You know it’s a good Friday when the OTA notebook is the second biggest piece of Patriots news to hit the wire.
Prior to taking the field this afternoon, it was reported that the Patriots will host wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on a free agency visit next week. The 31-year-old caught 64 passes for 717 yards and 3 touchdowns in a suspension-shortened season in 2022, and would provide a true No. 1 receiving option for Mac Jones and Bill O’Brien on offense.
listen live to weei 93.7
So how did New England’s wide receivers look with a potential addition to their room looming? What about the rest of the unit? Here are some key notes, observations, and takeaways from Friday’s practice:
Offense
- Wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton once again were not present at OTAs. Kendrick Bourne and DeVante Parker returned after missing Tuesday's session.
- Speaking of Parker, he must have heard the Hopkins noise. The WR was the player of the day on Friday. He ran a crisp dig route on the first play of 7-on-7 for a long gain, made a nice catch on a slant route contested by Christian Gonzalez, and snagged a pass during 11s from Mac Jones on a full-body extension. He was on a mission.
- Interior offensive lineman and fourth-round pick Jake Andrews saw some time at guard with the Patriots first team. They’ve been rotating several players in at the spot with Mike Onwenu absent.
Gresh and Fauria: What could draw DeAndre Hopkins to the Patriots?
- Mac Jones continues to be in command of New England’s offense. The third year quarterback, while not perfect on Friday, is showing a much clearer understanding of the offense with audibles, line changes, and putting players in the right spots.
- Hunter Henry beat safety Jabrill Peppers deep for a would-be TD during 7-on-7. A dime of a throw from Jones down the seam.
- Pierre Strong Jr. saw some increased reps at running back as Ty Montgomery saw more time at wide receiver.
Defense
- Safety Jalen Mills and cornerback Jonathan Jones were not at practice on Friday.
-After letting it be known Thursday evening on Twitter that “mouthing off” to Bill Belichick was not one the reason he was suspended last season, Jack Jones started at cornerback opposite Christian Gonzalez with Jon Jones absent.
- Rookie second-round pick Keion White was thrown into the mix on Friday with Josh Uche not at practice.
- The offense won Friday’s 7-on-7 period, but the defense was the clear winner of 11-on-11’s. During the period we saw a clean pass breakup by Mack Wilson, a Ja'Whaun Bentley pass breakup that led to a Kyle Dugger pick-six, and a would-be Marte Mapu pick-six on a bad throw from Bailey Zappe.
Special Teams
- To repeat myself, special teams is Joe Judge’s unit. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him listed as the units coordinator when the team announces positions later on this offseason.
- WR Ed Lee saw some reps at kick return. Jabrill Peppers was back there as well.
Who Said What?
We spoke with Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne, and Bailey Zappe after Friday’s session, who all sound ready to turn over a new leaf on offense in 2023.
"It's better so far," said Bourne on the addition of Bill O'Brien. "He knows what he's doing." Bourne also added that "last year was tough for all of us."
Hunter Henry, who is now learning his fourth offense in four years, said "you get used to it. This is when you iron things out." He added that he's excited to pair up with Mike Gesicki, who the team signed as a free agent in March, and had a glowing review of quarterback Mac Jones:
“Mac’s doing a great job," said Henry. "He’s consistent. Same guy day in and day out. I love going to compete with him.”
Jones' backup, Bailey Zappe, also spoke highly of his teammate, telling us that the two of them push each other and continue to make each other better both on and off the field. On the addition of Bill O'Brien? A simple answer from the second-year QB:
"It's been awesome."
Wrap-Up
Overall it was a slower, quick practice down here at Foxboro today as the team gets ready for mandatory minicamp next week.
They’ll hit the field next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday - with each session open to media. We’ll have you covered for all of it here at WEEI.com.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
Related
