New England Patriots have shown good signs early in camp – ESPN Boston

Great recap to get you up to speed on what you might’ve missed in the first few days of Patriots camp. Here’s my big three takeaways:

1. One could envision thumper Brandon Spikes (6-foot-2, 255) in the middle, impressive rookie Dont’a Hightower (6-3, 270) on the strong side and captain Jerod Mayo (6-1, 250) making plays on the weak side. Hightower looks like the real deal. He plays with a mean streak and a physical edge, his physical makeup helping offset the bulk the Patriots are giving up on the front line to add more speed.

2. As Chad Ochocinco struggled with the offense last year, veteran Brandon Lloyd has been at the opposite end of the spectrum this year. He looks like he’s been playing with quarterback Tom Brady for a decade, the two hooking up on some long pass plays that have produced loud roars from the crowd. On Sunday, Brady found Lloyd deep over the middle for a 45-yard touchdown strike, with Gregory and McCourty the closest defensive backs in the area.

3. Ron Brace’s size inside has generated consistent push against any interior lineman he’s faced, and Jermaine Cunningham looks more explosive than he did last year, showcasing some pass-rushing moves (e.g. a spin on Marcus Cannon on Sunday) that have looked Mark Anderson-esque.