Courtesy of the New England Patriots
As the New England Patriots prepare for their preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts, all eyes are on the younger talent and incoming rookies competing for roster spots and starting roles. With roster construction in full swing under Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf, the depth chart offers plenty of compelling position battles.
Here are 10 Patriots players to watch when the lights go on for the exhibition opener:
1. OT Caleb Lomu
Lomu has had a good camp so it will be good to see him in a game and see how much he yas grown as a player. Lomu brings a modern tackle profile—standing 6-foot-6 with exceptional footwork and movement skills that allowed him to dominate in the Big 12. The Patriots have been searching for stability on the offensive line edge, and Lomu’s first real test against NFL pass rushers in game speed will show how quickly he can settle into a starting tackle role.
2. EDGE Gabe Jacas
Assuming he plays which he may not, the second-round pick out of Illinois (55th overall) looks every bit the part of a traditional, rugged edge setters far in training camp. Coming off a monster 11-sack senior season in the Big Ten, Jacas brings a dual background as a state-champion wrestler, using leverage, heavy hands, and functional strength to overpower tackles. After signing two weeks ago and being cleared following a minor off-season procedure, Jacas could make his debut tonight.
3. TE Eli Raridon
Rairdon was arguably the Patriots best skill player in Tuesday’s joint practice. Raridon brings high-upside athleticism to the tight end room. Standing 6-foot-6, he has the vertical threat capability and fluid route running to stretch the middle of the field while maintaining the frame to develop into a complete inline blocker. Watching how New England deploys him in multi-tight end sets against Indianapolis will be a key indicator of his year-one role.
4. CB Karon Prunty
Prunty is a classic press-man corner who has had a dooid camp and even gotten reps with the one’s. At 6-foot-1 with a long wing span, he’s built to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage. In a crowded cornerback room, Prunty’s reps against the Colts’ depth receivers will reveal whether his college ball production can translate quickly to the pro level.
5. LB Namdi Obiazor
Selected in the sixth round out of TCU, Obiazor is an intriguing position-convert off the off-ball linebacker depth chart. A former JUCO standout who transitioned from defensive back to linebacker for the Horned Frogs, Obiazor plays with fast sideline-to-sideline speed and coverage instincts. His ability to diagnose runs quickly and make open-field tackles will be a major focus on defense and special teams.
6. QB Behren Morton
The seventh-round pick out of Texas Tech led the Red Raiders to an outright conference title before landing in New England. Morton is a tough, quick-release passer who operated with poise in big college games. Preseason games are gold for late-round quarterbacks, and Morton will get substantial second-half snaps to command the offense, make pre-snap reads, and push for a backup roster spot.
7. RB Jam Miller
Drafted in the seventh round out of Alabama, Miller represents a physical, downhill running style. Known for his low center of gravity and decisive running style in SEC play, Miller has a real chance to carve out a role in the rotation. We have seen a couple of flashes in camp but need to see more. Watch for his pass protection reps alongside his ability to pick up tough yards after contact in second-half action.
8. RB Lan Larison
An intriguing third-year back who joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of UC Davis, Larison missed last season due to an unfortunate preseason injury. During his college career, he was a dual-threat weapon as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Fully healthy, Larison will look to showcase his versatility and pass-catching ability to stick on the 53-man roster.
9. TE Tanner Arkin
Arkin has had a good camp, especially as a run blocker An undrafted free-agent signing out of Illinois, Arkin was a two-time team captain for the Fighting Illini. Known as an inline blocking specialist with reliable hands in red-zone situations, Arkin brings high-IQ, dirty-work football to the tight end room. How effectively he clears lanes in the running game will be critical to his chances of landing a spot on the practice squad or roster.
10. LB Khalil Jacobs
Jacobs has impressed the Patriots coaching staff in training camp and bow he gets to make a push in games to prove he deserves a roster soot. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Missouri (by way of South Alabama), Jacobs brings dynamic athleticism and a high motor to the linebacker group. Possessing impressive vertical jump and explosive metrics, he has the tools to make an immediate impression on special teams cover units while competing for snaps inside.