FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots played some “real football” Monday, suiting up in full pads for the first time since opening training camp July 24.
Did anyone improve their stock with some added physicality? Who saw their roster standing take a hit?
We had our eyes peeled throughout practice, and a number of guys stood out — both positively and negatively. Let’s take a look at the biggest studs and duds of the day:
WR Javon Baker
Baker wasn’t perfect in his first few practices, but he has proven his “popcorn” comment from the night he was drafted to be true — making a pair of spectacular catches on back-to-back days.
He caught two passes, one from Jacoby Brissett and one from Drake Maye, during competitive team drills. He didn’t fumble this time, either.
QB Jacoby Brissett
Brissett was fairly consistent and even showed off some athleticism Monday. Brissett obviously made the throw on Baker’s highlight-reel catch, but also had impressive completions to Tyquan Thornton and Ja’Lynn Polk — the latter of which was made on the run after evading pressure.
DT Davon Godchaux
Is there any prettier sight for Godchaux than having Drew Rosenhaus actually show up to practice and talk to Jerod Mayo and Matt Groh? Yes, it was being able to be part of the conversation with Rosenhaus and Mayo after practice wrapped up.
Godchaux’s contract problems appear to be headed to a conclusion. Whether that means an extension or a trade, we don’t know. Godchaux likely enjoys knowing conversations are being had, though.
LB Matthew Judon
Let’s stick with the guys upset about their contracts.
Judon did not participate in practice Monday, showing up in street clothes and sitting off to the side before having a lengthy conversation with Mayo. How did that conversation go? Judon plopped down from the stack of pads he was sitting on, moseyed around for a few minutes, then departed practice altogether.
Not good.
OT Chukwuma Okorafor
Okorafor didn’t have the worst day, holding down the right side in what might have been the top offensive line grouping’s best overall showing. He did, however, have to take multiple laps for false start penalties, while kickstarting a short tussle with Joshua Uche.
Bill Belichick would place him here if he were writing this story, so we will, too.
TE Mitchell Wilcox
Wilcox has struggled with drops through the first week of camp, adding two more Monday. Maye has targeted him relatively often, but that won’t continue if he keeps letting the ball hit the ground. The Patriots need reliability for the rookie, not drops.
BONUS: LB Joshua Uche
Uche got tossed for his skirmish with Okorafor. You can’t have that on Day 1 of pads.
