The New England Patriots selected eight players in the 2024 NFL Draft and all made the 53-man roster out of training camp.
However, in New England’s season-opening win over the Cincinnati Bengals, few players made an impact.
Drake Maye served as the backup quarterback and tight end Jaheim Bell was the third tight end, so neither saw any snaps while Joe Milton III and Javon Baker were both inactive.
Second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk caught his lone target for six yards. Third-round pick Caedan Wallace played 18 offensive snaps (as an extra tight end) and four on special teams. Defensive back Marcellas Dial played 17 snaps on special teams and none on defense.
The only rookie who impressed Sunday was fourth-round pick Layden Robinson. The former Aggies player started at right guard and played all 65 offensive snaps.
Robinson was partly responsible for New England’s success on the ground, allowing Rhamondre Stevenson to rush for 120 yards on nearly five yards per attempt and a touchdown.
At that point, Robinson made a fierce block to help open the hole for Stevenson to march into the end zone from three yards out.
#Patriots The offensive line was terrific on Stevenson’s TD.
I can’t believe Mike Onwenu made these blocks after gaining 800 pounds. pic.twitter.com/S1J15TRVJr
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) September 8, 2024
On Monday, Patriots head coach Joerd Mayo was asked about Robinson’s performance in the game, and the coach had good things to say about the rookie.
“There was a point in training camp where not only myself, but I think the other coaches saw that we were like, ‘You know what? Layden Robinson has an opportunity to be a special player in this league,’” Mayo said. “He’s tough. He’s going to move guys off the line of scrimmage. He can do everything and his overall effort and mentality is something that allows us to change the culture, he’s definitely one of those guys that fits that category. He’s done a great job. Now, with that said, it’s just one game. We’ll see how it continues to progress going forward.”
If New England finds another mid-major guard, it should give the team some comfort in keeping Michael Onwenu at right tackle and could soften the blow of Cole Strange’s early-season absence.
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