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Kenbrell Thompkins signed; Walter Powell released


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Kenbrell Thompkins TD.jpg
New England Patriots WR Kenbrell Thompkins catches a game-winning touchdown from Tom Brady versus the New Orleans Saints in 2013 (AP Photo)
Kevin Duffy | krduffy@masslive.comBy Kevin Duffy | krduffy@masslive.com 
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on September 07, 2015 at 12:26 PM, updated September 07, 2015 at 12:30 PM
 
 
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FOXBOROUGH -- Reggie Wayne is back on the beach in Miami, and Kenbrell Thompkins is on the practice field for the New England Patriots.

For now, Thompkins is on the Patriots practice squad, but that could change in time. Thompkins was a dependable target for Tom Brady before getting cut early last season. 

"Well I think he's a quality practice squad player," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Monday. "He was a roster player for us. He was a roster player for Oakland. So to have that level of player on our roster, but not on our roster, it's good. It gives us a lot of quality depth there. We had that same player basically on our team, but as a roster player."

"We'll see how long it takes, but it shouldn't be too long from a relearning standpoint," Belichick continued. "He's a good learner, but to just get back in to what we're doing and all that, to be able to compete for playing time based on where he was in the year before. And it looks like, based on a short look yesterday, it looks like he still has good skills to contribute. He's got the experience to play in the slot, which he did more in Oakland than he did here. He's kind of developed some versatility, so we'll see how it goes. But I think we're happy to have him and a player of his caliber in that position."

The Pats are carrying just four receivers on the 53-man roster -- Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Aaron Dobson and undrafted rookie Chris Harper.

Harper impressed in the preseason, and perhaps the Patriots were afraid to expose him to waivers if they intended to get him on the practice squad. It would seem as though Thompkins could make a push for the No. 4 receiver spot.

Granted, the No. 4 receiver may not have a ton of opportunities. Expect plenty of two tight end sets with Rob Gronkowski and Scott Chandler early in the season. Also, if Travaris Cadet is healthy, he can line up at receiver, too.

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OVERVIEW

Thompkins had planned on finishing his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, but then-Volunteers head coach Lane Kiffin left after the junior college transfer had signed his letter of intent. Naturally, Thompkins looked into other schools since his coach was no longer in Knoxville; unfortunately, the NCAA decided that coaches are allowed more mobility than players, forcing Thompkins to sit out the 2010 season before beginning his career with the Bearcats. Why Cincinnati, you ask? One reason might have been that his cousin, Antonio Brown, played for UC head coach Butch Jones at Central Michigan before going to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He played in all 13 games, starting 12, as a junior in 2011, finishing second on the team with 44 receptions for 536 yards and two scores. At El Camino Community College, he led the Warriors in catches (69), receiving yards (1,020) and receiving touchdowns (nine) in 2009. Although Thompkins suited up for Miami’s famed Northwestern program, he wasn’t a star like his younger brother Kendal (now a senior receiver at the University of Miami). In fact, he was arrested several times during high school and didn’t think about taking up football until at age 19; but seeing Kendal get his offer from Miami pushed him to turn his athleticism into a career.

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS

 Possesses just enough size and speed to play outside in the NFL, yet also has enough quickness to find room to run from the slot. Willing to take hits on crossers, and his strong hands allow him to catch balls away from his frame whether challenged or on his own. Goes up and fight for jump balls. Owns the foot quickness and flexibility to drop his hips and cut on outs and comebacks routes, and also the shake and hands off the line to beat press coverage. A physical blocker for run plays and quick screens, extending his arms and mirroring to sustain on the outside and crashing down on linebackers to create running room on off-tackle runs. Uses that physicality to separate from cornerbacks downfield, using his length to extend just before the ball arrives.

WEAKNESSES

 Doesn’t necessarily explode off the line, and it takes him a bit of time to get to top speed. Won’t have a size and strength advantage against most NFL cornerbacks. Keeping his feet after making catches downfield would help him get into the end zone more regularly.

NFL COMPARISON

 Andre Caldwell

BOTTOM LINE

 A junior college transfer originally headed to Tennessee before Lane Kiffin left for USC, Thompkins showed promise as a junior for the Bearcats (44 receptions, 536 yards, two TD) after sitting out a redshirt season. Since he’s not elite in his speed or size, Thompkins won’t be a top prospect – but it won’t be surprising if he shines as an intermediate threat who could become a solid number two or three receiver at the next level.
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AFCEastFan's scouting report:

Positives:

- Hard worker; good team player.  

- Learned the Patriots' offense pretty well as a first-year UDFA, which is more than a lot of veterans have been able to do.  

- Has produced in real games.  Caught a GW TD against the Saints (on the play most famous in these parts for the uncalled Nate Solder hold).  

Negatives:

- No outstanding physical qualities.  Really looks and acts the part of a NFL JAG.

- Rarely catches with his hands.  Usually catches with his body, often on the rebound.   

 

In short, a perfect PS player.  

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http://nyj.247sports.com/Bolt/Jets-make-practice-squad-move-40001401

 

The New York Jets added a receiver to their practice squad and released another from their roster.

Kenbrell Thompkins was signed and Walter Powell released on Monday, the team announced.

Thompkins signed as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Cincinnati with New England in 2013. He played in 14 games, nine of which were starts, for the Patriots that season, catching 38 passes for 519 yards and four touchdowns. He snagged four receptions against the Jets in that time.

Powell was a special teamer for the Jets, returning eight kickoffs and 12 punts for the club last year, and added a 54 yard touchdown return in the preseason against the New York Giants.

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Funny, late in the preseason, when the FO said they were looking for a punt returner, Powell took one for a TD.  Somebody posted, "There's our punt returner".   I agreed.  Season starts, Powell is on the practice squad, Kerley is fair catching punts again and Powell is gone with nobody to replace him as far as returning punts.

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@KMart_LI: Source: Walter Powell has signed with the #Bills practice squad #jets

I guess this guy still hasn't figured out that our offensive/defensive schemes and plays that we run actually change from week to week. I know it's hard for him to fathom but our old players aren't going to help him.

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