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New England Patriots: 3 ‘grinders’ looking to make a name for themselves

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 19: J.J. Taylor #42 of the New England Patriots runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half of the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 19: J.J. Taylor #42 of the New England Patriots runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second half of the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
New England Patriots Kristian Wilkerson (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

2. Is Kristian Wilkerson another New England Patriots undrafted gem?

When it comes to “grinders,” Julian Edelman really made a name for himself as a special teams performer before he eventually got his shot to become the Julian Edelman we know.

That may be the same path wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson will have to take to not only make the team but establish himself as the team’s No. 4 receiver.

As 2020 undrafted free agent out of Southeast Missouri State, Wilkerson fits the mode of one of those players Bill Belichick finds and modes into a star.  He works hard, has talent and most importantly, he can contribute on special teams.

This offseason and into the preseason, Wilkerson has found himself on the field fighting for a roster spot in a wide receiver group that isn’t very deep.  With Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski as the sure bets, Wilkerson has a great opportunity ahead of him with the Patriots, especially with the shoulder injury to N’Keal Harry.

Can he make the squad?

If he continues the hard work and take in what the team is teaching him, there is a good chance there is a spot for him, especially with the winning attitude he has displayed since training camp.

"“The way they teach.  They teach you the game, the details,” Wilkerson said during training camp, via MassLive.com.  “You know, the details of every play.  They teach you how to play football and I just want to be a winner.  So if I’m here, it’s being a winner.”"

While he has not put up big number in the two preseason games, the fact that he is being targeted shows the team is invested in his talent and potential.  As we know with Belichick, it is sometimes more about what a player shows in practice than preseason games and Kristian Wilkerson has been putting on a show in practice.

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