With some down time before training camp, we're inspecting the Patriots roster position by position. Today, an examination of the special teams.
LOCKS: Stephen Gostkowski, Joe Cardona
BUBBLE: Ryan Allen
LONG SHOTS: Corey Bojorquez
BREAKDOWN: Ryan Allen has enjoyed a relatively safe NFL career since winning the Patriots' punting job as a rookie in 2013. However, he faces his first serious competition in rookie Corey Bojorquez. Throughout his Patriots career, Allen has proved most adept, perhaps, is in his plus-50 punting production (short punts from at or near midfield) During spring practices, Bojorquez showed off a strong leg and impressive hang-time on his deep punts. Gostkowski, meanwhile, approaches his 13th season, both in the league and with the Patriots, having reasserted himself in 2017 as one of the NFL's most reliable kickers after receiving his share of criticisms in recent years. Long snapper Joe Cardona appears secure in his spot as well, despite having had his share of errant deliveries on punts on placekicks last season. The team apparently feels confident enough in the Navy Reserve officer to have rewarded him with a four-year contract extension in June.
