5 takeaways from Day 3 of 2025 Patriots training camp
Marcus Jones's contract, Carlton Davis's return, and Mike Vrabel's pop quizzes were among the top storylines during a laid-back Friday session.
FOXBOROUGH – No pads, no helmets, just vibes.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters up front before Friday’s practice that the day would be used mostly for walkthroughs.
It was a “lighter day”, in Vrabel’s words. Players were on the field wearing wide-brimmed hats to keep the Foxborough sun from beaming directly on their heads.
The pace was deliberately slower than it was the past two days. New England was focused on taking its time and working through the fundamentals.
The Patriots opted for a more relaxed atmosphere on Friday before things pick back up at practice on Saturday. Sunday will be a day off for the team.
Here are five takeaways from Friday’s practice.
Marcus Jones said he wants to return to Patriots after his contract is up
Cornerback and All-Pro punt returner Marcus Jones is in the final year of his rookie deal.
“I definitely want to be here,” Jones said. “But, at the end of the day, I’m worried about the season. I’m not really worried about the end of the season or anything like that.”
The 26-year-old Jones signed a 4-year, $5.1 million contract with the Patriots after being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was a first-team All-Pro selection as a punt returner as a rookie and remains a dangerous weapon in the kick return game.
He has also, at times, been used on offense. He said he is focusing on defense and special teams this season, but will be ready in case the coaches decide to throw him in a package or two.
Carlton Davis III returns to practice
Cornerback Carlton Davis was in attendance on Friday.
He had missed Thursday’s practice after beginning the camp on the non-football injury list.
Davis passed his physical, and Vrabel said the absence was part of the plan.
“Yeah, just kind of maintenance and continuing to kind of give him what he needs as part of the plan,” Vrabel said. “Again, that’s my job each and every day, is to figure out what everybody’s going to do and how they’re going to contribute each day to us winning.”
Davis, who started for Tampa Bay in Super Bowl LV (the one Tom Brady won with the Bucs), joined New England on a 3-year $60-million deal in the offseason.
Bradbury talks center competition
Garrett Bradbury has taken the bulk of the first-team reps at center in training camp so far, but rookie Jared Wilson is working his way into the mix.
Bradbury was asked for his thoughts on the competition against the rookie.
“What Vrabel loves most is competition,” Bradbury said. “That’s the best thing you can have as a football team. It’s going to make me better, it’s going to make him better, it’s going to make everyone better. I think, on the other hand, I don’t know if I’ve ever played on a line where all five guys played every single snap.”
“So, you need to build depth too. The more good football players you have, the more games you’re going to win. That’s what training camp is about. Everybody needs to earn a role.”
Vrabel explains his pop quizzes
Vrabel likes to keep his players on their toes with pop quizzes. He spoke about why he does them.
“Well, we want to make sure that everybody’s stimulated, that they stay engaged,” Vrabel said. “It’s called direct teaching and being able to spin it back the same way that we give you the information.
“Again, that takes time. I feel like it’s when a player does know, that they answer confidently, they answer clearly and it gives them confidence, but it also gives the players that they’re out there with confidence that they know what they’re doing.”
Saturday should be more intense
The Patriots will pick up the pace on Saturday, Vrabel said.
“I’m hopeful that we can get something out of this,” Vrabel said before Friday’s walkthrough. “Come back, really have some speed tomorrow and really have a good one tomorrow before our day off.”
Next week, the Patriots will practice Monday through Thursday and take a long weekend before gearing up for joint practice with the Commanders.
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