Under-The-Radar Patriots Rookie Entering Big Spot After Bye Week

Jerod Mayo confirmed Patriots rookies and younger players will receive more opportunities over the final four weeks of the season.

New England would greatly benefit from those younger players performing well, not only for the 2024 season but because it would help the team’s outlook for the offseason.

During the latest episode of NESN’s “Foxboro Rush” podcast, George Balekji and Travis Thomas welcomed NESN.com’s Sean McGuire and discussed a handful of players who they’re hoping will step up in the final four games.

“It’s not the sexiest pick, but I’m so tuned out on the wide receivers at this point that I’m not going to go with a wide receiver,” McGuire said. “I’m going to go with Layden Robinson.”

Robinson, a fourth-round rookie who played right guard in college, started New England’s Week 13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Robinson, who replaced Michael Jordan at the position, was much-improved after being benched in his last start.

If Robinson continues to gain comfortability on the left side, and show signs of improvement, it could cement the Texas A&M product at the position for the Patriots.

“With the amount of needs they have on the offensive line, if Layden Robinson can come along and look like a left guard of the future, I think that solves a key position on that offensive line,” McGuire said.

You can check out the latest episode of NESN’s “Foxboro Rush” on YouTube and Spotify.