Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - New England Patriots Rookie Minicamp: Drake Maye, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker — What to Expect

Episode Date: May 11, 2024

The New England Patriots have opened their two-day rookie minicamp at Gillette Stadium … and all eyes are on Drake Maye. Yet, the Patriots have a bevy of exciting rookies on which Pats fans will wan...t to keep watch. Joining host Mike D’Abate is Steve Balestrieri of PatsFans.com to discuss Maye, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, Joe Milton and more. #nfl #nfldraft #patriots Find and follow Locked On Patriots on your favorite podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1c5ZxFm... Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/locked-... And follow host Mike D’Abate on X, where he’ll be sharing the latest news about the New England Patriots and talking with fans — @mdabateNFL Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monopoly GO!Game off! We gotta talk more about MONOPOLY GO! This fast paced game let’syou team up with friends for tournaments to unlock awesome prizes like,Unique stickers for trading,- Cool playing pieces,- And hilarious emojis for taunting your friends. So download MONOPOLY GO! now free on Google Play or the App store.Game on! Yahoo FinanceFor comprehensive financial news and analysis, visit the brand behind every great investor. Yahoofinance.com eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotors.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply. FanDuelFanDuel, America’s Number One Sportsbook. Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS with any winning GUARANTEED That’s A HUNDRED AND FIFTY BUCKS – with any winning FIVE DOLLAR BET! Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Starting point is 00:00:00 The rookies have arrived in Foxborough, all eyes on May, but think of for me folks, there's a lot more to watch. Stick around, you're about to be locked in to the Locked On Patriots podcast. You are Locked On Patriots, your daily New England Patriots podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your team every day. Hello to all of you, Foxborough faithful. And thank you once again for making Locked On Patriots a daily part of your New England Patriots coverage.
Starting point is 00:00:37 Also, thank you for making us your first listen each and every day. Remember, Locked On Patriots is not only proud part of the locked on podcast network, your team every day, but we are also free and available on all platforms, including YouTube. So smash that subscribe button, download and follow locked on Patriots, wherever you get your podcasts to ensure that you get the latest episode.
Starting point is 00:00:58 As soon as it's available, I'm your host, Mike debate, and I cover your new England patriots for the patriots country reach out to me let me know what's on your mind on x at mdabatenfl and while you're out there showing some love to locked on patriots please be sure to follow our account there as well at lo underscore patriots and pats fans as we speak rookies are getting ready to hit the field in Foxborough. Rookie minicamp opening on Friday, May 10th.
Starting point is 00:01:28 Two-day event at Gillette Stadium's adjacent practice fields. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch. The media is going to be in attendance on Saturday. I'm looking forward to it. But you know what? There's a lot of hype surrounding this rookie class this season. We need a little reasonable wisdom and counsel to kind of bring us back down to earth and remind us all exactly what we're going to see this weekend.
Starting point is 00:01:50 Who better to break down rookie minicamp and give us a preview is my good friend and Patriots bison, Steve Balistrieri. Steve, welcome back to Locked On Patriots. Thanks so much for joining me here today. Oh, my pleasure. It's, you know, the first time you guys will, unfortunately I won't be there,
Starting point is 00:02:09 but you guys will get to see some football players doing some kind of football stuff out there. So I think it's exciting. I think a lot of people have high expectations of this rookie class. So, you know you have to take it with a little dose of realism here this is the first time they're going to be doing stuff right so you kind of have to tone down the rhetoric a little yeah without question folks i don't think we're going to be learning uh exactly all the secrets of drake may's repertoire
Starting point is 00:02:44 this weekend uh we're not going to be learning who's going to start we're going to be learning exactly all the secrets of Drake May's repertoire this weekend. We're not going to be learning who's going to start. We're going to leave that to minicamp to get a little taste of that. We're going to start to get the answers to these questions, Steve, when the team actually hits the field for training camp in late July. But rookie minicamp is always a lot of fun. And you're right. This year is a unique perspective. It's been a long time since the media
Starting point is 00:03:05 has had an opportunity to meet the rookies during rookie mini camp there definitely is a buzz surrounding this class steve obviously the patriots having their most valuable piece of draft capital since 1993 when they drafted drew bledsoe team had a lot of needs on offense and address those needs on offense now only time will tell whether or not they've adequately addressed those needs on offense. Now, only time will tell whether or not they've adequately addressed those needs. Who among this draft class is going to round into the type of player the Patriots hope they got? We're going to talk about them all and what to expect on the field this weekend from them, Steve, but I really don't think we'd be doing a service, and I think we'd be remiss if we didn't start with Drake Mayne.'s face it steve you can get excited about all of
Starting point is 00:03:46 these rookie picks all of these undrafted free agents there are 10 of them coming into town several local and collegiate hopefuls that want to try to get an invite to training camp are invited to rookie mini camps so they're going to be on the field as well a lot of players to evaluate but as you can see on the side of the screen folks and for the benefit of those of you that aren't viewing this podcast and listening to it the headline says all eyes on may now don't worry i'm not going to channel my inner tupac there's no question about it he was far better at that than i am ever going to be but i think it's appropriate steve you saw drake arrived to minicamp, a viral video by the Patriots social media team.
Starting point is 00:04:27 There's a buzz surrounding this kid that I don't even think we saw when Mac Jones came in a couple of years ago. There's an optimism that the Patriots have found their new face of the franchise. When Drake hits the field, what are you expecting to see right out of the bat? I'm not going to put you on the spot
Starting point is 00:04:43 and ask you what you expect to see out of him mechanically, what you expect to see out of him game planning. What should Patriots fans realistically expect to see from Drake May this weekend? I don't think, you know, that's a great question, by the way. I just don't think they're going to, you know, put him in a tough position right out of the gate they you know first day of mini rookie minicamp i think they want him to get into a comfort level so they're going to probably dial up some stuff that he's very comfortable doing and it'll probably be kind of like layups for him you know because because they want him to get into the flow.
Starting point is 00:05:27 They don't want to throw stuff on him that he's either not the best at or stuff that he struggles with because I think it just sets a bad precedent, you know, moving forward. So, you know, I don't expect a lot of answers like you already mentioned. You know, I think especially with all these rookies, right, I think they want to get them into the frame like, okay, this is how we do things at practice. These are the basic plays that we're going to run and we'll keep adding to them. But at the same time, you know,
Starting point is 00:06:03 it's our first time of seeing all of these guys on the field together. And when you talk about all eyes on May, of course there will be, because, you know, he's the number three draft pick, you know, in the whole league this year. I really think the Patriots are going to take it easy and just kind of, you know, give them a little piece of the pie and just keep adding to it. But, I mean, like everyone else,
Starting point is 00:06:31 I'm excited to see what he can do on the field. I mean, who wouldn't be? And I'm sure by the end of practice, they're going to air out a few to let people see that arm strength that he does have. So I think it's going to be really fun to watch. I think what we can realistically expect to see from Drake is you're going to see him throw the ball. You're going to see him use that velocity, that touch that we keep hearing so much of.
Starting point is 00:06:59 This is an opportunity for him to showcase that arm, that arm strength that we've been hearing so much about. What we're looking at with Drake, I think, is going to be poise. I think it's going to be comfort level. I think it's going to be how much he's having fun out there. A big part of this is the camaraderie he's building with his young offense. There's a lot of offensive building blocks in this class right now. And it's important that Drake develops a relationship with all of these guys. I think, and one of the things I'm looking forward to most seeing is his relationship and his ability to interact with Jalen Polk and Javon Baker. We've heard so often throughout these past couple
Starting point is 00:07:37 of years that there's been a disconnect between the receivers and their quarterback, that there hasn't been a trust level that needs to be there. Isaac Shade of Locked On Tar Heels joined me earlier this week here on Locked On Patriots, and he talked about Drake's ability to reach his teammates, to be a great teammate, and to build camaraderie with guys and really develop that type of relationship where players want to play for this guy. They want to go out there and put out their best effort to make him look good, to make themselves look good, and ultimately to make the team look good.
Starting point is 00:08:09 I think it's going to be important to see how Drake interacts with Jalen and with Javon, especially because these are two guys that he can build that relationship with and maybe build a solid pass-catching core, something the Patriots haven't had in quite some time. How important is the camaraderie and the fun that you're seeing Drake May have on the field to his success this year and even beyond? I think initially it's very important because you want these guys to be comfortable with each other. You want them to have that level of chemistry where, okay, yeah, yeah. You know, there'll be a lot of give and take between the receivers
Starting point is 00:08:51 and the quarterback, as it should be. You know, they'll be telling the quarterback what they like. The quarterback will be telling him, you know, where he wants to place the ball, and they'll find that. And this is a good time to start that. And as you said, it's very important for these guys, I think, to get off on the right foot right away. And we saw when the Patriots had success,
Starting point is 00:09:18 and I'm not comparing the two quarterbacks or the receivers, but you look at Tom Brady, the comfort level he had with Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski, Danny Amendola, you know, those guys were always on the same sheet of music. You very rarely saw what we've been seeing the past few years where Brady throws the ball and there's nobody, you know, in the area code, basically. And, you know, I think these guys are going to want to work on that right away. And I think you'll see them having a lot of fun because right now it's just the rookies. So, you know, there won't be, well, there could be a couple of vets out there.
Starting point is 00:09:58 We'll have to see. But, you know, I think this is their time to get that comfort level get the chemistry going i think it's gonna again it's gonna be fun to watch it will be fun to watch without question and one thing that i think is also going to be something to watch folks is not only drake's ability to form a relationship with his receivers but also with his offensive line and he's got a few that will be in town for rookie mini camp, mainly Caden Wallace. Steve and I are going to talk about Caden in just a moment and his ability
Starting point is 00:10:31 to potentially be Drake Mays, new blindside protector. We're going to talk about all that and more when this episode of the lockdown Patriots podcast continues a proud part of the lockdown podcast network, your team every day. Locked On listeners, I'm really excited today to tell you about our sponsor, Yahoo Finance, because when it came to my financial future, I thought I had done it all.
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Starting point is 00:12:56 on Locked on Patriots. And joining me is my good friend, my Patriots bison, columnist extraordinaire of batsfans.com. And folks, also don't forget to check out the other amazing podcast that Steve takes part in on a regular basis. He is the co-host of Patriots 4th and 2 alongside the great Derek Havens. You definitely want to check that out, folks.
Starting point is 00:13:16 Do not miss it. But we always appreciate Steve dropping by here each and every week to lend his wisdom, his counsel, and his reason. And Steve, I'm going to ask you to pull upon that reason now, because in the previous segment, we talked about Drake May, and we talked about the camaraderie he wants to build with his team, and also logistically what we can expect to see from him on the field, the types of drills that he's going to be taking part in. But one thing that I think doesn't get enough credit during rookie minicamp is watching players work out and evolve and show their athleticism and potentially show the coaching staff what they can be in this league. going to see hitting. You're not going to see any type of actual physical contact that's going to
Starting point is 00:14:05 give you the opportunity to determine whether or not linemen, especially both offensive and defensive, are going to be solid or top-level pros. But what you can see in rookie minicamp is mechanics. You can see athleticism. And most importantly, Steve, you can see footwork. And that's going to lead me to my first question for you and that Caden Wallace was a very good right tackle for the Penn State Nittany Lions if it wasn't for Fashanu playing left tackle he would have been the starting left tackle I believe because he has the intangibles to protect the quarterback's blind side the problem is is he doesn't have a whole lot of left side alignment
Starting point is 00:14:45 on his resume. By his own admission, played a little at the Senior Bowl, and that was pretty much it. When you look at Caden Wallace and you look at him coming in, expectations are that he may shift to the left side, and that's not something that he put on himself. Elliott Wolfe said this shortly after he was drafted. We believe he can play the left side. Caden is saying all the right things, saying that I believe I can play any position. I'll do whatever the team needs me to do. I'm super confident in my skill set. If this is going to be a move that the Patriots are seriously considering, my first question is, should we expect to see anything to give us an inkling as to whether or not the patriots are thinking in this direction if so what should we be looking for well i think what we would be looking
Starting point is 00:15:34 for if if they're really serious about this and it sounds like they are at least outwardly so right um it's where wallace lines up when they start doing some drills if you see him doing stuff that a left tackle would do right line up on the left side you know um maybe have an assistant or another player acting as a edge rusher i mean that's going to be number one. Okay. This is where they're going to work them out at. And two, like you said, the fancy footwork, it's a little bit different, obviously, because you're moving the opposite direction. You know, when you shift to the right from the right to the left. So I think it's going to be really important to see how his footwork goes.
Starting point is 00:16:24 Scott Peters is a guy that, you know that will have a lot to do with that. And again, they sound very confident that he can do this. And with such a dearth of talent at left tackle across the league, if they can pick this guy up in the third round and make him a viable left tackle, I think this would be a great move for them. Again, I don't think we'll get those answers tomorrow for you, but at the same time, you'll see the building blocks in place, and I think that's the most important thing. If he doesn't look completely lost out there,
Starting point is 00:17:06 then I think they're going to continue with this and give him a chance to work at it. They still have, you know, the OTAs and the mini camp and then training camp. So there's still plenty of time. It doesn't have to be all in place right away. I think that's a great point, Steve, because what you're doing with, especially with a guy like Wallace, is you what you're doing with, especially with a guy like Wallace, is you are examining his athleticism, his versatility. Scott Peters is
Starting point is 00:17:30 known for being a coach that values versatility in his linemen. He looks for guys that are going to be able to play multiple positions, or even if not multiple positions, just be able to be ambidextrous enough to play on either the right or the left side. And I think they see that in Caden Wallace. You look at some of the other guys that they were scouting during this draft process. Blake Fisher, I know, was a guy they were very high on out of Notre Dame. He has the ability to shift. And much like Wallace, he was forced to the right side because of Joe Alt's otherworldly ability to play on the left. So at that point, you kind of had to shift him and make best use out of his skill set. I think Blake was a little bit more seasoned at
Starting point is 00:18:10 left tackle than Caden is, but at the same time, if that type of athleticism is there, you want to see if these guys are aligning. Another guy I'm going to be watching very closely is Leighton Robinson, because I think there could be something that we may be able to deduce about Cole Strange. If you start seeing him playing an awful lot of the guard position, maybe the left, we know he played right an awful lot. I think that spot is going to be solidified by City. So, but at the same time, I think if you start seeing Robinson align on the left-hand side, this could be an indication that maybe Strange needs a little bit more time during camp to get acclimated. Maybe he doesn't start the season on time. We haven't had any indication about Cole's health, folks.
Starting point is 00:18:54 We're going to try to find out as much as we can in the coming days and weeks. But when you look at what he did for the Aggies, really facilitating some of the better runners, helped Isaiah Spiller get to over 1,000 rushing yards in 2021. So, I mean, you look at this guy and what he's capable of doing, good pass blocker, developmental prospect without any questions, got to really get some work in with his footwork, his hand placement. I think you'll start to see some of that come into play.
Starting point is 00:19:21 But if he's getting a lot of reps and he's getting a good look it could be an indication that the Patriots have some high hopes for him don't forget he was drafted in the fourth round a lot of people were surprised they went with him uh and a lot of people were upset that they didn't go Javon Baker Patriots were very fortunate and number 110 just a few picks later Javon was still available uh or I think there would have been some very angry members of Patriots nation kind of hearkening back to the days where the Patriots would take a lineman when the fan base wanted a receiver.
Starting point is 00:19:50 In this case, they got them both. So who knows? We might be able to see some fancy footwork on behalf of not only Caden Wallace, but also on behalf of Leighton Robinson. I'm looking forward to seeing what these guys can do. And a guy that Murph and I talked about earlier this week when we talked about the undrafted rookie free agents, Charles Turner, the center out of LSU. We heard from David Andrews yesterday about wanting to be a part of something new, but we all know that he's closer to retirement than he is his rookie season. Patriots are going
Starting point is 00:20:20 to need to address that. Is Jake Andrews the guy they want in that role? Or does Turner get a serious look? It's going to be interesting to see how he lines up this weekend as well. So a lot to think about when it comes to the quarterbacks, a lot to think about when it comes to the O-line. But, Steve, we haven't really talked a lot about defense just yet. And there are a couple of defensive players that are going to be invited to rookie minicamp that are already in foxborough as we speak that might have a little battle brewing in the defensive backfield that's right folks cornerback
Starting point is 00:20:50 marcella style out of south carolina look at steve smile when i say that and of course the undrafted rookie out of troy safety del pettis could these gentlemen be competing for a spot on the defensive backfield could they be competing with each other or with the field? We're going to discuss that, and we're even going to put Steve on the hot seat when it comes to the burning question everybody's looking forward to when it comes to rookie minicamp, when this episode of the Locked On Patriots podcast wraps up right here on the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day.
Starting point is 00:21:30 This next segment is brought to us by our sponsor, BetterHelp. Lockdown listeners, sometimes we all need the opportunity to get something off our chest. Big or small, certain things can really start to get to you. It's important to let that out, especially to someone who's unbiased on your life. So today, I want to say how I really feel about something, and you might even be thinking about the same thing this week. Folks, your favorite team in Foxborough has a new quarterback, and it's a new era here in New England. We're all excited to see how the new players and the new coaches work with each other, but there is also a level of anxiety about how long it's going to take for this team to return to respectability.
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Starting point is 00:24:18 The Pats rookies getting their chance to showcase their talents to the Patriots coaching staff and members of the media on Saturday as well. Steve, we've talked about Drake May. Obviously, all eyes on May. We know that, and I don't think anybody will argue that. We've talked a lot about the offensive linemen and the camaraderie that needs to be built with Drake along that line, and also the budding relationships that he's going to need to forge with his receivers. But, Steve, we haven't talked a whole lot about defense. Defense was not exactly a huge part of the Patriots' draft plans this year. One defensive player.
Starting point is 00:24:55 You know that would not have flown under Bill Belichick, but this is a new era. Elliott Wolfe, we believe, will end up being the new head of football operations, executive vice president of football operations, and, of course, will end up being the new head of football operations, executive vice president of football operations, and of course, head coach Gerard Mayo. So now you look at the Patriots defense, and this is a unit that obviously was their strongest unit in 2023. It will be again in 2024, but there are slight tweaks that need to be made, and one of them is probably in the defensive backfield. Patriots have a minor need at cornerback, and they have a minor need at safety. They address them both, one through the draft, one through undrafted free agency.
Starting point is 00:25:33 Let's start with the cornerback position, because this is a player you know very well. You're a South Carolina Gamecocks fan, and I know you were very happy to hear the name Marcellus Dial called on draft day three. When you look at Marcellus, Steve, you said before that you believe this kid has the athleticism and the versatility to potentially make a shift over to free safety if that quarterback room becomes a little crowded. If that's going to be the case, is there something we should be watching with the coaching staff, the way they handle Marcellus this weekend, that could potentially tip their hand? I don't think, you know, that's a great question, Mike.
Starting point is 00:26:12 And again, I'm repeating myself. I don't think we'll see that this weekend. I think, again, you know, they want these rookies to come in and be comfortable. I'm sure if that's the plan, you know, because I said that to Derek Havens on draft day, you know, this kid has the length, the straight line speed, you know, to play corner or play free safety. So, you know, I told Derek, I wouldn't be shocked if they down the road, you know, they decide, hey, you know, this guy might be a safety as well.
Starting point is 00:26:51 And because they need that free safety. But I think this weekend, you know, again, that comfort level, you'll probably just see him taking reps as a corner, you know, doing cornerback type stuff in the drills. But I wouldn't rule that out once they hit minicamp or maybe even training camp where they start mixing him in a little bit. But, you know, I'm very high on this kid. I was shocked that he was still there when the Patriots picked. But there's always those guys, you know, we've talked about this for years, right? There's always those guys that drop for one reason or another. And luckily for the Patriots, they picked him up at a really, you know, premium spot for them. I mean, taking him that late,
Starting point is 00:27:36 I think he can play, um, you know, we'll just have to see, But, you know, like I said, this kid has that length. He has the speed. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do on the field. And, again, you know, right now he's just looking to make the team. So you'll probably see him doing a lot of special teams. But I really think that there's a good chance that he could see some serious reps this year. That's a very chance that he could see some serious reps this year that's a very very good point and don't forget steve the patriots traditionally although it was under bill belichick have had very good luck with drafting cornerbacks late or getting undrafted free agents
Starting point is 00:28:16 in here that can make a difference on this team we've seen jc jackson do it we've seen malcolm butler do it jonathan j. There are a lot of guys that have been brought in undrafted or late round selections that have come in and really made an impact on this club. So I expect Marcellus Dial to see a good amount of reps. And I agree with you, Steve. I don't think we're going to see the Patriots coaching staff tipping their hand just yet. I think it's way too early. You need to see a lot more in terms of them going up against NFL-ready opponents or pro-level opponents. Not to say that there won't be some veterans that are helping these guys out this weekend, but it's a little early. These guys are
Starting point is 00:28:55 not going to get the full gamut of a pro-level defense and a pro-level offense that's going to be on the field. I think the Patriots still need to be a little temperant when it comes to that. If in fact they do decide that they may entertain the idea of moving Marcellus over, the other flip side of that is they may go with a more seasoned safety in that role if they do want that typical center fielder. And one of their undrafted rookie free agents that may have the chance to start a new streak of undrafted rookies making the squad this year is Del Pettis out of Troy. I really like this kid. Murph and I talked a little bit about Del earlier this week. He's extremely high on Del Pettis.
Starting point is 00:29:37 In fact, he predicted he would make the 53-man roster. There's a lot to like. 63 career games at Troy, 61 consecutive starts, so you know the kid is durable and he can handle the load of being someone that has a lot expected of him in that defensive backfield. 315 tackles, seven and a half of those went for a loss, 14 pass breakups, two fumbles recovered, an interception, and a sack. He's aligned all over that defensive backfield. He's played free safety. He's played the box. He's even played a slot corner defender at times. So this kid is very versatile and a core special teamer as well, Steve,
Starting point is 00:30:15 finishing his career with over 4,000 combined special team snaps. That's an extensive resume for the third phase in football. When you look at someone like a Pettis, could he be a potential diamond in the rough battling for a defensive backfield spot? Oh, I think so. I mean, you know, when we talk about these rookies coming in, some of them really haven't hit their peak yet. You know, some guys, as we've seen, you know, when they graduate from college, they're at the pinnacle of their, you know, athletic prowess at that point in their football prowess.
Starting point is 00:30:54 Other guys, they haven't even scratched the surface yet. This guy has a lot of experience. Yes, he played against lesser competition. It's Roy. But at the same time, you know, you can't count that heart out. And as you mentioned earlier, the Patriots have always had great luck at drafting guys really late or bringing in undrafted guys. So I think there's a really good chance, especially where, you know,
Starting point is 00:31:24 we talked about they need that center fielder. This guy comes into camp and can show what he can do. Then, you know, I think there's a really good chance. I saw the show where you and Murph talked about him, and I didn't know a lot about him. And, you know, I had heard his name bandied about, but I did some digging on that. And when I watched it, I liked, I had heard his name bandied about, but I did some digging on that. And when I watched it, I liked what I saw.
Starting point is 00:31:50 Absolutely. And you know what? You mentioned the lesser competition. I'm so glad that you did that. A couple of years ago, we heard the same thing of a Division II safety coming out of Lenoir Rhine that a lot of people didn't believe was ready for prime time. That guy got a very nice contract extension this year, and it's well-deserved, and that is Kyle Duggar coming in with a superior football IQ. I'm not going to compare Dell to Kyle.
Starting point is 00:32:15 It's a little bit unfair to do that, but at the same time, Steve, you also have to love what you're seeing from the Patriots and bringing in guys they believe can be effective and can be versatile. I think versatility is the name of the game right now in Foxborough. We'll see if it means more of the same on the field for the Patriots and what it means moving forward as the team now starts marching toward mandatory minicamp in early June. Steve, it's always a blast talking football with you, especially when it comes to the on-field rookies. I teased at it earlier, so I'm not going to close today's episode
Starting point is 00:32:49 without putting you on the hot seat for just a quick moment. I'm going to ask you to look deep into that Wolfian crystal ball, that Girardian crystal ball that's going to be adorning Foxborough this weekend. It may be soon, it may not be, but when are we going to get a throw off between Drake May and Joe Milton? You know, everybody wants to see it. Is this the weekend to do it? Are we going to have to wait a little more on that one? Oh, that's a great one to end the show with. You know, where, where it's just the rookies out there that maybe the end of practice tomorrow,
Starting point is 00:33:27 they'll probably end it on a little bit of a light note before they get into the way of the veterans. Maybe we'll see a little bit of that tomorrow. Now you've piqued my interest, and I'm going with it, buddy. I'm going with it. That's it. Let's will it to happen. I think everybody wants it, buddy. I'm going with it. That's it. You know what? Let's will it to happen. I think everybody wants to see it.
Starting point is 00:33:47 No, all kidding aside, I really think that it could be something fun to watch, folks. And if it doesn't happen this weekend, you know it's going to happen at some point. And both Drake and Joe were recent invitees to the NFLPA Rookie Premiere taking place next week. So big couple of weeks coming up for this rookie class. Definitely looking forward to seeing Drake May, Jalen Polk, Javon Baker, Joe Milton, and the entire rookie class, including 10 extremely intriguing undrafted rookie free agents.
Starting point is 00:34:18 And we're going to look at all the invitees as well and see who may be a diamond in the rough here among them that could sneak his way onto the roster it's happened before steve it could happen again bottom line it's always always my honor to extract your reason your wisdom and counsel here each and every week on locked on patriots thank you for doing so when it comes to rookie minicamp today before i let you go my friend please let everyone know where they can interact with you and what you have coming down the pike this week from the great pen, the great voice of Steve Malastrieri. Well, thank you for having me as always. It's always a pleasure talking football with you. This would be a great way to kick off the weekend, my friend. You can find me on Twitter at SteveB7SFG. I write for PatsFans.com. We'll be talking about the rookie class and the undrafted, you know, rookie class as well.
Starting point is 00:35:09 You know, in our Sunday column that we'll be putting together starting today, because that usually starts today and ends late tomorrow. But, you know, and on our podcast, Derek and I, you know, we reached out to Paul Perillo from Patriots Unfiltered and Patriots.com. We talked with him about a lot of the same things you and I just discussed. So, you know, we're looking forward to having another great guest this week. Get us a different perspective on stuff. So stay tuned. Absolutely, folks. And once again, when I say you will not be disappointed
Starting point is 00:35:47 by checking out Patriots 4th and 2, you certainly will not be. If you're not already following, please do so. One of the great listens you'll hear anywhere in NFL media, not just Patriots media, but NFL media. These guys do a great job, both valued friends. And what can I say, my friend? As a Patriots bison, I could not ask for more. Thank you so much for joining me here today. On behalf of my good friend, Steve Balistrieri,
Starting point is 00:36:11 I'm Mike DeBate, reminding you all to stay safe and to stay well and to be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a great day, everyone. And we'll see you back here again on Locked on Patriots.

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