FOXBOROUGH β Some lingering thoughts (five) from the last Patriots' OTA we get to see live and in person (mandatory mini-camp is next week).
- It's good to see Kyle Dugger making plays. He had an interception of Drake Maye and was all over Hunter Henry in red-zone work. The big-money safety hasn't progressed in coverage as hoped, but he certainly has the athleticism and speed to improve in that aspect. Is it foolish to expect that Dugger will make that leap in year five? Probably, but the more he shows in the spring and summer, perhaps the more his confidence will grow and carry over to when it matters most. Plus, he admitted that the unknown of being in a contract-year a season ago was ever-present. Now, the future is secure.
- K.J. Osborn had issues with his hands last fall, which may have contributed to the Vikings' turning the page on him. He had some inconsistencies on that front yesterday, letting a couple of balls hit the turf. That said, of all the pass catchers, Osborn worked himself open in the red zone with some frequency. He's not a big target - I don't think he's six feet - but a thickly built 200 pounds, and that strength and ability to muscle defenders showed in the tighter spaces.
- If the spring is any indicator, get ready to see more and more of Alex Austin.
"Yeah, when we finished up last year, he was one of those guys where we're like, "Look, this is an NFL player," and it's good to see him coming back in shape, going out here and making plays. So, it's good to see," said Jerod Mayo.
Austin is getting a chance to show out with veteran Jon Jones staying away from OTAs and Christian Gonzalez not always being a full participant in all the 7-on-7 and team work (though he was yesterday). He had a pass breakup and played a role in the quarterbacks'/offense's struggles, especially in the red zone.
"It means a lot coming into my second season having some comfortability under my belt," said Austin. "The coaches being able to trust me to be out there with the (No. 1) group of guys. So, just trying to take full advantage of every opportunity, knowing that you never know when it's your last day in this building in this business."
Austin appeared in five games for the Pats last season and became more comfortable as he settled in. Considering the team hasn't added a veteran corner - Stephon Gilmore, anyone? - he and Isaiah Bolden - who worked quite a bit in the slot yesterday - are getting some valuable reps at this stage of the offseason.
- JaMychal Hasty offers a different skill set than the rest of the Pats' running backs. Though he is firmly on the bubble, he had a couple of nice moments, including reeling in a back shoulder throw from Jacoby Brissett with Ja'Whaun Bentley draped all over him. Hasty would have to be really impressive to earn a roster spot, but he might be a sound practice squad candidate with the potential to elevate depending on the game plan/injury situation.
- I know Bedard touched on this, but I was surprised to see Caedan Wallace at right tackle. I understand the value of building depth, but if the third-rounder has a real chance to switch from the right (where he played his entire college career) to the left, I want him to get all of his reps on that side. For the record, I thought most of the team's pass protection problems stemmed from the interior of the offensive line from guys not named David Andrews.