Facing the pivotal portion of training camp with the New England Patriots, on the eve of two joint practices vs. the Philadelphia Eagles, it is time to check in on the offseason free agent pickups and how their summers are going.
So let’s take a look.
Romeo Doubs
The receiver got off to a slow start but picked it up over the last week, including the joint practice with the Colts a week ago.
“I think I’m progressing the right way,” said Doubs at camp earlier in the week.
He’s a huge piece to the offensive puzzle and should be a major answer on third down for Drake Maye.
Alijah Vera-Tucker
The best news about Vera-Tucker is that through three-plus weeks of camp, there is no news. He’s been healthy and working hard as the starting left guard on the team. Other interior linemen have fallen with injuries. The Patriots have to keep Vera-Tucker healthy.
Dre’Mont Jones
Jones has been a little too quiet on the edge so far. There is a ton of opportunity with Harold Landry on the shelf and the rookie Gabe Jacas getting a late start with knee and contract issues.
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Jones is a guy to watch over the remainder of camp and beyond. Can he live up to what K’Lavon Chaisson accomplished a year ago? More noise from him would be quite welcome at Gillette Stadium.
Julian Hill
Saddest story on the roster. The tight end got hurt in mini-camp and is on injured reserve.
Reggie Gilliam
Especially with Hill out, the Patriots might be looking at more use of the fullback. Gilliams has shown a penchant in camp for collisions. The team is counting on him to be a lead blocker, especially for TreVeyon Henderson.
Kevin Byard
The good news is that Byard has stepped right into the defense and offers savvy and guile that few in any Patriots defenders have. The bad news is that at age 33 he might have lost a step. He’ll be a key starter to watch.
No surprises just yet
Out of the rest of the lesser free agent pickups, it was linebacker K.J. Britt, who flashed a bit in the Colts game.
James Hudson will be in a rugged battle for one of the reserve offensive line spots.
Defensive backs Kindle Vildor and Mike Brown are certainly propped on the bubble as far as the 53-man roster shakes out.
