Up to this point, the Patriots have made 15 signings and re-signings since the NFL league year began last week. Some are obviously more important than others. Here is one sentence with the most important thing you need to know about each player.
Free Agents:
Mike Gesicki, TE- Gesicki is a massive catch-radius target who will help the Patriots in the middle of the field and red zone.
Chris Board, LB- Board will immediately help improve a woeful special teams unit.
James Robinson, RB- If Robinson is fully recovered from his Achilles injury and plays like his rookie year it will be a steal; if he plays like last year he might not make the roster.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR- Upgrade at receiver, but shouldn’t be the final piece.
Riley Reiff, OT- Reiff has a chance to start at right tackle, but his age is a concern.
Calvin Anderson, OT- Anderson will battle for he starting right tackle job, but is more of a depth piece.
Re-signings:
James Ferentz, OG- Ferentz gives the Patriots depth at both center and guard.
Jonathan Jones, CB- One of the best slot corners in the NFL, Jones moved outside last season and played well; he could play corner or replace Devin McCourty at free safety.
Raekwon McMillan, LB- Good depth linebacker who will hopefully have a bigger role another year removed from injury.
Carl Davis, DT- Davis is a good run defender that will be a consistent part of the Patriots defensive line rotation.
Jabrill Peppers, S- Peppers is a physical safety and tone setter for the Patriots who is better in the box than playing deep; rotational player.
Mack Wilson, LB- Wilson is a great athlete, but is inconsistent in pass coverage and will be a special teams/ rotational player.
Joe Cardona, LS- Cardona is a good long snapper who the Patriots paid top of the market to keep.
Daniel Ekuale- DT- Rotational defensive lineman who will battle in training camp for a roster spot.
Cody Davis, S- If he can recover from his knee injury fully, Davis could be a major part of a hopefully improved special teams unit.