Jermaine Eluemunor Takes Unexpected Role in Patriots Training Camp

The New England Patriots are in the middle of an important roster battle. Almost every player on the Patriots roster will have to earn a spot and some of them may get different roles. Jermaine Eluemunor is one of them, and the Patriots will definitely change his moves.

The offensive lineman will have the inside track on the starting right tackle spot. Marcus Cannon had this spot but he decided to opt out of the season over health concerns.

“I’ve played a ton of positions in my entire three-year career in the NFL, from left tackle to left guard, right tackle, right guard,” Eluemunor said in a video conference Wednesday. “So I’m familiar with all four of those positions.”

Eluemunor played guard last season. The team got him through a late-August trade with the Baltimore Ravens. Eluemunor had 29 offensive snaps. James Ferentzh was the Patriots’ top interior O-line reserve.

Cannon opted out of the game, and Eluemunor wasn’t really considered an option. Analysts thought that the Patriots will go with Yodny Cajuste, Korey Cunningham, Justin Herron and Joe Thuney. Some thought that the Patriots would get a free agent.

Jermaine Eluemunor to see a different role with the Patriots

Eluemunor has seen action as tackle. In his final season at Texas A&M, he was right tackle. In 2018, Eluemunor played 89 snaps atleft tackle with the Ravens.

The talented player is larger than other Patriots interior lineman.

“I just wanted to feel comfortable at the weight I was,” Eluemunor said. “Being able to play the positions I do, I wanted to make sure that whatever happened, wherever I ended up, that I didn’t have to worry about my weight and have to do extra things like I have the last couple years of my career.”

Eluemunor got himself a rowing machine and enjoyed long runs and walks to boost his conditioning. He also focused on the Patriots playbook.

“From conditioning to the mental part of the game to the physical part, there wasn’t one thing that I didn’t try to improve on this offseason, because I feel like I can improve on a lot of things,” Eluemunor said. “So (I put) a big emphasis on everything — coming back in shape, at the correct weight and ready to go mentally. Obviously, I feel better this year having more time (in the Patriots’ system).”