Cyrus Jones tops the Patriots draft class
The 2016 New England Patriots draft class is making significance progress after the first two weeks of training camp.
Cyrus Jones, CB, 2nd Round: He was the first pick in this year's draft for the Pats after losing a first round pick due to Deflategate. Jones is a brilliant kickoff and punt returner, also his attendance in camp has been impeccable. Furthermore, he is competing for the top nickel role on defense but one downside he's had is that he has been fumbling punts during practice.
Joe Thuney, LG, 3rd Round: Coming out of NC State he has played all five positions on the offensive line but has been put in at left guard from day 1. He is supremely athletic which makes him stand out in 1-on-1 pass blocking drills, and finds it easy to slide past defenders.
Jacoby Brissett, QB, 3rd Round: Eventually giving competition to Jimmy Garoppolo for the starting role Brissett was recommended by Bill Parcells. He only gets limited reps behind Tom Brady and Garoppolo, but when he has shown what he can do one of his biggest strengths is his strong arm.
Vincent Valentine, DT, 3rd Round: Valentine finds himself a long way down the depth chart behind Malcolm Brown, Alan Branch, Terrance Knighton and Markus Kuhn which indicates he will get in the 53 man squad but probably won't see the field. His size was what enticed the Pats to draft him, at 6-foot-3, 320 pounds, his frame is NFL ready but not his mind.
Malcolm Mitchell, WR, 4th Round: One of the most anticipated picks by the Patriots this year. Mitchell is competing for the 'X' role and has impressed with his speed, route running and reliable hands. His intangibles are off the scale but he has had to miss a couple of practices regarding a knee injury suffered in his college days.
Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB, 6th Round: A player who can play linebacker, safety and on special teams. He has a real chance of getting on the team and contributing to the kicking game. Also his speed over the ground could make him a threat on defense.
Elandon Roberts, LB, 6th Round: Roberts was highly praised for his instincts at the draft and has worked as a backup to Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Jonathan Freeny. By not showing up on special teams it looks like the practice squad for Roberts.
Ted Karras, C/G, 6th Round: In combination with injuries and his own performance, Karras has been getting first-team reps at right guard at camp. He has a real chance at making the roster after winning over offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia.
Devin Lucien, WR, 7th Round: Being drafted out of Arizona State its going be a struggle to see Lucien get a roster spot, with such depth at the position. Belichick has said it is the best competition at receiver he has seen in his time in charge of the Patriots. This is unfortunate for Lucien but you can't doubt his commitment to the cause, staying after hours for extra drills.
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