New England Patriots - NESN.com
Mike Vrabel has noticed the improvement of some New England Patriots players, an aspect he’s encouraged about one week into training camp.
That list includes under-the-radar cornerback D.J. James, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft who the Patriots signed this offseason.
“DJ is one of those players that’s improved from the end of the spring until now, and he’s taken advantage of some players that aren’t there,” Vrabel told reporters before practice at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, per a team-provided video.
Veteran cornerback Carlton Davis has not yet practiced and Second Team All-Pro Christian Gonzalez missed consecutive sessions Tuesday and Wednesday. Gonzalez, who limped off the practice field Monday, reportedly is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Those absences have allowed cornerbacks Alex Austin, Marcellas Dial and James to see increased reps. James, specifically, recorded an interception against Joshua Dobbs on Day 1 and added a pair of pass breakups on Day 6.
“He’s taken advantage of his opportunities and, you know, he’ll continue to earn more opportunities,” Vrabel said. “But DJ is an improved player through the short time that we’ve been here.”
James will try to stack days together when the Patriots hold a joint practice and preseason game against the Washington Commanders next week.
