The Patriots’ rookies just finished up their first minicamp practice inside the Dana Farber Field House, and we just got in. Here’s some things to chew on:
– First-round pick Brandon Meriweather showed signs of just what the team saw in him. His ability to stick his foot in the dirt (or in this case, FieldTurf) and change direction, and sink his hips into his breaks is very impressive. Corner-like even. The coaches had working primarily at safety, but moved him down to slot corner in some spots in the nickel. All that said, Meriweather dropped three balls in ball drills, and bobbled another.
– Sixth-round pick Justin Rogers worked out at outside linebacker, as he transitions from playing end in a 4-3 as a collegian, and was placed primarly on the left, usually the open side. Seventh-round pick Oscar Lua worked exclusively as an inside linebacker, while undrafted free agent Kyle Bissinger floated between inside and outside spots.
– At the beginning of the practice, sixth-round OT Corey Hilliard flashed good feet in agilities, but it was all downhill from there. He seemed to lack strength in bag drills, and couldn’t get underneath 6-foot-5 Clint Oldenburg to gain leverage. Hilliard failed to finish the workout, winding up on the sideline with his helmet off.
– Seventh-round C/G Mike Elgin showed a great understanding of leverage and good playing strength. He seems like he could be the technically sound type that doesn’t have some of the measureables. Oldenburg, too, did a good job getting low in drills.
– There were four players, two receivers, a linebacker and a running back there as non-roster invitees.
– Undrafted Larry Anam, a Boston College product, worked out primarly as a corner, opposite sixth-round pick Mike Richardson.
– Fourth-rounder Kareem Brown worked primarily as the 5-technique on the left side, with undrafted Zach West getting work on the nose.
– Undrafted LB Justin Warren spent the balance of the workout on an eliptical off to the side.
– Patriots legend John Hannah took in the practice from the sideline.
– Bill Belichick will take the podium momentarily.
