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The New England Patriots took to the practice field for their first organized team activities session in front of media members on Wednesday.
This was an opportunity to see newcomers on the team, including veterans and rookies. It was also a chance to get a first look at the players in a team setting. Granted, this was a non-padded practice. So it's important to take everything with a grain of salt.
We won't really know what the team looks like until the pads come on during training camp.
But there were some obvious takeaways from the practice that should pique the interest of Patriots fans. Here are five standouts from the team's first open OTAs practice:
Who will be the No. 3 running back behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson this season? That is one of the biggest questions that the Patriots will have to sort out in training camp. This isn't a situation where seventh-round rookie draft pick Jam Miller will simply walk onto the roster.
Lan Larison was working as the top option outside of the top two running backs at Wednesday's practice. The former undrafted free agent flashed during the spring and summer practices last year before going down with a season-ending injury. So far, it would seem as if he's picking right back up where he left off.
The lone interception of the competitive team periods came with rookie cornerback Karon Prunty picking off Drake Maye on a pass intended for wide receiver Kyle Williams. There is hope that the Patriots can fast-track Prunty's development to improve their depth behind Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III. The former Wake Forest standout defensive back is instinctive and plays with a chip that could lead to him making big plays early.
It really is a shame how people continue to overlook DeMario Douglas. He is an elite playmaker with the ball in his hands, and if left on an island, he can absolutely destroy man coverage. The fourth-year receiver led the team with four catches on five targets. Douglas working in an offense with Romeo Doubs and possibly even A.J. Brown could be a game-changer.
With both Gonzalez and Davis unavailable, Kindle Vildor saw more opportunities on the practice field. He had a couple of pass break-ups, including on a deep throw attempt to Doubs and another pass attempt to Douglas. The veteran journeyman is clearly making the most of his opportunities with the starters out.
One of the more notable observations was the fact that Andrew Rupcich took the competitive reps at left guard in place of Alijah Vera-Tucker. Rupcich, a former undrafted free agent, has come a long way as a former tackle who made the transition to guard. He will be a player to watch as a potential depth piece who could compete for a spot on the final roster.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 5 standouts from Patriots' first open OTAs practice
Continue reading...
This was an opportunity to see newcomers on the team, including veterans and rookies. It was also a chance to get a first look at the players in a team setting. Granted, this was a non-padded practice. So it's important to take everything with a grain of salt.
We won't really know what the team looks like until the pads come on during training camp.
But there were some obvious takeaways from the practice that should pique the interest of Patriots fans. Here are five standouts from the team's first open OTAs practice:
RB Lan Larison
Who will be the No. 3 running back behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson this season? That is one of the biggest questions that the Patriots will have to sort out in training camp. This isn't a situation where seventh-round rookie draft pick Jam Miller will simply walk onto the roster.
Lan Larison was working as the top option outside of the top two running backs at Wednesday's practice. The former undrafted free agent flashed during the spring and summer practices last year before going down with a season-ending injury. So far, it would seem as if he's picking right back up where he left off.
CB Karon Prunty
The lone interception of the competitive team periods came with rookie cornerback Karon Prunty picking off Drake Maye on a pass intended for wide receiver Kyle Williams. There is hope that the Patriots can fast-track Prunty's development to improve their depth behind Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III. The former Wake Forest standout defensive back is instinctive and plays with a chip that could lead to him making big plays early.
WR DeMario Douglas
It really is a shame how people continue to overlook DeMario Douglas. He is an elite playmaker with the ball in his hands, and if left on an island, he can absolutely destroy man coverage. The fourth-year receiver led the team with four catches on five targets. Douglas working in an offense with Romeo Doubs and possibly even A.J. Brown could be a game-changer.
CB Kindle Vildor
With both Gonzalez and Davis unavailable, Kindle Vildor saw more opportunities on the practice field. He had a couple of pass break-ups, including on a deep throw attempt to Doubs and another pass attempt to Douglas. The veteran journeyman is clearly making the most of his opportunities with the starters out.
G Andrew Rupcich
One of the more notable observations was the fact that Andrew Rupcich took the competitive reps at left guard in place of Alijah Vera-Tucker. Rupcich, a former undrafted free agent, has come a long way as a former tackle who made the transition to guard. He will be a player to watch as a potential depth piece who could compete for a spot on the final roster.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 5 standouts from Patriots' first open OTAs practice
Continue reading...
