These Seven Patriots Players Have Most To Prove In OTAs, Minicamp

The New England Patriots have to try really hard to overcome the issues they had in 2021. Head coach Bill Belichick will work with a different group of players next season. His coaching staff will be different, too. There are some major obstacles for the team and some Patriots players have to try harder in minicamp.

TE Jonnu Smith

Belichick got Smith for a reason. However, the tight end struggled to make an impact and his season with the team was terrible. In 2021, Smith caught 28 passes to go with one touchdown. He has a deal with the team and Patriots fans really hope to see a better performance in the upcoming season. He joined his teammates during the voluntary portion this time which is a great move because he skipped these sessions in 2021.

WR Nelson Agholor

Agholor may see less playing time on the field because the Patriots traded for DeVante Parker and got Tyquan Thornton. Agholor will have to earn his playing time.

Patriots to see more from their newly-added players in minicamp

LB Cameron McGrone

McGrone is an excellent player and Matt Groh really likes him. He will have enough playing time on the field because the Patriots lost Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, and Jamie Collins in free agency. Let’s see if he uses this opportunity.

CB Malcolm Butler

Butler may not be the best cover man but he did a wonderful job in Super Bowl XLIX. J.C. Jackson is no longer part of the Patriots and this is big news for Butler. He is 32 and his skills are impeccable.

OL Cole Strange

The Patriots used the 29^th overall pick to get Strange. No one thought that Belichick would use his first-round pick to get the offensive lineman. He should definitely earn his spot on the 53-man roster.

WR Tyquan Thornton

The Patriots traded up to get the wide receiver with the 50^th overall. He has a different skill set than other receivers. Belichick likes his speed, but he doesn’t look like a traditional receiver because of his frame.

LB Josh Uche

Uche has yet to have his breakout season. NFL experts predicted a good season for him, but he didn’t see much action on the field. Patriots coaches may give him a bigger role because the depth chart is not that dense.