Patriots Daily: Jack Jones Recognized; Open Roster Spots

CBS Sports named 12 of the NFL’s most underrated players entering the 2024 season. The list consisted of players they stated, “may have already teased All-Pro potential, but enter the new season without nearly as much recognition as they might warrant.” No member of the New England Patriots was included among the dozen players recognized. However, a former member of the organization was: Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones.

New England selected Jones in the fourth round (No. 121 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He played well as a rookie, playing in 13 games. He amassed two interceptions (including a pick-six), a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. There were high expectation for him ahead of the 2023 season. He was expected to start opposite 2023 first-round pick Christian Gonzalez.

An offseason arrest put Jack Jones’ NFL career in doubt last summer. He continued practicing with the Patriots during preseason as court proceedings were taking place. But even after being cleared in court, an injury toward the end of camp forced him to start the season on injured reserve. His performance took a major step backward upon his return. Teams completed 81.8% of passes throwing against Jones in 2023 after he limited opponents to just 54.1% as a rookie.

The Patriots waived Jack Jones on Nov. 13, 2023, following their trip to Germany. There were performance issues with Jones, but it was likely the off-field issues that sent him packing. Bill Belichick might have seen the writing on the wall for his own job and decided Jack Jones was a headache he could do without in his final weeks on the job.

In seven games with the Raiders, Jones intercepted two passes and returned both for touchdowns. It was the type of playmaking he flashed as a rookie but was missing in his four games with New England last season. Jones’ talent was never in doubt. His commitment and attitude were. Can the cornerback mature enough to put such behavior in his past and live up to his potential? Stay tuned.

Two Open Roster Spots

The New England Patriots have two open spots on their 90-man roster. With only 10 days until the cutdown to a 53-man roster they may choose not to bother bringing in anyone new. New England lacks reserve depth at tight end, center, and on the defensive edge, among other positions. Players like Yannick Ngakoue (DE), Charles Harris (DE), Brian Allen (C), or Brycen Hopkins (TE) could be worth kicking the tires on at least.

Also in Monday’s Patriots Daily:

Patriots Fact of the Day

Jack Jones has two interceptions since leaving the New England Patriots. The record for most interceptions in an NFL career after leaving New England belongs to Vencie Glenn (35).

Post of the Day

Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick caught 104 passes for 1,476 yards and 11 touchdowns over two seasons (2020-2021). He then missed the next two seasons entirely with ACL and Achilles injuries. On Sunday Night Football, he was back on the field and in the endzone:

.@Broncos WR Tim Patrick has missed the last two seasons with ACL and achilles injuries.

Tonight he finds himself in the endzone 🙌 pic.twitter.com/TVpjhjzBss

— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2024

Kelley: Updated New England Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection – Every year the final cutdown day for the New England Patriots includes a few surprises. This year could involve more than usual. With under two weeks until Cutdown Day, my latest look at who I believe will stick.

Raekwon McMillan Grateful To Be Playing Football Again – McMillan has been in the NFL for seven seasons. He’s missed three of them completely due to injuries. In 2024 he’s healthy, looks great, and is thankful to be back on the field.

Stephon Gilmore and Other Ex-Pats Transactions – Gilmore signed with the Minnesota Vikings yesterday. He is one of 14 former Patriots players to be on the NFL’s transaction wire over the past two weeks. This includes three quarterbacks employed by the team in 2023.

Boston Bruins

Boston Hockey Now – The Boston Bruins are in a down period. The NHL Draft and the first wave of free agency have passed. Training camp has yet to arrive. But plenty is happening on Boston Hockey Now. The All-Time All-Massachusetts team, Jeremy Swayman’s commitment to the Bruins, NHL Network’s ranking of David Pastrnak, and more.

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