- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,135,618
- Reaction score
- 59
FOXBOROUGH, Mass — A.J. Brown has arrived.
The New England Patriots took the field on Tuesday with the sun beaming down on the practice fields at Gillette Stadium, and all eyes were on the team's new receiver. With a smile on his face, Brown arrived and immediately took part in practice.
Here are the takeaways from Tuesday's OTAs:
Before practice, head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that A.J. Brown had passed his physical and would take part in practice. And the wide receiver came ready to go, immediately getting into each of the drills.
Specifically, during the team period, Brown was on the first for four snaps, finishing with one catch on one target from Drake Maye.
Morgan Moses started the day as the team's right tackle with the top group, but ultimately left practice early and did not return. With him sidelined, it was 2026 first-round pick Caleb Lomu who slotted in, as well as 2025 seventh-round pick Marcus Bryant.
Another notable move on the offensive line was Ben Brown serving as the top left guard with Alijah Vera-Tucker not taking part in team drills. Because he was at guard, Andrew Rupcich slotted in as the backup center behind Jared Wilson.
The news of Julian Hill's injury, which has officially sidelined him for the entire 2026 season, slipped under the radar on Monday due to the A.J. Brown news, but it became quite apparent at practice. The Patriots signed Hill this offseason, adding another veteran tight end to the room with Hunter Henry after letting Austin Hooper explore other options in free agency. However, without him, they need someone to step up into that No. 2 role.
The likely choice based on the current roster would be third-round pick Eli Raridon. However, he had some struggles during the team period early on, recording a drop on a pass from Tommy DeVito. He then bobbled another pass, but was ultimately able to bring that one in for the catch. Raridon finished with two catches on three targets. Tight end C.J. Dippre also recorded a drop.
Drake Maye: 17-for-22
Tommy DeVito: 9-for-15
A solid day for Maye, who at one point had 14 straight completions.
Taylor had an impressive rise during his first season with the Patriots, signing with the practice squad before earning a game-day elevation. From there, he became a staple on the weekly roster, playing on the defensive line as well as special teams. He even cemented himself as a playoff hero, tipping the ball on a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter that would have tied the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos.
And it seems he's right back at it. During the team portion of practice, Taylor batted down two passes, both of which were thrown by Tommy DeVito.
Missing: CB Christian Gonzalez, LB Harold Landry, CB Carlton Davis, WR Kayshon Boutte, CB Marcus Jones, LB KJ Britt, LB Bradyn Swinson, EDGE Gabe Jacas, and WR Kyle Dixon
Did Not Participate: CB Charles Woods
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 7 takeaways from OTAs: A.J. Brown's first practice with Patriots
Continue reading...
The New England Patriots took the field on Tuesday with the sun beaming down on the practice fields at Gillette Stadium, and all eyes were on the team's new receiver. With a smile on his face, Brown arrived and immediately took part in practice.
Here are the takeaways from Tuesday's OTAs:
1. How did AJ Brown do?
Before practice, head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that A.J. Brown had passed his physical and would take part in practice. And the wide receiver came ready to go, immediately getting into each of the drills.
Specifically, during the team period, Brown was on the first for four snaps, finishing with one catch on one target from Drake Maye.
2. Morgan Moses leaves practice early
Morgan Moses started the day as the team's right tackle with the top group, but ultimately left practice early and did not return. With him sidelined, it was 2026 first-round pick Caleb Lomu who slotted in, as well as 2025 seventh-round pick Marcus Bryant.
Another notable move on the offensive line was Ben Brown serving as the top left guard with Alijah Vera-Tucker not taking part in team drills. Because he was at guard, Andrew Rupcich slotted in as the backup center behind Jared Wilson.
3. A rough(ish) showing from the backup tight ends
The news of Julian Hill's injury, which has officially sidelined him for the entire 2026 season, slipped under the radar on Monday due to the A.J. Brown news, but it became quite apparent at practice. The Patriots signed Hill this offseason, adding another veteran tight end to the room with Hunter Henry after letting Austin Hooper explore other options in free agency. However, without him, they need someone to step up into that No. 2 role.
The likely choice based on the current roster would be third-round pick Eli Raridon. However, he had some struggles during the team period early on, recording a drop on a pass from Tommy DeVito. He then bobbled another pass, but was ultimately able to bring that one in for the catch. Raridon finished with two catches on three targets. Tight end C.J. Dippre also recorded a drop.
4. QB stats
Drake Maye: 17-for-22
Tommy DeVito: 9-for-15
A solid day for Maye, who at one point had 14 straight completions.
5. Leonard Taylor picks up where he left off
Taylor had an impressive rise during his first season with the Patriots, signing with the practice squad before earning a game-day elevation. From there, he became a staple on the weekly roster, playing on the defensive line as well as special teams. He even cemented himself as a playoff hero, tipping the ball on a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter that would have tied the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos.
And it seems he's right back at it. During the team portion of practice, Taylor batted down two passes, both of which were thrown by Tommy DeVito.
6. Attendance
Missing: CB Christian Gonzalez, LB Harold Landry, CB Carlton Davis, WR Kayshon Boutte, CB Marcus Jones, LB KJ Britt, LB Bradyn Swinson, EDGE Gabe Jacas, and WR Kyle Dixon
Did Not Participate: CB Charles Woods
7. Mike Vrabel announces important upcoming dates
- Mandatory Minicamp: June 9, 10, and 11
- Joint Practice Against The Colts: Aug. 11
- Joint Practice Against The Eagles: Aug. 19 and 20
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 7 takeaways from OTAs: A.J. Brown's first practice with Patriots
Continue reading...
