Training camp stock watch: Can first-round burner revive career with Pats?

Training camp stock watch: Can first-round burner revive career with Pats? originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston

FOXBORO – No, Bill Belichick. No, Tom Brady. No buzzing?

The level of excitement surrounding the first day of Patriots training camp, as the team ushers in a new era led by head coach Jerod Mayo, seemed muted at times.

Perhaps this had to do with the gray and rainy conditions during Wednesday’s training session. Perhaps it was because of the nearby helicopter, stationary and drowning out the noise around the field for an extended period. Or maybe there was just little — other than the arrival of No. 3 rookie Drake Maye — for fans to celebrate.

Whatever the reason, there was one play in particular on Wednesday that had the crowd roaring. And that’s where we’ll begin our stock watch from day one…

srefuel

Jalen Reagor, wide receiver

The veteran was cut by both the Vikings and Eagles after being a first-round pick in 2020. But since joining the Patriots on their practice squad last year, he’s generated something of a reputation as a playmaker. “That’s what he does,” safety Jabrill Peppers said after Wednesday’s session.

Reagor had a 98-yard kick return for a score in Week 17 last year. In the spring, he emerged as one of the team’s most productive receivers. And he carried that momentum from OTAs into training camp. He ran past cornerback Azizi Hearn and made a cool catch with one hand deep down the right sideline on a fade ball from Drake Maye. He could end up in the running as one of the highlights of camp and was easily the play of the day.

In fact, Reagor got another deep try from Bailey Zappe late in the session, solidifying his place here. Reagor’s place on the 53-man roster is not guaranteedbut he began his summer campaign for one of those coveted seats with a bang.

Jonathan Jones, cornerback

Who will play alongside Christian Gonzalez as a starter in Mayo’s defense this season? Jones reminded those in attendance Wednesday that he can hold his own anywhere in the secondary.

He broke up a Jacoby Brissett pass earlier in the day that resulted in a Kyle Dugger interception. He also broke up another Brissett bid on a 7-on-7 work intended for Ja’Lynn Polk.

After playing on the wing for most of the last two seasons, he could be the team’s best option against Gonzalez again in 2024.

Austin Hooper, tight end

Not a bad way to start your first training camp with a new team.

After signing with the Patriots in the offseason, Hooper had a quiet spring. But in 7-on-7 work on Wednesday, he took a shot from Brissett and followed up with what could have been the second-best play of training.

Hooper hung up and his body language suggested he had stepped out of line. Brissett faked in that direction and then watched as Hooper moved upfield. He finished his well-executed stitching pattern with a dive into a well-placed passage in traffic.

In Alex Van Pelt’s offense, tight ends could be featured, and Hooper has the opportunity this summer to establish himself as the team’s No. 2 behind Hunter Henry.

Low stock

Jacoby Brissett, quarterback

Is it a bit harsh to include someone in the “Stock Down” category after a training camp workout? Clear. Especially Brissett, who went 10-for-13 in practice and made the vast majority of plays asked of him.

But he had an interception early in practice that was nasty. Working a play-action concept, Brissett quickly found himself under pressure behind center. He struggled a bit to move away from the defense and hit a moving throw to veteran rookie KJ Osborn. The off-platform bid was placed behind the intended target, hit by Jonathan Jones and picked by Kyle Dugger.

The advantage for the Patriots playing Brissett early in the season, if that happens, would be that he would be a relatively reliable decision-maker. He may not “wow” with his arm talent, but he will put the ball in the right place at the right time. In general.

This still appears to be true. But that wasn’t what happened on Brissett’s second competitive throw.

Ja’Lynn Polk, wide receiver

Polk finished the spring as perhaps the team’s best receiver in minicamp, but had a quiet first day of camp.

Drake Maye threw a pass along the left sideline that deflected off Polk’s hands and fell incomplete. It’s hard to call it a drop because Polk had to attack and was tackled as the ball approached. But if he had pulled the ball in, the buzz on the field would have gone up a few notches because Reagor’s one-handed catch had occurred moments earlier.

Polk also had another catch attempt broken up by Jonathan Jones and missed a shot earlier in the session. He will have many more opportunities to elevate himself as camp practices progress. He was busy in his first camp practice, leading the team with five competitive targets, hitting two of them.

Caedan Wallace, offensive lineman

There are no full contact periods in the early stages of training camp. Pads will not be introduced until Monday. But it’s important to note that there was some movement along the offensive line when comparing personnel distribution between late spring and early summer.

It was veteran Calvin Anderson, not third-round rookie Wallace, who began the session playing right tackle in front of Brissett. Wallace primarily served as Maye’s right tackle, although there was one point in an 11-on-11 period when Wallace replaced Anderson with Brissett behind center.

While Wallace appeared to be the favorite coming out of minicamp to be the starting right tackle, that distinction may now have gone to Anderson based on the personnel released on Day 1. This will likely be one of the key positional battles of camp.