Ranking New England Patriots' Top 5 Sleepers to Watch in Camp

Every year, without fail, the New England Patriots make a surprise cut that sends shock waves through the Northeast.

That means that every year, also without fail, a surprise player rises to the occasion and rises through the ranks to grab the proverbial brass ring and make the final 53-man roster. Before their ascent, those players are referred to as "sleepers."

But what is a sleeper?

Aside from obvious definitions ("one who sleeps") and obscure ones ("a piece of timber, stone or steel on or near the ground to support a superstructure, keep railroad rails in place or receive floor joists"), Merriam-Webster defines "sleeper" as "someone or something unpromising or unnoticed that suddenly attains prominence or value."

With that, here's a look at some of the top sleepers worth watching this summer.

5. Dion Lewis

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Dion Lewis has been a sleeper for almost his entire career. He was a sleeper who stole some carries from LeSean McCoy in the Philadelphia Eagles' backfield in 2011 and 2012, and then he was a sleeper who stole carries from Trent Richardson when the two were with the Cleveland Browns in 2013. He was turned away at the door in both instances and was unsigned for the 2014 season.

Now with the Patriots, Lewis gets to reprise his role as a sleeper, and this time, he may actually have a chance to make an impact. Lewis was seen returning kicks and punts during this spring's team activities, and he was also taking handoffs and making catches out of the backfield.

He does not have a lot of experience, with only two years of active roster duty in the NFL, only 36 career carries and two career receptions to his name, but there's also a positive side to all of that. There's no fear of him wearing down if he becomes a prominent player in the Patriots' backfield. 

Lewis is part of a deep competition at running back and will have to wrestle away a spot from either Jonas Gray or Tyler Gaffney (Brandon Bolden, LeGarrette Blount and Travaris Cadet are all virtually locks for the roster). His ability on special teams and third downs will be his meal ticket in New England.

4. Jonathan Freeny

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There's no way for any of the Patriots' backup linebackers to crack the starting lineup. Between Jerod Mayo, Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins, the three starting spots are locked up when the Patriots are in a base 4-3 defense. With Mayo and Hightower both recovering from offseason surgery, though, there could be opportunities for young backups to show their stuff in the starting lineup in practice. 

Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Jonathan Freeny was one of the players earning reps this spring, while the Patriots were without Mayo and Hightower. Freeny's path to the final roster became a little less obtuse when Brandon Spikes was shipped off after being charged in a hit-and-run car accident. 

But Freeny isn't relying on others falling off; he has plenty of special teams ability, which will be the difference-maker in determining those final roster spots at linebacker. The more special teams duty Freeny can earn, the more likely he is to make the final cut. 

That's how others such as James Morris, Dane Fletcher and Darius Fleming have earned their stripes in the past, and it will have to be how Freeny makes a name for himself.

3. Caylin Hauptmann

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For the second straight year, the Patriots will enter training camp with some significant question marks on the offensive line—particularly at guard. This spring, unheralded guard Caylin Hauptmann was earning a lot of opportunities to line up with Nate Solder, Bryan Stork and other starting offensive linemen.

This isn't necessarily a guarantee of a chance to start, but it's telling that the coaches want him to get experience playing with those other top players.

Make no mistake; those reps were not wasted, but they were not as beneficial as they might have been, had the players been wearing pads. Any reps are good reps, but when the pads go on, the ability for the players to improve—and for the coaches to evaluate—goes up significantly. 

Hauptmann is part of a large group of guards vying for starting duties, along with Shaq Mason, Tre' Jackson, Marcus Cannon and Cameron Fleming. Any one of those players could earn a starting spot, but Hauptmann is worth keeping an eye on because it appears he's on the fast track toward claiming that spot.

2. Daxton Swanson

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For two straight years, Daxton Swanson has showed up and showed out in the spring. This summer, he hopes to avoid a second straight training camp in which he's failed to make enough of an indent to make the final roster.

His chances are much better this season, with more spots up for grabs at the top of the cornerback depth chart. At 5'11" and 191 pounds, Swanson has the versatility to line up in the slot or on the outside, and he's done it all already this spring.

With more quickness than speed and more finesse than strength, Swanson's skill set is best suited for a zone scheme, which is exactly what the Patriots will most likely be running this season. 

Swanson has also earned opportunities with the first-team defense, and as usual, he's been making plays on the ball left and right, with a pair of interceptions during organized team activities.

The Patriots are housing a deep competition at cornerback, and Swanson will have to beat out someone like Bradley Fletcher, Robert McClain and/or Darryl Roberts in order to earn a spot on the 53-man roster to start the season.

1. Darryl Roberts

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The battle at cornerback will be the most interesting to watch this year at training camp, so it makes sense that two cornerbacks made this list.

Darryl Roberts won't be hard to find; he's the lanky 6'0", 182-pound cornerback making waves at practice. Roberts was in the mix for reps in nearly any situation this spring, running with the first- and second-team defenses while the Patriots shuffled around pieces from one side to another and from one unit to another.

Roberts has the kind of eye-popping athleticism that gives a coach hope that he can develop into something special. His pro day performance was superb, as he registered a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, a 6.66-second 3-cone drill, a 4.06 second short shuttle, a 39" vertical leap, an 11'1" broad jump and 23 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.

Of course, that's not going to be what earns him a roster spot. That being said, those traits may translate well to certain roles, and the Patriots appear open-minded to giving him a shot to show his stuff. He was spotted playing gunner on special teams during spring practices and could be given a shot based on his ability to contribute on kickoff- and punt coverage teams.

Unless otherwise noted, all practice notes obtained firsthand.