FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots officially have hit the ground running, wrapping their second training camp practice Thursday at Gillette Stadium.
Who saw their stock rise? Who saw it fall?
We kept our peepers peeled throughout practice, and a number of players stood out — both positively and negatively. Let’s take a look at the biggest risers and fallers of the day:
WR Tyquan Thornton
Thornton has a knack for turning people into believers before the pads come on, and while we’re holding off on making any declarative statements thus far, he looked pretty damn good Thursday.
Thornton caught passes from both Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett during competitive periods, seemingly finding a level of comfort with each. Will it continue when pads come on Monday? That’s the big question.
LB Joe Giles-Harris
Giles-Harris was surprisingly active on the defensive side of the ball, repping with Ja’Whaun Bentley, Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers and Matthew Judon during 11-on-11s. New England didn’t really take him off the field, allowing him to work with the second and third units, as well. It’s entirely possible he’s just a fill in while Sione Takitaki remains on PUP, but No. 44 is someone to keep an eye on down at camp.
CB Marcus Jones
Jones seems to have reclaimed his spot in slot, serving as the third cornerback alongside Christian Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones during team drills. He made a tremendous play early in the 11-on-11 period, knocking a pass away from Ja’Lynn Polk on the right sideline. The Patriots also used him on the offensive side of the ball during tackling drills, which could have just been a way to even things out, but we all know what he can do with the ball in his hands.
QB Bailey Zappe
Zappe didn’t receive a single competitive snap during teams drills, seemingly being passed over by Joe Milton III on the depth chart. The Patriots very well could turn things back over Zappe on Friday, but if the move to Milton continues through multiple practices it might be time to cross the former off your roster projections.
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
Does Smith-Schuster know he’s fighting for a roster spot? He missed two easy deep balls on air, before contributing next to nothing in the competitive period. Thornton, Kayshon Boutte and Jalen Reagor have all flashed through two practices. Smith-Schuster has not.
OT Vederian Lowe
Lowe was inserted into the starting offensive line grouping alongside Chuks Okorafor, Sidy Sow, David Andrews and Mike Onwenu. It didn’t go well.
Lowe gave up a pressure/throwaway on the first snap of the second 11-on-11 period, while also contributing to an ugly stretch where the offense allowed a sack, completed a quick pass, were forced to re-huddle/take timeout only to have a run stuff on the opposite end of it. Woof.
