Pats game-by-game breakdown and record predictions
The New England Patriots have long been about legacy and family football affairs. Like Devin McCourty finally getting to play alongside and win a Super Bowl with his brother Jason in the Pats secondary. Rob Gronkowski’s older brother Dan was given a shot in 2011 with the team. Head coach Bill Belichick is now employing his sons Steve and Brian on the defensive coaching staff. And while a longshot, perhaps the Patriots’ defensive line could be the next fraternal building block.
The Patriots have invited linebacker Jahlani Tavai’s brother, Justus, to their rookie minicamp. A defensive lineman out of San Diego State University, Justus is a defensive end who transferred from the University of Hawaii (where older brother Jahlani attended all four years) to SDSU, where younger brother Jonah attended for four years, for the 2022 season. Jonah Tavai signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Seattle Seahawks, meaning up to three Tavai boys could be in the NFL this fall. Though a longshot for Justus, with the Patriots having just drafted Keion White with their 46th overall pick at the same position, this is a big opportunity for the middle Tavai brother to take his combination of size and power to the next level.
Justus said in a pre-draft interview that he already lived a dream playing with younger brother Jonah at SDSU, and that any team that takes a chance will be getting a player that brings “quickness and strength and knowledge to the table. Wherever they need me I am experienced and adaptable to learn any of the positions they need me at.”
Spoken like a true Patriot, or someone who really wants to be.
Rookie Minicamp is ongoing from Friday, May 12, through Mother’s Day on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
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