Patriots training camp breakout candidates: EDGE Keion White originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Every day this week, we’ll take a look at a player who could emerge from relative obscurity during Patriots training camp.
With practices set to begin next week, particularly with a new coaching staff in place, this portion of the NFL calendar represents opportunity for everyone on Jerod Mayo’s roster. But there are always a few who make a “leap” this time of year — some expected, some not.
We’ve already spotlighted cornerback Alex Austin, and we’ll continue this five-day series with second-year edge defender Keion White.
The measurables
At 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, and with eye-opening movement skills for someone with his frame, White has an argument as the most impressive physical specimen on the roster.
Bill Belichick felt so comfortable with White as an athlete that he briefly placed White on his punt coverage unit — a group that is typically reserved for some of the fastest and most physical players on the roster — last summer.
“Not a whole lot of 290-pound men that are able to play on punt coverage,” Matthew Slater said last year. “But we got one now.”
They said it
Jerod Mayo brought up White’s name back in the spring when asked if anyone this offseason had surprised him.
“Keion White is doing a good job for us and I’d say also, Keion has kind of taken that step forward as far as being a leader,” Mayo said. “Not as much vocally, but you see him actually leading the groups and working well, so if you need a name, that is a good one.”
Why the potential breakout?
White could be the kind of player poised for the old “second-year leap.”
Belichick often noted that players going into Year 2 — because they have a full offseason under their belts, and perhaps have some significant rookie experience to provide a foundation for their professional development — were typically the best candidates to improve significantly from one season to the next.
White, who has been touted…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-training-camp-breakout-candidates-161014350.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2024-07-17 16:10:14
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