New England Patriots Report

Bubble Watch: Justin Francis

July, 22, 2012

7/22/12

11:00

AM ET

By Mike Rodak | ESPNBoston.com

(Continuing a month-long series analyzing players who are on the roster bubble and where they may potentially fit in 2012.)

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Justin Francis

Field Yates/ESPNBoston.comJustin Francis

NAME: Justin Francis

POSITION: Defensive end

AGE: 23

2011 STATS: 13 games (all starts), 64 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 interception, 5 pass break-ups -- with Rutgers

INJURY STATUS: No known injuries

CHANCE OF MAKING 53-MAN ROSTER: 15%

WHY HE SHOULD MAKE IT: Francis was a disruptive defensive player for Rutgers at a position where the Patriots have an unsettled personnel landscape. In organized team activities, Francis lined up in some drills along the interior of the defensive line, and such versatility could help in his uphill battle to secure a roster spot.

WHY HE SHOULD NOT MAKE IT: As with all other undrafted rookies, Francis' chances are diminished by a pure numbers game. With two high draft picks (Chandler Jones and Jake Bequette) and at least one free agent acquisition (Trevor Scott) and another possible re-signing (Andre Carter) ahead of him on the depth chart, Francis might need an injury or a surprise cut to have a shot to stick on the 53-man roster.

CLOSEST COMPETITION: DE Jermaine Cunningham, DE Trevor Scott, DE/TE Alex Silvestro

Mike Rodak

Patriots reporter, ESPNBoston.com

Mike Rodak began covering the Patriots for ESPNBoston.com in July 2010.

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ABOUT THIS BLOG

Mike Reiss

Mike Reiss first started covering the Patriots in 1997 with the team's official newspaper, Patriots Football Weekly, before moving on to the MetroWest Daily News in his hometown of Framingham. From 2005 to 2009, he covered the Patriots for The Boston Globe, while also writing on the NFL. He started his popular Patriots blog in 2004. Send any questions or comments for Mike to his mailbag. Follow him on Twitter (@MikeReiss).

Mike Rodak

Mike Rodak began covering the Patriots for ESPNBoston.com in July 2010. A native of Grafton, Mass., Mike attends Providence College, where he assists the athletic department in game management, facilities, and logistics. Follow him on Twitter (@mikerodak)

Field Yates

Field Yates begins his contributions to ESPNBoston.com in 2012 after having written for a number of football-related sites around the web. Field began his professional career after college with the Kansas City Chiefs, working in both the scouting and coaching departments of the franchise before redirecting his focus to a career in media. He also interned for four summers in the coaching and scouting departments with the Patriots. Follow him on Twitter (@FieldYates).