5 Patriots Whose Stock is Rising After OTAs
4. Oshane Ximines, LB
With Matthew Judon opting to sit out of OTAs, the door became open for the rest of New England's linebackers to step up. While some couldn't take advantage of the opportunity, one player who did so was veteran LB Oshane Ximines.
Unlike other players on this list, Ximines isn't that new to the NFL, having been drafted 95th overall by the New York Giants in 2019. The former Old Dominion product racked up 35 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, and six broken-up passes across 48 games with the Giants before signing with the Patriots at the end of April.
After struggling to find a starting job with the Giants, Ximines has looked at home during the Patriots' OTAs. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound defender's hard work has led to his receiving praise from the coaching staff and media alike with ESPN's Mike Reiss deeming the 27-year-old as someone who's "building momentum to make an unexpected charge for a roster spot."
With the absence of some defensive starters at #Patriots OTAs, OLBs Oshane Ximines and William Bradley-King “have taken advantage” of their extra reps, per @MikeReiss.
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) June 2, 2024
Reiss categorizes them as under-the-radar players building momentum for a spot on the 53-man roster. pic.twitter.com/T2wxHV66BY
Another thing that's working in Ximines' favor is his familiarity with a member of New England's coaching staff. Outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins, who joined the franchise this offseason, held the same role with the Giants during the last two seasons, which could factory into Ximines potentially cracking the 53-man roster.
Considering how his career has developed thus far, it's clear that Ximines can't afford to take his foot off the gas pedal. He's currently in the mix to play a meaningful role next season, so let's hope that he can keep growing that momentum once next week's mandatory minicamp begins.