We’re almost a full week into Patriots’ training camp, and along the way, we’ve learned a few things. Here are our top 11 takeaways to this point on the calendar:
1. Trent Brown can play.
The massive left tackle, who is one of the biggest players in recent franchise history, has a really unique skill set. His size is such that it takes a while for guys to simply get around him. (It’s a matter of real estate.) But he also has the fluidity and footwork and technique of someone who might be smaller. Basically, he has the rare combination of size and agility that make him a formidable presence along the line. “He can run, he can bend, he can change directions, he’s long, and he’s strong and he plays with good knee bend,” Bill Belichick said Monday night. “As big as he is, he doesn’t play necessarily 'high.' He can bend and get leverage on guys that aren’t as long as he is.” Unless something unforeseen happens, you should pencil him in as the starter at left tackle this season.
Wynn's positional versatility could come into play this season. (Adam Richins/Boston Sports Journal)
2. Brown’s presence — and that of Isaiah Wynn — could create an interesting situation for the Patriots’ offensive line.
Joe Thuney
Shaq Mason
Logan Mankins
3. Nothing really stands out so far when it comes to the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick relationship.
Josh McDaniels
Omar Ruiz
4. If the season started this week, the following defensive core of about 13-15 guys would comprise the base defense.
DL: Trey Flowers
Danny Shelton
Lawrence Guy
Adrian Clayborn
LB:
Dont’a Hightower
Kyle Van Noy
Elandon Roberts
In the secondary, if they wanted to go three safeties and two corners, it would look like this:
S:
Devin McCourty
Patrick Chung
Duron Harmon
CB:
Stephon Gilmore
Eric Rowe
If they wanted to go two safeties and three corners, it would look like this:
S:
CB:
Rowe
Duke Dawson
Adam Butler
Deatrich Wise
Malcom Brown
Jonathan Jones
It's been a good start to camp for Stephon Gilmore. (Adam Richins/Boston Sports Journal)
5. Stephon Gilmore is ready.
really
6. When it comes to the No. 2 cornerback spot, Eric Rowe is ahead of Jason McCourty.
Jason McCourty
Jonathan Jones
J.C. Jackson
Keion Crossen
7. They have some intriguing plans for Cordarrelle Patterson.
Phillip Dorsett has seen some time in the slot this summer. (Adam Richins/Boston Sports Journal)
8. When it comes to how they’ll replace Julian Edelman for the first four games, it’ll remain a collective. But there are some guys who have distinguished themselves as possibilities for more work.
James White
Rex Burkhead
Phillip Dorsett
Jacob Hollister
Jordan Matthews
9. Danny Shelton is ahead of Malcom Brown.
Vincent Valentine
Ryan Allen has been challenged in camp by rookie Corey Bojorquez. (Adam Richins/Boston Sports Journal)
10. The punting battle is a dead heat.
Corey Bojorquez
Ryan Allen
11. They still feel a little thin in a few areas.
NaVorro Bowman
Eric Decker
Jeremy Maclin
UPDATE, 4:31 P.M. -- The Patriots have reportedly worked out Decker, according to our pal Field Yates.
Rob Ninkovich
