Patriots hoping Grissom, Flowers bloom on D-line – The Providence Journal
FOXBORO — Bill Belichick doesn’t operate by the seat of his pants. There’s always a contingency plan and the coach/general manager is always thinking multiple steps ahead.
It’s probably not a coincidence that the Patriots drafted cornerback Cyrus Jones when Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler are set to become free agents next offseason. It’s similar to when the team drafted James White when Shane Vereen was entering a contract year or when they selected Jamie Collins during Brandon Spikes’ final contract year.
It’s also not a coincidence that the Patriots drafted two defensive ends — Geneo Grissom and Trey Flowers — back-to-back in 2014 and then traded Chandler Jones in March. Although they have Jabaal Sheard, Chris Long, Rob Ninkovich and Shea McClellin, the development of these young defensive ends would help ease the loss of Jones.
There’s always a plan, but for it to work, these draft picks need to develop.
Neither Grissom nor Flowers played much last season, but both enter 2016 looking to get on the map with the Patriots. Even defensive line coach Brendan Daly said the development of the two will be interesting to watch this season.
“Part of it is the understanding of the scheme. With them coming in a year ago, you see some of the athleticism, you see some of the physical skills,” Daly said. “Rookies, just by the inherent nature of the situations, are behind from a mental standpoint. I think that’s the biggest thing you look at — how far have they come, the understanding. A lot of times that allows them to play faster and let their athleticism and natural ability show. We’re excited to see where that’s at.”
Defensive end wasn’t viewed as a major need in 2014 as the Patriots were returning Jones and Ninkovich and also signed Sheard. But in a matter of five picks, the team selected Grissom at the end of the third round (pick 97) and then Flowers at the beginning of the fourth (101).
Grissom played in 14 games last season, mostly on special teams. He totaled six tackles and one sack as the coaching staff played him at both defensive end and defensive tackle. The 24-year-old only got a small taste of what life is like as an NFL player, but it was enough to send him into 2016 eager to get back on the field.
“Right now, I’m just working on getting better. I’m not really focused on the season. I’ve got to make the team first,” said Grissom, who hopes to earn more playing time. “It’s why we’re here. We’re here to play the game.”
Page 2 of 2 – Daly said that Grissom made strides last year mentally, as well. A lengthy 6-foot-4 defensive end, his versatility as someone who can play outside and inside the line could help come the final roster cut in September.
“He did a lot of different things for us and improved through the course of the season,” Daly said. “You could see that growth from him mentally. Pleased with the way he works — comes in and works hard every day, he’s focused on getting better, he’s a team guy, willing to do whatever anyone is asking him to do.”
Flowers was in a different boat. After a strong training camp, the 6-foot-2 defensive end suffered a shoulder injury that held him back for most of his rookie campaign. The 22-year-old only played in one game last season and didn’t register any statistics before being placed on the injured reserve.
Flowers never went home last season and instead stayed in Foxboro and around his team. Although he wouldn’t be able to develop on the field, he tried to stay up to speed. As you would expect, he was eager to get back on the field this summer.
“No doubt I’m excited to come out here and put the pads on once again. I had to sit out last year, but I’m ready to get it back going,” Flowers said. “As far as the time last year, I stayed in the building, stayed in the playbook, stayed around. Continued to get better and worked on my craft so I wouldn’t be too far behind. I think I’m pretty good as far as I am.”
“Trey’s issues were injury related… I don’t know if I’d say he’s behind,” Daly added. “I’d say he’s done a very good job mentally, not getting the reps in practice, but being up to speed. We’ll see. I don’t know if that puts him behind, we’ll find out when we get out here.”
Among all the upcoming free agents the Patriots have next offseason, defensive end is hit especially hard. Sheard, Long and Ninkovich are all due for new contracts. It would be much easier for the Patriots to move on if someone like Flowers or Grissom stepped up.
