During the offseason, NFL teams are always trying to find players on their roster who have the ability to take their game to the next level. Any time a guy on a rookie contract plays like a more expensive star, the benefits can be enormous. With that in mind, I thought that I'd take a closer look at some of the young players on the Patriots roster who seem to have the potential to provide the team with a little extra spark this year.
-Aaron Dobson: In my mind, Dobson is the 2nd year player whose performance could have the biggest impact (positive or negative) on the Patriots. Why? Because he can add a dimension to the offense that no one else on the roster can. A big, speedy outside target, Dobson had some early struggles last year adapting to the Patriots offense. Even when he was able to separate from defenders, he would often lose his footing or not quite catch up to the ball as it came floating in, resulting in a lot of frustrating near misses.
This year he'll be more familiar with the playbook, and with how Tom Brady thinks when going up against specific coverages. With a bit more experience and confidence, he has the opportunity to turn a lot of those near misses into big plays. And when Amendola, Edelman, Gronk, and Vereen are killing the defense with short receptions, the occasional long connection to Dobson could be crucial to taking the offense to the next level.
-Jamie Collins: An athletic freak who seems like he'd be able to play any position from defensive lineman to safety (he did it in college after all), Collins has the potential to be a superstar in the league. He had a tough time cracking the lineup in his rookie year until Jerod Mayo went down with an injury, but once he made it into some games he certainly made his presence known. Whether it was blowing up blockers on his way to the quarterback, running stride for stride with tight ends up the seam, or just flat out suplexing dudes who dared to run at him, Jamie showed that he can be a huge asset as a Swiss Army Knife in Bill Belichick's defense.
The sky is the limit for Collins, and since he is now in line for many more snaps with Brandon Spikes leaving town, a training camp where everything comes together and he all of a sudden just "gets it" could mean that Jerod Mayo won't be the only Pro Bowl caliber linebacker on the team.
-Logan Ryan: Last year against Denver in the playoffs, the Patriots got abused in the passing game when Aqib Talib went down with an injury, mostly because Alfonzo Dennard had no way to physically handle the beast that is Demaryius Thomas. So what did they do? Add two premier cornerbacks in free agency who can handle those physical receivers. Lost in the shuffle a bit was the fact that, when he received playing time, Logan Ryan was often one of the Patriots better defenders last season. A physical corner with impressive ball hawking skills, Ryan will be a big part of the Patriots defensive plans for the next several years. But he could still stand to learn a thing or two from Darrelle Revis when it comes to being selective with his aggression, and one can only hope that a mentor/protégé relationship is already developing.
With a bit more discipline, Ryan has the chance to surpass not only Dennard but possibly Kyle Arrington on the depth chart, along with making the Pats nickel and dime packages something to be feared by pass happy offenses. The four game suspension of Brandon Browner creates a perfect opportunity for him to crack the starting lineup opening day despite a crowded secondary.
Other quick hits:
-Kenbrell Thompkins: Showed plenty of flashes as a rookie, and has enough size and strength to be a great complement across the field from Dobson, especially if the other team only has one physical corner.
-Chandler Jones: Weird to call a guy with 11.5 sacks a year ago a breakout candidate, but he accomplished that with a decimated defensive line. A healthy Wilfork and Kelly, along with an exciting interior pass rusher in Dominique Easley (imagine trying to stop stunts with those two coming at you) could help elevate him to one of the league's premier pass rushers.
-Ryan Allen: Impressively came in as a rookie and just took the punting job from Zoltan Mesko. Could be instrumental in pinning opposing teams back and allowing the new and improved defense to really enter attack mode.
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