By John Sarianides
Training camp is here and as usual, the roster is chock full of guys you have never heard of. Some of those guys will make an impression and end up with a roster spot as a result. Here are five names you should know as training camp opens.
1. Austin Carr, WR, Northwestern: The rookie wide receiver has been turning heads since he signed as an undrafted free agent out of Northwestern. Carr is an excellent route runner who has the size (6-0. 201) and the hands to step in and contribute as a rookie.
Carr will have a hard time making the team given the veteran receivers already on the roster but there is a good chance he could end up on the practice squad assuming he gets through the waiver process.
2. D.J Killings, CB Central Florida: Killings should have been drafted but he wasn’t and the Patriots were able to sign him as an undrafted free agent. Killings has desired length and is athletic. He can jam and re-route receivers at the line and he transitions with ease down the field. Given the uncertainty at defensive back after Stephon Gilmore and Malcolm Butler, Killings has a chance to make this team.
3. Harvey Langi, ILB, BYU: The Patriots gave the versatile Langi $115,000 in guaranteed money so they see him as someone who could be with the organization for the long term. Langi is athletic and can play inside and outside linebacker. That type of versatility endears players to Bill Belichick.
4. Jacob Hollister, TE, Wyoming: The 6-4 239 Hollister is your classic move tight end. He is a good blocker in space but above all else, he is a good route runner who has strong hands and knows how to get open versus man coverage. Hollister is just scratching the surface from a potential standpoint. He will compete with James O’Shaughnessy and Matt Lengel for the third tight end spot.
5. Will Likely III, CB, Maryland: Likely is undersized but he was an explosive return man at Maryland. He also played corner and receiver for the Terps as well. Likely could struggle in coverage because of his size but could impress as a return man. Cyrus Jones better watch out because Likely could be his biggest competition in camp.
6. Brooks Ellis, ILB, Arkansas: With Dont’a Hightower on the PUP list to start camp, Ellis has a chance to make an impression on the Patriots coaching staff. At 6-2 247, Ellis is your prototypical SAM linebacker physically, however he has the instincts of a MIKE linebacker so he could move inside and play in the middle as well. Ellis was a tough, productive player at Arkansas. He will compete with Elandon Roberts and Jonathan Freeny for the final linebacker spot on the roster.
7. Max Rich, OT, Harvard: At 6-7 313, Rich has the length and the feet to develop into a quality left tackle. Rich will compete with fellow rookies Tony Garcia and Conor McDermott for a roster spot. Even if Rich is beat out by his fellow rookies, there is a good chance Rich ends up on the practice squad.