5 Patriots Whose Stock is Rising After OTAs
5. Keion White, DE
When asked who was the biggest surprise of OTAs last week, head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters that the answer was none other than Keion White. After a relatively quiet rookie campaign, the second-year defensive edge has looked like a completely different player this offseason.
One of the biggest things that is sticking out about White, according to Mayo, is his willingness to become a leader. Despite only having one NFL season under his belt, the former 2023 second-rounder has reportedly been "more vocal" with Mayo pointing out that White has even opened up more during team meetings.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo singles out second-year DL Keion White as a player who has caught his eye through voluntary spring workouts. He notes how White has also been opening up more in the meeting room. pic.twitter.com/P99Sy54dBV
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) May 29, 2024
It can take time for a player to grow comfortable at the NFL level, but the Patriots' offseason coaching change could also be behind White's improved comfortability. Playing under a hard-nosed coach like Bill Belichick can be tough — especially for a rookie — and all signs point to White enjoying what he's seen from Mayo's coaching thus far.
With the likes of Judon and the newly-extended Christian Barmore in the mix, the Patriots front seven will look only more intimidating if White can take his game to the next level. Based on what we've seen from OTAs so far, the former Old Dominion/Georgia Tech defender is more than ready to lead by example.
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