Tweets of Note: 2019 Patriots Mini-camp Practice #1

The Patriots opened mandatory minicamp on Tuesday and yes, that means that Tom Brady was in fact in attendance. As aa credential-less blogger, I’m relegated to living vicariously through those who were there to watch it go down.

Here are the tweets that stood out and my thoughts on them.

Tom Brady pic.twitter.com/M9gYatomG8
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) June 4, 2019

Oh yes, another season with the GOAT, how lucky we are.

Highlights from practice:

WR Braxton Berrios, fully outstretched, hauling in a long bomb down right sideline from Brian Hoyer in 7-on-7 work. Spiked ball in excitement as he got up

Joe Thuney still at LT in team drills. But Isaiah Wynn (Achilles) on field for individual drills.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 4, 2019

Obviously, finding a slot-receiving successor to Edelman who can make tough catches in the middle of the field is a huge priority and Berrios didn’t get much of a chance last season. Making competitive catches is a huge part in his development and we’ll have to see how well he can get off press coverage in training camp. In a perfect world Berrios rises to the 4th WR spot and helps prolong Edelman.

Thuney once again being at left tackle is a clear sign of the uncertainty at left tackle for the second season in a row. The days of Matt Light and Nate Solder are gone. I’m really not quite sure who the opening day starter is, less so than last year when it quickly became apparent Trent Brown would be the guy. If Wynn’s at least on the field though, it’s a good sign he might be ok by August. His PUP status will be a big thing to watch.

The Patriots have informed veteran TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins that they are releasing him, per league source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 4, 2019

I wasn’t counting on ASJ to assimilate and now, for the second time this spring, a significant free agent acquisition at a critical area of need has not worked out. Seferian-Jenkins joins Jared Veldheer as potential starters now out of football.

What do the Patriots look like at tight end in September is an even bigger question mark than at left tackle.

I’m already enjoying Chase Winovich. The guy gives max effort every play. It’s like watching Rudy except he’s not tiny
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) June 4, 2019

One spot where the Pats needed a boost and got one this offseason was along the edge, replacing Trey Flowers. Between Michael Bennett, John Simon (re-signed), Derek Rivers (two years post-ACL) and now Winovich, they have some interesting pieces to play with. None can do what Flowers did (at least not yet) but together they should be enough to make up his production both against the run and the pass.

WR Maurice Harris was active all afternoon. Nice skill set. Brings great size (6-3) to the slot, high points the ball on throws down the field. He won a few contested catches today.
— Kevin Duffy (@KevinRDuffy) June 4, 2019

Harris is another one of my don’t-sleep-on guys (along with Ryan Izzo). Like all the receivers the Patriots seem to have brought in this offseason, he’s got really good size and enough experience in the NFL to see him hitting his prime with the Patriots. With K’Neal Harry seeming almost assured of taking one starting receiver spot, there still another role up for grabs alongside the first-rounder and Edelman.