Patriots minicamp: Receivers start to separate themselves

FOXBORO – During Day 2 of Patriots minicamp, a couple of patterns started to emerge.

The real competition heats up in training camp, but at this point, we get an idea of how the Patriots view certain positions. That’s why when you see a rookie taking starter reps you take note. With positions like wide receiver and tight end, a handful of players seem to have the edge over their teammates.

At receiver, the likes of Julian Edelman, Phillip Dorsett, N’Keal [...]

FOXBORO – During Day 2 of Patriots minicamp, a couple of patterns started to emerge.

The real competition heats up in training camp, but at this point, we get an idea of how the Patriots view certain positions. That’s why when you see a rookie taking starter reps you take note. With positions like wide receiver and tight end, a handful of players seem to have the edge over their teammates.

At receiver, the likes of Julian Edelman, Phillip Dorsett, N’Keal Harry and Maurice Harris seem to be favorites of Tom Brady. Those four seem to be ahead of players like Dontrelle Inman, Braxton Berrios, Damoun Patterson, Ryan Davis, Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski.

On Wednesday, Harris and Dorsett led the Patriots with three catches each from Brady in 11-on-11s. Harris had one of his best days of practice in front of the media and was one of Brady’s favorite targets of the day. 

At tight end, the three main options for Brady have been Ben Watson, Matt LaCosse and Stephen Anderson. With Watson suspended for four games, it seems like LaCosse could begin the 2019 season as Rob Gronkowski’s replacement.

Brady had another solid day on Wednesday. The quarterback finished 13/19 overall. He finished 10/16 in 11-on-11s and 3/3 in 7-on-7s. Brian Hoyer once again took the second reps, finishing 9/13 in 11-on-11s and 3/3 in 7-on-7s. Jarrett Stidham has clearly emerged as the No. 3 option over Danny Etling. The fourth-round pick went 4/5 in full-team drills.

Meanwhile Joe Thuney continues to play left tackle with Isaiah Wynn limited. That has moved Ted Karras in with the starters at left guard.

On defense, the Patriots look loaded at linebacker. Jamie Collins continues to see reps alongside Dont’a Hightower. Ja’Whaun Bentley looks to have moved above Elandon Roberts at middle linebacker. Kyle Van Noy returned as a full participant on Wednesday and played with the starting defense.

There also seems to be a solid battle brewing at defensive tackle. Lawrence Guy and Mike Pennel are the projected starters. On Wednesday, it was noteworthy that rookie Byron Cowart and David Parry rotated in behind the two veterans. Adam Butler also figures to factor in this summer.

In the secondary, Stephon Gilmore continues to play at a high level. On Day 2, he led the Pats with two deflections and locked down rookie N’Keal Harry, who didn’t have a catch in full-team or 7-on-7 drills. Also deflecting passes was Jamie Collins, Jonathan Jones, Malik Grant, Duron Harmon and Terrence Brooks.

Absent at minicamp on Wednesday was Patrick Chung, Sony Michel, Nate Ebner, Yodny Cajuste, Nick Brossette, Demaryius Thomas and Deatrich Wise.