Report: James White has ‘a little while to go’ before returning to action
James White will return for another season with the Patriots for the 2022 season. How quickly he will be ready for game action is a different story.
In a recent column, Mike Reiss of ESPN chatted with White about his timetable to return this fall.
“When the Patriots take the field for voluntary offseason workouts this month, veteran running back James White (hip) likely won’t be participating. White said at the draft party: “I still have a little while to go [after] a pretty rough injury.” If third-year running back J.J. Taylor wants to make a decisive move to show he’s ready for the role, he has a golden opportunity this spring.”
With White’s availability in question, the Patriots added depth to the running back position through the draft with the selections of Pierre Strong Jr. from South Dakota State and Kevin Harris from South Carolina.
White’s ability to take the field will be crucial as the return of stability as a third-down pass-catcher to add another weapon for Mac Jones in his second season.
Patriots UDFA Tracker 2022: Undrafted rookies signed by the Patriots
QB/RB/WR D’Eriq King, Miami
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: D’Eriq King #1 of the Miami Hurricanes looks to pass against the Appalachian State Mountaineers during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Patriots worked King out during the pre-draft process, and apparently liked what they saw. According to insider
Miami Hurricanes QB/RB/WR - yes, that’s right! - D’Eriq King is signing with the #Patriots, per source.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 30, 2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jordan Schultz, King is signing with the Patriots as a UDFA.King was primarily a quarterback in college, but also spent two seasons as a wide receiver. There’s a number of ways the Patriots can use him – he’ll be a fun player to watch throughout training camp. For more on King, check out our write-ups on him here and here.
WR/S Brenden Schooler, Texas
AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Brenden Schooler #14 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after tackling Deuce Vaughn #22 of the Kansas State Wildcats in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
The Patriots are sticking with versatility through their first two UDFA signings. Their latest addition is Brenden Schooler of Texas, according to
Former Texas safety Brenden Schooler is signing with the #Patriots, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 30, 2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tom Pelissero.Schooler spent the first four seasons of his collegiate career with Oregon, where he played wide receiver. He was also All-Pac-12 as a special teams player in 2017 and 2018. In 2020 he transferred to Texas, then made the switch to safety in 2021 when he made seven starts. At his pro day, Schooler ran a 4.41 40. He’ll likely be a contender for a special teams role in New England.
DL LaBryan Ray, Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 23: LaBryan Ray #18 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reaches for Hendon Hooker #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half at Bryant Denny Stadium on October 23, 2021 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Photo by Marvin Gentry/Getty Images)
This year’s draft was the first time the Patriots haven’t taken an Alabama player since 2018. However, they are adding at least one as a UDFA. The team is signing Tide defensive lineman LaBryan Ray according to
Alabama DE Labryan Ray is signing as an UDFA with the #Pats, per source.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 30, 2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jordan Schultz.At 6-foot-5, 283 pounds Ray is a versatile defensive lineman who plays much stronger than his size suggests. Injuries hurt Ray’s draft stock as much as anything else, as he played just 36 games in five seasons. When on the field, he totaled 14 tackles for a loss with 6.5 sacks.
EDGE DeMarcus Mitchell, Purdue
Purdue defensive end DaMarcus Mitchell (15) tackles Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. (Nikos Frazier/Journal & Courier/USA TODAY Network)
Mitchell began his career as a JUCO player then transferred to Purdue for the 2020 season. He had a breakout year in 2021 with 4.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss as well as two forced fumbles and two pass deflections in just nine games. In the NFL, Mitchell projects as a rotational pass rush specialist with the athleticism to contribute on special teams.
#Purdue LB/DE DaMarcus Mitchell tells me he's signing with the @Patriots. New England had an individual workout with Mitchell in March in West Lafayette.
— Tom Dienhart (@TomDienhart1) April 30, 2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo’s Tom Dienhart reported the signing.P Jake Julien, Eastern Michigan
Sep 11, 2021; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Eastern Michigan Eagles punter Jake Julien (31) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
With Jake Bailey due an unguaranteed $4 million in a contract year, there was no shortage of speculation leading up to the draft that the Patriots could pick a punter. While that didn’t end up happening, they have added one as a UDFA.
Two more UDFA additions for the #Pats, per source:
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 1, 2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jordan Schultz, the team is singing Eastern Michigan’s Jake Julien. Julien averaged a career-best 45.9 yards per punt last season, and had 12 kicks down inside the 20 compared to just five touchbacks. A native of Barrie, Ontario, he was selected 31st overall in the 2021 CFL Draft by the Ottawa RedBlacks but elected not to sign.
Jake Julien, punter Eastern Michigan Liam Shanahan, center, LSUIOL Liam Shanahan, LSU
Nov 13, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers center Liam Shanahan (56) prepares to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Tiger Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots UDFA class includes a player who grew up locally in LSU interior lineman Liam Shanahan.
Two more UDFA additions for the #Pats, per source:
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 1, 2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jordan Schultz is reporting the Marlborough, Mass. native is signing with the team.
Jake Julien, punter Eastern Michigan Liam Shanahan, center, LSUShanahan’s college career began at Harvard, where he was a three year starter seeing time at both right guard and right tackle. He transferred to LSU in 2020 and over the last two seasons started 23 games at center for the Tigers. He has the built to play multiple offensive line positions at 6-foot-5, 300 pounds. In New England, he’ll be reunited with LSU’s starting right guard and the Patriots’ 210th overall pick, Chasen Hines.
Slade Bolden update
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: Slade Bolden #18 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball after a reception during the second quarter of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
You don’t often see confirmed non-signings, but that’s the case with Alabama slot receiver Slade Bolden. According to
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) May 1, 2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal, Bolden will not be signing with the Patriots.There were a number of direct and indirect reasons Bolden was tied to the Patriots during the pre-draft process. Slot receiver was seen as a position of need, and the team hosted Bolden for a pre-draft visit, and spoke with him at the Combine. Bolden was also roommates with Mac Jones at Alabama.
NEXT: Meet the New England Patriots’ 2022 draft class
