7 under-the-radar players to watch at Patriots training camp

The New England Patriots are back to work this week as they will hold their first training camp practice of the summer on Wednesday. As the pads will soon come on and the competition now begins to fight for roster spots, some that may be flying under-the-radar are set to make their push.

“I look forward to the first day of pads where there’s somebody that we really never saw, we never really talked about, that once the pads go on and they start to play football, they just have a contact balance, they have an understanding of where the football is, they tackle well, they break tackles or they play better in pads. That happens every year in training camp,” head coach Mike Vrabel said.

Here are seven players who could surprise that we’ll be watching on the practice fields.

WR Efton Chism III

Perhaps no longer sliding under-the-radar after being a standout this spring, one of the Patriots’ top paid UDFAs will look to continue to climb the depth chart this summer. A shifty slot receiver who’s skillset has a proven track record in Josh McDaniels’ offense, Chism was a tough cover this spring leading all receivers with 15 catches in competitive team periods in the five open sessions to the media.

OL Caedan Wallace

The additions of Will Campbell and Morgan Moses knocked last year’s third-round pick out of the starting rotation at his natural tackle position, but the door may not be completely closed on Wallace finding his way into the starting lineup. With a question mark still at left guard, it was notable to see Wallace repping along the inside of the backup line to conclude the spring.

Many thought Wallace would be best at guard anyway entering the draft last season and his powerful play style could fit well within the scheme.

OL Jack Conley

Another potential dark horse in the offensive line group, Conley looks the part at 6-foot-7, 333 pounds but, you don’t always know where to find him as he brings versatility at both tackle and guard spots. Coming from Boston College where offensive line coach Doug Marrone spent last season, you can see Conley’s path to a 53-man roster spot.

DL Jaquelin Roy

While the return of Christian Barmore and addition of Milton Williams have rightfully dominated the storylines along the defensive line, it’s fair to question New England’s depth behind them — especially when it comes to stopping the run. After being added to the Patriots’ active roster in October of last season, Jaquelin Roy recorded back-to-back sacks and ranked top-10 among all interior defensive lineman in run stops over his first five games.

Unfortunately for Roy, a neck injury and then fractured foot ended his season prematurely. But after not landing on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the 24-year-old will be in the mix for a rotational role on the D-line.

ED K’Lavon Chaisson

Signed to a one-year, $3 million deal in free agency, Chaisson’s addition did not generate much buzz multiple days into free agency. But, New England had a plan for the former first-round edge rusher and he was involved with the first-team defense throughout the offseason program.

After ending last season in Las Vegas with a career-high 5.0 sacks — including 4.0 over his final six games — Chaisson will look to build off his success to help revitalize New England’s pass rush.

S Marcus Epps

A fellow veteran addition who spent last season in Las Vegas, Epps joined Stefon Diggs — as Mike Vrabel pointed out — in being fully cleared for the start of training camp despite suffering a torn ACL last season. He’ll now look to crack a deep safety rotation where his skillset and experience as a true free safety could benefit him next to the rest of New England’s room.

CB Miles Battle

Joining New England’s practice squad last October, Battle was added to the active roster before the season finale. Battle went on to record multiple pass breakups which included a pair in coverage against Bills’ top draft pick Keon Coleman. The 25-year-old has intriguing size on the outside at 6-foot-3 and will look to build off his season finale to earn a depth spot in the cornerback room.

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