FOXBOROUGH, Mass - Keion White isn't known for saying a lot. Instead, he decides to get his message across through the way he plays.
The defensive lineman impressed during his rookie season after being selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. And it seems he's in a position to have an even bigger second year.
Jerod Mayo was asked if there was any players that have stood out to him since the start of the offseason program. And while at first he didn't single out anyone, he ultimately provided one name.
“Keion is doing a good job for us, and I’d say also, Keion has kind of taken that step forward as far as being a leader,” Mayo told reporters on Wednesday. “Not as much vocally, but you see him actually leading the groups and working well, so if you need a name, that is a good one.”
“His versatility — he’s always been a strong guy but I would say he’s even stronger now,” Mayo added when asked what's specifically stood out. “He’s here each and every day, and in the meeting rooms he’s talking and leading those conversations. We always talk about that Year 2 jump, so that’s a big part of it.”
After hearing what Mayo had to say, we wanted to dig a little deeper. So we asked some other coaches and players who have worked closely with White what they've noticed.
And they all echoed Mayo's sentiments.
"I evaluated him coming out when I was in Green Bay and love him then, love him now. Love his work ethic. Smart player, instinctive, and he's growing each day," Patriots defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery exclusively told A to Z Sports. "He's only played the position for three years. So in year 4, you should see huge strides. But very multiple, can do a lot of different things, which the more hats you wear the more valuable you are."
Defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington told him that there were three things he needed to do in order to take that next step. And so far, he's delivering.
"I think every guy that's going into that second year is trying to take that leap from their rookie year. And he's done a great job. He came in in shape from the offseason, he's done a good job of showing here every day. I talked to him about three things: showing up, being present, and staying consistent," Covington said. "He's done all three on an everyday basis.
"As long as he does that for us, he'll be fine. So he's not worried about the other things, not worried about the future. He's trying to stay present everyday... He's working hard, which is what we want from our players."
Last but not least, captain and fellow defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. spoke about what he's seen.
"He's doing a great job. He's stepping up, taking on more roles, more vocal roles on the field," Wise explained. "And he's also producing too, on and off the field. So he's doing great."
So it seems the expectations are high this season for White.
