The New England Patriots have a lot to do at minicamp in 2019. The coaching staff begins to install the system while getting to know their personnel. Minicamp is a non-contact environment, often referenced as “passing camp” because the running game gets neglected due to the lack of pads and hitting.
However, it’s also a teaching camp, with drills geared at a pace designed for learning. This is when players set their foundations for when they compete for jobs. Technically, they’re not in competition with one another — yet.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the most important Patriots. They will be the most influential people, along with the people who have a lot to learn but may still have a major role in 2019.
12. Jarrett Stidham, QB
The rookie quarterback and fourth-round draft choice will get a shot to win the backup job this offseason. But if he’s going to do that, he’ll have to pick up the offense quickly. It will be a steep learning curve.
11. Damien Harris, RB
At Alabama, he proved he can hammer the ball as a runner. At minicamp (a.k.a. “passing camp”), he’ll get the chance to prove he can also catch the ball (or not).
10. Jerod Mayo, LBs coach
His influence has already become clear among the Patriots linebackers. Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins were teammates with Mayo when he was still a player. That seems to have bolstered his standing in the locker room as Mayo enters his rookie season as the team’s inside linebackers coach.
9. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE
He missed some of OTAs with a family issue, per a source. He may have the highest upside among the entire tight end group. He probably also has the highest bust potential. What can he do with his one-year deal with the Patriots?
8. Matt LaCosse, TE
With Benjamin Watson out for the first four weeks due to suspension, LaCosse could be the highest-paid tight end on the roster. He’ll begin fighting for a share of Tom Brady’s targets on Tuesday.
7. N’Keal Harry, WR
The first-round draft choice was excellent during the one OTA session open to the media. However, he was working mostly with backups. It should be interesting to see how much work he can get with Tom Brady. Most importantly, what will he do with that work? He managed five receptions and four touchdowns with 10 targets during 11-on-11 red zone drills in the open OTA practice. Can he muster more of the same?
6. Sony Michel, RB
It’s unclear whether he’ll participate. He didn’t practice during the lone OTA practice open to the media so far. The reason for his absence is unknown. However, he clearly participated in a previous session, as shown by photos on the team’s website. If he does participate in “passing camp,” his ability to catch on will be worth monitoring.
He may have been solid in the running game, contributing with a few huge games in the playoffs. But there’s still a huge hole in his game as a pass-catcher. His running backs coach, Ivan Fears hinted last season that should chance in 2019. Michel can begin carving out a pass-catching role on Tuesday.
5. Michael Bennett, DE
He won’t be participating in OTAs, so this will be the coaching staff’s only chance to work with their starting defensive end before training camp. He’s likely to take on a huge role in 2018, as he’s skilled enough to play every position on the Patriots’ defensive line. His responsibilities could be profound, so his work will be enormously important for these three days.
4. Steve Belichick, safeties coach
We’ll get to Steve’s dad. But this 32-year-old is the longest tenured defensive assistant on staff. He will likely get increased responsibilities. That may show during minicamp.
3. Josh McDaniels, OC
He’s installing the Patriots offense while also working with a completely revamped group of pass-catchers. Brady’s favorite pass-catchers in Julian Edelman and James White will return. But the tight end group is undergoing major transition following the retirement of Rob Gronkowski. The receiver group also boasts newcomers in Harry, Dontrelle Inman, Demaryius Thomas and Maurice Harris, among others. What’s more, McDaniels may still be working with Thuney at left tackle, which another wrinkle to manage in his daily plans.
2. Tom Brady, QB
It’s obvious, right? He’s the starting quarterback – and one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. His presence is paramount, particularly because he will not be around for the team’s OTAs. These three days will be the only times he logs work with the newcomers at Gillette Stadium until training camp. Why is that so important? Brady is a hugely challenging man to please. And the Patriots’ system can be deeply complicated. Retired running back Shane Vereen may have explained it best.
It’s about feel. And if a pass-catcher isn’t feeling the offense, then Brady won’t be feeling the pass-catcher – and he’ll be gone.
1. Bill Belichick, coach
It seems Bill Belichick will take on a role as the team’s defensive coordinator and play-caller. Essentially, his roles will be expanded, with him likely taking more time to install the defense. Belichick will have a ton on his plate. He did something similar in 2010 and 2011, but the role he’s carved himself this year may still be unlike anything he’s done before. As he says, every year is different. 2019 is different from 2018. We’re not talking about 2010 or 2011 or 2001. We’re talking about 2019.
