NFL gamers, particularly these new to a crew, typically discuss doing no matter they’ll to assist or their willingness to deal with any position assigned by the teaching employees. However for Mack Wilson, these are extra than simply clichés.

Since becoming a member of the New England Patriots in a commerce in March, the previous Alabama linebacker has proven his new coaches that he may function the crew’s lengthy snapper in a pinch.

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Wilson developed the talent at Carver Excessive Faculty in Montgomery, the place he was a two-time first-team All-State linebacker.

“It’s one thing that I’ve finished since highschool,” Wilson stated. “Fairly good at it. I typically inform our special-teams coach. I informed our special-teams coach right here (Cam Achord) that I may do it, and he gave me an opportunity. He didn’t imagine me, however I confirmed him that I can do it after which that was that. …

“They make that face, like ‘Fairly good, however –’ They be like, ‘What you going to do if you happen to received to do it in a sport?’ Clearly with me simply doing it out right here is completely completely different than doing it in a sport. I’ll keep ready, although.”

As for his No. 1 job, Wilson is able to match no matter position he’s assigned.

“I’m a linebacker,” Wilson stated. “I can play any scheme, actually. I simply really feel prefer it’s a possibility for me to return over, contribute to an ideal group in any approach potential.”

Cleveland despatched Wilson to New England in alternate for defensive finish/exterior linebacker Chase Winovich. Wilson performed three seasons for the Browns after becoming a member of the crew within the fifth spherical of the 2019 NFL Draft.

“Mack’s finished a great job for us,” Patriots coach Invoice Belichick stated final week. “He got here within the spring, he was actually an excellent employee all spring and realized some various things that we do right here. However he’s tailored nicely. He’s been productive on protection and within the kicking sport to this point. We stay up for seeing him on the market.”

Slated for a reserve position as a rookie, Wilson joined the Browns’ beginning lineup when Christian Kirksey received harm within the second sport. Wilson completed the 2019 season ranked second on Cleveland in defensive snaps and tackles.

Earlier than his second season, Wilson received harm in coaching camp, and what was described as a considerably hyperextended left knee precipitated him to overlook the primary two video games of 2020. Wilson didn’t make the primary of his eight begins till the sixth sport. His deal with whole dropped from 82 to 39 as he performed about 40 p.c of the snaps that he had as a rookie.

Though his deal with whole rose to 42 in 2021, Wilson performed solely about half the variety of defensive snaps that he had in 2020.

New England returns two of its beginning linebackers from the 2021 season – Matt Judon on the skin and Ja’Whaun Bentley on the within – however not has starters Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy.

Josh Uche, the Patriots’ No. 5 linebacker final season, returns after he performed 42 extra snaps for New England than Wilson did for Cleveland in 2021.

A Patriots’ 2020 draft alternative from Alabama, linebacker Anfernee Jennings spent all the 2021 season on injured reserve. A former starter for the Miami Dolphins, Raekwon McMillan missed final season with an harm, too. Linebackers Cameron McGrone and Ronnie Perkins additionally didn’t play for the Patriots after New England drafted them in 2021.

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“For me, it’s a blessing to be part of this linebacker room,” Wilson stated. “… We’re simply attempting to construct that chemistry, that camaraderie amongst one another after we come out right here, have enjoyable, compete, fly round. General, we simply attempt to make one another higher by how nicely we carry out in opposition to each other.”

Wilson particularly likes working with linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, who performed eight seasons for New England, was a two-time Professional Bowler and one-time first-team All-Professional and led the NFL in tackles in 2010.

“He’s a legend in my eyes,” Wilson stated. “When he speak, I hear. I take note of every part he do, every part he discuss within the assembly room. …

“You possibly can ask any linebacker, it’s enjoyable simply having a coach that actually performed the sport, who put the blood, sweat and tears on this identical group and now he’s our coach giving us again instruments, recommendation, gems and even teaching us on the finish of the day. It’s a blessing. It’s enjoyable. I’m pleased to be part of this group and, most significantly, that linebacker room.”

The Patriots begin their three-game preseason schedule on Thursday in opposition to the New York Giants and kick off their regular-season slate on Sept. 11 in opposition to the Miami Dolphins.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports activities reporter for Alabama Media Group. Observe him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.