The New England Patriots took the field for the third day on Saturday morning. Here were my observations from day three. --
- Saturday was the first practice in full pads. The tempo, intensity and competition level all took a step up from the previous two days.
It's often really hard to evaluate offensive line, defensive line, or defensive players in general during training camp because the contact is not a realistic simulation of a game and for the most part players aren't hitting or tackling too much.
When the pads are on, however, you have a better chance to evaluate some of those players than when they are in shorts and t-shirts.
- Running back LeGarrette Blount passed his conditioning test and was taken off the Non-Football Injury list as he participated in full pads today. Also, 2014 first-round pick Dominic Easley was taken off of the Physically Unable to Perform list and also was in full pads. Both great signs.
- While Dont'a Hightower and Jerod Mayo have been on the field since the start of camp, they have not to this point participated in team drills. Hightower was wearing a red no contact jersey Saturday, but Mayo has been cleared for contact and was limited in the action. Still, a great sign for both this early in the year.
- Matthew Slater, Brandon LaFell, Derek Cox, Chris Jones, DJ Lynch, Chris White were not spotted.
- Right tackle Sebastian Vollmer participated in a walkthrough to start the day, but spent time during drills watching while Marcus Cannon took his place. Just speculation on my part, but Vollmer appears to be dinged up and not ready for full participation.
Rookies Shaq Mason and Tre Jackson got a lot more reps at guard Saturday, just like the first two days. Mason stood out with a few strong blocks, once pancaking second-year DL Zach Moore. Both are considered strong run blockers, but need more time to develop pass protection. These reps should help.
- Rob Gronkowski is always a man amongst boys, but new team-mate Scott Chandler has stood out a lot from the get go. Chandler shows smooth hands and good routes. I've noticed the team running a lot of crossing routes, perhaps to help give Jimmy Garoppolo a big target to find quickly.
Jake Bequette continues to try tight end as he transitions from defensive line. I'll say this for him, he doesn't look out of place. He had a strong day Saturday with some quality catches. He recently switched his jersey number from no.92 to no.85.
- Aaron Dobson had a great day of practice and his summer is off to a good start. He had two phenomenal catches, one where he laid out on the sideline after a dart from Tom Brady. It's not about talent with him, we know he has it, just about staying on the field and putting it together. With LaFell absent, Dobson's maximizing his opportunities.
- We saw our first real contact drill with the defensive line and offensive line going head-to-head while a running back tried to run up the middle. Chandler Jones was amped up throughout the session, he brings a lot of positive energy to the team.
The play of the day was Sealver Siliga de-cleating Tyler Gaffney. It was such a hard hit you could feel in 50 yards away. To give Gaffney credit, though, he popped back up and walked it off.
- During one drill the linebackers were practicing dropping into coverage, then moving laterally to try and intercept a football thrown by the coaches. Jamie Collins showed why he's one of the best athletes on the team, leaping to the right and making an incredible one-handed grab.
While the team has run a combination of alignments in the front seven to start camp, Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich spent a lot of time standing on the edge Saturday. Trey Flowers has been given some quality reps, as well. He brings an intriguing skill set to the table as a rookie.
- Tarell Brown wasn't quite ready for full participation in team drills, but has looked competitive when out there.
- Malcolm Butler had a second very good day of practice, a few nice pass break ups and showing a lot of confidence. He was beaten a few times, but still competitive.
- One name to keep an eye on: rookie safety Jordan Richards. He's flashed each of the first three days. He's been making defensive calls, showing good closing ability and also competitive on coverage. He had a great pass deflection defending Chandler down the seam Saturday.
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