Thursday Patriots Notebook 3/21: News and Notes
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Some Patriots news and notes for this morning:
Newcomer K.J. Osborn spoke to the media on Wednesday, talking about what it’s been like so far since the free agent Vikings receiver agreed to terms last week.
His film has shown a guy who has played well, with Osborn showing some terrific speed and explosiveness for someone who moved around a fair amount in Minnesota’s offense.
Osborn believes his versatility is something he prides himself on, and he’s looking forward to establishing himself here in New England.
“I feel like I’m a versatile player,” said Osborn. “Definitely can play inside and outside, I would say most of my career I’ve played inside, so that’s probably where I’m a little but more comfortable at just by nature of having a lot more reps there, but I try to pride myself on being a versatile player.”
“I’m excited to show the type of player I am. I’ve played with some great players, Adams, J.J. [Justin Jefferson], T.J. [Hockenson], JA [Jordan Addison], Dalvin [Cook], I’ve played with some great players, and I’m excited to get some more opportunities and be able to really help this team win.”
“There’s a lot of great players already in the receiver room, so I want to come in and be a help to those guys, another compliment. There’s some vets in there, and again, at the end of the day, just help this team win. But I’m excited for the opportunity ahead.”
Osborn also talked about the overall environment after meeting with Jerod Mayo and Robert Kraft, saying that he already feels at home.
“I went on the visit, I signed yesterday, it was amazing, it felt like home,” said Osborn. “Everyone, they had so much hospitality. I felt all the love, they made it feel like home, so that was pretty special. I met Coach Mayo, spoke to him, real down to earth guy, obviously as a former player, it was real cool, easy to talk to.”
“I met Robert Kraft, that was pretty cool. I’m an entrepreneur myself, so being able to meet someone like that was pretty cool. And then all the support staff, there’s a couple coaches that were there, some of them are on the road so I spoke to some of them through text, I have some calls set up throughout the week. Not too many of the position coaches. We just kind of dibbled and dabbled, just talking ball but not too much detail yet. But I talked to them today, I told them I’m hungry. So I’m ready to get to it.”
While it’s been Bailey Zappe who has been busy working out with Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, and Tyquan Thornton this offseason, fellow quarterback Nathan Rourke has quietly been busy himself recently.
The former CFL has been working out in Canada with long-time throwing coach Rob Williams of Sports Core Performance, who is the same coach who has helped Titans quarterback, Will Levis.
In an interview with PatsFans.com, Williams talked a little bit about what the difference has been for Rourke when it comes to playing in the NFL vs the CFL.
When Rourke first started working with Williams a little over three years ago during his time at Ohio, the goal was to improve his efficiency. From there, with the CFL being a bigger field, arm strength had also been an area of focus.
Another one of Patriots QB and former CFL standout, Nathan Rourke from this week (via qbmotion on Instagram) pic.twitter.com/myOFGtJ5yi
— PatsFans.com (@PatsFans) March 21, 2024
But after getting stronger, Williams said Rourke has had to adjust a bit after moving on to the NFL last year, having to actually take something off his throws given the differences in both the game and the size of the field.
“The conversations that we’ve had around the difference, the CFL is a bigger field, a little more wide open, you’ve got receivers that are hitting the line of scrimmage at full speed with the waggle. There’s a lot of them that are deeper throws, longer throws out to a wider sideline, that kind of thing. So the part that he’s repeated about in the NFL, is it never really feels like you have to throw the ball any more than about 70% or 80% now.”
“There’s a lot more layering the ball in. So tighter windows, but being able to layer the ball in but still get it there on time and extremely accurately. But the part that he really likes is it just never really feels, now with his efficiency, that he has to work too hard to throw the ball. If you feel like you’re only having to work 70%-80%, it’s pretty easy to make sure it’s a good quality ball in the right spot.”
There’s more from Williams in this piece posted earlier this morning on Rourke, which includes some other interesting insight from him as well.
While the belief was yesterday that most of the big names among Patriots brass were in California watching USC’s Pro Day, it sounds like one key name was taking things in down in Tuscaloosa.
Jim Nagy reports that Alonzo Highsmith was among those scouting players at Alabama’s Pro Day. According to the school’s website, among players who took part were defensive backs Terrion Arnold, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Jaylen Key, defensive end Chris Braswell, receiver Jermaine Burton, offensive lineman Darrian Dalcourt, defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe, offensive tackle JC Latham, linebacker Trezmen Marshall, running back Jase McClellan, kicker Will Reichard and linebacker Dallas Turner.
Latham’s name has been one that has come up in various mock drafts for the Patriots, with offensive tackle being an obvious need heading into the draft.
Albert Breer reported that Eliot Wolf, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, and quarterbacks coach TC McCartney, who were at USC’s Pro day yesterday, will reportedly be in attendance for Friday’s Michigan Pro Day. Head coach Jerod Mayo is also expected be on hand as the club gets an up-close look at JJ McCarthy.
The club has a busy few days coming up, as Breer also reported that they’ll be headed to North Carolina and LSU next week, which will allow them to get a look at Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. Things remain fuzzy at the top of the board, as the stock for both players seems to be fluctuating and it’s somewhat difficult to say who will be sitting there at #3 for New England next month. … Caleb Williams appears confident that there’s no way he drops down the board next month. “It’s not a thought in my mind,” Williams said via ESPN. “I don’t think I’m not going to be No. 1. I’ve put in all the hard work. I don’t think of a Plan B.” Overall, he said he was pleased with the performance he put forth Wednesday. “I wanted to come out here and put on a show,” Williams said. “I think it went well.” … Adam Caplan of Pro Football Network reported that the Patriots have “looked into the trade market” for veteran receivers, citing a league source. The club was obviously in on Calvin Ridley last week, but ultimately lost out to Tennessee. A trade would certainly take away the reluctance of a free agent, but draft picks are also at a premium, which likely complicates things. However, it’s still possible that things could change next month, as they often do during draft weekend. … Mike Garafolo reports that the Patriots are signing former Falcons and Chargers safety Jaylinn Hawkins. Terms of the deal were not yet disclosed, but it provides some additional safety depth after Jalen Mills departed via free agency to the Giants this offseason.
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