The New England Patriots wrapped up their mandatory minicamp on Thursday, and had a chance to observe all the new additions to the team.
Some of the lesser-known players made a name for themselves, while some of the veterans coming in had a rough three days. Fortunately for New England, their 41-year-old quarterback was in attendance and he was looking as sharp as ever.
Here are five takeaways from the Patriots’ minicamp practices.
1. Tom Brady looked as sharp as ever
With season No. 20 right around the corner, Brady is in shape and throwing the football at a velocity that everyone’s accustomed to. He will be 42 years old when the regular season begins, and he looks more youthful than he did 10 years ago.
As long as he’s leading the pack — the Patriots are going to be okay.
2. Maurice Harris is making his case for a roster spot
Maurice Harris is a 6-foot-3, 200 pound receiver that spent his three NFL seasons with the Washington Redskins. He’s recorded 40 receptions, 432 yards and one touchdown in his career so far. He took a bulk of the top-team reps along with Julian Edelman and Philip Dorsett, and is becoming a name to look out for.
Although he is a taller receiver, he told reporters on Wednesday that he wouldn’t mind working in the slot.
“I did it in the past. I’ve done it in college also so I feel comfortable,” Harris said. “A lot of people don’t think taller receivers are supposed to be in the slot but I feel comfortable all over the field so wherever they want to put me I’ll try to go and do it.”
There are many question marks that surround Josh Gordon and Demaryius Thomas — so Harris has a realistic shot at making the 53 man roster.
3. Matt LaCosse will likely be the starting tight end in Week One
With the retirement of Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots have had plenty of uncertainty around the tight end position. They made a few moves this offseason that brought in Matt LaCosse, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Ben Watson. But, Seferian-Jenkins is taking some time off to deal with personal issues, and Watson will be suspended for the first four games.
Stephen Anderson, Ryan Izzo and Andrew Beck add some depth to the position, but none of them have much NFL experience. LaCosse has played three seasons in the league and most recently tallied up 24 receptions, 250 yards and a touchdown for the Denver Broncos.
Anderson was impressed with LaCosse throughout the minicamp and discussed this with reporters after Thursday’s session.
“He’s a big guy but he can move really well. That’s one of the things I was surprised with when I saw him,” Anderson said. “He’s a jack of all trades. He can block. He can go out there and catch — go up and get it. I think he will be a great piece.”
4. Sony Michel didn’t practice because of knee injuries
One big concern for Sony Michel coming out of college was his health, and it affected him in the offseason last year. Fortunately, he had enough talent to pick up in the beginning of the season, and have one of the best years that a rookie running back has had for the Patriots.
In his absence throughout the minicamp, Damien Harris was able to pick up some very important reps and integrate himself into the offense. New England has a loaded backfield heading into this season, and the third-round draft pick Harris should play some key minutes in 2019.
Harris told reporters after minicamp was over on Thursday that he wants to become a better pass-catcher, and be the best asset as possible for the team.
“You can work on anything at this point,” Harris said. “That’s our objective — to get better at all phases of game. I know that’s my objective, to be the best player I can be. Whether that’s in the run game or the pass game, special teams, whatever I’m asked to do I want to come out here and do it at a high level.”
5. Jamie Collins could revive his career in New England
The Patriots made a very unexpected move this offseason when they brought Jamie Collins back into the mix. They traded him in the middle of the 2016 season to the Cleveland Browns, and it seemed as if that bridge was burnt. But, Bill Belichick made the move to bring him back this offseason, and it’s proving to be beneficial.
New England signed Collins to a one-year deal that could be worth up to $5 million — but it only had $250,000 in guaranteed money. That being said, he has proved himself so far in this his little time on the field this offseason. With Kyle Van Noy out of service, Collins has stepped up and became a key linebacker in minicamp.
Collins is a long and athletic linebacker that is excellent in coverage. He will be alongside Van Noy, Dont’a Hightower and Ja’Whaun Bentley — who were excellent for New England last season. The Patriots are loaded at linebacker right now, and Collins is the perfect addition to cover pass-catching running backs and slot receivers.
