TE Jake Ballard (Super Bowl Champion)

[Buckskin86]

Four forgotten players who could have a sizable role in 2013 for Patriots 01.22.13
By Christopher Price

Tight end Jake Ballard: Hey, another tight end. Why not? The 25-year-old Ballard, who suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in Super Bowl XLVI against the Patriots while playing for New York, was acquired this past summer by the Patriots (he was signed off waivers from the Giants, much to the consternation of New York coach Tom Coughlin). Undrafted out of Ohio State in 2010, he turned himself into a effective downfield threat in 2011 with the Giants (38 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns), and could provide the same sort of presence in 2013 with the Patriots. The 6-foot-6, 275-pound Ballard compares with Rob Gronkowski in his bulk and his overall playing style, and the idea of deploying a three-tight end set with Ballard, Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez would be an intriguing matchup problem for opposing defensive coordinators. Figures to weigh heavily in the Patriots? plans for 2013.

http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports...uld-have-a-sizable-role-in-2013-for-patriots/

 

[Buckskin86]

Tight end Jake Ballard
Age: 25
Background: Ballard already has three NFL seasons under his belt, so we know more about what he brings to the table. While the Patriots kept four tight ends on the active roster for much of the 2012 season, depth is still needed. When tight end Rob Gronkowski went down, the team lost its best blocking tight end. With an improved rushing attack, the Patriots leaned heavily on lead isolation running plays. Those involved a lead blocker (it was often Daniel Fells or Michael Hoomanawanui) having to pick up a linebacker and create a hole for the running back. While both Fells and Hoomanawanui were sufficient, neither was above average as a blocker from this perspective. Ballard, a sturdy 275 pounds, can take on that role and provide good value as a depth-level tight end. The Patriots acquired Ballard with the knowledge that he would need an entire year to recover from a knee surgery. That is an indication of their intrigue in the former undrafted free agent.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-.../id/4739220/3-players-to-fill-void-of-3-picks

 

[Buckskin86]

1. Jake Ballard's recovery from knee surgery is coming along nicely, and there have been no setbacks, thus putting him closer to competing for a spot on the Patriots' crowded tight end depth chart in 2013. Here's something I didn't realize when the Patriots claimed Ballard last June after he was waived by the Giants: He doesn't qualify for unrestricted free agency until after the 2014 season. I thought Ballard would hit unrestricted free agency after the 2013 season -- making him a one-year rental of sorts for the Patriots -- because it would have been following his fourth year in the NFL. But Ballard didn't qualify for an accrued season toward free agency in his rookie campaign due to a limited number of games on the active roster. Knowing the Patriots had 2013 and 2014 to essentially control Ballard's rights, that had to be another positive factor that led them to claim him last June. Ballard is on the books for a "modest" $630,000 base salary in 2013, and the Patriots paid him $540,000 to rehab last year on injured reserve. It's a limited financial risk for a potentially nice reward.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-...739959/quick-hit-thoughts-around-nfl-pats-142

 

[Buckskin86]

Jake Ballard, draft can help TE flexibility
February 22, 2013
By Karen Guregian / Boston Herald

INDIANAPOLIS ? The Patriots? collection of tight ends is among the best in the league. When the group is healthy, there is no debate.

That?s why it?s hard imagining them adding any more players to that stable from this year?s draft, especially with only five picks at their disposal. But with Bill Belichick, all bets are off.

What we do know, what seemed fairly evident prior to Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski both going down last season at various times with injury, is the Patriots were very much a tight end-centric offense.

It was built around Gronk and Hernandez. The offense flowed through them. Looking ahead, there?s no reason to believe that thinking will change.

With the personnel on hand, with or without Wes Welker, this still has the makings of an offense that could regularly utilize two- and three-tight end sets.

Gronkowski and Hernandez, who both received hefty contract extensions last season, will be returning. Daniel Fells is still on the roster. Michael Hoomanawanui is a restricted free agent. Then, there?s the wild card: Jake Ballard.

He?s a bit of a mystery man, and a possible ace up the sleeve, since he spent all of last season on injured reserve. He could be the guy who ultimately helps shape the offense going forward.

cont...

http://bostonherald.com/sports/patr...02/jake_ballard_draft_can_help_te_flexibility

 

[Buckskin86]

A couple notes on the Patriots' tight ends:

1. Jake Ballard's contract was tolled into 2013 because he was kept on the physically unable to perform list last season. This means he is under contract in 2013, and the Patriots did not need to tender him as an exclusive rights free agent, which was originally believed to be the case.

http://bostonherald.com/sports/patr.../updates_on_jake_ballard_michael_hoomanawanui

 

[Buckskin86]

Jake Ballard, Danny Amendola Key in Making Tom Brady?s Aerial Attack Better Without Wes Welker by John Beattie on Fri, Mar 15, 2013

Enter tight end Jake Ballard and Welker?s ?replacement? Danny Amendola ? two guys who aren?t the gambles Pats fans have been used to seeing enter Patriot Place. Ballard, who was brought in last year when the Giants put him on waivers, is under contract with the team, according to the Boston Herald?s Jeff Howe. Howe points out that Ballard?s contract ?was tolled into 2013 because he was kept on the physically unable to perform list last season.? This is a very, very good thing. Ballard only brings a year of experience to the table, but it was one heck of a year. He also enters the year coming off a knee injury that forced him to sit out all of 2012, so that?s clearly a red flag, too. But Ballard proves to have what it takes to help re-shape this Patriots offense. Catching 38 passes (four of which for touchdowns) for 604 yards in 2011, Ballard led all tight ends with 15.9 yards per catch. That year (the only year so far that Gronk, Hernandez and Ballard were closest to 100 percent), the trio combined for 207 receptions, 2,841 yards and 28 touchdowns. Not to mention, it was Eli Manning ? not Brady ? feeding Ballard. So the Buckeye clearly can bring a reliable set of hands to this offense. But Ballard simply being on this offense, whether he catches 20 balls or 120 balls in 2013, is going to make the difference. Josh McDaniels can now keep two or three tight ends in and have the speedy Hernandez line up either: in the slot, out wide or even in the backfield, like we saw a few times in 2012. Hernandez has the size to out-muscle most defensive backs and the speed to out-maneuver most linebackers, so bouncing him around in formation is his key to success. Ballard and Gronk give the Pats two big, versatile tight ends that can stay in the trenches or sneak out into the open field ? something that has proven to make the Pats nearly unstoppable. Add in Michael Hoomanawanui as a pass blocker and things are looking pretty good for Mr. Brady?s offense.

Read more at: http://nesn.com/2013/03/jake-ballar...adys-aerial-attack-better-without-wes-welker/

 

[Buckskin86]

If Rob Gronkowski is sidelined, Jake Ballard could be in line for more work 04.07.13
By Christopher Price

If the Patriots are going to be without Rob Gronkowski for any stretch of the 2013 season ? and if he?s over his own injury issues that landed him on the shelf for the entire 2012 season ? expect Jake Ballard to see an uptick in reps.

Gronkowski might not be available for the start of the 2013 season, according to reports, and as a result, the Patriots could find themselves relying on the former Giant they picked up prior to the start of the 2012 season. Ballard, a 6-foot-6, 275-pounder, was undrafted out of Ohio State in 2010, but turned himself into an effective downfield threat in 2011 with the Giants (38 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns).

When it comes to replicating Gronkowski in the New England offense, as was the case with Wes Welker, no one individual will be able to offer the same level of production. However, at least when it comes to playing style, physical presence and overall skill set, Ballard is the closest you?re going to get, at least on the current roster. Like the 6-foot-6, 265-pound Gronkowski, Ballard is more of a physical type who can also offer you some ability as a pass catcher and blocker ? a combo that Aaron Hernandez, Daniel Fells and Michael Hoomanawanui do not necessarily possess. (In 2011, our pals at Pro Football Focus had Ballard graded at -0.1 when it came to pass blocking and +1.1 when it came to run blocking. By way of comparison, that same season, PFF had Gronkowski with a -1.0 grade as a pass blocker and +10.9 as a run blocker in 2011; Hernandez got a -0.3 grade as a pass blocker and -0.5 as a run blocker.)

However, the biggest question about Ballard right now is his own health. He suffered a serious knee injury in Super Bowl XLVI against the Patriots, and was waived by New York the following June. Despite the fact that he failed a physical, the Giants had every intention of bringing Ballard back. However, the Patriots swooped in and claimed him off waivers, much to the consternation of New York coach Tom Coughlin. New England stashed him on IR all season, and while he reportedly hasn?t had any problems with his rehab, there has to be a set of realistic expectations in place when it comes to Ballard in 2013. A year away from the game for anyone ? even if he?s in perfect shape ? means an extended transition time when it comes to getting back into the game and staying on the field.

http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports...-jake-ballard-could-be-in-line-for-more-work/

 

[Buckskin86]

Ballard of the backup TE
Ex-Giant ready to go
Sunday, April 14, 2013
By: Jeff Howe

The Patriots? backup plan at tight end is gradually making process.

Jake Ballard is finally ready to hit the field, but the team is going to take it slow with him when the offseason program begins tomorrow at Gillette Stadium. Ballard tore his ACL in the Giants? victory against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, and he is recovering nicely. But without the need to get overly aggressive, the Pats are taking the cautious approach.

The first two weeks of the offseason program are strictly limited to conditioning, and the following three weeks are ?perfect play? drills, which fill the purpose of instruction and don?t allow the offense and defense to take the field at the same time. If Ballard is limited or even restricted to the sideline, the mental reps will still suffice before the intensity ratchets up in late May for organized team activities.

Ballard is an interesting prospect who is still under the Patriots? control for three more seasons. He caught 38 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns for the Giants in 2011, including a big regular-season game against the Patriots with four catches for 67 yards and a game-winning touchdown at Gillette. He caught two passes for 10 yards in the Super Bowl before suffering the knee injury, and he was given a cult-like welcome by the fan base during the postgame celebration.

The injury, which also required microfracture surgery, kept Ballard out for the 2012 season. The Giants attempted to place him on injured reserve last June, but the timing of the transaction forced him to clear waivers, which created a huge debate among New York?s decision makers.

cont...

http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/new_england_patriots/2013/04/ballard_of_the_backup_te

 

[Buckskin86]

Rob Gronkowski?s fourth surgery may put spotlight on Jake Ballard
New England Patriots
By Chris Burke

The Patriots created a minor stir last offseason when they nabbed Jake Ballard off waivers from the Giants, a move that left New York coach Tom Coughlin feeling ?very disappointed? and sparked discussions over the merits of an unwritten NFL rule that frowns upon claiming injured players.

About a year later, New England might be about to hit big on its gamble.

Aaron Hernandez is already in the midst of rehabbing a shoulder that required surgery in April, after he missed six games last season. And now, it appears that Rob Gronkowski will require a fourth, and possibly fifth, surgery on the forearm he broke in 2012. So, the Patriots again find themselves scrambling at tight end, a position that they?ve utilized heavily in reinventing their offense.

Enter Ballard. Now more than a year removed from the major knee injury he suffered during the Giants? Super Bowl XLVI win, the 25-year-old Ballard could be the Patriots? fallback plan ? and a good one, at that ? should either Gronkowski or Hernandez miss the start of the season.

New England reportedly is ?taking it slow? in getting Ballard back on the field (the same approach it appears the Patriots will implement with Hernandez). Even so, all expectations for now are that Ballard should be ready well in advance of training camp, possibly even for the team?s OTAs in late May and early June.

cont..

http://nfl.si.com/2013/05/08/rob-gronkowskis-fourth-surgery-may-put-spotlight-on-jake-ballard/

 

[Buckskin86]

NFL notes: Jake Ballard could be key figure
Sunday, May 19, 201
By:Karen Guregian

With Patriots minicamp now less than a month away, there are a number of players we?ll be curious to see for more than a cursory look on the field.

For obvious reasons, slot man Danny Amendola is high on the list. Then there are the other newcomers: rookie receiver Aaron Dobson, Southern Mississippi linebacker Jamie Collins, CFL refugee Armond Armstead and, of course, the entire Rutgers contingent plucked in last month?s draft.

That?s certainly an easy place to start. But here?s one more player who is worthy of appointment viewing: Jake Ballard.

Given the improbability of Tom Brady having either of his two best offensive weapons available in tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez for minicamp, and in Gronk?s case, perhaps even training camp, we?ll be taking a much closer look at Ballard.

Gronkowski, of course, still has unresolved issues with his surgically repaired left forearm and whether or not he?s completely cleared of an infection in that arm. Hernandez, meanwhile, is still on the mend from April shoulder surgery.

So Ballard, who sat out all of last season rehabbing from major knee surgery after being plucked from the Giants, will be a major focus. Just how good is he?

cont...

http://bostonherald.com/sports/patr...05/nfl_notes_jake_ballard_could_be_key_figure

 

[HorseshoeFetish]

@Buckskin86 Just wanted to say thanks for all of the updates you always provide. I especially love the Sunday updates. Hot cup of coffee and the best stories from around the country. Thanks again.


And, go get em Jake.

 

[Buckskin86]

Ballard returns: Tuesday was our first opportunity to see Jake Ballard on the field as a Patriot, and the well-built tight end didn't appear to be showing the effects of his major knee injury suffered in Super Bowl XLVI. Ballard did spend part of the on-field session working on resistance running with a team strength coach, but was able to participate in the majority of practice reps. Ballard was functional athletically before the injury, carving his niche as a tough run blocker with dependable hands in the passing game. He still isn't a speed tight end, but he looked reliable again as a pass catcher.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4743640/observations-from-tuesday-ota

 

[Buckskin86]

Belichick's Ballard claim looks brilliant
May, 22, 2013
By Mike Reiss | ESPNBoston.com

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Eleven months ago, Bill Belichick seemed amused when asked a question about potentially breaking an "unwritten rule" by claiming injured tight end Jake Ballard on waivers from the Giants.

The long story short: The Giants were waiving Ballard with the intention of placing him on their PUP/reserve list because Ballard was recovering from microfracture knee surgery and a torn ACL suffered in the Super Bowl (against the Patriots), and wasn't expected to play in 2012. But because the Giants were making the move while teams had a 90-man roster limit, Ballard was subject to the waiver system before landing on PUP/reserve. The Patriots intercepted the move by claiming Ballard.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin called it "very disappointing" but made it clear he didn't harbor any ill feelings toward the Patriots. He called the move a "calculated risk [that] didn't work."

Belichick said simply that there are no unwritten rules on claiming injured players.

Still, that didn't stop some from questioning Belichick's decision. The Patriots already had a stocked depth chart topped by Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Daniel Fells, and they would later add Michael Hoomanawanui, so why did they even need Ballard?

This is why.

At the time of the waiver claim, June 12 of last year, Belichick couldn't have projected what his tight end depth chart would look like. The tight end personnel might have looked good at that moment, but in the physical game of football, an injury or unexpected turn of events could alter the picture at a position that is vital in the team's offense.

So Belichick weighed the cost of paying Ballard his 2012 salary of $540,000 while he rehabbed with the potential reward of seeing him on the field in 2013 when he'd earn a base salary of $630,000 (if he made the roster). He decided the investment of tight end insurance was worth it -- the only coach/personnel man in the NFL to do so -- and it's a move that is looking awfully smart right now as Gronkowski (left forearm/back) and Hernandez (shoulder) are rehabbing.

In Tuesday's organized team activity, Ballard's presence on the field was arguably the most notable storyline. It was the first clear-cut indication that his rehabilitation from serious knee surgery has gone well enough to put him in position to compete for a roster spot. At one point, he caught a pass from quarterback Tom Brady, and Brady yelled out his encouragement as the two are in the early stages of building a rapport.

Time will tell if Ballard emerges as a contributor for the Patriots, but the early indication is that this is another classic case of the forward-thinking Belichick building crucial depth on his roster.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-...3690/belichicks-ballard-claim-looks-brilliant

 

[Buckskin86]

TE Jake Ballard: Feel like a Patriot
May, 29, 2013
By Field Yates | ESPNBoston.com

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- It was nearly a year ago that Jake Ballard was waived/injured by the New York Giants, with the expectation he would clear through waivers and revert to the Giants' injured reserve list while he rehabbed a major knee injury suffered in Super Bowl XLVI. He admitted as much on Wednesday afternoon.

Mike Reiss/ESPN
For some fans, this is their first look at TE Jake Ballard in Patriots gear.

But in a surprise move, the Patriots claimed Ballard on waivers with an eye toward 2013, and after spending a year rehabbing while learning the playbook, Ballard told reporters he feels like a Patriot.

"Absolutely. The first couple of days it was kind of shocking and abrupt," he said. "I heard [about being claimed] and the next morning I was on a plane to Boston, it was pretty crazy. I'm absolutely a Patriot through and through. I enjoy being here, I enjoy being around the coaches and everybody is great."

cont..

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-...d/4743861/te-jake-ballard-feel-like-a-patriot

Patriots? Jake Ballard prepares to fill big shoes
By Shalise Manza Young
Globe Staff
May 30, 2013

FOXBOROUGH ? Jake Ballard has been on the Patriots? roster for nearly a year, but since he spent all of last season rehabbing a torn ACL, Wednesday was the first day he was allowed to chat with reporters.

Claimed off waivers from the Giants last June, the focus on the 6-foot-6-inch, 275-pound tight end has intensified with the uncertainty surrounding Rob Gronkowski?s health status. After undergoing a fourth arm surgery last week, the All-Pro now needs back surgery.

Ballard isn?t quite the player Gronkowski is, but he had a solid season for New York in 2011, with 38 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns. He started in Super Bowl XLVI against the Patriots, but suffered the left knee injury in the second half of the game.

New England?s OTAs are Ballard?s first on-field reps in 16 months.

Even without pads and with some limitations, he?s happy to be back.

?They?re not having me go full-go the whole practice. It?s not like they?re turning me to the wolves,? Ballard said. ?I talked with the trainer and the coaches and they all tell me what I?m limited to do and what they think I?m going to be able to do. We just gradually improve from there every week and day to day.?

Ballard acknowledged it was a shock to end up in New England ? the Giants used the waived/injured designation for the Ohio State product, with every intention of re-signing him and placing him on injured reserve ? but he said he?s now a Patriot ?through and through? and found the positive in arriving in New England under those circumstances.

?My first year [with the Giants] I was on the practice squad, and I had the chance to study that offense for a year then came out the next year and played. That?s kind of the same thing here,? Ballard said.

?I watched all last year here, just looking over the playbook and mainly doing rehab.

?But I got a sense of what the offense is about. Now these OTAs and meeting sessions have helped a lot.?

He believes that while he isn?t as fast, he plays a similar role to Gronkowski, and added that Gronkowski was helpful offering pointers and advice last year.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2...lp-patriots/E2SW4YT6AIm3zyYkZbKKOL/story.html

Notebook: TE Jake Ballard becomes key asset
Thursday, May 30, 2013
By:Jeff Howe, Patriots Notebook

FOXBORO ? In tight end Jake Ballard?s brief, one-year tenure with the Patriots, he has gone from a luxury to a necessity, all while barely spending any time on the field.

Remember, when the Pats snagged Ballard from the Giants, it was an intriguing move that only boosted their embarrassment of riches at the position. They could afford to let him rehab his surgically repaired knee and hope for the best in 2013.

But now that Rob Gronkowski will endure back surgery, his sixth operation since February 2012, and Aaron Hernandez is working his way back from shoulder surgery, the Pats truly will benefit if Ballard can return to his 2011 form. At a minimum, Ballard could take pressure off the starting tandem if he can earn the added reps.

Ballard has been active during the Pats? first two weeks of organized team activities, but he still is limited. There?s no need to rush him through spring workouts, especially if he?s on point with his mental reps.

?I?m doing my best I can to be 100 percent,? Ballard said yesterday in his first meeting with the media since joining the Pats. ?When I?m out here, I feel like I?m putting in good work and getting better.

?I?m not full go for the whole practice. It?s not like they?re just turning me to the wolves. I talk with the trainers and coaches, and they all tell me what I?m limited to do and what they think I?m going to be able to do. We just gradually improve from there, week to week and day to day.?

Ballard tore his ACL in Super Bowl XLVI against the Patriots, and he also had microfracture surgery, so this is no small hurdle to climb. Yet, the Pats were intrigued enough to take advantage of the Giants? mental flatulence last June, when they subjected Ballard to waivers in order to sneak him onto injured reserve.

The series of transactions was unexpected, even for Ballard, but this has suddenly become the time when the two sides could really use one another to create a return to normalcy.

?It?s pretty crazy at first how everything went down,? Ballard said. ?I was very thankful to be in the league and be with a great organization like the Giants. I?m putting that behind me. I?m very excited about being here. I?ve loved being here for the last year or so, and now I?m finally ready to help put it together and help this team.?

http://bostonherald.com/sports/patr...05/notebook_te_jake_ballard_becomes_key_asset

 

[Buckskin86]

Sunday, June 2, 2013
Jake Ballard ready to return to field with Patriots
TE spent 2012 on the sidelines
By Jennifer Toland TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
[email protected]

FOXBORO ? The Patriots signed Jake Ballard last June knowing full well he would not be able to play at all during the 2012 season. The former Giants tight end tore the ACL in his left knee during Super Bowl XLVI against the Patriots, and a year ago at this time he was recovering after undergoing surgery to repair the ACL as well as microfracture surgery to fix damaged cartilage.

The Patriots should find out this season if their interesting investment in the future pays off.

The 6-foot-6, 275-pound Ballard, 25, has been limited in the Patriots? recent organized team activities, but he is on the field, a place he has definitely missed over the last 15 months.

?It?s great to be out here with the team,? Ballard said. ?I?ve been around these guys for about a year now and it feels good to play with them and take what I?ve learned from the meeting room out here on the field. I?m doing my best to be 100 percent and I?m doing as much as I can, as much as they?re allowing me to do out here.?

While Ballard was recovering from the knee surgery, the Giants put him on waivers ? the offseason procedure required to get him to injured reserve. The Giants expected he would clear, but the Patriots swooped in and claimed him.

Ballard spent all of 2012 on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.

?It was pretty crazy at first how everything went down,? Ballard said. ?I was very thankful to enter the league and be with a great organization like the Giants. I?m putting that behind me and I?m excited about being here. I?ve loved being here for the last year or so and now I?m finally ready to help this team and do whatever they ask of me.?

cont...

http://www.telegram.com/article/20130602/NEWS/106029925/1009/sports