NASHVILLE — With two preseason road trips in the books, the Patriots are suddenly on the back half of their exhibition slate.
And much has changed since the Pats boarded a flight to Nashville a week ago. Isaiah Wynn looks poised to start in Week 1. That didn’t always seem to be the case. Josh Gordon’s reinstatement was a welcomed surprise. It’s a potential game-changer for Tom Brady and the offense. A handful of young players have stepped up and secured roles. Others remain locked in competition for their jobs.
After observing the Patriots’ joint practices with the Titans and a 22-17 win at Tennessee on Saturday, here are some of our key takeaways:
YOUTH MOVEMENT COMING
The objective for any personnel department is to find at least three starters in each draft, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said in an interview last August.
For the most part, the Pats have accomplished the goal, but the classes from 2016 (Joe Thuney, Jonathan Jones, Elandon Roberts) and 2017 (Deatrich Wise) were underwhelming. Aside from Thuney, the other players selected in the top three rounds of the 2016 draft – Cyrus Jones, Jacoby Brissett, and Vincent Valentine – contributed little in New England. Most of the club’s 2017 picks were flipped for veterans (Brandin Cooks, Dwayne Allen, Mike Gillislee, Kony Ealy). This was a fine short-term strategy. Eventually, though, the young talent on the roster needed to be replenished.
“Who is their core?” Jeremiah wondered last summer. “Who is their young core that you’re going to build around going into the future?”
The skepticism from Jeremiah (and others) was justified at the time. But the Patriots’ past two draft classes are rapidly transforming the outlook.
The 2018 crop, wrecked by injuries a year ago, will deliver at least four starters in running back Sony Michel, offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn, cornerback J.C. Jackson and linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. And the 2019 class looks even more promising.
Chase Winovich humiliated Lions tackle Tyrell Crosby and Titans tackle Tyler Marz in consecutive weeks. Those guys are both backups. Clearly, Winovich is ready to advance to a new level. He’s been the most impressive Pats rookie thus far.
Jarrett Stidham’s deep-ball accuracy and mobility make him an excellent prospect to develop behind Tom Brady (and a terrific value in the fourth round). N’Keal Harry looks a little stiff at times, but his linebacker-like frame and aggressiveness in pursuing contested catches sticks out. And he might not even be the best rookie receiver on the team. Why exactly did Jakobi Meyers go undrafted? He’s shaking defensive backs as if he were a seasoned vet.
Cornerback Joejuan Williams has improved dramatically since the spring. He went toe-to-toe with Titans receiver Corey Davis, the No. 5 pick in the 2017 draft, during joint practices and in the game. The 6-foot-3 Williams broke up a pass on a Davis fade route in a 1-on-1 rep on Thursday, and he poked the ball away from Davis on a comeback route in Saturday’s matchup.
Defensive lineman Byron Cowart delivered the highlight of the 22-17 victory, obliterating Titans veteran guard Rodger Saffold en route to a sack of Marcus Mariota. He pressured Logan Woodside into a rushed throw and an incompletion later in the game.
Bottom line: There’s a long way to go, but it’s reasonable to believe the Pats will emerge with 8-10 impact players from the past two drafts.
POSITIONS OF CONCERN
Swing tackle: Isaiah Wynn’s debut was encouraging. Exactly one year removed from an Achilles tear, Wynn looked solid against the Titans. He pass protects with a strong base. He dominated Tennessee defensive tackle Isaiah Mack at the point of attack on a 20-yard Damien Harris run.
Barring a setback, Wynn will be the starting left tackle opposite Marcus Cannon in Week 1.
But who’s the No. 3? Dan Skipper saw work at both tackle spots against the Titans. He possesses great length, but hasn’t yet proven himself. And the swing tackle position is one of high importance.
When’s the last time both Patriots tackles played all 16 games? That would be 2010.
It’s inevitable that the No. 3 tackle will end up in the starting lineup at some point. If the Patriots cannot trust Skipper heading into the regular season, perhaps they’ll scour the waiver wire or explore trade possibilities to solidify the position.
Tight end: The Pats can get by for a year with Ben Watson, provided he stays healthy. But after Watson, who begins the season with a four-game suspension, this position is in utter disarray.
Matt LaCosse didn’t make much of an impact this summer before going down with an ankle injury. Ryan Izzo could find a spot as an in-line blocker, but he’s not scaring defenses in the passing game. The Pats probably will need to address tight end early in the 2020 draft.
KEEPING AN EYE ON…
Let’s not call this a “position of concern” quite yet, but kicker Stephen Gostkowski has missed two field goals in two preseason games. Rookie punter Jake Bailey was the holder for Gostkowski’s misfire from 40 yards out versus the Titans.
Two young defensive backs, Duke Dawson and Obi Melifonwu, didn’t improve their chances of making the roster. Melifonwu was in coverage on Marcus Mariota’s 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Delanie Walker. Dawson was flagged for an illegal hands to the face on a third-and-6, giving Tennessee an automatic first down. Dawson also allowed a 21-yard completion to Kalif Raymond on a second-and-20 in the third quarter.
It was surprising to see veteran defensive tackle Mike Pennel on the field in the second half. He has fallen behind Danny Shelton in the position battle at nose tackle. Pennel signed a two-year contract with $500,000 guaranteed, so he’s not a lock to make the 53-man roster.
A pair of unheralded defenders, linebacker Calvin Munson and pass rusher Trent Harris, took advantage of their opportunities. Munson saw extensive time at inside linebacker against the Titans. He has worked on several special teams units, as well.
Like Munson, Harris spent the 2018 season on the New England practice squad. He replaced Derek Rivers after the third-year pro exited with an injury in the first quarter.
Harris is a speed rusher off the edge. He blasted by Titans offensive tackle Tyler Marz to hit Ryan Tannehill late in the first half.
Both Munson and Harris could be darkhorse candidates to make the roster.
