New England Patriots - NESN.com
Everybody expects the New England Patriots to be better, right?
That’s not even a question.
But there are other questions remaining, and we’ve highlighted a handful of them with the new-look Patriots set to begin training camp Wednesday.
1. Will the Patriots be able to keep the good vibes rolling?
There’s no question the conversation is different around this team. There’s well-deserved optimism among the fanbase after major offseason turnover. To many, the firing of head coach Jerod Mayo and week-later hiring of Mike Vrabel was like putting Jimmy Buffett on the speakers. Vrabel’s ability to hire a varsity coaching staff compared to Mayo’s Pop Warner group was felt, too. Each offseason signing and highly-graded draft pick allowed fans to put another lei around their neck. Vrabel and company have the opportunity to carry those vibes into the preseason and regular season with a strong camp. But if the offense struggles to the same extent it did last preseason, or if the defense doesn’t level up to how it looks on paper, well, those offseason vibes might be left in the offseason.
2. How does Will Campbell stack up once the pads come on? Campbell’s full workload and ensuing judgement won’t start until the Patriots strap on the pads. When they do, though, Campbell will be one who draws a handful of attention. Media members and fans will be looking to see how his widely-criticized length holds up against NFL edge rushers. If Campbell stonewalls the likes of Keion White, Harold Landry and others, the Patriots likely will feel a lot better about their first-round pick — the fans certainly will.
3. How will a recovering Stefon Diggs look in his first camp in New England?
Diggs passed his physical and is expected to practice without any limitations, Vrabel told reporters Tuesday. It’s both a noteworthy and impressive update given Diggs tore his ACL in late October when he was a member of the Houston Texans. Diggs will now take the practice fields at Gillette Stadium after he inked a three-year deal with $25 million guaranteed. It’s been a while since the Patriots had someone with Diggs’ talent, and he’ll certainly be under close watch.
4. Who emerges among the group of young wide receivers?
The wide receiver room represents arguably the toughest position battle to forecast. No, not because the Patriots have a handful of high-end receivers, but because they all feel jumbled together. Diggs is the obvious leader in the room. He’s joined by roster locks including Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams and DeMario Douglas. After that group, though, it’s wide-open. Veteran Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte and sophomores Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker all will try to earn a spot. There won’t be enough to go around.
5. Who emerges among the crowded group at left guard? Contrary to last offseason, New England’s offensive line seems to have some answers. Following an offseason where center David Andrews was the only definite, you can pretty much write four starters with...
