FOXBORO, Mass. – If the New England Patriots’ first overhaul is any indication, then the team has yet to decide on its starting quarterback.
Through several periods of practice on Monday, each quarterback took the first rep in a particular drill. Overall, Jarrett Stidham went 5-of-5 in competitive sessions, while Cam Newton went 5-of-6, and Brian Hoyer went 3-of-6. All three quarterbacks also went through the high-speed 11-on-11 drills to end the practice.
Stidham and Newton both looked solid in their first display for non-internal media, although the sample size was small. Newton’s throwing movement may take some getting used to because he does not really use his legs. However, he threw strikes, and his best work would perhaps come more in a live setting later in camp than the Patriots investigate.
Here are the rest of Monday’s practice notes:
– Rookie wide receiver Jeff Thomas, rookie off linebacker Anfernee Jennings and defensive tackle Beau Allen were absent from practice. Running backs Sony Michel and Lamar Miller, who are both at the PUP, were also not detected.
– Undrafted rookie wide receiver Will Hastings was restricted in practice after being the second player to take the practice field. Rookie kicker Justin Rohrwasser was the first player on the field.
Stirrer was 3-out-5 on competitive traps. He missed his first field goal wide left and his third attempt wide right.
Offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor, running back Damien Harris and tight end Devin Asiasi were heavily involved and got a significant number of snaps on offense. Harris, Rex Burkhead and rookie JJ Taylor all worked hard without Michel and Miller.
– Not surprisingly, wide receivers Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu and N’Keal Harry also got a lot of work.
– Both Asiasi and fellow rookie Dalton Keene seem to have the chance to take the giant to the tight end position without much competition.
– Pick fourth round of 2019 Hjalte Froholdt was able to finish with taking a top-back spot on the interior offensive line.
– Taylor had a difficult time in practice, throwing a ball on a route and throwing a point.
– Both of the Patriots’ second-round picks, Kyle Dugger and Josh Uche, saw a lot of practice rehearsals on defense. The Patriots have been insufficient to fill security in, with Patrick Chung out, and at linebacker with Dont’a Hightower out and Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts leaving in free agency.
– Wide receivers Gunner Olszeswski and Devin Ross both showed some speed with wide receivers. Ross had some nice wedges in his routes. Olszewski consistently shows soft hands for a converted defensive back. Ross beat Pickjuju Williams of the second round of 2019 on a deep throw from Hoyer. Williams was in cover over a substitute from Hoyer to Harry on the next snap.
– New tight ends Alex Ellis and Paul Roberts were full participants in the practice. Ellis sports no. 88, while Roberts no. 82 dry.
– Undrafted rookie linebacker Scoota Harris made a pass breakup over Ross in 7-on-7s.
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