The Patriots were in pads for the third straight day but even though the players were in shorts Mike Vrabel did not dial back the intensity much. That wasn't necessarily good news for an offensive line that is starting to show some signs of attrition.
The group that has opened most team periods consists of left tackle Will Campbell, left guard Cole Strange, center Garrett Bradbury, right guard Mike Onwenu and right tackle Morgan Moses. Each period usually includes Jared Wilson rotating at both guard spots and center as well as Trey Jacobs at right tackle.
During Tuesday's practice, Moses left the field before the team periods began, leaving Jacobs at right tackle. Also, Bradbury got banged up very late in practice and limped to the sideline where he saw a trainer. Backup tackle Yasir Durant also appeared to be dealing with an injury of sorts.
Neither Bradbury nor Durant was in the lineup Wednesday, and a little more than halfway through the practice guard Sidy Sow left the fields and went to the back training area. The absences led to some changes up front, and Wilson took advantage of his opportunity by sliding into Strange's spot at left guard.
The lack of depth at center caused Vrabel to use Ben Brown with the first group while Strange, who hasn't taken any reps this summer in the middle, worked there with the second unit. As a result, the Patriots signed former Boston College center Alec Lindstrom, who was on the field wearing No. 61. Lindstrom went undrafted in 2022 and played this spring for the Memphis Showboats of the UFL.
But even before the wear and tear began, there were signs that a youth movement could be coming. Rookies Campbell and Wilson have been staples each day. Campbell has taken every rep with Drake Maye at left tackle, and despite some rocky moments has shown the ability that made him the fourth overall pick. His prowess in the running game is apparent, and his work in pass protection has improved as camp had progressed. His power and ability to lock up defenders has been apparent.
Wilson's athleticism is hard to miss, and he also has excelled in the run game. He started only one season at center at Georgia and given the mental challenges that come with the position he may need some time before he's ready. But it's clear the Patriots like what he has to offer and he's pushing for a role at one of the three interior spots.
In addition to the rookies, Caedan Wallace has been more involved recently as well. Wallace missed most of his rookie season with a leg injury and has been seen exclusively at guard during camp. He saw some reps with the top group on Tuesday, and he could be making a run for a bigger role, which would further add to the youthful nature of the guys up front.
"I like guard a lot," Wallace said succinctly. "It's different and different is always fun for me. I like hitting people and they felt this put me in the best position to compete."
Wallace said he's been leaning on Bradbury and Strange for help with the transition, and also said Wilson has been a valuable voice as well.
"He's just really good," Wallace said of Wilson. "He's so athletic and for him to be at this stage as a rookie is really impressive."
It would not be a stretch to envision two rookie starters in the lineup given what we've seen through the first week.
Aside from the mixing and matching up front, here are one man's observations from Day 7 of training camp.
*Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) missed his second straight day while fellow corner Carlton Davis (undisclosed) sat out for the fifth time in the past six practices. Jahlani Tavai (calf, third) and rookie defensive tackle Joshua Farmer (second) also weren't seen. In addition to Bradbury and Durant, running back Trayveon Williams, wide receiver Dameer Blankumsee and Harold Landry also missed the workout. The PUP list remained unchanged with Mack Hollins and Vederian Lowe still not practicing.
Vrabel said before practice that various veterans would be monitored throughout camp and mentioned that Landry would not be practicing. "There's a plan. I think it's just making sure that [Davis] is ready to go," Vrabel said. "It's a long season, veteran player. There'll be guys that have different plans, like I said, whether that be Morgan [Moses] or maybe Harold [Landry III] today. Really just trying to put this thing all together and make sure that everybody that needs to get to work for evaluation purposes. Sometimes it is health related, but also, I feel like Harold won't be out there or Morgan may come out for individual or some players may come out for team. Try to just give everybody what they need for the season."
*Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla walked onto the fields with Vrabel just prior to the coach's press conference. Mazzulla has been an annual guest at camp over the past few seasons.
*Christian Barmore and Milton Williams worked with Vrabel off to the side while the rest of the defensive linemen went through individual position drills.
*DeMario Douglas made a nice leaping catch over Marcellas Dial in the back corner of the end zone during an early 2-on-2 drill.
*Defensive backs practiced punching the ball loose from would-be ball carriers, approaching a tackling dummy that had a strap holding the ball on its side. The defenders worked on breaking down before lining up their punches to knock the ball free.
*As was the case on Tuesday, the team periods featured plenty of success on both sides of the ball. Maye appeared to be sharper on Wednesday, however, particularly on a gorgeous deep ball to Kyle Williams on the sideline fade. Williams and first-year corner D.J. James ran stride for stride down the right sideline but Maye's pass dropped perfectly into the rookie's arms for the touchdown.
*Prior to that Alex Austin locked up Williams on an out-route on a third-and-long play that ended Maye's first series of reps. That play followed a false start, and Vrabel wasn't happy with the unit at that stage. It was one of four potential pre-snap penalties on the day, one of which appeared to be on the defense. There was one late rep that never took place as Vrabel blew the whistle and sent Maye's group to the sideline.
*Both kickers were razor sharp, connecting on each of their four attempts as they went back to alternating their field goals. While it's always tough to judge with certainty, all eight kicks seemed to split the uprights with authority.
*Vrabel wrapped up practice with some kickoff work. Second-year tight end Jaheim Bell was part of the first coverage unit, alternating with K'Lavon Chaisson. Special teams may be a path for Bell to earn a roster spot and potentially a game-day role. The returners during the drill included Lan Larison and Terrell Jennings, Isaiah Bolden and Jeremiah Webb and Jennings with Efton Chism.
*Bryce Baringer, D.J. James, Ja'Lynn Polk, Bradyn Swinson, Caeden Wallace, Christian Elliss, Milton Williams and Moses were among those who spoke with the media after practice.
*Things will get dialed back a bit on Thursday as the Patriots will conduct a walkthrough at 10 a.m. The practice will still be free to the public with gates set to open at 9:15 a.m.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
