Patriots simulating Seahawks QB Russell Wilson with rookie cornerback in practice

Patriots rookie cornerback Myles Bryant was signed to the team’s active roster Wednesday from the practice squad.

On Thursday, he was handed an entirely new position. At least, briefly.

Bryant played the role of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson during an opening period of Thursday’s practice, when Pats defenders engaged in a scramble drill designed to help prepare them for mobile quarterbacks. Bryant is listed at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, two inches shorter and 30 pounds lighter than Wilson, whom Bill Belichick intimated earlier in the day is the best player in the league. Practice-squad quarterback Jake Dolegala also took reps during the drill, running and spinning about the pocket before uncorking a long throw.

He and Bryant alternated snaps during the initial part of practice.

“I won’t sit here and say that Myles can throw like Russ, I won’t disrespect Russ like that. And I won’t give Myles that type of credit because I’m sure he’ll try to switch his position,” Pats linebacker Brandon Copeland cracked Thursday. “But you know, he definitely gave us a great look today, and you do what you have to do to get your guys prepared.”

Bryant signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in early May and was highly productive during training camp. It’s common for the Pats to place players at different positions during scout-team periods of practices. With Wilson, defenders understand they must contain him as both a passer and a rusher to succeed Sunday in Seattle.

Wilson rushed for 29 yards in a win at Atlanta last weekend and more than 300 yards each of the past three seasons.

“Well I don’t know if you can really emulate what Russell’s able to do on a football field. I think he’s one of the best at what he does, but we’re doing everything we can,” said Patriots linebacker John Simon. “Myles is a very athletic guy, giving us a good look out there. Russell can beat you with his arm or with his legs, so he’s got a lot going for him.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/35KwPKK