Pats Pulpit
The latest edition of our Patriots mailbag answers questions about training camp, wide receivers, and more.
Training camp is almost here. The New England Patriots will officially return for training camp in the coming days as their first practice of the summer is set for Wednesday, July 23.
So before the fun begins, let’s get right into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
What players are you most looking forward to keeping an eye on for training camp? - Sportzballer
Great question to get us in the training camp spirit. Here’s a few to start us off:
Drake Maye: The biggest story of camp: How does Drake Maye adjust to life in a new offense? He seemed more-and-more comfortable as the spring progressed, and a true year two leap will be the key to New England getting back into contention.
Stefon Diggs: The Patriots have not had a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman. A healthy Stefon Diggs has the chance to end that streak, which would be a game changer for Maye and the rest of the wide receiver room.
Cole Strange and the left guards: We’ll continue to watch to see if Jared Wilson can push Garrett Bradbury at center, but the main question mark along the line currently is the left guard spot. Strange seems set to start the summer there. We’ll also watch Sidy Sow, Caedan Wallace, and UDFA Jack Conley making a push.
Keion White: While Milton Williams and Christian Barmore will be a force inside, New England does not have a bonafide star edge rusher. Under a scheme and coaching staff that suits his strengths, perhaps White can become close to that with a huge step forward in year three.
Marte Mapu: The clock could be ticking for the 2023 third-rounder. Mapu finally repped primarily at linebacker this spring when healthy and could factor into a defense that wants to get more athletic. Health will be key moving forward.
Rookies: Will Will Campbell’s lack of length impact him when the pads come on? Can Kyle Williams and TreyVeon Henderson spark the offense from the start? How will Craig Woodson fit into a safety room at full force? Can Andres Borregales continue to build his lead in the kicker battle? Etc. etc. etc.
Am I crazy to think that Bourne will be one of the biggest surprises this year? We only have 3 WR on the team that have proved they can play at a starter level in the NFL with Diggs, Bourne, and Douglas and Bourne is the only one out of those 3 that has proved he can and has excelled in a Mcdaniels offense. Why is he constantly being talked about being traded away or a cut candidate? Wouldn’t it be smart to keep the only WR on the team that has already proven he understands and can excel in this offense? - sjamesbossports
Bourne had a career-high 925 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns under McDaniels in 2021. He then was on-pace for nearly...
