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We’re back with part three of Patriots Depth Projection - an article series here on WEEI.com where I'll be taking an in-depth look at each of New England’s ten position rooms over the next several weeks leading up to training camp, naming trade candidates, predicting highs and lows, projecting who makes the team, and grading each room heading into 2023.
Here’s a look at the ones we’ve done so far:
- Depth projection: Linebackers
- Depth projection: Defensive line
Today’s room is New England’s special teams unit. Let’s do it:
The Rundown:
Special teams have long been the bread and butter of the Patriots dynasty. From Super Bowl-winning field goal kicks to the need for a lefty punter due to the atypical spin of the ball, Bill Belichick has long prided himself in this third of the game.
That’s why this room is never just a punter, a kicker, and a long snapper. “Wide receiver” Matthew Slater has been on New England’s roster for as long as I can remember despite having just one career reception, and Cody Davis and Brenden Schooler both play prominent roles despite not lining up at their true position of safety.
The Patriots also went heavy on special teams during the 2023 NFL Draft. They took place kicker Chad Ryland from Maryland in the fourth-round, punter Bryce Baringer from Michigan State in the fifth round, and cornerbacks Ameer Speed and Isaiah Bolden in the sixth and seventh rounds - both of whom have special teams upside. They also signed rookie linebacker Jourdan Heilig following the draft who projects out as a specialist as well.
Who we’re sleeping on:
Joe Judge.
This may be a cop-out as he’s not technically a player, but Joe Judge is going to help re-shape the entire special teams unit from a season ago.
Let’s be blunt about it. The idea of putting Judge with the offense in 2022 was one of the worst coaching decisions Bill Belichick has ever made - but keeping him around may be one of his best, at least for this year.
From what we saw at New England’s OTA’s and minicamp this Spring, Judge was in full control of the special teams unit and looks to be in line to take over as coordinator from Cam Achord. Judge was the Patriots special teams coordinator from 2015-2019 and his success in the role helped him become an NFL head coach. Giving him this role back will be a massive boost for New England.
Fitzy and Kadlick: Dalvin Cook continues to drop hints he wants to join the Patriots
Surprise cut:
Cody Davis.
Davis has been with the Patriots since 2020 and, as mentioned above, is listed as a safety despite primarily playing special teams during his tenure with the club.
New England tends to carry several “coverage aces” to protect themselves of poor special teams performances from others on the roster, and Davis has been slotted into one of those spots in recent years.
However, given their 2023 rookie class of high upside special teamers and a knee injury sidelining Davis for a majority of last season, they may be better off cutting ties with him for a younger, cheaper option.
Trade candidate:
Nick Folk.
Given that they used capital on a kicker in the fourth-round of the 2023 Draft, I’d expect Chad Ryland to be the Patriots starting kicker come week one.
Though Folk is 38-years-old, he’s been a solid kicker for New England and may still have a few years of a solid boot left. If a team gets desperate as training camp inches closer to week one, they may be looking for a reliable leg to trade for. Folk can be that and more.
Full roster projection:
In: Chad Ryland (R), Bryce Baringer (R), Joe Cardona, Matthew Slater, Brendan Schooler, Malik Cunningham (R)
Out: Nick Folk, Corliss Waitman, Cody Davis, Tucker Addington, Ameer Speed, Jourdan Heilig
Grade heading into 2023:
B.
New England’s special teams ranked dead last in DVOA in 2022 according to Football Outsiders, but they’ve made the appropriate coaching and personnel adjustments to hopefully catapult themselves back into the juggernaut that they’ve been for the last 20+ seasons. They get a B for now, but I expect a big jump from a year ago.
We’ll be back for another edition of the Patriots Depth Projection series on Thursday breaking down the offensive line. Keep it here at WEEI.com as we count down the days until Pats camp.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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