Patriots list top rookies as fourth string on first depth chart
The New England Patriots turned heads with their first two draft picks back in May, for different reasons, however. With their first pick, the Patriots got a steal in defensive tackle Malcom Brown out of Texas. In round two, the consensus was that the Patriots reached for safety Jordan Richards from Stanford.
Now, the two are being grouped together as fourth-string players on the first unofficial depth chart of training camp. In fact, every rookie on the team is listed at the bottom of the depth chart at their respective positions.
It could be a way of making the rookies earn their spots, or the Patriots could really believe their rookies aren't ready to contribute yet. The former seems more likely, as both Brown and Richards have played well during training camp.
As for the rest of the depth chart, surprises are hard to come by. Tom Brady is the No. 1 quarterback with Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell as his top receivers. What does stand out is that the Patriots have two running back positions listed, with 10 total players listed at the two positions.
On defense, Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan are the starting cornerbacks as of now, with newly-acquired Tarell Brown and Bradley Fletcher as their backups.
For the full depth chart, click here.
(h/t New England Patriots)
