The New England Patriots rookie class has played a significant role through the team’s first seven weeks.
First-round pick Caleb Lomu has seen extensive action in multiple games filling in for the injured Will Campbell and Morgan Moses. Second- and third-round selections Gabe Jacas and Eli Raridon have proved to be consistent contributors on their respective sides of the ball.
The Patriots then also rank near the top of the league in rookie snaps on special teams.
According to Patriots fans, however,
Jacas has been the best of the group. In the latest SB Nation Reacts survey, 63% of participants said they have been most impressed with the rookie pass rusher.
Much of the comment section highlighted the team’s first three selections:
Coldhands Luke
Lomu has looked better than Will Campbell or Morgan Moses. Him, for sure.
Koda
Tough choice between Raridon, Jakas and Lomu. All 3 have played great
HaffaMeatball
Lowkey Lomu because when you draft a lineman 1st round it’s because you need him to start asap. And he played like a starter.
luckyfukikentucky
Jacas by a hair. Followed closely by Raridon. Then Lomu who has shown a lot when he has filled in at both LT plus RT and some jumbo TE snaps. Another really solid draft.
PatsGoingGoing
I’d say Jacas, then Raridon, but it sounds like Lomu is coming on strong–and he’d be the most valuable if his recent performance holds.
All in all, this week’s survey results look as follows:
Through seven games, Jacas has played 57% of the team’s defensive snaps and is second on the team with 21 pressures — which is tied for 20th in the league among all edge defenders.
Behind Jacas, 25% of voters went with tight end Eli Raridon. Serving as the No. 2 option behind Hunter Henry, the rookie has hauled in 12 receptions for 168 yards and a pair of touchdowns as he has flashed serious receiving upside.
First-round pick Caleb Lomu then received 10% of the votes. Lomu has taken on a role as the jumbo tight end and also serving as the team’s No. 3 tackle. That has led to him playing extensive snaps in Week 5 and 6 as an injury replacement, where he surrendered just one total pressure.
The voting was rounded out with Namdi Obiazor, as the sixth-round pick has taken a key special teams role. The group’s performance is part of the reason why the fanbase remains confident in the team, as 84% of voters believe the Patriots are trending in the right direction even after a loss.
The Patriots will continue to count on their rookie class as the season progresses, where they hope the group will help them achieve their ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl. They currently hold the 13th best odds on FanDuel Sportsbook to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, seventh best in the AFC.
