4. Anfernee Jennings, EDGE, LB
Even though Anfernee Jennings is only entering his second season in the NFL, the clock might be ticking on his Patriots career. Jennings did not have the most spectacular rookie season, but that is not uncommon for linebackers who are trying to learn the Patriots’ defensive system.
The true issue for Jennings is that the team drafted another linebacker/edge player in Ronnie Perkins and also brought Matt Judon and Kyle Van Noy in via free agency. If Jennings just had to fight off Perkins, then his roster spot might not be in jeopardy.
The real problem for Jennings is that the Patriots addressed the issues at linebacker and edge during the offseason. Jennings played a big part in those issues with only 20 tackles in 14 games. The team did try him at both inside and outside last season, but nothing seemed to click for him.
Now that the Patriots have reinforcements, the one year of experience that Jennings holds over Perkins might not be enough to keep himself on the roster. He also lacks the physical tools of many of the players he is competing against.
3. Joejuan Williams
Similar to Anfernee Jennings, Joejuan Williams has never felt like a fit since the Patriots made him a second-round draft pick in the 2019 draft. He hasn’t played more than 17% of the team’s defensive snaps in his first two seasons. If he doesn’t show he deserves more playing time, the team may look to move him to a place where he may be a better fit.
Williams was drafted by the team because they liked his size and physical makeup, but he hasn’t shown second-round ability on the football field. Last season, the team tried using him as a hybrid corner and safety in a jack of all trades type of role. It never fully worked out for Williams.
Although Williams has been buried on the cornerback depth chart by capable players such as Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, and Jonathan Jones, the team has still brought in additional players that challenged his spot on the roster in the past. Additionally, the team signed Jalen Mills in the offseason, and he could potentially be the hybrid corner/safety that Williams seemed to fail at last season.