As a new season of New England Patriots football begins, it feels as if the 2020 NFL Draft was an important one. New England focused on defense, as they drafted a safety with its first pick in addition to several linebackers. Now, it’s up to those rookies to perform.
This is certainly going to be a crucial camp for many rookies and with some having the potential to fill positions right away, they will need to perform their best.
In addition to the drafted rookies, there will be several undrafted rookies trying to make a name for themselves. New England signed several undrafted free agents who were stars at their respective schools. Now, they have to prove themselves to show they belong in the NFL.
We take a look at four rookies who could surprise at training camp.
Josh Uche, LB
Josh Uche is definitely a rookie that could surprise at training camp. The former Michigan product is coming off a successful career there and it could translate to the professional ranks.
In four seasons with the Wolverines, he recorded 52 total tackles. The best season of his career in the Maize and Blue occurred in 2019. He recorded 35 total tackles, 23 of them solo. In addition, he also tallied 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
As the Patriots look to go younger at the linebacker position, Uche could surprise at training camp. He is aggressive and gets off his blocks quickly. New England lost several pieces at linebacker in free agency this offseason — Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts. With his nose for the football and aggressive play style, he could find himself filling one of the voids left by the departures.
Jeff Thomas,WR
Jeff Thomas has an interesting story. An undrafted free agent that had a productive career at Miami. Now, he looks to help fill a New England wide receiver room that is loaded with young talent.
His best season in Coral Gables came in 2018, where he recorded 563 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games. At 5-foot-10, 174 pounds, he is not the tallest receiver, but he is impactful nonetheless. His game is built upon yards after the catch and speed.
The Patriots already have several options at wide receiver. Nevertheless, that speed could surprise everyone in camp. Especially if Thomas is able to showcase his speed on deep throws, that could work out in his favor. The wide receiver room needs more depth and Thomas could provide that.
Myles Bryant, DB
Myles Bryant joins a New England secondary that is loaded with talent. With Stephon Gilmore, JC Jackson, Jason McCourty and Jonathan Jones, there is certainly no shortage of talent at the corner spot. However, Bryant certainly has the talent of his own.
He had a tremendous senior season last fall at Washington. Playing in 12 games, he recorded 60 tackles and three interceptions. Finishing with 177 total tackles and four interceptions in four seasons of play, he is known to be a physical corner who is not afraid to make plays.
He isn’t going to start over Gilmore anytime soon, but he does add the possibility of depth at the position. In a pass-friendly league, this could work in the Patriots favor. Measuring in at 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, he may be better suited as a slot corner.
Bryant could definitely surprise at training camp and he could give New England more options to play with defensively throughout the course of the season.
Kyle Dugger, S
Kyle Dugger is perhaps the most likely candidate to surprise at Patriots training camp. The team’s top draft pick, Dugger certainly has a ton of expectations on his shoulders.
He appeared in just seven games in 2020, but he won the Cliff Harris of Ward. The award is given to the best defensive player in Division II football.
He recorded 31 total tackles, two interceptions and six passes defensed. He also proved apt at punt returning after retrieving 12 for 175 yards and two touchdowns. He definitely could surprise at training camp due to his versatility and ability to make plays. Measuring in at 6-foot-, 220 pounds, Dugger could be a prime candidate to be a starting safety once the likes of Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung retire.
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