Taylor Rapp to visit Patriots

Posted by Josh Alper on March 16, 2023, 9:56 AM EDT
NFL: JAN 01 Rams at Chargers
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Safety Taylor Rapp remains unsigned after a few days of free agency, but that could change after his first visit with a team.

According to multiple reports, Rapp will visit with the Patriots on Thursday.

Rapp has started 48 games since the Rams drafted him in the second round of the 2019 draft. He made 33 of those starts over the last two seasons and recorded 186 tackles, six interceptions, 1.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries.

The Patriots re-signed Jabrill Peppers this week and have Kyle Dugger and Adrian Phillips under contract as well. Devin McCourty played the most snaps at safety last season, but  the longtime staple of the Patriots defense recently announced his retirement.

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12 responses to “Taylor Rapp to visit Patriots”

  1. Love this. He would excel in this defense. Dugger, Peppers, Rapp. All young, big hitters who can pursue when the QB scrambles. Was coached well in LA.

  2. Nice. PLayed with Myles Bryant at Washington. Skill set reads like a Pats player. High IQ player.

    BB maneuvering well.

  4. LOLOLOL!!!!

    Patriots continue to acquire busts. Belichick should not be allowed anywhere near personnel decisions.

  5. tedmurph says:
    March 16, 2023 at 10:55 am
    Another SS type? They have plenty of those already.

    ————–

    This reminds me of when BB signed Rodney Harrison when NE had Milloy. Harrison played SS at first, but played some FS as well. The bottom line is, BB likes versatility and coachability.

    The high IQ is the key at Safety not specifically where someone lines up, especially on a BB D.

    We have no idea how BB sees the pieces of the puzzle fitting. This also reminds me of Lou Gorman back in 1990 with regards to Willie MCGee: “Where would he play?”

    Facepalm city.

    “I’m not a 40-yard dash specialist, I’m a football player,” Rapp told Bruce Murray and Brady Quinn on the SiriusXM Blitz. “… I’m not an underwear Olympics specialist. … I’m a completely different person once you put the pads and helmet on.”

  7. The Pats used to do the interchangeable safety thing, but lately it’s been hybrid LB/safety types (Phillips, Peppers, Duggar) in the box, with McCourty playing centerfield. Rapp is too slow for CF. Unless they decide to play Mills there, which further weakens them at CB. We shall see.

  9. Appears Rapp likes to play for losing team. Good luck at the bottom of the division

  11. tedmurph says:
    March 16, 2023 at 11:28 am
    The Pats used to do the interchangeable safety thing, but lately it’s been hybrid LB/safety types (Phillips, Peppers, Duggar) in the box, with McCourty playing centerfield. Rapp is too slow for CF. Unless they decide to play Mills there, which further weakens them at CB. We shall see.

    52Thank You

    ——

    Correct, it’s possible Mills or Jon Jones moves there when playing single high. The picture is never complete in March.

    You seem to astute enough to know that but also to understand these other dumb teams go out and just lock in a player at one spot on the field while overpaying that player.

    BB looks for versatility and IQ. The defense is very good, can be better, but this secondary, as you mention with the Safeties as hybrids, is a strength.

    BB is going to look for IQ as much as anything for a Safety. He’s not going to put some selifsh ballhawk type back there who gets rope-a-doped easily and pay him 14 million a year.

  12. williamshatnerstoupee says:
    March 16, 2023 at 10:58 am
    LOLOLOL!!!!

    Patriots continue to acquire busts. Belichick should not be allowed anywhere near personnel decisions.

    ——-

    Meanwhile the big name signing in the Burgh is eland on roberts. A NE castoff.

    Lol! Pitts 6-11 coming your way

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