New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots will hold their first training camp practice in two weeks. Exactly what the roster looks like when the team takes the field at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. remains a work in progress. Fourteen days is an eternity for coach Mike Vrabel and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf to shuffle the roster.
According to CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, the Patriots’ biggest need heading into camp is on the defensive side of the ball. “Edge rusher and linebacker are probably on similar footing,” Edwards wrote.
“There is a respectable floor, but the ceiling is capped. The franchise has relied upon free agents and draft picks to build out those units.”
If the Patriots wanted to make a splash on defense, they could trade for disgruntled Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt. The 30-year-old skipped mandatory minicamp this offseason because he wants to lock in a long-term contract extension.
Watt is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro who has recorded double-digit sacks in five of the last seven seasons. He’s led the league in sacks three times, including 2021, when he tied the single-season record with 22.5 sacks.
That said, Edwards also noted the Patriots’ offense could use some help.
“Wide receiver is still not in an optimal state because there are reasonable concerns about the efficacy of Stefon Diggs,” Edwards continued. “Well-traveled veterans Mack Hollins and Kendrick Bourne are also in the room.”
Bourne and Diggs were among the Patriots skill players who teamed with quarterback Drake Maye Monday for a throwing session. They were joined by Josh Dobbs, Rhamondre Stevenson, Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk and Hunter Henry.
Polk posted a photo of the large crew together to Instagram.
The gang will be reunited on July 22 when they report for training camp.
