Phillip Dorsett aims to lead young Patriots receivers group

FOXBORO – The first pass Tom Brady threw against the Patriots secondary didn’t go well.

As Braxton Berrios broke to the right corner of the end zone, cornerback Jonathan Jones jumped in front of the pass to complete a diving interception. It was the first day of training camp and this was a 2-on-2 drill, but that moment was a reminder of what Julian Edelman’s absence means to this Patriots team.

With Edelman out with a reported broken thumb, it’s [...]

FOXBORO – The first pass Tom Brady threw against the Patriots secondary didn’t go well.

As Braxton Berrios broke to the right corner of the end zone, cornerback Jonathan Jones jumped in front of the pass to complete a diving interception. It was the first day of training camp and this was a 2-on-2 drill, but that moment was a reminder of what Julian Edelman’s absence means to this Patriots team.

With Edelman out with a reported broken thumb, it’s possible the receiver doesn’t suit up this preseason. That means players like Berrios will earn more opportunities to catch on with Brady. It won’t be easy and that’s something Phillip Dorsett can attest to.

That’s one reason why the 26-year-old has taken the reins as the leader of the Patriots young receiver group. With Edelman out, Dorsett is one of a handful of receivers who hope to step up and stick out with Brady.

"We all know what we have to do. We all know at the end of the day we have to try and get better no matter who’s out here, no matter who’s up,” Dorsett said. “Jules is our leader. We know that. We told him we’re going to have to step up for him. He talked to me. He told me to lead the group while he’s gone. That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m just trying to go out there, pick each other, trying to get better every day. That’s all we can focus on right now."

The first day of training camp is always a continuation of minicamp. Pads aren’t on and there’s no contact, so you take the day with a grain of salt. That being said, it’s always noteworthy who’s playing with Brady on that starting Patriots offense.

During 11-on-11s, Brady targeted receivers Dorsett, Berrios, Maurice Harris and N’Keal Harry. He completed seven passes, but only two completions went to wide receivers (Harry for a touchdown and Dorsett). During 4-on-4 drills, he hit Harris and rookie Jakobi Meyers, who made a leaping touchdown grab.

The receiver group is and will continue to be in a work in progress. Aside from Edelman, roster locks seem to be Dorsett and Harry. There’s certainly opportunity for someone like Berrios, Harris, Meyers, Dontrelle Inman, Ryan Davis or Gunner Olszewski to stick on the roster as well. It’s a competitive environment, but Harris said his goal is to relax.

“I think you’ve just got to be relaxed every day,” Harris said. “Yes, it’s very serious but you also have to have fun. You’ve got to have that mindset. You know yourself better than anyone else so I think different things work for different guys.”

With Edelman out, Berrios was slotted into the lineup with Brady for the first time in his career. Last summer, before his injury, he only took reps on the second and third-team offense. Considering he plays the slot and returns punts, he might have the most to gain from Edelman’s absence.

“It’s not comfortable. There’s a sense of urgency,” Berrios said. “I have a long way to go. I didn’t get to participate too much last year in this and then obviously I was on IR.”

Berrios had his hands full with Jones, the Patriots starting slot cornerback. Jones knocked down the only pass that came Berrios’ way in full-team drills on Thursday. He knows he can’t let mistakes build up and every rep matters.

“Just work, honestly. Every little thing. Every detail I can. It’s Day 1,” Berrios said. “Things are going to happen, mistakes are going to happen. Learn from them and don’t make the same mistake twice.”

For Dorsett, this summer is a chance for him to take on a bigger role with the Patriots. After catching 12 passes for 194 yards with the Patriots in 2017, Dorsett finished with 32 receptions for 290 yards last year. He’s already stepping out off the field, helping the younger receivers, and hopes to take a bigger leap on it.

“I come up with the same mindset every day no matter what happens, no matter who’s out here,” Dorsett said. “At the end of the day, just try to lead the group. That’s what I’m trying to do, trying to evolve this year.”