Which Patriots COVID-19 opt outs will return for 2021 season? (Weekly mailbag)
Updated Feb 04, 2021;
Posted Feb 04, 2021
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 27: Outside linebacker Dont a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots celebrates his touchdown with teammates in the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)Getty Images
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In five words or less, what are each of the Patriots COVID-19 opt outs doing in Week 1 of the 2021 season? Give me your predictions. Conor T.
I’ll give you five words (or less) on each and then expound upon it.
4. Ziegler s return: Patriots assistant director of player personnel Dave Ziegler played his cards well, gaining invaluable experience in interviewing for the Broncos GM post, making a favorable impression, and then returning to New England with what is expected to be a multiyear contract and pay bump as Nick Caserio s successor. Ziegler was probably a long shot to get the Denver job they ended up hiring Minnesota s George Paton but I viewed his decision to withdraw his name from consideration as a reflection of the decisiveness that has earned him a measure of respect in the Patriots offices over the past eight years.
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Which of the rookies entering year 2 do you feel are ready to start in their respective positions on the team?
@ShawMellors
As far as being three-down players, I think Kyle Dugger and Michael Onwenu are the best places to start. Dugger started off closer to the line of scrimmage in more of a linebacker-hybrid role, but as the season progressed, he started to show real potential as a balanced safety who can pretty much play any role in the secondary. Dugger and Devin McCourty should make an excellent back end pair and are my penciled starters for 2021.
The only question with Onwenu is where does he start? Does he stay at right tackle or does he end up sliding to guard to replace Joe Thuney if he were to depart. My gut feeling is that Onewnu s best potential is inside and that s where the Patriots will put him next season, though having the ability to slide outside only increases his value.
21 Burning questions for Patriots 2021 offseason pakistantelegraph.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from pakistantelegraph.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.