Patriots
“Malik is a extremely fascinating participant,” Belichick mentioned.
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Patriots inventory watch: Who’s rising and falling after preseason finale?
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Patriots announce 11 roster cuts, roster all the way down to 78 gamers
Malik Cunningham rapidly made an impression throughout his time with the Patriots, scoring on a blinding 9-yard landing run in New England’s first preseason recreation.
The undrafted free-agent confirmed flashes of potential as a cellular quarterback, however has principally been working as a receiver and particular teamer throughout camp.
One of many largest questions looming because the Patriots proceed to make roster cuts by means of Tuesday afternoon is whether or not there’s a spot for Cunningham on the roster.
Patriots coach Invoice Belichick was requested about it Monday throughout an look on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show.
“Malik is a extremely fascinating participant,” Belichick mentioned. “The child by no means performed receiver earlier than or returned kicks and he’s executed each, he’s returned kickoffs and performed receiver so far as taking part in quarterback. We’ll see the way it goes. He’s definitely bought some issues on his resume, and so do different gamers so we’ll see the way it all performs out.”
The Patriots have had an undrafted free-agent make the 53-man roster yearly since 2004. Nonetheless, there are not any ensures they’ll add one this 12 months.
The 6-foot-1, 198-pound athlete had one catch on 9 targets throughout the preseason. He’d clearly be extra of a developmental prospect at receiver, as he’s nonetheless studying the basics of the place. However, he’s bought the form of athleticism that led JuJu Smith-Schuster to say that Cunningham is electrical with the soccer in his palms.
The Patriots receiver room is immediately fairly crowded with Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, and rookie Demario Douglas having favorable probabilities at roster spots. Rookie receiver Kayshon Boutte may wind up within the combine as properly, as may speedy receiver Tyquan Thornton.
At quarterback, it seems that Mac Jones would be the starter and Bailey Zappe would be the backup. It’s conceivable that the Patriots may carry three quarterbacks, and Cunningham has proven each higher manufacturing and a better ceiling than Hint McSorely throughout the preseason.
Nonetheless, Cunningham’s passing stats weren’t something to put in writing dwelling about. He completed 3-of-6 for 19 yards throughout the preseason.
The chance of making an attempt to maintain Cunningham on the follow squad is that one other staff may signal him. Maybe Belichick will take his probabilities and go that route anyhow. Or perhaps that menace might be sufficient of a deterrent for Belichick to think about a 53-man roster spot for Cunningham.
Both approach, roster cuts are coming and it stays to be seen whether or not Cunningham might be one in all them.
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