A year ago, Gunner Olszewski was the 90th player on the New England Patriots list: a thin Corner of Division II in a large 72nd jersey who had secured a spot thanks to a rookie attempt.
Now it turns out to belong.
Olszewski, who challenged all odds in 2019 to be part of the team as a defed returner/deep receiver, has gained muscle since reaching the disabled reserve list last November. In a week of open practice, Bemidji State is one of the most impressive products in the Patriots educational field.
“Gunner has made tremendous str done, both physically and from a football perspective,” patriots head coach Bill Belichick said on Friday morning. “He’s a smart kid. He paints incredibly hard. It’s tough. It’s very, very competitive. He has learned to do many other things for us and continues to paint things that will expand his opportunities. So it will be attractive to see it or take a look at it to take advantage of those opportunities, watch it play and see how it goes.”
“But his general background, his knowledge, his understanding, his prestige as a professional athlete, his — some of his basic athletic skills, has honed them a little, and is much, much, much more complex than last year.”
Olszewski’s speed and tenacity were dazzling last summer, and he turned out to be a strangely capable road racer for those who only played in defense and special groups in college. He stepped forward in this domain in Year 2 and benefited from an increase in rehearsals at the camp, as other N’Keal Harry, Julian Edelman, Jeff Thomas and Will Hastings receivers were left running out of time or were limited.
“Gunner is a tough kid,” Patriots corner J.C. Jackson said Wednesday. “Gunner is the kind of kid you know you have to compete with. Gunner, he comes to you in every game, in every snap. It will go to 100%, even in the locking exercises. It’s a dog. He’s got a dog I love walking past Gunner.
Olszewski, the Patriots’ kicking leader, backs up last season before an injury put him aside, and lately seems to be the favorite to retain the position. The 23-year-old has an average of 9.0 yards consistent with stepping back in 20 rookie runs, the sixth-best among qualified NFL go-back supporters.
Offensively, Olszewski played 79 shots in 8 games, 50 in a Week 6 victory over the New York Giants. He finished the year with two receptions in 4 goals for 34 yards.