FOXBORO With the start of 2022 training camp approximately three weeks away, the New England Patriots continue to do their due diligence in building their roster for the upcoming season.From during the offseason to , the Pats remain committed to making the moves which they feel to be in the best interest of their football team.As the Patriots begin their march toward the Sept. 11 opener in Miami, a look at their three best offseason moves:3. Trading for Linebacker Mack WilsonWhen the in March, many wondered whether the team had parted ways with the
Demarcus Robinson Jersey talented fan-favorite too quickly. However, Wilson may be a better fit for New Englands defensive system. Wilson began his career as a fifth-round selection by the Browns in 2019. The Alabama product played 14 games in his rookie season, logging 82 total tackles (four, for lo s), seven pa ses defensed, one forced fumble, one sack and one interception. For his efforts, he was rewarded with a starting position but Cleveland during his first-year as a pro. However, Wilsons playing time steadily began to dip over the past two seasons; decreasing from 88 percent in 2019 to 43 percent in 2020 to 21 percent last season. In 2021, Wilson served primarily in a rotational, off-the-ball role. He played a regular role on special teams, which he maintained throughout that decline. Despite the reduction in playing time, Wilson made the most of his time
Carlos Hyde Jersey on the field, earning a career-best 75.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, in just 193 defensive snaps. Wilson does have his injury concerns. In each of his last two seasons, the 24-year-old has mi sed at least three games throughout the year. This has been due to an ongoing knee injury which he suffered in 2020. During the 2021 preseason, Wilson was dealing with a shoulder injury, as well. In the final analysis there is some uncertainty, but tremendous upside in bringing Wilson aboard in New England. With the Patriots looking to get younger, and faster at the linebacker position, he will clearly help in that regard. In New Englands system, he projects as an inside linebacker, playing off-the-ball. Despite facing some notable competition, Wilson has the speed and athleticism to earn a starting position.Scroll to Continue2. Signing Free-Agent Safety Jabrill PeppersWhile Peppers signing may not qualify as a blockbuster in national circles, it has . The 26-year-old was the first-round draft selection by the Browns 25th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. The former Michigan Wolverine appeared in 29
Tanoh Kpassagnon Jersey games for the Browns throughout his first two years in the NFL. During that time, Peppers started all 29 contests, compiling 137 total tackles (six for lo s), eight pa ses defensed, and two interceptions.In 2019, Peppers was traded to the New York Giants, as part of the deal which sent Odell Beckham Jr. to Cleveland. Peppers spent three seasons with the Giants, playing 32 total games and ama sing 196 total tackles (15, for lo s), 17 pa ses-defensed, 3.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. He suffered a torn ACL in October 2021, ending his season.The Pats interest in his services should not be surprising. Over the course of his five-year NFL career, he has aligned at box safety, free safety, perimeter cornerback, slot cornerback, hybrid linebacker and even taken some snaps on the defensive line. Peppers also has plenty of experience on special teams, having compiled 117 career returns on both punt
Christian Okoye Jersey and kick return duties.In addition to his versatility, Peppers likely caught the organizations sharp eye thanks in part to their new offensive a sistant Joe Judge. The safety played the past two seasons under Judge, as he served as the Giants head coach. Peppers also visited Foxboro during the 2021 preseason, as the Patriots and Giants participated in joint practices. His presence should strengthen both the Patriots defensive backfield, as well as their special teams core.1. Trading for Wide Receiver DeVante ParkerNew England significantly bolstered its pa sing game by acquiring Parker from the AFC East Division rival Dolphins. The often-elusive intra-divisional trade allowed the . For the Patriots, they gain a true vertical presence on the perimeter, capable of winning his matchups both on the outside and downfield. The 6-3, 219-pound product of Louisville has the size and the speed to instantly make an impact on the Patriots pa sing offense. In seven seasons with the Dolphins, Parker played 93 games (out of a po sible 113) and had 338 receptions for 4,727 yards and 24 touchdowns. His most productive season came in 2019, where he compiled 72 catches on 128 targets for 1202 yards, and nine touchdowns. Parker is particularly adept at gaining yards after the catch, averaging 14 yards-per-reception throughout his career. In 2021, the 29-year-old finished with 40 catches for 515 yards and two touchdowns. It should be noted that his season was interrupted by hamstring and shoulder injuries. Parker is the type of receiver who can thrive in New Englands timing-based offense. He has the size and toughne s to make contested catches, while giving quarterback Mac Jones a viable red zone target at the receiver position. In addition, he is particularly adept at gaining yards after the catch, a trait which Jones values in his receivers. The new Pats wideout has averaged 14 yards-per-reception throughout his career. In fact, he has never averaged fewer
Kansas City Chiefs Jersey than 11 yards-per-reception in any of his seven seasons in the league. His versatility is likely to make him one of Jones favorite targets in 2022.
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