New England Patriots: 4 Unknown Players Having a Solid Training Camp

Bill Belichick is one of the few head coaches in the league who truly sticks to the sentiment of every player coming into camp with an equal opportunity to make the roster. Cap numbers, draft slotting and all the politics go out the window. Belichick is all about winning ball games.

Thus, when a player has a breakout performance in training camp, it's hard not to stop and take notice. Especially when it's a player we're not expecting to hear about. That often gets the buzz started of whether this player could trump another for a roster spot.

Who are those players showing their worth for a roster spot in training camp?

Kade Weston

Kade Weston has been making his case for a roster spot with strong performances in training camp. Mike Reiss makes note of this in a recent article on ESPN Boston.

"Playing mostly as a defensive tackle on a four-man line, Weston has shown strength with some strong rushes in one-on-one work, at one time measuring up well with left guard Logan Mankins. He's big at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds."

It hasn't all been smooth sailing for Weston, though, as Reiss notes that he showed he's still a little rough around the edges when he lost his balance on one play and hit the turf pretty hard.

The competition at defensive tackle will make it hard for any of the young guys to make the roster, but Weston is certainly making his case, and could definitely land on the practice squad if he doesn't make the final cut. That is, if he clears waivers.

Lee Smith

Smith's name has been lost in the shuffle a bit, as he is beneath both Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski on the depth chart at tight end.

It's fairly safe to assume, though, that there will be a roster spot for Smith in the regular season. This is especially true now that the team has announced the release of Alge Crumpler.

If that weren't enough, factor in his strong showing in training camp and it's hard to ignore what Smith could contribute to the team. He has reeled in passes in 7-on-7 drills and second-team 11-on-11 work, showing the ability to get open despite his reputation as a blocking tight end.

Taylor Price

As a redshirt rookie, Taylor Price made minimal impact in 2010. He only caught three passes the entire season, all of them in garbage time of the final game of the season against the Miami Dolphins.

If training camp is any indication, though, Price could have a much bigger impact in 2011. He has made a few circus catches in camp, including one acrobatic catch on a deep ball from Tom Brady down the left sideline when it looked as though Price was covered. 

As we all know, though, versatility is the name of the game if you want to suit up for the Patriots. Belichick alluded to the importance of special teams play in evaluating wide receivers in his press conference on Tuesday, saying, "a player that can play on two, three, four special teams, obviously the more the better. If it's at a high level, the more value that player has to your teams."

Price has been the secondary punt returner, handling those duties behind Julian Edelman in special teams drills. That could help him earn one of the coveted roster spots at wide receiver behind the highly talented trio of Wes Welker, Chad Ochocinco and Deion Branch. 

Dane Fletcher

With Brandon Spikes out, Dane Fletcher has been seeing a majority of the first-team work at middle linebacker. One might assume Jerod Mayo would fill that role, but he is versatile enough to play multiple positions.

Fletcher could probably also play one of the outside 'backer spots, but has played well as the middle linebacker. He is seizing the opportunity to prove his worth.

There is work to be done, though, as Fletcher finds himself beaten by the tight ends in coverage drills far too frequently.

It's worth pointing out, however, that he's going up against guys like Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski on a regular basis. He has made some plays, and uses sound technique in coverage.

It's a challenge for any linebacker to come out on top in coverage drills against either of those two.