FOXBORO, Mass. — Geneo Grissom has been with the New England Patriots for less than a month, but the rookie edge defender already has been coached up well.
Any time Grissom was stuck on a question he didn’t think he could or was allowed to answer, the Oklahoma product went with the company line: “I’m just trying to get better.”
Most rookie third-round draft picks are ensured a roster spot with their new team, but Grissom acknowledged he could be fighting for a spot on the Patriots’Â 53-man roster. The Patriots already had a stacked depth chart, then they drafted nine players, including three pass rushers.
Roster spots could be hard to come by with so many veterans and high-upside young players already on the team with NFL experience under their belts. Grissom said the Patriots coaching staff has stressed that every player on the 90-man roster will be fighting for a spot when training camp breaks in September.
“Absolutely,” Grissom said Thursday at Gillette Stadium. “I’m sure it’s like that anywhere in the league. Every team wants to build the best team they possibly can, and I’m just here trying to do my job and contribute to the team.”
Grissom doesn’t even know if he has a number yet. The Patriots don’t wear numbered jerseys during organized team activities or minicamp, though they usually have digits on the back of their helmets or on their shorts.
“To be honest with you, I don’t know,” Grissom said. “I’m not too worried about that. I have to make the team first. I have to earn a number first.”
It appears the Patriots coaching staff is hoping to get the best out of their players by instilling fear in the rookies. It might seem daunting for a player like Grissom to not only have to learn the playbook but also be fighting for a roster spot. It’s realistic, however.
“These guys will be my brothers whether we all make the team or not,” Grissom said. “I’ll have a bond with these guys. It’s an honor to be with them now.”
Grissom chose not to address his versatility, but his ability to play linebacker, defensive end and defensive tackle could help him earn a spot on the regular-season roster. The Patriots are stacked at defensive end, but Grissom’s experience as an outside linebacker gives the team flexibility while building their roster.
Thumbnail photo via Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports Images
