The Patriots are now in regular-season mode when it comes to media access at practice.
This means reporters are only permitted to see stretching and then a period or two of individual work. The chance to view entire sessions is over, which means a lot less to go on when discussing the team until Week 1.
Over the last two weeks, several players stood out and raised their stock, while there were others who went the other way.
Here are five players who went up over the last few weeks and five players who went down.
UP
Damien Harris
Harris has been one of the best players on the field this summer. The second-year back has made the most of his opportunities with Sony Michel and Lamar Miller starting off on PUP and proved he’s deserving of meaningful snaps come the regular season. He’s more like Rex Burkhead than Michel in terms of style of running and he also has shown the potential to catch passes out of the backfield.
Kyle Dugger
The No. 1 question with the Patriots’ first overall pick out of D-II Lenoir-Rhyne was how would he adapt to the speed of the NFL? It appears he will be just fine, as he’s been very impressive. Although he’s been limited in some sessions, when he’s been on the field he’s showcased his athleticism by lining up in multiple spots. Dugger said last week he’s working on being comfortable both in the normal safety spot and also in the box, similar to Patrick Chung. He seems in line for a bigger role than many expected in his first season.
Gunner Olszewski
Olszewski just looks more like a NFL receiver than he did a year ago, as it's clear he put a ton of time in this offseason working on both his body and his hands. He looks a little like Danny Amendola. He’s another player who has made the most of his opportunities as there have been some practices where he’s looked like the second-best wide receiver on the field behind Julian Edelman. At this point, he feels like almost a lock to make the team.
Josh Uche/Anfernee Jennings
Given the losses of Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, Elandon Roberts and Dont’a Hightower opting out, the Patriots are shorthanded at linebacker, which means these two rookies will be asked to contribute more than they otherwise would have. In the short sample size of training camp, the two showed they will be up to the task. It will be interesting to see how both players are utilized, as perhaps one, or both, sees time in the middle of the defense since there’s not much depth there.
Deatrich Wise
Wise may be one of the most surprising players of training camp as he looks great. The fourth-year pro has some into the season much bigger than in the past and seems primed to make a big impact on defense. He’s already made a number of plays during training camp when it comes to potential sacks. While he was on the bubble heading into camp, his spot seems secure at this point in time.
DOWN
Jarrett Stidham
Stidham has had a better last few days, but being limited with a reported hip injury for several sessions hurt his chances in challenging Cam Newton for the starting job. It would have been nice to see a real competition and it would have been good for the second-year player’s development.
Justin Rohrwasser
The Marshall product is not making Bill Belichick look good by selecting him in the fifth round as the first kicker taken overall. The rookie did not perform well in his kicking opportunities and it seems like Nick Folk, who was re-signed just a few weeks back, will likely win the job.
Tight end position
This is not one player in particular, but the tight end spot still feels like a weak position heading into the season. Rookies Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene have looked solid, but it’s hard to count on two rookies to dramatically change the position, which was the worst in the league a year ago. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see a tight end added from outside the organization before the start of the season.
Jakobi Meyers
The second-year wide receiver was limited for a number of practices and therefore really wasn’t able to show much and prove he’s deserving of a roster spot. He’s been back recently, but wearing a red, non-contact jersey. It feels like he needs to have a strong last few practices to have a chance at the 53-man roster.
Beau Allen
Allen figured to be a good replacement for Danny Shelton on the defensive line, but he wasn’t even seen until last Friday and the in-stadium practice. While he still could contribute, it feels like he has a lot to catch up on.
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