Pats Pulpit
Minicamp begins Monday, June 9.
As the New England Patriots wrapped up organized team activities last week, they will now open their mandatory minicamp on Monday, June 9. The three-day event will be the first and only time this spring that all players on the roster are required to be at Gillette Stadium.
Here’s who we will have a close eye on throughout the three practice sessions.
The Patriots sophomore quarterback got off to a quieter start in the first two spring practices open to the media — highlighted by a four interception day in the first week of OTAs. But, Maye ended strong with an impressive practice last Monday that included a handful of highlight throws. Maye appeared to look more comfortable as he continues to adjust to life in Josh McDaniels’ offense and will now look to end the spring on a high note.
The star of OTAs, Chism was a ball magnet in media attended practices recording 13 catches in competitive team drills. The shifty UDFA receiver also appeared to work his way up the depth chart as he ended the spring working in with Maye and the top offense — where the two connected on a clean dig route against Christian Gonzalez. Chism will attempt to keep that momentum going while his standing on the depth chart will continue to be monitored in the now mandatory portion of the offseason.
After being present for the entire final week of OTAs, there is no reason to think the Patriots projected top wide receiver will miss mandatory minicamp. When on the field last week, Diggs’ movements looked impressive as he continues to work back from the torn ACL he suffered last October. He did not participate in more competitive 11-on-11 work as limitations remain, but the 31-year old will look to continue to progress during minicamp.
Four-fifths of the (healthy) Patriots’ top offensive line was consistent throughout the spring with Will Campbell at left tackle, Garrett Bradbury at center, Michael Onwenu at right guard and Morgan Moses at right tackle. The left guard position, however, was anything but steady with multiple players getting their shot.
That group was primarily led by Cole Strange and free agent addition Wes Schweitzer, while Tyrese Robinson also worked into the mix. With three straight sessions on deck, time will tell if one option has gained ground on the rest before training camp.
With Jahlani Tavai set to be sidelined for minicamp with a calf injury he suffered last week, reps at linebacker next to Robert Spillane are open for the taking. While Christian Elliss projects to fulfill most of those duties, the door is open for former third-round pick Marte Mapu, who has primarily played linebacker throughout OTAs, to carve out a role. Free agent addition Jack Gibbens will also be in the mix.
CB Alex Austin --------------...
