Patriots Analysis
Patriots 90-Man Roster Spotlight: Oshane Ximines
The New England Patriots can have up to 90 players under contract during the offseason. Patriots Football Now will profile all 90 players over the upcoming weeks. Today’s featured player is Oshane Ximines.
Oshane Ximines
The New York Giants selected Ximines in the third round (No. 95 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. He played collegiately for Old Dominion, where he was twice a first-team All-Conference USA selection.
Ximines rookie season has been his healthiest and most productive to date. It was the only year he did not miss any games. He appeared in all 16 games for the Giants, starting two. He recorded 25 tackles (11 solo). Ximines finished with nine QB hits, five TFL, and 4.5 sacks. His second season was cut short with a shoulder injury he suffered in Week 4. He eventually underwent surgery, ending his season.
Oshane Ximines' game-sealing sack/fumble at the end of the #Giants win over Green Bay pic.twitter.com/1tbIz5duv0
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 10, 2022
He returned in 2021 but was no longer starting for New York. Ximines appeared in 10 games. He rebounded nicely in 2022 with another solid season, his best since his rookie year. He made 24 tackles (15 solo) with eight quarterback hits and 2.0 sacks.
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Oshane Ximines began the 2023 season on the New York Giants practice squad. He was elevated for three games. New York released him on Nov. 30, 2023. He remained out of the NFL for the remainder of the season. Ximines signed with the New England Patriots on Apr. 30, 2024.
Pro Football Focus gave Ximines a solid 70.2 grade for 2023, albeit in a limited sample size (53 defensive snaps).
Contract Status
Oshane Ximines signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots. His cap number is $985,000.
Patriots Edge Defenders
The New England Patriots have minimal depth at defensive end. The group consists of Deatrich Wise Jr., Keion White, Oshane Ximines, William Bradley-King, and John Morgan III. Ximines can also play as a pass-rushing edge. That group consists of Matthew Judon, Joshua Uche, and Anfernee Jennings. UDFA Jothan Russell is in the mix with this edge group as well.
Outlook for Oshane Ximines
Ximines played as a core special teams player with the Giants. His contributions on special teams should help him make a push to stick with the Patriots as well. It appears New England plans to keep fewer core special teams players in the post-Belichick Era who aren’t also contributing elsewhere. This means utilizing position players on special teams as opposed to having dedicated players in the unit (aside from Brenden Schooler).
Versatility works in Ximines favor, in terms of his prospects for making the 53-man roster. He can play with his hand in the dirt or be a standup rusher on the outside. His special teams work is a bonus too.
Oshane Ximines has impressed in training camp to date. His ability to set an edge and move around in defensive sets has all caught the attention of onlookers. He made PFN’s pre-training camp 53-man roster projection and his work in camp has only solidified the belief he sticks with the team entering the season. It would not be shocking for Ximines to make a far greater impact on the 2024 Patriots defense than many might anticipate.
