Keion White didn’t have the most noteworthy rookie season, but if New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo is to be believed, Year 2 could be a strong one for him.
When Mayo was asked which player has surprised him the most so far during the first couple weeks of organized team activities ahead of Wednesday’s practice, the Patriots coach pointed toward the defensive end.
“Keion is doing a good job for us, and I’d say also, Keion has kind of taken that step forward as far as being a leader,” Mayo told reporters on Wednesday. “Not as much vocally, but you see him actually leading the groups and working well, so if you need a name, that is a good one.”
White, who’s often a bit more soft-spoken, showed some leadership when he spoke with reporters last week and discussed what it’s like in Foxborough with Bill Belichick gone.
“We don’t have Bill cursing us out every play anymore, but it’s still pretty similar,” White said then. “I miss it. I like Bill. He’s my type of coach … I like that. I respond well to things like that.”
#Patriots HC Jerod Mayo singled out Keion White when asked if anyone has been a pleasant surprise so far.
“Keion’s doing a good job for us and I would say also, Keion’s kinda taking that step forward as far as being a leader. Not as much vocally, but you see him actually leading… pic.twitter.com/776c9AHebn
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) May 29, 2024
Keion White, Jerod Mayo compliment each other during Patriots OTAs
White had a bit of an up-and-down rookie season. He impressed in his debut, recording four pressures. But he never really made the impact that many hoped the second-round pick would display right away. He finished the season with 26 total tackles, one sack, three stuffs, 20 pressures, and 19 run stops.
The defensive end was mostly used on passing downs but became more of an every-down player later in the year. Mayo is hoping to see more of that when the season begins.
“His versatility — he’s always been a strong guy but I would say he’s even stronger now,” Mayo said when asked what’s stood out about White. “He’s here each and every day, and in the meeting rooms he’s talking and leading those conversations. We always talk about that Year 2 jump, so that’s a big part of it.”
White will have a chance to show out for himself in 2024. He figures to be a five-technique defensive end, getting more snaps along the defensive line next to Christian Barmore, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Davon Godchaux with Lawrence Guy out of the picture. As Mayo mentioned though, White does have the versatility to play all over the defensive line, like he did at Georgia Tech. He’s 6-foot-4 and 287 pounds, possessing a frame that could also make him an edge rusher in a 3-4 defense.
The fact that White is already impressing the new coach is obviously a good sign for the start of his second season. His old positional coach, DeMarcus Covington, is also the defensive coordinator, getting promoted over the offseason.
While White has missed Belichick, he’s like the continuity that Mayo brings.
