Patriots Preseason Superlatives: Eight Players Earn Awards Entering 2024
Chances are you won't see any members of the New England Patriots claim hardware at the end of the 2024 NFL season.
Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye has the shortest odds on any FanDuel Sportsbook board (Offensive Rookie of the Year, 10-1), and he's not even set to start the season behind center. From there, it's head coach Jerod Mayo (Coach of the Year, 30-1), cornerback Christian Gonzalez (Comeback Player of Year, 100-1; Defensive Player of the Year, 180-1), veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett (MVP, 200-1) and running back Rhamondre Stevenson (Offensive Player of the Year, 250-1). Fair to say the Patriots have some long shots.
New England, however, does have some superlative winners.
We've concocted and predicted eight superlatives as the Patriots get set to kick off their season against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Most likely to be a Pro Bowler: Christian Gonzalez
The Patriots will face a gauntlet of receivers this season with Ja'Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, DK Metcalf, Garrett Wilson, Stefon Diggs, etc. There's a strong chance the 2023 first-round pick draws the majority of those matchups. Gonzalez was limited to just four games in 2023 and was firmly entrenched in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation when he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Mayo and company have raved about the second-year cornerback, who might just be the team's best player. Patriots punter Bryce Baringer might have an argument for this award, too. That, however, would be quite an underwhelming honoree for Patriots fans.
Most likely to make second-year leap: Keion White
If you have followed along with any of our training camp and preview content, you know NESN.com is in the Keion White Fan Club. Prior to training camp, Mayo name-dropped White as the player he had seen make the biggest strides and the defensive lineman proved him correct in the preseason. White's versatility to rush from the interior and off the edge, coupled with the trade of edge rusher Matthew Judon and extended absence of defensive tackle Christian Barmore, have caused White's stock to soar entering the season.
Most impressive rookie: Ja'Lynn Polk
It's difficult not to go with Drake Maye here, but given that Polk will see the field starting in Week 1, it made for the right pick. The 2024 second-round wideout stood out in training camp with his consistency and strength at the catch point. Mayo also attributed Polk's ability to block as something that's continued to impress him. There's a chance Polk begins the season in the starting rotation, but if he's not there in Week 1, he surely will be in short order.
more nfl
Most likely to surpass expectations: DeMario Douglas
Those who watched Douglas in training camp saw his potential. He changed New England's offense with his ability to create separation, and the ability to do so quickly. But the fact Douglas is coming off a rookie season where he compiled 49 catches for 561 yards and zero touchdowns likely means he hasn't gained much attention outside New England. He might even be available on your fantasy league's waiver wire. But the way we see it, that recognition is coming and he won't be there for long.
Most likely to disappoint: Offensive tackles
It was a tough preseason for the Patriots offensive line, and there's reason to believe that might be the case all season. Vederian Lowe got the majority of first-team reps at left tackle, but his recent injury forced others into the mix. Chukwuma Okorafor, who played the majority of camp at right tackle when Lowe was healthy, didn't inspire much confidence at left tackle, either. In Okorafor's defense, he was a career right tackle and didn't know left tackle was a possibility before he signed in New England.
Most likely to make viral highlight: Javon Baker
Baker made a handful of highlight-reel grabs at the beginning of training camp. The Central Florida product can climb the ladder and haul in contested, acrobatic catches. However, Baker struggled to consistently produce in the preseason, including his brutal drop against the Philadelphia Eagles. It might limit his amount of snaps early into the season.
Most likely to be traded: Kendrick Bourne
Bourne will start the season on the Patriots' physically unable to perform (PUP) list. He will have to miss at least the first four games. But should New England's young receivers show positive signs early in the season, there's reason to believe the Patriots could try to deal the veteran wideout coming off a torn ACL. The Patriots reportedly were willing to trade Bourne in a deal for Brandon Aiyuk this offseason. And Bourne is on a movable three-year, $19.5 million contract.
Most irreplaceable: David Andrews
There might not be a bigger degree of separation on New England's roster than Andrews and the second-string center. At this point, that figures to be interior offensive lineman Nick Leverett. The 32-year-old Andrews has been a rock for the Patriots, and they'll need him to be much of the same this season given their lack of depth behind him.