Roster: Julian Ashby (LS), Bryce Baringer (P), Andy Borregales (K), John Parker Romo (K), Brenden Schooler
Analysis:
This position group is all about the kicker battle. Andy Borregales has a slight edge due to his draft status and college consistency, but John Parker Romo's live leg and NFL experience will keep things competitive in every kicking session. Every miss will be magnified, especially in end-of-practice pressure scenarios. The two were neck and neck with their kicks throughout the spring.
Borregales, a sixth-round pick out of Miami, brings college consistency and draft pedigree. He converted 86% of his field goals and nearly every extra point attempt over 50 career games (183-of-184).
Third-year Bryce Baringer improved his yards-per-punt average to 49.8 last season, fourth-best in the NFL, while seventh-round pick Julian Ashby stands alone as the heir apparent to Joe Cardona at the long snapping position.
Ashby is a seventh-round pick with 56 career college games under his belt at both Furman and Vanderbilt. The consistency of the field goal operation, which could now feature two rookies, will be something to keep an eye on.
And of course, Brenden Schooler continues to set the bar as a tone-setter and leader on special teams. Schooler also recorded nine solo tackles and two sacks on defense last season, while his ability to block punts and cover kicks makes him a key member of Jeremy Springer's special teams units. He continued to see some reps at safety during spring OTAs as well.
Schooler and Baringer are proven NFL performers, but they're contrasted by the rookies who are likely to be thrown right into the fire. Special teams was a bright spot last season for the Patriots, ranking 2nd overall in the NFL in DVOA, with returner Marcus Jones factoring in as well. But with Ashby and Borregales entering the mix, coordinator Jeremy Springer will have his work cut out for him.
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