Rookies in Waiting

Congratulations, Nate Solder. Welcome to the New England Patriots.

Now sit down and watch.

This isn’t the typical fate for the average 17^th pick overall in the modern NFL, but this is a far from typical off season. The lockout eliminated all off season workouts and an accelerated training camp with far less contact is stunting the growth of the former Colorado Buffalo.

It’s a story shared with his fellow Patriot draftees as they get reps for a season they’ll have a limited contribution to.

Even the rookies at instinctive positions are behind the eight ball. Running the ball is second nature for backs Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley. But developing chemistry with the O-line and learning pass protection will keep them off the field when snaps count.

Another obstacle in New England’s Pro Football 101 is the depth chart. What looked like wide open opportunities for some are mere slivers of light now. While Solder waited for his contract negotiations, Matt Light was re-signed, holding on to the left tackle position for up to two more years.

The running back competition looked like a free for all by the time Vereen and Ridley were drafted. Now they find themselves behind veterans BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Kevin Faulk, and Sammy Morris. All three were free agents, but only Green-Ellis was a lock to return.

Further hampering Vereen is an apparent hamstring injury suffered Wednesday. He hasn’t practiced since.

Most of the rookies know the feeling of being in the back of the line. Ras-i Dowling, envisioned as a cover corner for big receivers, is waiting behind Devin McCourty, Leigh Bodden, Kyle Arrington, and Darius Butler. Marcus Cannon slid further back with All-Pro guard Logan Mankins re-signed.

LB Markell Carter has practically no chance at seeing the field as a project out of Central Arkansas. QB Ryan Mallett’s only hope is garbage time in blowouts. DB Malcolm Williams’ best shot is making it on special teams.

Only tight end Lee Smith can see the light behind Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. With Alge Crumpler released, the path is clear for Smith to assume the blocking TE duties.\This is only training camp, though. 90 players won’t make the final roster. Taking it slow is how head coach Bill Belichick wants to handle the rookies. He won’t play them without adequate preparation. With no mini camps or OTAs, they are far from ready in Belichick’s eyes.

But they will play, starting with ample time in preseason games, starting Thursday, August 11th.

Make the best of those snaps, rookies. It might be the most action you’ll see all year.