8 takeaways from Patriots rookie minicamp
· Yahoo Sports
FOXBORO — The New England Patriots welcomed the rookies to Gillette Stadium this weekend for minicamp, giving them their first opportunity to show what they are capable of and impress the coaching staff.
Along with the players they signed, the Patriots also hosted 17 players for tryouts. New England also had four veteran players participating: WR Jeremiah Webb, OT Lorenz Metz, G Mehki Butler, and CB Brandon Crossley.
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Here are the key takeaways from Saturday's session:
1. Behren Morton could make a serious push for backup quarterback role
Behren Morton was the lone quarterback at Patriots minicamp on Saturday and had an impressive day, making the most of his extra opportunities. Morton went 11-of-11 passing during the 11-on-11 period, making some impressive throws in tight windows. While all the players are still learning the playbook, both on offense and defense, his composure and quickness in the pocket certainly stood out.
2. Edge Quintayvious Hutchins leaves early with apparent iInjury
For the first injury scare of the season, edge Quintayvious Hutchins left early from practice after suffering an injury during the 11-on-11 period. He went to the training shed, where he spent a lot of time, with head coach Mike Vrabel going over to visit with him. He eventually walked off the field with his helmet in his hand and did not return.
3. Edge Gabe Jacas and TE Eli Raridon did not participate
Patriots first-round pick Caleb Lomu was out there on Saturday, but the team was without their second and third-round picks as Gabe Jacas and Eli Raridon did not participate. Jacas was outside and in his jersey, but had no helmet and stood to the side watching practice.
First-round tackle Caleb Lomu, fifth-round cornerback Karon Prunty, sixth-round offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover, linebacker Namdi Obiazor, Morton, running back Jam Miller, and Hutchins all participated.
4. UDFA Kyle Dixon was the top receiver
The Patriots signed four undrafted free-agent wide receivers after the draft ended, while also hosting two tryout receivers. And among them, it was Kyle Dixon who stood out and proved to be Morton's top target, finishing the day with four catches during 11-on-11s.
5. Caleb Lomu took snaps at left tackle, Dametrious Crownover on the right
When the Patriots drafted Caleb Lomu, it seemed clear that his role would eventually be as the team's right tackle, taking over for Morgan Moses. And with Dametrious Crownover, he is coming in as a swing tackle. But during rookie minicamp, Lomu stayed on the left side, which is where he primarily played at Utah, while Crownover was on the right side.
6. Bryce Baringer could have competition this summer
Among the tryout players was punter Mitch McCarthy out of Indiana, who is certainly a top candidate to fill one of the Patriots' remaining two roster spots. Bryce Baringer struggled at times last season, so it would make sense that they bring in some additional competition this summer.
7. Jam Miller split carries with Myles Montgomery
While the Patriots drafted Jam Miller in the seventh round, they also signed undrafted free agent running back Myles Montgomery, and the two spent Saturday splitting carries during the 11-on-11 period. While TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson sit atop the depth chart, the competition for that third spot will certainly be interesting this summer, with both Miller and Montgomery in the mix.
8. Mike Vrabel's hands-on coaching
When it comes to Vrabel, he's not afraid to jump in during drills, which was very apparent on Saturday. The head coach was right in the middle of a lot of different drills with all the different position groups, which some of the rookies highlighted when speaking with reporters after practice.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 8 takeaways from Patriots rookie minicamp