The New England Patriots’ rookie class, including nine draftees along with UDFAs plus tryout players, took the rainy practice fields behind Gillette Stadium for the second day of rookie minicamp on Saturday.
As usual, the focus is on teaching as the rookies continue to learn the playbook and adjust to a NFL-style practice. While the hour-long session was light with no contact or pads allowed, here’s what went down throughout the day.
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Attendance
Non-participants: OLB Gabe Jacas, TE Eli Raridon
Injured: OLB Quintayvious Hutchins
New England’s Day 2 picks were not taking part of the work on Saturday. While Raridon was not spotted, and reportedly signed his rookie contract today, Jacas was on the sideline watching drills and often talking with outside linebacker coach Mike Smith.
Seventh-round pick Quintayvious Hutchins left a team period early and received attention from the training staff in the medical shed. He then departed back to the facility and did not finish practice.
Takeaways
Lomu at left: Patriots first round pick Caleb Lomu spent the entire practice at left tackle, the position he primarily played at Utah. Lomu has spent the pre-draft process cross-training at both tackle spots and his long-term projection in New England currently falls at right tackle with last year’s No. 4 overall pick Will Campbell holding down the left side.
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New England did not rep him at right tackle on Day 2 of minicamp, however, as sixth-round pick Dametrious Crownover primarily held that spot.
Morton’s day: Seventh-round draft pick Behren Morton is the only quarterback on rookie roster. That has led to him receiving plenty of reps and one-on-one teaching from offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels — both on the field and in the classroom. Morton, who shared he feels great physically after dealing with multiple injuries throughout his high school career, had an impressive session in the lone 11-on-11 period in which he threw passes. The ball did not hit the ground across 11 passes — including an impressive layered dig route to Kyle Dixon — while he seemed to be in control operating the offense.
UDFA WRs: After not drafting a wide receiver, the Patriots were aggressive in the undrafted free agent market signing four pass catchers. Among the group included Culver-Stockton’s Kyle Dixon, who noticeably received over $250k in guarantees. In the lone full-team passing period, Dixon was the most active catching four passes from Morton. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Dixon was primarily used in the Z role, drawing similarities to how Mack Hollins was used last season.
The rest of the group all had at least one reception, with Nick DeGennaro serving as the main X, Cameron Dorner playing the slot, and Jimmy Kibble mixing in on both the outside and inside.
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Vrabel’s presence: Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was present for Day 2 of rookie minicamp. Vrabel seemed to be his usual, verbal self while bouncing around to different positional groups and pulling players aside for hands-on instructions. Players noted they appreciated the head coach’s instruction and energy following the practice.
Other notes
With Raridon sidelined, UDFA tight end Tanner Arkin was the top tight end on the field. Arkin stands out with his size (6-4, 262) that showed in the run game at Illinois.
UDFA guard JonDarius Morgan served as the top right guard along the offensive line. That is a spot that could use an extra layer of depth on the roster behind Ben Brown, and Morgan had some impressive moments in his final season at UAB.
Hawaii safety Peter Manuma caught the eye with his movement ability in the secondary. After not drafting a safety, Manuma could potentially factor in to one of the team’s open roster spots. LB Jordan Kwiatkowski also could be in consideration.
The Patriots did not add another punter to the roster with Bryce Baringer entering a contract year. Indiana’s Mitch McCarthy was a tryout player and while all his punting work came on the lower field, McCarthy stood out standing at 6-foot-5, 242 pounds.
After ending last season on the practice squad, OG Mekhi Butler, OT Lorenz Metz and CB Brandon Crossley participated on Saturday.
New England will conclude rookie minicamp on Sunday with their third and final practice, which will be closed to the media.
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