The Year 2 leap is a common phrase around the NFL.
For a New England Patriots team that counted on several rookies to handle starting roles in last year’s run to the Super Bowl, there are a handful of options when it comes to players taking a jump in their second season.
Among the top of the list is last year’s first-round pick Will Campbell.
Campbell’s rookie season is well-documented, as a strong start was derailed by a midseason MCL injury that left him — and his performance — hobbled upon his return. Now healthy, Campbell has performed well throughout training camp after attacking the offseason.
“Couldn’t be happier with where he’s at,” offensive line coach Doug Marrone said Sunday.
That’s why 34% of participants view Campbell as the Patriot player most likely to take the biggest Year 2 leap, according to the latest SB Nation Reacts survey.
With a talented second-year class to choose from, the comment section featured many choices.
For Pats Sake
Jared Wilson will make the Year 2 Leap. He was pretty bad as a Guard but he’s far more comfortable at Center since it’s what he played in college.
McNC
Biggest leap will come from Elijah Ponder. We’ll see it if Landry sits more and if they rotate with Jacas but Jacas is a rook and his power and burst will fade as the long season continues against pro-level Olinemen. Ponder will cement his role to take over for Landry this year with Jacas as the future behind him and Jones and Swinson as ED5 this year and ED4 next.
DiehardPatsfan
Tough pick but going with Wilson. Learned a lot playing guard last year and now playing his natural position. Also think Campbell will have a solid year.
Mosi_Tatupu
Picked Woodson based off his excellent playoff performance after being mediocre all season. Also has a great veteran S back there with him for pointers.
Leoa888
Even though I’ve been taking Kayshon Boutte over KW, I do want KW to succeed and be a great player. And it got a lot harder for him now with brown and Doubs
Arscholoch
There’s a really good chance that they will all make that leap, yet I went with Woodson as making the most improvement.
All in all, this week’s survey results look as follows:
Behind Campbell, last year’s second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson was second receiving 24% of the votes. Henderson’s big play ability was on display last year, but a jump could lead to more consistency or impact in the passing game.
New England’s third rounders from last year — Jared Wilson and Kyle Williams — each received 15% of the votes. Both players were named off-season award winners, in addition to Campbell, as Wilson moved back to his natural center position and Williams transformed his body and now is working to improve his versatility within the offense.
Rounding out the voting was fourth-round selection Craig Woodson, who played the best football of any rookie down the stretch last year and in the Super Bowl.
The Patriots’ talented rookie class helped them get to the Super Bowl last season. Now with the group back for Year 2, New England is hoping their improvements will help them get back and finish the job. The Patriots currently have the fifth-highest odds on FanDuel Sportsbook to win Super Bowl LXI.