4 for 4: 4 days into Patriots camp, here are the 4 standouts/disappointments so far

Tonight's in-stadium practice for season-ticket holders and Foxborough residents followed by a likely day off on Tuesday represents the first breather in the camp schedule (so far my schedule prediction holds up).

This practice is usually a low-key affair. Don't expect much Tom Brady. You'll get a lot of Jarrett Stidham and special teams. Not many competitive drills (they were in shorts and shells last year). And they'll probably cap the night with the traditional fat-guy-catching-punts for a day off fun (if they really want to mix it up, they should throw the media out there).

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But before we get to that, let's start taking a little stock about where some individuals are at this time. Here are the four players who have stood out the most, and the four that have disappointed and need to pick it up, so far in camp.

FOUR STANDOUTS

WR Maurice Harris: Wasn't the biggest name the team could have brought in, but he certainly had shown the tools that would make him effective in this offense. Harris looking good in the offseason workouts and that's only continued into training camp. He is, by far, the team's best receiver at this point. It's not even close. Harris runs crisp routes, catches the ball softly with his hands and wins more 50-50 balls than not. That's what the Patriots are looking for.

Edge Derek Rivers: Perhaps no Patriots player had more riding on his training camp since the former third-round pick and he's delivered. He's 2-0-1 in 1-on-1s to this point while showing off a much better first step and overall quickness. Considering how crowded this position in, Rivers still needs to show more. He doesn't get many reps with the first team. When/if he does, then that will tell us a lot. Next step is being productive in the games, and not just late against scrubs.



LB Christian Sam: Last year's sixth-round pick was an enigma as a rookie until he was placed on injured reserve. It was hard to tell what his strengths were as he struggled to get into the scheme at this time last year. Sam used his redshirt season well as he appears to have put on a lot more muscle, and he hasn't lost any of his quickness. Thought to be strictly a run-and-hit linebacker, Sam has been at his best inside shooting gaps and blowing up short-yardage runs. To this point, he's a cheaper Elandon Roberts.

TE Matt LaCosse: Will need to see more of his blocking but to this point, he's shown he can be a poor man's Gronk. Does everything well, but nothing spectacular. Catches the ball cleanly, isn't afraid to catch passes in the seam or in traffic. Is more athletic than one would think. Patriots will need more of that.

Honorable mention: Terrence Brooks, Phillip Dorsett, Joe Thuney, Dan Skipper, J.J. Dielman, David Parry, Mike Pennel, J.C. Jackson.



FOUR DISAPPOINTMENTS

It's still really early and I'll say that none of these guys have been "bad," they just haven't gotten off to hot starts. There's still plenty of time left and all four preseason games.

WR Braxton Berrios: Caught one long pass from Tom Brady on what was ultimately a coverage bust after playaction but other than that, he's been wallpaper – you don't notice him, and sometimes it doesn't look right. His biggest issue to this point is he's not a natural pass catcher — he's still trying to overcome his body-catching tendencies. Looks quick going in motion but has not shown the short-area quickness that has always been the toughest part of Patriots slots to defend.

DT Adam Butler: Has put on some weight and muscle — likely to be more of a three-down player — but it hasn't worked to this point. Butler is a player whose quickness has been his calling card as a sub rusher, but he seems to have lost it. Last year at this point, Butler was 4-1 with two decisive wins in 1-on-1s. Right now, he's 1-3. Still, he's always been more of a gamer who took advantage of his fresh legs to beat offensive linemen.



LB Jamie Collins: He hasn't been bad or anything in his return — he's certainly in the mix as a Swiss Army Knife and being used a lot — but I'm hard-pressed to remember any plays he has made to this point in training camp. And Collins is a playmaker. At least, he used to be. Part of his struggles could stem from the fact that the Patriots are using him all over the field and in different places on every snap. Hard to master something without consistency. Hopefully that will come and he'll take off.

WR Dontrelle Inman: Caught 1 of 3 passes from Brady the first two days and then has missed time with a mystery injury. For a guy who got $300,000 guaranteed, this is a very disappointing start. Even when he was on the field, Inman didn't stand out. Needs to get back on the field and start being productive or else he won't make this team.

Dishonorable mention: Ted Karras, Ufomba Kamalu, Hjalte Froholdt, Duron Harmon, Duke Dawson, Ben Watson, N'Keal Harry, Marcus Cannon, Ja'Whaun Bentley, Joejuan Williams.