Latest news with #Ex-Patriot
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
One key observation from Commanders' OTAs: Improvement in the secondary
With the conclusion of OTAs and minicamps, the Washington Commanders are on a break until July 22, when training camp begins. We often don't get to see much of the OTA practices because they are closed, but some media members are in attendance and can keep us abreast of what is happening. Recently, The Athletic wrote one key observation for every team, and the Commanders should be excited. The Commanders' cornerback room has a chance to be much improved. At this time last year, Benjamin St-Juste, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Michael Davis were the top outside options. All are justifiably gone, but their woes led to shifting rookie Mike Sainristil from the slot to the boundary and making a trade deadline deal for an injured Marshon Lattimore, who proceeded to struggle in the playoffs. Injuries have haunted Lattimore, but he arrived healthy for minicamp following needed rest. If available weekly, the four-time Pro Bowler and second-round rookie Trey Amos have potential as a viable tag-team against the NFC East's star receivers. Ex-Patriot Jonathan Jones brings quality experience to the mix along with Sainristil, who may shift back to his natural inside role after impressing in his first season. — Ben Standig The Commanders' defense as a whole wasn't great in 2024, but the secondary was a major problem. Adam Peters recognized that and made moves to right the situation. Trading for Lattimore in the middle of the season may not have done what they hoped at the time, but he is a capable veteran. The time off to rest and heal did him some good, and he will be ready to hit the field this fall. If Jonathan Jones or Trey Amos can fill in opposite Lattimore, then Joe Whitt will be able to move Mike Sainristil back to the slot where he excels the most. As good as he was on the outside last year, an uncomfortable position for him, imagine what his capabilities will be when he's confident in what he is doing. Commanders fans should feel relieved at hearing this, and even more excited for what the 2025 season is going to bring. With a new regime and correct adjustments being made, this season is going to be just as exciting as 2024.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex-Patriot Chris Hogan Hints at NFL Return at New Position
Ex-Patriot Chris Hogan Hints at NFL Return at New Position originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Chris Hogan was a jack-of-all trades during his collegiate athletics career – even outside of football. Advertisement Hogan originally played lacrosse at Penn State for three seasons, picking up All-Eastern College Athletic Conference honors on one occasion. With one year of NCAA eligibility remaining, he transferred to Monmouth, where he joined the school's football team and earned reps at quarterback, wide receiver and cornerback. Hogan ultimately stuck with the wide receiver position as he transitioned into the professional ranks, where he had a successful decade-long career in the NFL. But even four years after retirement, the former New England Patriots wideout believes he could have made – and still could make – a 53-man roster at another position: punter. "I can kick the ball. To this day, I believe I could've lasted in this league as a punter. I promise you I could've," Hogan said on an episode of the Patriots Report with Price & Hogan. "My confidence level of my athletic ability is far beyond probably a lot of other people's are... I was a backup punter in college.' New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) warms up before Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Hanewinckel-Imagn Images Hogan, who originally signed in 2011 with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent, had stints with seven additional NFL teams during his career: the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Patriots, Carolina Panthers, New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. Advertisement He is best known for his time with the Patriots (2015-17), during which he won championships at Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl LIII and had three of the most productive years of his career. He caught 107 passes for 1,651 yards and 12 touchdowns while in Foxborough. Over the course of his entire career, Hogan is credited with 220 receptions, 2,836 receiving yards and 19 receiving touchdowns. He also briefly played lacrosse in the Professional Lacrosse League after his retirement from football, splitting the 2011 season with the Cannons Lacrosse Club and the Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club. Related: Patriots' Drake Maye Predicted to Have Major Season in Sophomore Campaign This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
20-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ex-Patriot wonders if Mike Vrabel goes Derrick Henry route in draft
Ex-Patriot wonders if Mike Vrabel goes Derrick Henry route in draft Former NFL cornerback Logan Ryan threw out the possibility of the New England Patriots taking Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft. Ryan won two Super Bowls with the Patriots, and he also played under Mike Vrabel during his run as head coach for the Tennessee Titans. He remembers the style of football Vrabel looked to create in Tennessee through All-Pro running back Derrick Henry. Could he be looking to win with the same formula with Jeanty in New England? "If I know Mike Vrabel, I know he loves Abdul Carter," Ryan said on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football." "Now, if Abdul Carter is not there, [Vrabel] will entertain a trade. That could happen. Is it too soon to say Ashton Jeanty? Because I know Derrick Henry was the identity in Tennessee. Great defense, you can run the ball." Jeanty is coming off a season that saw him put up video game-like numbers. Patriots Wire has done a previous mock draft with the Patriots taking Jeanty at No. 4. He recorded 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on 374 carries. This bested his numbers of 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns on 220 carries in 2023. He ran 397 plays from scrimmage last year and scored 30 total touchdowns. He won the Maxwell Award for his efforts, which is given to the nation's top running back. The Patriots could use a playmaking running back behind Rhamondre Stevenson, who has struggled over the last two seasons. It would still be a surprise to see them make a pick like this in the first round considering the other needs on the roster, particularly along the offensive line. With that said, Jeanty might be the best available talent on the board when it's their turn to pick on Thursday. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
