Bill Belichick's annual summertime gimmick of giving rookies non-traditional numbers in the 50s, 60 and 70s based on their draft status (or alphabetical order if undrafted) has thankfully come to an end.
With Thursday night's preseason opener in Detroit against the Lions on tap, New England has reportedly issued more customary numbers to its class of rookies.
No longer will top pick wide receiver N'Keal Harry look bulky running around the field in No. 50. Now, he'll look the part as a potential outside wide receiver option wearing No. 10, which interestingly was last worn last season by top outside receiver Josh Gordon, who is currently suspended indefinitely by the league.
The Patriots' preseason opener tonight means rookies have been assigned traditional numbers specific to their positions. These are always subject to change, with N'Keal Harry currently going from 50 to 10. Newly signed Cameron Meredith (PUP) is included on the list: pic.twitter.com/In1G53XyI2
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 8, 2019Below is a list, via ESPN, of the new numbers issued to New England's rookies (as well as newly signed PUP WR Cameron Meredith).
1 – WR Cameron Meredith (PUP)
4 – QB Jarrett Stidham
7 – P Jake Bailey
9 – WR Gunner Olszewski
10 – WR N'Keal Harry
16 – WR Jakobi Meyers
19 – WR Ryan Davis
33 – CB Joejuan Williams
37 – RB Damien Harris
41 – CB D'Angelo Ross
42 – RB Nick Brossette
42 – S Malik Gant
47 – DB Ken Webster (PUP)
50 – Edge Chase Winovich
59 – LB Terez Hall
64 – OL Hjalte Froholdt
65 – Yodny Cajuste (NFI)
67 – OL Tyler Gauthier
68 – T Tyree St. Louis
86 – TE/FB Andrew Beck
92 – DT Nick Thurman
99 – DT Byron Cowart
