Training camp is officially HERE for the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots, and with 92 players battling for just 53 spots, the competition is about to get absolutely WILD. This isn’t some low-key scrimmage, folks, this is the real deal starting at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday.
Quarterback: Maye’s Reign, But Who’s Got His Back?
Man, Drake Maye is flat-out *the guy* for the Patriots, no doubt about it. Last season, his sophomore leap was so massive he nearly snatched the MVP award. Now, heading into his third year, and his second with OC Josh McDaniels calling the shots, you just know he’s ready to keep that growth going. He’s got that undeniable vibe of being the franchise cornerstone, the guy who owns that huddle.
The projection has two QBs making the cut: Maye and veteran Tommy DeVito. Poor rookie seventh-rounder Behren Morton? He’s probably looking at the practice squad for now. Yeah, Morton’s got an “intriguing profile,” whatever that means for a seventh-round rookie, but DeVito gets the nod for now because he’s a “fine enough” veteran who already “knows the system.” You hear that? “Fine enough.” That’s not exactly inspiring confidence if Maye ever goes down. Honestly, if we’re even thinking about Morton or DeVito lining up past Labor Day, something has gone seriously wrong in Foxborough. With Maye at the helm, the only play either of those guys should need to know is the victory formation.
Running Backs: Stevenson’s Turnaround & Boom-or-Bust Potential
Talk about a comeback story! Rhamondre Stevenson went from early fumbles last year that had fans ready to cut him loose, to becoming a legitimate, dependable three-down weapon. The dude can do it all: consistent runner between the tackles, their best pass blocker, and the best route runner out of the backfield. He’s the workhorse, no question.
Joining him is TreVeyon Henderson, and this guy is pure adrenaline, a total boom-or-bust threat. He straight-up *won* multiple games for the Pats last season, but he’s gotta cut down on the “bust” plays to be truly dependable week in and week out. The projection also sees rookie seventh-rounder Jam Miller from Alabama making the cut. Miller looks like a solid backup for Stevenson, especially for those between-the-tackles runs, edging out Terrell Jennings for that spot. Second-year UDFA Lan Larison and rookie UDFA Myles Montgomery are also in the mix, bringing more to the passing game, and could totally push for that third spot or even force the team to keep four backs. It’s gonna be a grinder in that RB room.
Fullback: A New Face In The Mix
And let’s not forget the fullback spot, because sometimes you just need that sledgehammer! Reggie Gilliam is projected to make the squad as a quality starter. The Patriots just signed him, and this dude brings some serious veteran experience, having spent six seasons in Buffalo, playing in 108 games with 13 starts. He’s the man for the job, with Jack Westover projected out.
So, with the pads about to pop on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET, every single one of those 92 players knows what’s up. The reigning AFC champions have tough decisions ahead, especially in those depth roles, but man, watching Maye continue his ascent? That’s what we’re all here for. It’s officially go-time for the Patriots!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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