Pats Pulpit
The New England Patriots kicked off the final week of their offseason program on Tuesday with Day 1 of mandatory minicamp. While minicamp still does not include any pads or live contact, there was still plenty to take away from the event.
Here’s what went down on the lower practice field throughout the 90 minute session.
Absentees: OT Morgan Moses, OLB Gabe Jacas, OLB Harold Landry
Limited: CB Christian Gonzalez, CB Marcellas Dial Jr.
As work transitioned to the mandatory phase of the offseason the Patriots had every under contract in the building. That did not include rookie Gabe Jacas, as head coach Mike Vrabel explained prior to practice he was not at the facility due to a procedure and still being unsigned. Additionally along the edge, Landry was spotted briefly riding an athletic bike but continued to not participate.
“Harold has played a lot of football, and so we just have to try to — this is all part of everyone has a little different plan,” Vrabel explained. “He is very involved, very heavily involved in the meetings and the workouts and in a leadership role. For him to take reps right now in the spring, I feel like is unnecessary. We will just keep working to make sure that he is ready to go when we need him.”
The only other absence during the mandatory period was offensive tackle Morgan Moses, who left last week’s OTA session with the training staff.
The main storyline entering the day was the status of Christian Gonzalez, as the corner missed OTAs as he continues to seek a long-term extension. Gonzalez was present and participated in stretch and individual periods before observing competitive team work.
Sharp Drake: It was an extremely efficient day on the field for Drake Maye and the top offense, as the ball hit the ground just three times (one a dirted ball against a blitz) in four competitive team periods — most coming in the high red zone. It took just three plays for Maye to deliver a back shoulder high point fade to A.J. Brown for a roughly 15-yard touchdown against Kindle Vildor, while the quarterback also threw pretty downfield touchdowns to Rhamondre Stevenson and Hunter Henry on corner routes.
Maye was sharp operating over the middle of the field and also had a no-look check-down out wide to Stevenson. It’s continued to be a good offseason for the 23-year old.
Brown’s usage: Speaking of Brown, the star wide receiver was expectedly much more active after having a week team under his belt with his new team. Brown went up to secure the pretty back shoulder touchdown — a likely glimpse into a regular connection this season — and later caught a slant from Maye.
“I am sure it has been a whirlwind for him, but he is excited about learning the system and eventually moving around and doing different things,” Vrabel said. “I think it has been great just having him around...
