Article on four former Michigan players on Patriots roster
Article suggests Michigan connection could come up big for the Patriots this year.
The article focuses on importance of roles for Winovich and Uche on Patriots defense, but also notes presence of Onwenu and Braden on roster.
August 27th, 2020 at 9:39 AM ^
I think they'll both be solid on defense; I'm intrigued to see how Winovich looks with more focus on him. He's a talented guy so hopefully he can keep building on an impressive first year. Uche should at least be a really solid passing down option and, hopefully, grow into a 3-down LB in that system.
August 27th, 2020 at 9:49 AM ^
Great start to article: Linebacker Chase Winovich is entering his second year in the system, while veteran offensive lineman Ben Braden is in his first
August 27th, 2020 at 11:21 AM ^
The article is correct. Braden is a veteran because he has been bouncing around practice squads, and occasionally active rosters, since 2017, but the Patriots just signed him this month. It is indeed his first year in the system.
August 27th, 2020 at 12:12 PM ^
I guess, but I wouldn't consider a guy who has never started a football game and has only played in 3, more of a veteran than a guy who played in all 16 the previous year.
August 27th, 2020 at 12:26 PM ^
Veteran-status has nothing to do with games started, though.
August 27th, 2020 at 2:36 PM ^
Well aren't you either a rookie or a veteran?
August 27th, 2020 at 9:57 AM ^
As a lifelong Pats fan (yes, I’m from Rhode Island and lived in Massachusetts...Dennisport!!!) and Wolverine fanatic, I am pleased!
August 27th, 2020 at 10:13 AM ^
The New England Patriots' colors: red, white, and GoBlue.
August 27th, 2020 at 10:19 AM ^
Mark this down. Ben Mason gets a tryout with the Pats and is taken for his elite special teams and fullback skills ... Unless someone picks him off in a late round. Guy is going to make an NFL roster, just has to be the right team that uses a fullback and values elite special team players.
Ben Mason as a Pat would be a huge hometown pickup. All of CT would be streaming to Foxboro to cheer that on. Mason is a legend in New England.
August 27th, 2020 at 10:42 AM ^
Because they don't already stream to Foxboro? Listen, I like Ben Mason as much as I like any and all UM football players, but when was the last time the Patriots used a Fullback?
August 27th, 2020 at 12:53 PM ^
Belichick is the king of offense retools...if they haven't used a fullback in a while then it totally makes sense that BB adds the position in his playbook.
August 27th, 2020 at 12:55 PM ^
Develin, 31, is a three-time Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots and in 2017, became the first Patriots fullback since Sam Cunningham in 1978 to earn Pro Bowl honors.
James Develin retired in April so, a few months, to answer your question.
August 28th, 2020 at 1:38 AM ^
The Patriots use the fullback more than most teams. The only reason they didn't use one that much last year is because Develin was hurt.
Mason could be a great fit there IMO.
August 27th, 2020 at 10:29 AM ^
I would think the Belichick - Brown bromance (or dudemance) is helping to secure roster spots.
August 27th, 2020 at 10:35 AM ^
If the Patriots continue their dynasty with UM players comprising a large segment of their roster, is it a positive or negative telling of the current staff's ability to scheme and develop players? On one hand, they identified these players and developed them into draft picks. On the other hand, the teams that these players have been on at Michigan have largely underwhelmed.
August 27th, 2020 at 11:50 AM ^
Until we have a better player at most important position on the field than OSU, we won't win that game. Or at least have our guy out perform their guy in "The Game".
August 27th, 2020 at 11:55 AM ^
Michigan players are on the D sidebof the ball for the most part. The Belichic scheme is his own. The players performance in the pros is more telling of our Talent level. Michigans qb and rb room and pre Gattis scheme are telling of the win loss record IMO