New England will hold its minicamp in mid-May
Despite Chad Ryland’s struggles as a rookie in 2023, the New England Patriots decided against selecting another place kicker in this year’s draft. That does not mean there will be no competition for the sophomore heading into the upcoming season.
The Patriots, after all, have decided to invite a kicking prospect to their rookie minicamp next month. Canadian kicker Vincent Blanchard, who played college football at Laval, will be part of a contingent of tryout players coming to Gillette Stadium on May 10 and 11.
Blanchard, 25, made 16 of 17 field goal attempts for the Rouge et Or last season as well as all 20 of his point after tries. In addition, he also punted the ball 44 times in seven games for an average of 41.4 yards per kick. He was named second-team All-Canadian for his performance.
In total, Blanchard saw action in 29 games at Laval. He went 53-of-71 on field goals (74.6%), 88-of-89 on extra points (98.9%), and scored 14 singles. He posted an average of 39.7 yards on his 186 career punts.
Blanchard was regarded as a top kicking prospect for the upcoming CFL Draft on Tuesday, April 30, but instead will now get to showcase his talents in New England.
A change at kicker does not seem imminent for the Patriots, even though Ryland had a rough first year in the NFL. The fourth-round draft pick out of Maryland made just 16 of 25 field goal attempts (64%) and hit 24 of 25 point-after tries (96%).
That said, the team is not opposed to at least exploring the possibility of adding competition at the position.
Blanchard is one of six minicamp invites so far. He will be joining running back Terrell Jennings, offensive tackle Tairiq Stewart, edge Jay Person, and cornerbacks John Davis and Trajan Bandy.
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