On the Bubble: Jake Bequette's days are numbered

One of the few times Bequette stepped on the field for the Patriots (Getty Images)

Over the last decade or so, Bill Belichick has kept one constant in his defensive end/outside linebacker position, and that is a hard nosed, blue collar, athletic, run stopping presence. Originally it was Mike Vrabel, a fan favorite and one of the most versatile players the Patriots have ever had. Then came Rob Ninkovich, who went from an unknown, unworthy successor to wear the number 50, to arguably the best run stopper on the Patriots defense. Then the Patriots drafted Jake Bequette in 2012 with the 90th pick in the 3rd round. He was touted as a strong, bull rusher, with a knack for shedding blocks to make tackles, and at 6'5" 265 lbs, he seemed to be the next heir apparent for the Ninkovich and Vrabel role. Some college highlights made him look like a force to be reckoned with.



Even NFL.com claimed he was exactly what Ninkovich and Vrabel had been for the Patriots, a versatile run stopper. Then the games started.

Over the last two years, Bequette has played in a grand total of eight games, with not a single statistic to his name. No sacks, no forced fumbled, not even a single tackle. According to Hal Bent of Cover 32, Bequette played only 14 snaps on defense in 2013, after playing only 29 snaps in 2012. No one should play only 14 snaps in their second season as a 3rd round pick. No one. The Patriots clearly had no confidence in Bequette which forced them to sign veteran rushers over the last few years such as Andre Carter. Even last year's 7th round pick Michael Buchanan out played Bequette considerably last year.

The Patriots currently have a smaller number of defensive ends on the roster starting with Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Will Smith, Michael Buchanan, and newly drafted players Dominique Easley and Zach Moore. With those all of those players already ahead of Bequette on the depth chart it will be extremely difficult to justify having Jake Bequette make the roster. He very well could make it to the final day of cuts if he is having a spectacular preseason, but it will be almost impossible for him to make the roster unless he comes out of nowhere and displays something he hasn't the last two years.

The defensive end position is far from a strength on the team, and Jones and Ninkovich were not subbed in for nearly enough last year. According to Erik Frenz of Bleacher Report, each played more than 1,100 snaps, which was greater than 96 percent of the defensive snaps. That should not happen for such a demanding role on defense. Depth will be needed to keep the starters healthy and rested, and if they did not trust Bequette enough to occasionally spell them, he is likely not worthy of keeping on the roster.

That being said, it is extremely difficult to judge a player who has rarely seen the field. Hell, I couldn't even find a YouTube video with him on the field for the Patriots. So who are we as fans to judge someone who's body of work has mostly been out of the public eye? Maybe he is having a great offseason, putting the work in, ready to become a factor this year. Or he could be preparing to find another job elsewhere in a few weeks. I would be lying to you if I didn't say I'd be surprised if Bequette makes the team. There are just too many more promising or experienced players at the position to make keeping him justifiable. Jake Bequette's days on the Patriots are numbered.

Wonder what other players are in danger of being cut? Check out more of our On The Bubble series.

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Wonder what other players are in danger of being cut? Check out more of our On The Bubble series.