Other players on offense and defense are somewhere in the middle of “starter” and “bubble.” But just to be safe, we’ll also omit RB Ty Montgomery, TE Devin Asiasi, LB Mack Wilson, and CB Malcolm Butler from the list of players to watch.
On special teams, it’s unlikely we’ll see Matthew Slater or Justin Bethel. They also have backups at kicker (Tristan Vizcaino) and punter (Jake Julien), so it’s possible we don’t see Nick Folk or Jake Bailey, either.
Jul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) calls a play during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
At quarterback, expect plenty of Brian Hoyer, who always tends to show up in the preseason. Hoyer deserves credit for always operating as if he’s competing for the starting job, an approach that can help younger players on the offense develop and build confidence. Rookie Bailey Zappe should see some time as well, particularly in the second half.
So! Let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s a list of under-the-radar Patriots to watch for in Thursday’s preseason opener.
RB Pierre Strong Jr.
Jun 8, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Pierre Strong Jr (54) during the New England Patriots minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
We weren’t planning on including any rookies on this list, but in light of James White’s retirement, the Patriots now need to identify a long-term replacement. Strong could be that guy.
In the short-term, it looks like Ty Montgomery is in the lead to be the Pats’ third-down back. He’s gotten plenty of looks with the starters as both a receiver and runner. But he’s not necessarily the answer beyond this season.
That’s where Strong, whom the Patriots drafted in the fourth round out of South Dakota State, could come in. He’s had a late start to training camp due to injuries, but he figures to see some time in the preseason as the Pats try to get him up to speed. How much (or how little) Strong plays should indicate how close (or far behind) he is.
Strong did catch 50 passes in 36 college games, so while he may not be prolific, his skill set should translate well to a potential pass-catching role in the Pats’ backfield. He may cede snaps to fellow rookie Kevin Harris or even Montgomery, but it would be surprising if he didn’t see the field.
WR Tre Nixon
May 23, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Tre Nixon carries the ball at the team’s OTA at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
A 2021 seventh-round pick, Nixon is physically gifted, with decent speed and quickness. He was a low draft pick because he hasn’t had consistent hands and his route-running needed refinement. But Nixon looks like he’s taken a step in the right direction in those departments so far in camp. He’s also a special teams contributor.
Nixon may remain a candidate to end up on the practice squad, but if he has a good preseason, there’s a chance he gains attention on waivers. If he makes the team, he could be part of the reason Nelson Agholor gets pushed out.
DL LaBryan Ray
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)
Another Alabama kid. Drafting out of that school seems to be working out for the Patriots recently. But Ray wasn’t drafted, he signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent.
A five-star recruit out of high school, Ray played five years at Alabama and compiled 76 total tackles and 6.5 sacks in 38 games. He did the majority of his damage in the 2018 season, when he made 2.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, and 39 total tackles in 13 games. A serious leg injury slowed him down from 2019 on, which certainly hurt his draft stock.
But Ray is making the most of his opportunities at training camp, flashing explosiveness as a pass-rusher in team drills. He looks like the strongest candidate to continue the Patriots’ streak of naming at least one undrafted rookie to the 53-man roster. Ray could at least be the net Adam Butler, which would be big, because the defensive line lacks pass-rushing upside outside of Christian Barmore.
LB Anfernee Jennings
Anfernee Jennings speaks to the media following a Patriots training camp practice. (Alex Barth/98.5 The Sports Hub)
Largely written off due to injuries and a lack of playing time, Jennings is not only still kicking around on the Patriots’ roster, but could become a regular on early downs at outside linebacker.
Originally drafted in the third round of the 2020 draft, Jennings quietly played 14 games and 292 defensive snaps as a rookie, in what was effectively a rebuilding year for the Patriots at linebacker. He spent his entire sophomore season on injured reserve. But Head Coach Bill Belichick recently credited Jennings with being healthy and available in the 2022 off-season, which appears to have paid dividends.
Jennings turned heads in last Friday’s in-stadium practice when he suited up with the starters, serving as the direct replacement for starter Matthew Judon. If he can stay on the field, he has a chance to contribute meaningful snaps as an edge-setter against the run, which is an area where the Pats have struggled to find consistency in recent years.
DB Joshuah Bledsoe
May 23, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots safety Joshuah Bledsoe (24) walks to the practice field for the team’s OTA at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots have a crowded depth chart at safety, with Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, and Adrian Phillips seemingly locked in as the top-3 options in their “Big Nickel” defense. And don’t forget about free-agent addition Jabrill Peppers, who recently returned from injury.
But Bledsoe has made great use of his opportunities, getting occasional starter reps in team drills and making a few pass breakups while roaming the back of the end zone or the deep part of the field. McCourty is essentially year-to-year at this point and the Patriots are going to need a replacement in his role at some point, and Bledsoe has the potential to develop into that guy.
The Patriots may still be able to waive Bledsoe and stash him on the practice squad for 2022. But he’s had a solid camp, and he’s a player worth knowing about whenever the Patriots look toward the future at safety.
