Why did the New England Patriots prepare a long snapper?
The New England Patriots currently have a long snapper. It’s Joe Cardona. You understand, the two-time Super Bowl champ, group captain and officer in the United States Naval Reserve?So it was a little
little bit of a head-scratcher to see New England use a seventh-round choice to take Vanderbilt long snapper Julian Ashby. The Patriots took Ashby with the No. 251 choice, the seventh-to-last choice in the draft.Having an excellent long snapper is essential. However, it’s uncommon to see NFL teams use draft choices to get one. It’s particularly uncommon when a team has an established, relied on veteran at the position.So, the concern was positioned to Patriots vice president of player workers Eliot Wolf after the NFL Draft concluded:” Why did you take a long snapper?” “Julian Ashby was a player that we liked. We seemed like he was the very best long snapper in the draft,”Wolf said.”Through a few of the conversations that we had, we felt like he might not be someone that would be available post-draft.””Just, again, wanting to add some competition to the lineup, we chose to shoot there late, “he added.Wolf discussed the concept of adding”competition”at positions numerous times throughout his call with press reporters.
He did not comment on whether the addition of Ashby was a reflection of Cardona’s long-lasting outlook in New England.The 32-year-old Cardona has been with the Patriots because 2015, when he was prepared in the fifth complete of Navy.
Ever since, he’s been a reliable existence as a long snapper.Ashby is plenty acquainted with the veteran he’ll quickly be taking on in New England.
“He kind of paved the way for long snappers and has actually had a terrific career,”Ashby said after being drafted
.”I’m thrilled to fulfill him and gain from him.”Last season, Tucker Addington remained in camp as a reserve long snapper. But with him now on the Texans roster, the Patriots don’t appear to have a backup choice if something were to take place to Cardona.