Pats Pulpit
Some unheralded Patriots are trending up after two weeks of training camp.
The first two weeks of New England Patriots training camp are in the books, and they have been eventful. The team of new head coach Mike Vrabel held nine total practices, including four sessions in pads. Along the way, the proverbial cream has began rising to the top: the picture is far clearer now than it was at the start of camp.
Of course, process is a two-way street at this point of the year. While there have been some clear risers who have managed to improve their standing on the roster relative to offseason expectations, there are also those who are trending in a different direction.
With Week 3 of camp set to start Monday, and the Washington Commanders in town on Wednesday for a joint session, let’s assess those movements. Time for a stock report.
WR Kayshon Boutte: During the offseason, there was speculation Boutte might end up as the odd man out at wide receiver. That might still happen when all is said and done, but he is certainly not going down without a fight: the third-year man has been a top option at the X-receiver spot through two weeks of camp, and at worst is looking like a top four receiver for the team at the moment. The question is whether he will be able to fend off any challengers to retain a spot in the rotation and, by extension, on the team.
WR Javon Baker: Baker’s underwhelming rookie season has been well-documented, and the 2024 fourth-round draft selection seemed to pick up where he left off this spring. However, he has started moving in a promising direction and into the roster conversation; he has made his fair share of big plays this summer, including with Drake Maye at quarterback. Baker still has ways to go, but he has flashed potential time and again even though consistency remains a question.
G Jared Wilson: A third-round draft pick by the Patriots this spring, Wilson was limited during the offseason but has made the most of every opportunity given. As a consequence, he first played himself into a rotation at guard and center, and early in Week 2 took over as the team’s starting left guard. His job is not set in stone, as pointed out by Mike Vrabel, but it certainly seems like it is his to lose.
C Ben Brown: A 10-game starter for the Patriots after his arrival midway through the 2024 season, Brown threw largely under the radar up until the introduction of full pads. From that point on, however, the 27-year-old has jumped up the depth chart: with Garrett Bradbury nursing an injury, he took over as the starting center in Week 2. A backup role still seems more likely at the end of the day, but he has certainly thrown his hat into the ring.
DT Khyiris Tonga: When the Patriots signed Tonga in free agency, they...
