The New England Patriots’ rookie class has become a real part of the conversation through the first seven weeks, and fans have made their pick for the one who has stood out most.
In the latest SB Nation Reacts survey, 63% of respondents said they’ve been most impressed with Gabe Jacas, the rookie pass rusher who has carved out a major role early in the season. He has played 57% of the team’s defensive snaps and sits second on the Patriots with 21 pressures, a total that is tied for 20th in the league among edge defenders.
That said, Jacas wasn’t the only rookie drawing praise from the fan base. The comments section also leaned heavily toward the team’s first three selections, with several voters making cases for Caleb Lomu and Eli Raridon.
“Lomu has looked better than Will Campbell or Morgan Moses. Him, for sure.”
“Tough choice between Raridon, Jakas and Lomu. All 3 have played great”
“Lowkey Lomu because when you draft a lineman 1st round it’s because you need him to start asap. And he played like a starter.”
“Jacas by a hair. Followed closely by Raridon.
Then Lomu who has shown a lot when he has filled in at both LT plus RT and some jumbo TE snaps. Another really solid draft.”
“I’d say Jacas, then Raridon, but it sounds like Lomu is coming on strong--and he’d be the most valuable if his recent performance holds.”
Raridon finished second in the voting at 25%. The tight end has stepped in as the No. 2 option behind Hunter Henry and has produced 12 catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns, showing off the receiving ability that has made him such an intriguing part of the class.
Lomu came in next with 10% of the vote. The first-round pick has been used as a jumbo tight end and as the team’s No. 3 tackle, and he logged heavy snaps in Weeks 5 and 6 while filling in for injuries. In those appearances, he allowed just one total pressure.
The rest of the rookie group has also made its mark. Namdi Obiazor, a sixth-round pick, has taken on an important special teams role, and the Patriots are near the top of the league in rookie snaps on special teams overall.
Even after the loss, confidence around the team remains high. In the same survey, 84% of voters said they believe the Patriots are trending in the right direction.
The rookie class will keep carrying weight as the season goes on, with the Patriots hoping the group can help push them toward their ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl. For now, they hold the 13th-best odds on FanDuel Sportsbook to win it all, seventh-best in the AFC.
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