4 Patriots to watch during training camp
Here are some names to keep on your radar.
COMMENTARY
The Patriots opened training camp Thursday with several new and familiar faces.
A look at some to watch . . .
Julian Edelman, wide receiver
Julian Edelman’s training camp will be a little different compared to years past.
Though he is permitted to participate in camp, Edelman will be suspended four regular-season games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy. His appeal of the punishment was denied by the league.
Edelman missed the entirety of last season due to a torn ACL he suffered during a preseason game against the Detroit Lions. He was a full participant in OTAs and minicamp and is also expected to be present for all preseason practices and games. Once his suspension begins during Week 1, however, Edelman will not be allowed to attend regular-season practices or contact any Patriots personnel. He “will be eligible to return to the Patriots’ active roster on Monday, Oct. 1,” per the league.
Coach Bill Belichick said Wednesday the team has already moved on.
“We’re all disappointed, but it is what it is,” Belichick said. “He’s moved on, we’ve moved on, and we’ll just take what we have now and do the best we can with it.”
Belichick said Edelman’s “good attitude” and “good work ethic” will help him make the most of the opportunity, despite not being able to compete until Oct. 4. Edelman looked spry Thursday and did not wear a knee brace.
Without Edelman (and Danny Amendola), Patriots draft pick Braxton Berrios has an opportunity to step up as a slot receiver. Other players looking to step up — both during and after Edelman’s absence — include Phillip Dorsett, Jordan Matthews, and Kenny Britt. Edelman was frequently spotted with Dorsett Thursday.
Jason McCourty, cornerback
After Jason McCourty did not log any reps with the team during mandatory minicamp in June, there was some buzz surrounding his status on the team. Why wasn’t he seeing more action? Though McCourty was an active participant during drills, he was sidelined during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 play — for an unknown reason.
The Patriots traded for McCourty, twin brother of Devin McCourty, in March, and it would be rather cruel of even Belichick to acquire the twin of one of the team’s captains only to have him not make New England’s final 53-man roster.
McCourty recorded three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 54 tackles on the winless Cleveland Browns last season. While at training camp Friday, he broke up two passes — one intended for Chris Hogan and the other for Cordarrelle Patterson.
Given the departure of Malcolm Butler, McCourty should be a virtual lock to secure a spot on the team. He and Eric Rowe will be competing for the starting job across from Stephon Gilmore. Other cornerbacks on the depth chart include Cyrus Jones and Jonathan Jones (not related). Both players are starting training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Malcolm Mitchell, wide receiver
Wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell is looking to bounce back after missing the entirety of the 2017 season due to a knee injury. His health ahead of the 2018 season is still uncertain, as he did not participate in OTAs or mandatory minicamp. The Providence Journal‘s Mark Daniels recently reported that Mitchell underwent a procedure on his knee and is not expected to be on the field to start training camp.
But Mitchell was present Friday, the second day of camp, dressed in pads like the rest of teammates. Mitchell’s presence is a bit perplexing, given the questions surrounding his health — he was the lone player absent Thursday — along with the latest trade report. The Patriots are shopping the 25-year-old receiver, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Belichick did not comment on the report.
“Yeah, I’m not really going to engage in media speculation, unless you have some professional comment on that, which I haven’t seen any,” he said Wednesday. “I certainly haven’t talked to any media person about Malcolm Mitchell, so you’d have to talk to whoever that is.”
The upcoming season has the potential to be a bounce-back year for Mitchell, who proved his rookie season he’s capable of contributing. Mitchell recorded 32 receptions for 401 yards and four touchdowns in 2016. He also recorded six catches (on seven targets) for 70 yards in Super Bowl LI.
Sony Michel, running back
Running back Sony Michel, one of two first-round picks for the Patriots, is expected to (literally) hit the ground running. Of the nine players in New England’s 2018 draft class, Michel is a leading candidate to contribute immediately.
“He’s coming along,” Belichick said Thursday. “He’s got a long way to go, but it’s only been one day of training camp. We haven’t had on pads yet, but we’ll see.”
Michel played four seasons at Georgia, where he recorded 3,638 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns, along with 621 yards and six touchdowns as a receiver. He averaged an impressive 7.9 yards per carry his senior season.
Fellow running back James White said Thursday he tries to do whatever he can to help the young players. For Michel, he recommended the 23-year-old “learn as much as [he] can” while also having fun.
“Play fast, have fun,” White said. “That’s the most important thing, just having fun out there. We play football because it’s fun. It can be stressful at times but sometimes you just got to remember why you’re out here, remember your why and then just be the best player you can be.”
Other names on the running back depth chart, in addition to Michel and White, include Rex Burkhead, Mike Gillislee, and Jeremy Hill. Michel, notably, was already taking snaps with the starters at training camp Friday.
