The New England Patriots under new head coach Mike Vrabel are not afraid to break with the established order of things, something several longtime contributors on and off the current roster can attest to. In that respect, Keion White being removed from the starting defense in practice and playing significant snaps in the preseason finale should not have come as too big a surprise.
And yet, it was noteworthy development nonetheless. The third-year man, after all, looked like a key piece along the Patriots’
rebuilt defensive front earlier in the summer.
According to Mike Vrabel he still is, even though his current status within the edge group might not reflect it.
“There will be a rotation. We’re going to play a lot of guys on defense,” the Patriots’ head coach explained ahead of Monday’s practice at Gillette Stadium.
“I’ve had plenty of conversations with Keion and love how he works and love how he competes. We’re going to need him. We’re going to need all three of them, four of them, five of them, however many guys can help us on the edge and affect the quarterback. So, I think when everything is said and done, the snaps are going to be pretty even and equal.”
On the eve of NFL roster cutdown day, the Patriots have seven edges on their roster. The group is currently led by veteran free agent additions Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson, and also featuring White, Anfernee Jennings and Truman Jones as well as rookies Bradyn Swinson and Elijah Ponder.
Vrabel did not tip his hand on Monday how many of them would make it onto New England’s initial 53-man roster. White, however, is a lock to be among them despite his apparent change in role.
The team, after all, still seems to have plenty of faith in him and his abilities.
“Just loves football, is eager to learn. Every day is something special. He’s got a ways to go — I shouldn’t say a ways, but he’s got some learning still to continue to do,” his position coach, Mike Smith, said about White last week. “Like I said from the beginning with that kid, when it all comes together, you better watch out.”
