FOXBOROUGH -- Last month N'Keal Harry requested a trade from the Patriots through his agent, but based on his first week of training camp you wouldn't know he was unhappy and wanted out.
The third-year wide receiver has put together a solid first few practices and was arguably the best receiver on the field at Wednesday's session, which included a great catch over the middle from Cam Newton in 11-on-11 work.
The Patriots coaching staff seems pleased with what Harry is putting out.
“I know what was reported and all that stuff, but I just know N'Keal is a guy that I’ve grown to really admire and love,” wide receivers coach Mick Lombardi said Wednesday. “He's a player on our team and in our room, and I think really highly of N’Keal for how he comes in here and works.”
He added: “We are business first. He comes in here and works extremely hard, and I appreciate that. He’s very hard working. You know what? I’m going to come and coach him as hard as I can every day, and he’s going to come out here and work hard every day. That’s really all I can ask of him. That’s what he asks of me. He expects me to coach him hard. He’s going to work hard because I coach him hard, and we expect a lot out of him.”
Lombardi wasn't the only one, as wide receiver/kick return coach Troy Brown also had some positive things to say.
“N’Keal, he came into camp with a great attitude, ready to go, in shape,” Brown said. “And he’s out here just like the rest of the guys in the group. He’s fighting for a spot and he’s done everything so far that we’ve asked him to do.”
All this comes following Bill Belichick saying earlier this week the two had a "great conversation" following what happened with his agent last month.
It remains to be seen what kind of role Harry will have, or even make the team, but things seem off to a good start.