The Patriots took a chance on Leonard in the second round. He has solid tools and accuracy. The biggest question remaining question is how much of an issue will Riley Leonard’s throwing animation be. It is titled as “generic slow”, and has caused some sacks in the preseason. Riley will get one season to prove himself as the guy and if he doesn’t, the Patriots will have to look elsewhere for seasons 3-5.
WR Calvin Ridley
Ridley signed to a one year deal in free agency and is already the most complete WR on the New England roster. Three factors will determine if Ridley is on the roster past this season. His performance, his regression, and his contract demands. If Ridley performs and doesn’t regress he could retire as a Patriot, but if he gets hit hard he could find himself on a new team in a year. Don’t expect an extension for Ridley mid-season
CB/S Isaiah Bolden
Bolden missed his entire rookie season with injury, and will be playing his first NFL football at age 24. Bolden has great speed but lacks good change of direction to mirror WR. He will begin the season playing safety to see if that position fits him more. If this is an issue or Bolden fails to progress we could see Khyree Jackson, the rookie 7th round pick get some snaps at deep safety as well.
WR Tyrone Broden
Can this really work? A 6’7 WR with blazing speed sounds great on paper. That frame is a huge target for a QB to hit, bit also a DB. Can a WR this raw produce in the NFL? Broden is already 23 years old. He will be the WR3 in the offense, but that role did not produce much last year. p
