The New England Patriots’ top three rookie draft picks are on the strangest of courses with the close of training camp officially on Thursday night with the preseason finale in Cleveland, a 37-13 loss.
When cutdown day is done on Sunday, all three guys – No. 1 pick Caleb Lomu, No. 2 pick Gabe Jacas and No. 3 pick Eli Raridon – won’t have to sweat that fateful call, text or knock on the door.
But as Seattle and Sept. 9 become the lone focus of the reigning AFC champs, just where the rookie big three stands will be a topic of conversation and debate for the next three weeks.
Raridon sits … again
For the second straight preseason game, Raridon sat it out with the big boys.
The tight end out of Notre Dame is not hurt. He practiced both days this week as a full participant and he actually spoke to the media as well.
“I think a lot of growth was made with the team and with myself as well,” said Raridon. “I’m really, really excited to get to play other teams and live out my dreams.”
He’s humble. He’s being kept under wraps. And he might be the biggest surprise of the season.
Michael Clubb, USA TODAY Sports
Lomu busy at right tackle
Back and forth he goes, Lomu bounced over from left to right tackle and played just about a quarter against the backups from Cleveland, most likely as an insurance policy for No. 2 QB Tommy DeVito, who played two series.
Lomu went unnoticed before exiting, and for an offensive tackle that’s always a good thing.
He leaves the preseason where most people expected. Lomu held serve as the team’s swing tackle behind Morgan Moses and Will Campbell.
Not once was his spot really challenged, nor did he test either of the two starters. He lands exactly where he was pegged on the depth chart.
Absentee effort from Jacas
Once again the edge-rushing Jacas was inserted with an opportunity to shine, starting against the Cleveland reserves.
Jacas opened his night getting exposed on a Dillon Gabriel bootleg around his edge for an easy 12-yard completion. He ended it getting sucked in on a read-option, on which Gabriel pulled out the football and raced past him for an eight-yard gain and a first down. Both drives ended in Browns TDs.
In between, the Jacas sightings were few and far between with no tackles, no pressures and no impact.
Jacas may make the active roster on opening night. It will only be because there is just nobody else at the position.
