FOXBORO, Mass. -- The New England Patriots offense has looked a bit different this summer compared to the group that underwhelmed during the 2023 season.
Sure, there's the obvious addition of veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett and rookie signal-caller Drake Maye, but there's also a number of other rookies entering the fold and veterans taking on new roles.
Patriots offensive assistants spoke to the media on the practice fields outside of Gillette Stadium on Thursday and offered some insight on the players they have watched closely throughout training camp. The coaches included offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, quarterbacks coach TC McCartney, wide receivers coach Tyler Hughes, offensive line coach Scott Peters and running backs coach Taylor Embree.
Here are 12 players who have stood out to them:
Drake Maye, QB
"He’s taking steps forward every single day," Van Pelt said. "That's the biggest thing, there's no regression. He's taking things from the previous practice and applying them to the next practice. He's been really impressive, the last few weeks especially."
McCartney added: "Drake's really sharp. He picks things up really fast. So, it's been a lot of fun to watch him and his confidence is growing, he's getting better and better. It's been really good."
Jacoby Brissett, QB
"I think Jacoby's a wealth of knowledge," McCartney said. "We have nine years of tape, we know what Jacoby is. We know what to expect from him. He's just fine-tuning his game. He's been getting better and better each year. He's a better player than he was when I had him in Cleveland. So, I'm excited about where he's at."
Mike Onwenu, OT
"I think Mike is a rare talent and has the capability to play both (guard and tackle)," Peters said. "It's very rare you find someone who can play both guard and tackle. ... There's a chance to move him (from guard to tackle), and he does get reps at both."
Tyquan Thornton, WR
"I think the big thing that I'm happy with with Tyquan is his route-intel," Hughes said. "We all know he's a fast guy, but his intermediate route-running, his short route-running, to go along with the speed is really positive. I think that's an important part of his game that he's trying to refine and develop and it's been positive during camp."
K.J. Osborn, WR
"KJ's really versatile," Hughes said. "He's really intelligent. He's one of our other guys who's been playing multiple positions throughout camp, and he has experience and good savvy from his time in Minnesota. He's a good leader. Everything that he brings to the table is a net-positive for us. There's toughness, there's ball skills, I could go on and on. He brings a lot to the table for us and we're happy he's here."
Javon Baker, WR
"I think the thing about Javon that we liked about him coming out, and we like him here, is when the ball is in the air, he'll go attack the ball," Hughes said. "He goes and snatches the ball, and that's what we want to see."
Ja'Lynn Polk, WR
"Ja'Lynn's done a nice job where we've been able to play him at multiple positions. We've just continued to throw that at him," Hughes said. "He's done a good job bouncing around and taking the opportunities as they come. So, again, I think his mental game has been good and he's worked on that. And as far as his route detail, fundamentals, he's a guy that has a really good process to the way he wants to do things."
Vederian Lowe, OT
"I think he has some tools and some talents and he's a true pro about it. So there's been progress for sure," Peters said.
Layden Robinson, OL
"He's come in and done a nice job so far," Peters said. "He's got a great work ethic, a great approach and he's got some great talent behind it. He's on his way up."
Caedan Wallace, OL
"He's doing a really good job for us for a rookie, but there's plenty of room to grow. I think it's just going to be experience," Peters said.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB
"I think the wide zone for him is going to be awesome," Embree said. "These wide zones will open up explosives for him. ... The way he runs he's going to be able to set blocks up, set guys up, find creases and I think that's when you get the explosives."
Antonio Gibson, RB
"He's a big back," Embree said. "I watched him because of the pass-game stuff he has on film really caught my eye. ... You see him on film when he was with Washington and he looked big, but then you see him in person and watch the way he runs, gets down hill and you realize he's a load to bring down."
