Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports Notes and observations from the Patriots’ 2nd rookie minicamp practice on Saturday, May 11. The New England Patriots rookie class — which includes eight draftees along with UDFAs plus tryout players — returned to the back fields of Gillette Stadium for Day 2 of rookie minicamp on Saturday. While the hour session was light with no contact or pads allowed, it gave the first on-field look at the rookies in Foxboro. Here’s what went down throughout the day. Attendance Absent: OT Zuri Henry (UDFA) Takeaways Maye’s Work: It was a big fundamental day for third overall pick Drake Maye. The quarterback worked heavily under center focusing on his footwork, which also included aligning with his left foot in front from the shotgun — something offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt emphasizes. Both techniques are rather new to Maye, as the majority of his college experience came in shotgun. Polk’s Energy: Second-round wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk arrived to the practice field Saturday morning with a noticeable burst of energy (which drew comparisons to fellow receiver Kendrick Bourne from this point of view). Polk’s leadership in the group of wideouts stood out. Wallace’s Switch: New England made it quite clear they viewed third-round draft pick Caeden Wallace, who primarily played right tackle at Penn State, as a left tackle after they made the selection. That translated to the playing fields, as Wallace handled the blindside spot from the jump. “I don't find it all too hard to switch over,” Wallace, who played left tackle in high school, said after practice. “Just flipping things in my minds — hand placement, certain kicks, angles, things like that.” Guard Swap: Wallace wasn't the only rookie lineman to switch spots, as fourth-round pick Layden Robinson aligned next to him at left guard despite playing 100 percent of his college snaps at right guard. Robinson shared it is part offensive line coach Scott Peters’ philosophy that “everybody is not a one position person”, and perhaps sets the early stages for a training camp battle at the position. Other notes: - Sixth-round quarterback Joe Milton is known for his rocket arm, which was easily visible on the practice fields.
- Fourth-round wide receiver Javon Baker, who had some drop issues throughout his collegiate career, dropped a pass in an early drill along the goal line. It was noteworthy to see him jump back in the end of line to repeat the drill and finish with a catch.
- Arizona State G/T Joey Ramos (who is in attendance on a tryout) was the first player on the field.
- New England concluded practice in a familiar way, as the entire team hit the conditioning hill.
Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/5/11/24 ... ndamentals
