Patriots News
Patriots Offseason Award Winners, Captains Preview?

The New England Patriots announced the winners of their 2024 offseason awards. Players won based on, “demonstrating consistency, a positive attitude, showing improvement, and motivating others this spring.” The 13 recipients consist of a mix of veteran leaders, younger players, and two newcomers to the team.
This season’s winners enjoy special privileges, from contributing to the practice playlist to having their photos displayed in the team’s facilities. The 13Â recipients were:
OL David Andrews
LB Ja’Whaun Bentley
QB Jacoby Brissett
WR DeMario Douglas
CB Christian Gonzalez
TE Hunter Henry
OL Nick Leverett
LB Raekwon McMillan
WR K.J. Osborn
DB Jabrill Peppers
ST Brenden Schooler
DE Keion White
DE Deatrich Wise, Jr.
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While receiving the award does not guarantee the players a spot on the 53-man roster, it is indicative of making a positive impression on the coaching staff. The only players in the group who are not “locks” to make the team are Nick Leverett, Raekwon McMillan, and K.J. Osborn. The pre-training camp Patriots 53-man roster projection on Patriots Football Now included all three players.
Possible Patriots Captains
This group previewing potential 2024 team captains is not a stretch. Andrews Bentley, Henry, and Wise were all team captains in 2023. All appear likely to retain those roles. Brissett, Peppers, and Schooler joining them would not be unexpected.
Three second-year players joining the list is encouraging news from the 2023 draft class. Douglas, Gonzalez, and White are expected to play major roles on the field for New England this season. Confirmation that they are putting in work during the offseason is certainly good news for the future of the team.
Newcomers Nick Leverett and K.J. Osborn made positive impressions in their new home. As did Raekwon McMillan, who has missed two of the previous three seasons in their entirety due to injuries.
The New England Patriots lost longtime team captains Devin McCourty and Matthew Slater to retirement over the past two years. It is nice to see so many players stepping up to fill the leadership void they left.