FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots held their second of three rookie camp practices in front of the media on Saturday. Here are some initial takeaways:
• Just to start, I don't read a ton into these rookie camps. It's basically an orientation for these guys, getting used to new teammates, new schemes, and new surroundings. It matters a lot more what these rookies will be doing when the rest of the team gets here, with training camp the focus.
• Most of the attention will be placed on the fact that first-round pick Caleb Lomu played exclusively at left tackle in the limited team drills. Could it mean something? Possibly. But most of it had to do with the fact that there were only three tackles on the field, with practice squadder Lorenz Metz being the other. Sixth-rounder Dametrious Crownover played only right tackle, which he did in college. He is one large human being. Crownover can't play left tackle yet, although he said he's learning both, so it made sense to leave Lomu on the left side, which he's going to need to know if he's the game-day swing tackle.
• I thought Lomu looked OK. Definitely looks the part, but he did struggle on some reps, mostly with inside moves.
• The offensive line was LT Lomu, RG Elijah Simonson/Mekhi Butler, C Jacob Rizy, RG JonDarius Morgan, RT Crownover.
• Second-round pick Gabe Jacas was on the field but didn't participate. Third-round TE Eli Raridon was not seen.
• Seventh-round pick Quintayvious Hutchins left with the trainers about 2/3rds of the way through the session.
• Sixth-round pick Namdi Obiazor played weakside linebacker, which is Christian Ellis' spot.
• Behren Morton was the only QB at practice and was perfect in the one team session. He looked good with a live arm. Operated the huddle and scheme well.
• UDFA WR Kyle Dixon, who got the biggest signing bonus, caught four of the 11 passes and looked the part. Elevated for one pass, and also made a sliding catch. Looks like he was the Z, and possible replacement for Mack Hollins, who is entering a contract year.
• Cameron Dorner and Jimmy Kibble were slots, with Nick DeGennaro the primary X.
• Tryout players who caught my eye: MLB Jordan Kwiatkowski and S Peter Manuma.
• RB Jam Miller didn't stand out one way or the other.
• UDFA David Blay (6-2, 292) and tryout Olasunkomi Agunloye (6-6, 307) were the starting DTs.
• Fifth-round CB Karon Prunty played boundary RCB.
• Tryout punter Mitch McCarthy (UFC/Indiana), who is 28 and hails from Australia, is 6-5 and 242 pounds. Could be camp competition for Bryce Baringer.
• Mike Vrabel did not speak to the media today. He did speak at last year's rookie camp. He was on the field conducting business as normal, getting his hands on various players and being involved. He might have been a little toned down than normal, but it seemed to be the same Vrabel on the field.