The Patriots opened their training camp early last week eager to improve on last year’s 10-6 record and a first round playoff elimination. When players reported to camp on Thursday, they knew there were a lot of questions surrounding them.
Had they done enough to hang with the new-and-improved Jets? What is WR Wes Welker’s status? Which Randy Moss will show up? How short is the leash on Laurence Maroney? Will the defense be better? And probably most importantly, will Brady re-sign?
Without a doubt, the fate of the 2010 season and beyond all hinge on the questions being asked, addressed, and answered in Foxboro. And, with all of these questions swirling around the sticky summer air, the strength of this year’s Patriots’ rookie class is being overlooked. The Pats had 4 picks in the first 2 rounds of April’s draft, and used the four picks to address immediate needs. I am convinced that, with strong camps, all four rookies could find their way toward the top of the depth chart by the time the regular season starts.
Here is my rookie preview for the 2010 New England Patriots.
1. Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers (27th Overall)
McCourty becomes the highest selected cornerback to be selected by the Patriots since Tebucky Jones in 1998. At 5’10, 190 lbs., he earned the reputation of being a very physical corner for the Scarlet Knights compiling 80 tackles his senior season. Right now, he is competing with second year corner Darius Butler to start alongside Leigh Bodden. Butler came on very strong the last couple of weeks of the season with 3 interceptions in the last 3 games– including one that he returned 90+ yards for the score.
While Butler has the edge entering camp, I think it’s conceivable the McCourty wins the competition. From what the newspapers and scouting reports say, he is a freak of an athlete. He has big hands and blazing speed which may have quarterbacks second guessing receivers on his side of the field. With Meriweather switching to safety full time, McCourty is almost a lock to be at least the nickel corner.
Whether McCourty edges Butler or not, he will undoubtedly have an impact on special teams. He averaged more than 25 yards per return last season and the situation is good for him in New England. Kevin Faulk is aging and Wes Welker is out for atleast the first 6 weeks after being place on the PUP list. Right now, only Julian Edelman and Brandon Tate pose a threat to McCourty’s return duties.
2a. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona (42nd Overall)
Entering the draft, Gronkowski was a huge question mark and many scouts had him anywhere from the middle of the first round through the top half of the 4th round. He suffered a back injury and sat out the entire 2009 season after undergoing surgery to repair it. Scouts do agree, though, that Gronkowski is a game changer if healthy. He doesn’t fit the mold of Antonio Gates, but he’s a hard worker and a grinder.
The Patriots track record with drafting tight ends has been murky at best. Many people thought that Daniel Graham (2002) and Benjamin Watson (2004) would be long term, impact players but, while each showed flashes, neither developed into the perennial Pro Bowlers that they were billed as.
Gronkowski finds himself entering a good situation– 32 year old Alge Crumpler is the only tight end on the roster with NFL experience. He seems like the grind-it-out type player that Belichick loves, and without Wes Welker, the Patriots will need another physical presence over the middle. Gronkowski fits that role perfectly.
2b. Jermaine Cunningham , OLB/DE, Florida (53rd Overall)
When you talk about a “Bill Belichick type player”, you’re talking about a player like Cunningham. Like many edge-rushers before him, Cunningham will make the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4 scheme. Cunningham’s biggest season was during the 2008 National Championship run but still fared well against the double team in 2009.
Cunningham is the edge rusher that the Patriots missed last season.He recorded 19.5 sacks in 3 seasons with the Gators and joins a linebacker core with only Jerod Mayo guaranteed a regular job. He comes from a winning, pro-style system in Florida and figures to make a good adjustment to the pro game.
2c. Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida (62nd Overall)
I am convinced that Spikes will be a star in the Patriots defense. He’s a strong tackler with great instincts. He will likely start inside with Jerod Mayo, greatly strengthening the Patriots run defense from last season. Spikes is a 3 time First Team SEC and a 2 time First Team All American. Behavioral issues dropped him into the second round, but if you push that aside, I truly believe he is the most talented of the team’s three second round draft picks.
The most difficult hurdle I see for Spikes is his ability to accept the Patriot’s way of working. If he can work hard, and behave properly, then this will be a huge draft steal for the Patriots. Of the four players mentioned, I think Spikes has the highest ceiling.
Next, Training Camp Preview: Position Battles…
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JimmyD is TSBN's official blogger of the New England Patriots! A life long resident of Patriots' Nations, he has stuck with the team through thick and thin. In typical Boston-fashion, he's not afraid to say exactly what's on his mind and lay it all on the line.
A recent college graduate, JimmyD is looking to break into the publishing world. 
Would it be too late to get a flesh-out on the other positions, seeing where the Patriots stack up and what not?
Great preview! An old friend of mine went to school at Rutgers and when I showed him this article he totally agreed with your analysis of the guy. If he develops into the Patriots system that position is going to be locked down for years to come.
Glad to hear it! Thanks for spreading the word. Hmm, maybe I have a career in scouting…
In all seriousness, whether he wins or not, I think McCourty will only benefit from the battle with Butler. He either a) wins the spot and proves what a great athlete and quick learner he really is, or b) plays a season or two as the team’s nickelback until he is ready to take on the added responsibility. I have complete faith in Belichick and the rest of the staff to make the right call. After all, they waited almost a full season with Meriweather, and he returned the favor with an All-Pro season in 2009. In Bill We Trust.