New England Patriots Announce Inital 2015 Practice Squad

The New England Patriots have announced the following players as the team's initial practice squad of 2015:

#Patriots practice squad (offense): OL Chris Barker, TE Asante Cleveland, WR Kenbrell Thompkins, WR Nathan Palmer, OT Blaine Clausell

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 7, 2015

#Patriots practice squad (defense): LB Xzavier Dickson, LB Darius Fleming, LB Brandon King, DB Daxton Swanson, DT Jimmy Staten

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 7, 2015

Most of these are old faces that spent the preseason or the past with the Patriots. Here are some new names:

WR Nathan Palmer is a 5'10, 195 lbs receiver that graduated from Northern Illinois in 2012. He has spent the bulk of his career on the Colts and the Broncos and offers a Jonathan Krause level of athleticism that will benefit the practice squad. He has the distinction of one reception for -4 yards.

OT Blaine Clausell is a 6'6, 330 lbs rookie out of Mississippi State who spent the offseason with the Ravens. Clausell was a three-year starter in the SEC and offers potential if he slides inside, but is currently expected to try and grow as a tackle.

DT Jimmy Staten is a 6'4, 300 lbs body from Middle Tennessee State who spent the 2014 season on the Seahawks practice squad. He spent the bulk of the offseason with Seattle and had a stint with the Giants.