton was a third round (26th overall) selection from Duke by Philadelphia in the 1959 draft. The Patriots traded him to Buffalo in exchange for Al Crow, a defensive tackle from William and Mary on September 3, 1960.

Carlton became a two-time AFL All-Star ('65, '66) with the Bills, leading the league in rushing touchdowns in 1965. He scored 11 touchdowns in 1960, and led the AFL with 5.6 yards per carry in 1962. Carlton combined with Cookie Gilchrist to give Buffalo a formidable running game in the early to mid sixties.

On the flip side, Crow - originally the 332nd selection of the 1955 NFL draft - played in three games with the Pats before he was released.




Happy 87th birthday to Jim Leo
Born June 18, 1937 in Niagra Falls, NY

Similar to Wray Carlton, Jim Leo was part of a bad trade by the Boston Patriots. At least in that deal Al Crow played in three games; no such luck in this transaction.

On August 5, 1963 the Patriots traded away **** Klein, their left defensive tackle who was an AFL East All-Star the previous year, to the Oakland Raiders. In exchange the Pats received the rights to Jim Leo, a defensive end in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings. Granted, the Patriots were ready to elevate Houston Antwine from a backup to starter for the 1963 season. But they were also set at DE with Larry Eisenhauer and Bob Dee, so another defensive end was not needed. Leo never signed or played for the Patriots, meaning Boston had traded away an All-Star for nothing in return.




Other pro football players with New England connections sharing a June 18 birth date:

- Angelo Bertelli (6/18/21-6/26/99); Springfield born and raised, Angelo went to high school at Springfield Cathedral. Bertelli was the first Notre Dame player to win the Heisman Trophy, with the Irish winning by an average of 43-5. Football had to wait though, as he was called upon to enlist in the Marines. Although he was the first overall pick of the 1944 draft - despite his war obligations - Bertelli's pro football career was ruined by injuries leading to multiple knee surgeries. In a bit of trivia, his son 'Bob Bert' became a drummer for several bands, including Sonic Youth.

Angelo Bertelli was one of several players sharing this birth date that played for a team called the Boston Yanks. How does a team from Boston get named after a baseball rival from New York? Apparently the franchise was owned by Ted Collins, a show biz manaager whose money train was 'God Bless America' singer Kate Smith. Collins named his team the Yankees because he planned to be based in New York City and play at Yankee Stadium. Tim Mara felt threatened and appealed to the NFL, refusing to share the burough with another team.

The football team played their home games at Fenway Park. Due to the lack of available players to stock a team during World War II, some teams (such as the Steelers and Eagles) temporarily merged. In 1945 the Yanks did the same, merging with the Brooklyn Tigers - playing four home games at Fenway one in Brooklyn.

The Yanks were not a competitive team. Starting in 1944 they went 2-8, 3-6-1, 2-8-1, 4-7-1 and 3-9. In 1949 Collins finally received approval to relocate to New York. At this point he and the league pulled a clever/shady deal. Rather than simply relocate, the league agreed to fold the franchise, and then begin a 'new' franchise. The reason for that was that by doing so Collins received a huge federal tax write off.

Fittingly, Collins' new team was even worse than the old one.

The first year Boston Yanks pose at Fenway Park


The Boston Yanks playing the Detroit Lions in the snow at Fenway Park


The Green Monster in the backdrop with the Yanks in action at Fenway Park​

- Mike Micka (6/18/21-1/4/89); FB/QB/HB/DB for the 1945-48 Boston Yanks was the 8th overall pick of the 1944 draft.

Boston Yanks' Mike Micka, 1945-1948​

- Joe Watt (6/18/19-6/27/83); HB/DB for the 1947 Boston Yanks.

- Freeman Rexer (6/18/18-4/19/64); end for the 1944 Boston Yanks.

- Herb Coleman (6/18/23-1/1/85); C/G was a 12th round pick (113th overall) by the Boston Yanks in the 1945 draft.

- Charley Malone (6/18/10-5/23/92); a pro bowl end for the Boston (and later Washington) Redskins, he led the NFL in receiving in 1935.




Other pro football players born on this date include:

- Bruce Smith, 58 (6/18/63): Hall of Fame defensive end was named to 11 Pro Bowls with Buffalo.

- Antonio Gates, 41 (6/18/80); 116 TD and nine consecutive Pro Bowls with the Chargers.
On a side note Gates, similar to yesterday's entry on Ray Seals, did not play football in college. Seals is unique in that he never attended college at all. Antonio Gates was a power forward at Kent State, playing there five years prior to when Julian Edelman was the Golden Flashes' quarterback.

- Jeff Saturday, 46 (6/18/75); six-time Pro Bowl center played in 231 games.
Fun factoid: Saturday was undrafted out of UNC, considered to be too undersized for the position. He was originally signed not by the Colts, but by the Ravens! Baltimore waived him after minicamp, and at that point Saturday decided to move on and get a 'real job', working as an electrical supply store.

A former teammate of Saturday's at UNC was with the Colts, walked into Bill Polian's office, and told the GM "there's a guy selling electrical supplies in Raleigh right now who whipped all those first-round draft choices at North Carolina every day." (UNC had three first round picks in the 1998 draft: two defensive ends and a linebacker). Rather than blow the rookie off, Polian took his advice and signed Saturday.

- Chris Harris, 32 (6/18/89); four-time Pro Bowl CB with the Broncos and Chargers.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Pats have had some pretty crappy punters since I been watching since Tom Tupa left that went under the radar for many years because they had an offense. As of right now, Jake Bailey was the best. Ryan Allen had some good years. Bryce Barringer may end up being the best.

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Harry the Thump​

In memory of Harry Crump, who would have been 84 today
Born June 18, 1940 in Framingham
Died September 4, 2020 at the age of 80
Patriot FB, 1963; uniform #31
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent, June 1963

Harry Crump (L) posing for a photo; (C) playing defense and laying a hit on an opponent; (R) part of a 1963 bottle cap collection​

Harry Crump grew up in Westborough, and went to Boston College in 1958. Pats head coach Mike Holovak brought Crump in after having seen him first hand at Chestnut Hill. "Harry the Thump" rushed for five touchdowns in a season that saw the Pats make it to the AFL championship game. He was waived near the end of training camp the following August and decided to get a 'real' job, thus ending his brief time with the Patriots.

In his post football career Harry became the president of American Flexible Conduit Company in New Bedford. He also served on the board of directors for Roger Williams University, Special Olympics, and two clubs in Miami. Mr. Crump passed away four years ago at the age of 80.




Below is a great article on Harry the Thump, well worth the few minutes it takes to read it.

Westborough’s Harry Crump ‘thumped’ his way into the football history books

By Nick Abramo, Sports Columnist WESTBOROUGH – A TV show based on the football playing days of the late Harry Crump would likely be a hit. Small-town boy makes a

www.communityadvocate.com

A TV show based on the football playing days of the late Harry Crump would likely be a hit.​

Small-town boy makes a name for himself as a fullback for the Westborough Rangers, Class of 1959. Goes on to star at Boston College. Makes the Boston Patriots in the early 1960s. Plays in the 1963 AFL championship game.​

“As a senior, Harry was 205 pounds, and that was big for the time,” said Donald Ayres, Crump’s high school teammate. “Somebody from the opposing team’s secondary would try to tackle him, and he would run right over them. They would bounce off. He wouldn’t have to go around them. That was just him.”​

A newspaper photograph of Crump at BC tackling Syracuse’s 1962 Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis is still in Ayres’ possession.??​

“He was on the [Westborough High School] team for six years, a rarity,” Ayres added. “That’s how talented he was. He was also on the baseball team from the seventh grade on. And as good as he was in football, in my opinion, he was even better [as a catcher] in baseball. In college [football], he played in the Senior Bowl and made a great showing.”​

In three years at Boston College from 1960 to ’62, Crump rushed for 1,497 yards, gained 4.5 yards per carry, and scored 13 touchdowns. In 1962, the Eagles went 8-2, losing only to Syracuse and a Roger Staubach-led Navy squad.​

Today in Patriots History
Who's Harry Crump?



​

if you want to add to your collection of harry crump photos, here you go

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
June 18 Transactions
Mass State Police serve warrant on Aaron Hernandez​

June 18, 2013:
Police obtain a warrant and search Aaron Hernandez' home in connection with an investigation into the shooting death of a friend, Odin Lloyd, whose body was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the back and chest in an industrial park about a mile from Hernandez' house.



June 18, 2024:

Patriots sign former UFL OL Liam Fornadel

Fornadel, the highly-versatile lineman from James Madison University, served a critical role on the DC Defenders over the past two seasons.

www.boston.com

The New England Patriots have signed United Football League (UFL) offensive lineman Liam Fornadel, PatsFans contributor emeritus Christopher Price confirmed Tuesday.​

​

Fornadel, who turned 25 years old on Monday, served a critical role on the DC Defenders over the past two seasons. As the starting right guard, Fornadel excelled at his position, earning All-XFL honors and the second-highest PFF grade amongst all offensive lineman in 2023 (prior to the XFL-USFL merger). He also led the team in run blocking and pass protection, respectably.​

​

The James Madison University alum, who started 41 games through his college career, has experience playing both left and right tackle. During his senior year, the 6-foot-5-inch, 311-pound lineman started eight games at left tackle.​

​

The highly-versatile Fornadel has the experience to line up at either guard or tackle, making him a prime reserve player for New England. And while the Patriots seem secure with Chuks Okorafor at left tackle, the UFL standout could be a solid swing-player behind both Okorafor and Mike Ownenu.​

June 18, 2015:
Patriots.com | Patriots release rookie TE Logan Stokes

Stokes, 22, was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent from Louisiana State on June 11, 2015. He began his college career at Northeast Mississippi Community College for two seasons (2011-12) before transferring to LSU for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder, was utilized mainly as a blocking tight end during his time at LSU. He played in 13 games last season and caught his only reception on a three-yard touchdown pass in LSU's 10-7 win over Ole Miss.​

June 18, 2012:

TE Scaife, OL Ingersoll released by Patriots

New England cuts two players, bringing the roster to 88.

www.boston.com

The Patriots have released veteran TE Bo Scaife and OL Mike Ingersoll, a league source confirmed.​

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Scaife was signed by the Pats on June 7. During minicamp, it was clear that conditioning was an issue. The 31-year old did not play in a game last season.​

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Ingersoll, 24, was signed June 11. An undrafted rookie last year, he was on the Buccaneers’ practice squad in December.​

Patriots release Scaife, Ingersoll

The Patriots have officially announced the release of Bo Scaife and Mike Ingersoll. Scaife, a seven-year NFL vet, wasn’t in New England long. The 31-year old free-agent tight end was signed June 7 and had just one OTA session and three days of mini-camp before getting released. Ingersoll sits on...

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Scaife, a seven-year NFL vet, wasn't in New England long. The 31-year old free-agent tight end was signed June 7 and had just one OTA session and three days of mini-camp before getting released.​

​

Ingersoll sits on the other end of the spectrum; the first-year player has yet to land comfortably in the NFL. The offensive lineman went to the Chiefs as a rookie free agent out of UNC. Kansas City released him after training camp and Ingersoll bounced to the Buccaneers practice squad in December.​

Patriots.com | Patriots release TE Bo Scaife and OL Mike Ingersoll

Scaife, 31, was signed by the Patriots as a free agent on June 7, 2012. He is veteran of seven NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals. Scaife joined Tennessee as a sixth-round draft pick (179th overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft out of Texas. The 6-foot-3 inch, 249-pounder has played in 90 NFL games with 62 starts and has recorded 251 receptions for 2,383 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was signed by Cincinnati last season but spent the year on injured reserve.​

​

Ingersoll, 24, was signed by the Patriots on June 11, 2012. He originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs out of North Carolina last season. The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder was released by Kansas City after training camp and was signed to the Tampa Bay practice squad in December for the final month of the season.​

June 18, 1999:
Every NFL team has draft busts.

This one is notable due to the fact that this was the first selection of personnel chief Bobby Grier after Bill Parcells left for the Jets.

This thread sums up the forum's thoughts on Chris canty:

Best and Worst draft picks of the Bobby Grier Era

Same rules as the BB best and worst draft thread... best and worst in the 1st three rounds only, of the Bobby Grier Era (not including any overlap with Parcells). There are actually some pretty tough choices on both sides of that coin - there's a heckuva lotof bad players throughout those...

www.patsfans.com

Patriots.com | Patriots release CB Canty

The New England Patriots announced the release of cornerback Chris Canty, today.​

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"Unfortunately, Chris did not take full advantage of his opportunity with the Patriots," said coach Pete Carroll. "I am encouraged by the work and commitment shown by many of our players and expect great competition at that position in camp this year."​

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Canty, 23, totaled 79 tackles, one interception and three sacks in two seasons with the Patriots. Last season, he started the first nine games at right cornerback before being replaced by Steve Israel, who started each of the last seven games. Canty finished the season playing as a defensive reserve and was credited with 53 total tackles (42 solo), which ranked 10th on the team. His only interception as a Patriot came vs. Indianapolis rookie Peyton Manning in the 1998 home opener (9/13/98).​

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Canty also contributed on special teams. In 1998, he returned 11 kickoffs for 198 yards (18.0 avg.) and filled in for an injured Troy Brown to return 16 punts for 170 yards (10.6 avg.). In addition, he lined up on coverage units late in the season and was credited with eight special teams tackles.​

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The 5-foot-9-inch, 185-pound cornerback was drafted in the first round (29th overall) of the 1997 NFL draft. Canty attended Kansas State and earned three letters (1994-96).​

Sports Q: Who was the worst first-round pick in Patriots history?

Welcome to Boston.com’s Sports Q, our daily conversation, initiated by you and moderated by Chad Finn, about a compelling topic in Boston sports. Here’s how it works: You submit questions to Chad through Twitter, Facebook, and email. He’ll pick one each weekday to answer, then we’ll take the...

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The most annoying pick was Canty, who couldn’t cover or tackle.​

What's the worst 1st-round pick in Patriots' history?

Bill Belichick and his New England Patriots staff made one of the biggest draft mistakes in the history of their franchise. They took defensive tackle Dominique Easley in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He's the Patriots' worst first-round bust in the…

patriotswire.usatoday.com

Canty only stuck around for two seasons with the Patriots. He was active for 16 games in each of those two seasons but started in just 10 of the 32. He had one interception, three sacks and 67 tackles. According to The Globe, he was often mocked for celebrating after insignificant plays.​

The 20 worst draft picks and busts in New England Patriots history

The Patriots haven't batted 1.000 in the draft -- far from it. From the early years in the AFL to Bill Belichick's days in charge, the Patriots have had some tragic draft day misses.

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PatsFans | Bob George: The Ten Biggest Draft Busts in Patriots History



June 18, 1998:
New England signs seventh round draft pick Jason Andersen

The title to the following article is ironic, because Andersen's competition, Damien Woody, was completely incapable of handling the shotgun snap.

No snap decisions

SMITHFIELD -- The expectation is that Damien Woody eventually will claim the job, but for now, at least, Jason Andersen is the Patriots' starting center and he isn't planning to step aside without a …

www.southcoasttoday.com

he expectation is that Damien Woody eventually will claim the job, but for now, at least, Jason Andersen is the Patriots' starting center and he isn't planning to step aside without a putting up a fight.

Well, OK, maybe not the sort of knockdown scrap you might pay to see because as a Mormon, the 6-foot-6, 295-pound Andersen has vowed to find peaceful solutions to life's conflicts.

But the pledge isn't one Andersen will be violating this month when he battles Woody for the right to fill the very big set of cleats veteran Dave Wohlabaugh left empty when he signed a free-agent contract with Cleveland during the offseason.

"Right now Damien and I are competing with one another, and the coaches have told us whoever does better will play," Andersen said yesterday at lunch time. "I know they've got a lot tied up in him, but I'm trying to show that I can do the job as well."

Andersen, a seventh-round draft pick in '98, probably realizes he is fighting a losing battle because Woody, a former Boston College standout, was the Pats' first pick in last spring's college lottery.

But he is doing his best to ignore the odds, saying he has worked too long and hard to allow his chance of starting in the NFL pass quietly.

"I'm trying to stay focused and do the best I can every day," he said. "Hopefully, things will work out for me."

They may, but there's no question the cards are stacked in Woody's favor.

An indication of this was provided yesterday by head coach Pete Carroll, who, during his usual mid-day press conference, went out of his way to praise Woody and third-stringer Heath Irwin while ignoring the efforts of Andersen.

"Woody's making progress," he said. "I need to see the film, but I thought he had one of his best (practices) this morning. He moved the inside of the defense pretty good. That was the first time I saw him give us some good movement inside."

It was only after a reporter asked about Andersen's progress that Carroll described him as being a "very sharp, bright" player who is competing hard with Woody for the starting job.

Andersen may not be the apple of the coach's eye, but he has been anchoring the first-string offensive line since camp opened and likely will start when the Pats entertain Washington in their preseason opener Friday night at Foxboro Stadium.

"Right now we're not thinking of starting any rookies," Carroll said yesterday, seemingly cementing Andersen's claim at the top of the depth chart.

Should he start against the Redskins, Andersen would be exactly one game ahead of Woody in terms of NFL experience because he never appeared in a single game as a rookie.



June 18, 1984:
The Patriots place third round pick Joe Burch on the Non-Football Illness list.

That third round pick was one of two draft picks that the Patriots received in exchange for Irving Fryar from Miami. (The other pick was used on Todd Rucci a year earlier.) Buurch came off NFI a few days later but was released at the end of camp. The Broncos signed Burch to their practice squad, but he never did play in the NFL. Burch did play in the Arena Football League for ten years.

Joe Burch | ArenaFan.com

ArenaFan is the premier community site for fans of the Arena Football League. News, scores, standings, statistics, games and more. Anything you've ever wanted to know about the AFL.

www.arenafan.com

June 18, 1970:
The Boston Patriots sign free agent Lee Jacobsen

Jacobsen was a fifth round pick by the Jets in 1968 in the first common NFL/AFL draft. The linebacker from Kearney State didn't make it with either club.

Lee Jacobsen (1987) - Hall of Fame - University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Lee Jacobsen, Class: 1968 Induction: 1987 Sport(s): Football, Baseball, Track & Field - Recognition: Athlete Lee Jacobsen was a football,

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[archstanton543]

I'm not seeing Tom Tupa on this list.

 

[203Pat]

I will never forget multiple posters on here arguing the 2019 class wasn't a total washout because we got one good season out of a punter.