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Pats 2019 Minicamp Wrap: In It To Wynn It

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The Patriots wrapped up their mandatory minicamp on Thursday and now we embark on the six-week football void until training camp opens up.

After winning the Super Bowl for the third time in five years, this Patriots team still has much of their core still intact, but time is not on their side. That puts a spotlight into the critical spots where they are facing turnover — tight end, left tackle and wide receiver.

What have we learned about those glaring holes and everything else 2019 Pats from minicamp? Let’s break it down.

K’Neal Harry Will Have An Impact

Harry had his ups and downs in minicamp, but his size and professional focus are as advertised. This is excellent news considering it’s one of the hardest positions for the Patriots to fill. These chances for Harry to work with Brady, including their off-field time together, are critical. Phillip Dorsett had a notable catch on Thursday but I continue to see him as a replacement-level receiver in the Patriots system. Harry will make an impact on the offense.

Tight End: Lacosse or Bust?

Brady was picking up his old Ben Watson synergy at camp with the rest of the tight end reports flying under the radar. The Pats invested some money in Lacosse making him the de facto starter, but I’m having a hard time seeing him be anything close to the blocker the offense got in Gronk and Dwayne Allen last season. Where’s the power run game that was such a critical piece last year? The September prognosis with Watson out remains cloudy and definitely a spot the Pats might have to move on over the next month.

Left Tackle: Wynn or Bust

Seeing Joe Thuney spend all minicamp at left tackle is far from reassuring, even if Isaiah Wynn had some positive reports on how he was moving. So okay, I’m in it to Wynn it. But that doesn’t address the who might be a third swing tackle and power run game contributor. No matter how popular it is to minimize the importance of the run game these days, I see it as a critical piece to protect Brady. After minicamp this is still a very hot spot to watch where Cole Croston or Yodney Cajuste (MIA all minicamp) could emerge for a critical third tackle role.

Jamie Collins Is Still Good at Football

I never really got why he left and it felt obvious to bring him back on a cheap deal, so to hear that Collins stepped right back in to making athletic plays on defense isn’t that hard to buy. At this point anything that can be done to keep all the Patriots linebackers healthy is a must. So Ja’whaun Bentley and Collins returning to join Hightower, Van Noy and Roberts is a big win for the defense.

When Collins left the buzz was that he was “freelancing,” aka the cardinal sin of not doing one’s job. There were also so practice moments here and there where it seemed like Collins was a bit on his own frequency. I guess stuff like that was what got him sent to Cleveland? Now he learned his lesson and sees how terrible it can be? I’m spitballing here, trying to put it all together. If Collins just comes back and looks like a superstar again I’ll be totally befuddled.

Duke Dawson’s Not Dead Yet

It’s hard finding a spot for second-year second-round-pick Duke Dawson on the roster with the cornerback position absolutely loaded, but he reminded everyone he was playing with the starters last offseason at points. There’s no question the Pats have a bunch of slot options in Dawson, Jonathan Jones and Jason McCourty, but Dawson has the pedigree to push both for a roster spot.

Derek Rivers Sighting

On defense, the Patriots did a good job making up for losses at defensive end and tackle. Mike Pennel might be an upgrade on Malcom Brown, while the combination of Michael Bennett, John Simon and (hopefully) Derek Rivers can offset Trey Flowers’ departure. Rivers getting a look with the starters shows he’s in the mix, and now that he’s fully healthy, he’s one of the key guys on defense.

Jerod Mayo’s Calling the Plays

Barely a few months removed from being on Quick Slants, Mayo was calling the defensive plays at minicamp. This is not insignificant and maybe my favorite news of camp outside of Harry being a beast. Brian Flores brought an aggressive attitude to the defense and it’s easy to see guys like Hightower and McCourty having no problem rallying around one of the smartest linebackers in Patriots history. For Mayo to step right into this role would be quite an impressive leap. We’re still a ways off but it might make the most sense given all options and Mayo’s experience receiving NFL playcalls.

“The same stuff [Mayo] carried when he was a player, he’s definitely still got it,” linebacker Dont’a Hightower said. “He’s a hell of a coach. Honestly, I wouldn’t expect anything less. He’s got so much knowledge and so much wisdom that he brings — not just as a football player. He’s definitely done it. He’s seen it. He’s played it. The reputation that he has, he’s an all-pro, so it’s great to have a linebacker coach who has been through so much and can relate to a lot.”

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