Bedard: 10 biggest questions entering Patriots training camp

Well, we're almost there.

The 2022 Patriots hit the practice fields for the first time on Wednesday and we'll be there, as always, keeping you updated on everything you need to know — and nothing that you don't. Probably more than ever, this team is a complete unknown heading into the formative stage of team building in camp. The offense has new coaches and faces. The defense has a new cast of characters at linebacker and cornerbacks. We'll decipher through all of it and keep you informed throughout.

Here's the schedule, if you want to head out:

Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
Friday, 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
Sunday: OFF
Monday, 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 3rd, 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 4th, 9:30 a.m.
Aug. 5th, 7 p.m. - In-stadium practice for season ticket holders and Foxborough residents.
Aug. 6th: OFF

Here are the top questions we have on our mind heading out with our binoculars:

10. What kind of rapport is Mac Jones developing with DeVante Parker?

Parker wasn't exactly a big-money acquisition, and his original team couldn't wait to move on from him, but he could be an important player for Jones in his second season. Jones didn't have a reliable boundary option as a rookie, but Parker can be everything N'Keal Harry was supposed to be and more as a physical presence with a great catch radius. If Jones and Parker can develop their relationship to the point where all it takes is an unspoken look to know what the other is thinking, Parker could be a trusted outlet for Jones. That builds over time and reps, and that's what camp is for. 

An offshoot of this will be the roles that players have in the offense. Will Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne get more looks inside, or is that only Jakobi Meyers' territory? Who's the No. 2 to Parker on the other side? How many gadgets will be in this attack?

9. Can Parker, Trent Brown and some of the injured players stay on the field?

Parker and Brown have both had injury issues in the past, and this team can't really afford them, even in camp. They need to build familiarity with their teammates. Would be nice to have Jabrill Peppers, James White, Andrew Stueber and Chasen Hines on the field to see if they can make roster runs. Is Marcus Jones ready to go all-out and possibly grab a role on this team? His speed would be welcome in many spots. 

8. How are they going to sort out the cornerbacks, and does Malcolm Butler have anything left?

Jonathan Jones will be back at the slot, and Jalen Mills like has No. 2 CB locked down. Everything else is up for grabs. Can Butler reclaim past glory, or is he just in the past? Who among Butler, Terrance Mitchell and Jack Jones is going to emerge as a force and possibly the top cornerback? Expect there to be a ton of reps, mixing and matchup and chances for people to grab jobs. We expect some of the battles to go all summer and possibly into the season. There are so many puzzle pieces to figure out.

7. Will someone make a run at Isaiah Wynn's job?

It appears he's already been demoted to RT. If Justin Herron, Yodny Cajuste or Stueber can show well early, Wynn might get pushed off the roster via trade entirely. That $10 million would look real nice off the cap for the rest of the season, but someone has to prove they can play consistently. 

6. How is the personnel used at safety and linebacker?

Going to need a Venn diagram to figure this one out. There's Ja'Whaun Bentley, Devin McCourty and Adrian Phillips ... then your guess is as good as mine on who is going to have what role at those positions. When Peppers is cleared, is he even a safety anymore, or he just a linebacker? Is Kyle Dugger going to be asked to do more this season? How is linebacker going to sort out between Raekwon McMillan, Cam McGrone, Jahlani Tavai, and Harvey Langhi?

5. Can Cole Strange hold up against NFL DTs?

The first-round rookie is a big boy who will fill out to be a bonafide NFL lineman, either at guard or center in due time. But is he ready now to be a no-doubt starter? He's a little undersized in the lower body for guard right now as he struggled with the powerful linemen at the Senior Bowl. And this is a big jump from UT-Chattanooga. It's a matter of when, not if for him, really. They need him to be good from jump for this line and offense to hit the ground running.

4. Will any younger players step up and infuse the lineup with talent?

We think Josh Uche is going to grab a big role. We think Ronnie Perkins will be a factor in Year 2. We think Jack Jones could be the big surprise in the secondary. We're hopeful Christian Barmore builds off his impressive rookie season instead of resting on it. But there are very few knowns from the younger players, including which rookies will grab roles — especially WR Tyquan Thornton. 

Oh, and hey ... has anyone seen Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene?

3. What is Jonnu Smith's role, and does he look any better?

His first season was pretty much a $12.5 million waste — and his struggles was not due to a lack of opportunities. Josh McDaniels tried everything he could to jump-start Smith and it just didn't happen. Patriots seem to be putting a lot of eggs in the Smith H-back basket ... which will at least be interesting. At least he was here most of the offseason, as opposed to last season. That can't hurt. 

2. What's the offensive scheme look like, and on what downs?

This will be one of the most overblown storylines of camp, right up there phantom passing stats that told you nothing of what was going on at QB last year. Patriots have always run some Shanahan ... the biggest question I have is ... are they just using most of it for running and short passing game, because that I have no problem with. I have a feeling the Patriots will use their normal passing game on third downs and two-minute, which will still play to Jones' mental skills. I think this is largely much ado about nothing. 

1. Who's running the show on offense?

This is already tired, but it's important. It will be fascinating to see how much Bill Belichick is involved. And at some point, they are going to simulate game situations and someone is going to have the walkie-talkie. Of course, anyone can call out scripted plays, and the real fascination comes when the bullets are flying on Sundays, but this is still going to be a fun daily watch to figure out what who is doing with the offense. I'm rooting for full-on arguments between Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, but realize it's a pipe dream.