1 – The Patriots will convene at Gillette Stadium on Monday for the team’s mandatory mini-camp that is essentially the final phase of the spring offseason program and precursor to training camp in late July.
While the bulk of the roster has been working throughout voluntary OTAs in the first offseason of Jerod Mayo’s leadership, this week marks the first time players are required to attend the workouts in front of the gathered media. This could be the first chance for reporters to see guys like Matthew Judon, the veteran pass rusher coming off injury in a contract year is at an interesting point in his career in New England.
Reaching a new point on the NFL calendar and team development timeline, this feels like a good time to take a look at the returning roster players in New England and the pressure they face to prove themselves.
Atop that list?
Christian Gonzalez: The second-year cornerback might be the most important player on the defense that is expected to be the strength of the team. Many assume that Gonzalez will pick up where he left off as a rookie when he earned player of the month honors for September. He’s supposed to be the clear No. 1 guy in coverage, a guy that will face opponents’ No. 1 wide receiver, including Jamar Chase in Week 1. But the reality is that Gonzalez has just three-plus games under his NFL belt. As much talent, athleticism and upside as he brings to the field, his inexperience is a major question mark. If Gonzalez struggles or gets hurt again, the cornerback spot could get exposed as a house of cards.
2 – Matthew Judon: Judon is probably the best, most accomplished player on the New England roster. He was a homerun free agent signing by Bill Belichick. But a year ago he missed the bulk of the season with a torn biceps, is past what is considered NFL prime as he approaches his 32nd birthday and is in a contract year. Is Judon still a guy that can produce at a high level off the edge? Could he be in line for a contract extension? Is he a possible trade chip for a rebuilding roster? Will he show up ready to go at mini-camp? There are plenty of questions surrounding the guy who could be considered the Patriots’ best player.
3 – Rhamondre Stevenson: Stevenson is projected to be the centerpiece of first-year offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s attack. He’s a guy that topped 1,000 yards and led the team in receptions two years ago. But last year he got off to a slow start, finished the year injured and overall was a disappointing key figure on an abysmal offense. Stevenson would like a contract extension as he plays out the final year of his rookie deal. The team would like to sign him to an extension. But at what value in the world of running back contracts that’s always difficult to navigate? Stevenson needs to prove he’s once again ready to carry the load and fill AVP’s significant expectations if he’s going to get the contract he wants and be the kind of player the team wants him to be.
4 – Chad Ryland: Forget needing a Year 2 Jump, Ryland needs to make enough kicks to keep his job and roster spot. As a fourth-round rookie a year ago, he missed nine of 25 field goal attempts. That included half of his 10 attempts between 40 and 49 yards. Ryland said all the right things during OTAs and has made nearly all his kicks in that relaxed setting, where veteran competition Joey Slye has done little to nothing. Ryland will be given every chance to keep his job and roster spot. But he obviously needs to kick much better than he did as a rookie to do so.
5 – Christian Barmore: Barmore has been active in OTAs after signing a lucrative contract extension to be the foundation of the defensive front moving forward. That’s great, but now he’ll need to be great with pads on during the fall. The former second-round pick needs to continue to take his game to the next level in terms of disruption and production. There is little question he’s the focal point of opposing offensive lines, which makes the jobs of everyone around him easier. But the best players also produce even in the face of opposing double teams. Barmore is really good. Can he be great? Will he validate his big pay day? Time will tell.
6 – JuJu Smith-Schuster: In less than a year the veteran Smith-Schuster has gone from the potential No. 1 WR to fighting for a roster spot. He says he was never healthy last season and is now back to 100 percent. But 100 percent healthy in non-contact OTA work and staying that way when pads are on are two different things. Smith-Schuster seems to be in a great place mentally and physically. Does that equate into production and increased opportunities?
7 – DeMario Douglas: Maybe the biggest hope beyond Stevenson on the offense rests with the second-year slot receiver Douglas. If he can stay healthy he’s shown a clear ability to get open at the NFL level. He could bring back the volume-based slot option to the passing game, regardless of who’s throwing the passes. Douglas could be a key founding figure in the future of the New England offense. Could be.