Nate Ebner earning playing time and praise from Bill Belichick
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| Former rugby standout Ebner has continued to improve in New England. Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images North America |
So far, that impact has come mostly on special teams. Special teams were how Ebner first made his mark as a walk-on at Ohio State, and he's been a core special teams player in New England as well, playing on all four units in last weeks win over the Vikings.
However, if last week is any indication, Ebner could be starting to play his way into the Patriots crowded mix at safety. He was on the field for 14 of the teams 66 defensive snaps against the Vikings, with a few of those snaps coming in the first half.
When asked if that playing time was a sign of growing confidence and growth in Ebner, Bill Belichick didn't mince words about the 2012 sixth round pick's improvement.
“I’d say it’s yes on both accounts. We certainly have a lot of confidence in Nate. We’ve seen Nate grow and improve. I would probably put him in the, not the all-time top, but maybe in the top five percent all-time of players that I’ve coached from where they were in college to how they grew in the NFL."
“Nate had almost no defensive experience at Ohio State. He’s adapted in a relatively short amount of time going into his third year so it’s really two-plus years ‘ adapted very well to the knowledge of our defense, to the understanding of opponents’ offenses, to instinctiveness and reading and recognition at a position that he plays right in the middle of the field, which is among the most difficult, inside linebacker and safety where the volume and the number of things that can happen are the greatest, where you have to really see everybody on the field, all 11 guys. His development has really been outstanding.”
The Patriots knew that the mental aspects of the game would be the biggest obstacle for Ebner when they drafted him back in the 2012 sixth round. Ebner posted eye-popping numbers at Ohio State's pro day (4.47 40 yard dash, 39 inch vertical leap, 23 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, 10.99 second 60 yard shuttle, 10'8" broad jump, 4.04 second short shuttle, 6.59 3 cone drill). He also earned the team's Ike Kelley award as the Buckeyes best special teams player. However, as a walk-on whose primary focus was still on rugby, Ebner only played a handful of snaps on defense in his three years in Columbus.
“I think [safeties] Coach [Brian] Flores has done an excellent job training him. I think Nate has worked very hard and the play time that he’s earned defensively has come through his hard work and performance and consistency. It’s really been good. We have, I think, a number of good players at that position. There’s a lot of competition there and there’s not an unlimited number of opportunities for all those guys but we have a lot of confidence in that position. They all played solid roles for us last week, defensively as well as in the kicking game."
“I think we’re very fortunate to have the quality of players that we have at that position. Nate has, I’d say, far exceeded our expectations defensively based on what he had coming out of college. Players like Steve Neal, with zero experience, Cassell, very little playing experience at Southern Cal, guys like that, Nate, very little defensive experience at Ohio State, for those guys to become the type of players that ‘ I’m not putting him in that class yet, but I’m saying the evolution and development for guys like that is pretty significant relative to a lot of other players who have just had alot more opportunity than guys like that have.”
If Ebner is to gain a regular snaps on defense, it would likely be in a hybrid linebacker/safety role, similar to that played by Tavon Wilson. He doesn't necessarily have the elite range to turn and run with receivers deep, but certainly has the athleticism to match up with running backs and tight ends. Furthermore, Ebner's rugby background (he was the MVP of the US junior squad) manifests itself in his rock-solid tackling, which is certainly important at a position where he is literally the last line of defense.
Much like a backup quarterback, Ebner's status as a backup and special teams contributor has meant he's gotten most of his defensive opportunities in the preseason. He took advantage this summer with a strong preseason showing that likely helped propel him towards those snaps in Minnesota, including both an interception and a jarring hit that helped Malcolm Butler strip out a fumble in the "dress rehearsal" game against Carolina.
In the meantime, the Patriots can continue to count on Ebner continuing to bring it on special teams. He was one of six players to play on all four of the core special teams units last week, joining Chris White, Don Jones, Deontae Skinner, Tavon Wilson and special teams captain Matthew Slater. Already credited with two special teams tackles through two games, Ebner is currently only one behind Jones for the early season team lead.
Finally, just for fun, here's another look at that rugby highlight reel that made the rounds amongst Patriots fans when Ebner was drafted. How anyone can watch this and not root for the guy is beyond me.
