Patriots Minicamp: Defensive ‘Unicorns’ Shine

The New England Patriots possess multi-positional talent on defense … and it could mean nightmarish matchups for their competition in 2023.

FOXBORO — Monday was so nice, the New England Patriots decided to do it twice.

The Pats were once again back on the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, as they participated in the second session of the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp.

Amidst drier-than-expected weather conditions, New England’s quarterbacks once again took center stage. However, a pair of former Miami Dolphins’ pass-catchers are making their case for prominent roles in coordinator Bill O’Brien’s offense in 2023. 

Here are some of the highlights from Day 2:

Roll Call:

After being sidelined by weather-related travel problems on Monday, offensive tackle Trent Brown returned to the practice fields. The 6-8, 359-pound lineman was present for the start of practice, but did not take part in any team drills. Instead, the majority of Brown’s work came from conditioning work. 

With Brown’s return, the Pats were missing eight players on Day 2, including wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton and Kayshon Boutte, rookie defensive end Keion White, cornerback Quandre Mosley, newly-required defensive lineman Justus Tavai and offenaive linemen Michael Onwenu (excused due to injury) and Lawrence Guy, who remains in a contract hold-out. 

Quarterback Report

Mac Jones once again took the majority of the snaps with the starting unit, completing 10 of 11 passes during 11-on-11 drills. Jones also connected on 9 of 12 of his passes during 7-on-7s, with one interception. At times, Jones seemed to struggle with the defensive coverage, especially during 11s. However, his synergy with Patriots tight ends Mike Gesicki and Hunter Henry continue to stand out over the past two practices. 

Second-year signal caller Bailey Zappe got a bit more work with the first team, leading the starters on two drives. Zappe completed 8 of 11 during 11s, while going 6 of 11 during 7s. During his turn with the starters, the Western Kentucky product completed all five of his passes (all within a few yards from scrimmage), while also taking a would-be sack.

Trace McSorley continues to sit third on the depth chart, finishing the day going 3 of 5 in 11s, and 4 of 6 during 7s. 

Gesicki, Parker Stand Out

The Pats may be looking to a pair of former rivals to help spark their offense in 2023. Jones completed arguably the two best throws of the day — a high fade for wide receiver DeVante Parker, who made the athletic grab over cornerback Jonathan Jones for a 25-yard completion, and a fade up the seam to tight end Mike Gesicki. Parker has been quite active with the first-team offense in minicamp, thus far. Gesicki has also provided an added dimension from the slot, as well as in short-yardage situations, each providing the team with an added dimension to their passing attack. 

Conor McDermott, Starting Tackle?

When the Pats added veteran tackle Riley Reiff during the offseason, he was expected to assume the starting right tackle position vacated by former Patriot — and current Miami Dolphin — Isaiah Wynn. However, reserve tackle Conor McDermott appears to be emerging as a serious contender for the starting role. McDermott started six games in 2022, allowing eight pressures without surrendering a sack. During team drills thus far, he has looked to be the most comfortable, as well as the most formidable blocker at the end of the line. Conversely, Reiff, who had been the top option prior to the start of minicamp, aligned at left tackle with the second-team, opposite rookie Sidy Sow. 

Defensive ‘Unicorns’

Patriots coach Bill Belichick values versatility perhaps above all other traits when choosing players to complete roster. Accordingly, New England boasts a bevy of multi-faceted assets, capable of playing multiple positions. This fact is especially true on defense. 

From safeties Adrian Phillips and Jabrill Peppers to rookie hybrid Marte Mapu, the Pats defensive rotations have the chance to cause enigmatic matchups for opposing offenses in 2023. 

In fact, it is a fact not lost on Pats linebacker Matthew Judon. 

“We have unicorns, for real,” Judon told reporters after practice. “It’s going to be easy for us to match up with any offensive personnel.”

Jack Jones

Patriots second-year cornerback Jack Jones continues to demonstrate tremendous growth from his rookie campaign. Jones has played notable reps with the top defensive unit throughout the spring, seeing his greatest amount of time with the starters on Tuesday. Aligning opposite fellow corner Jonathan Jones on the outside, the Arizona State product came off a post route to intercept Mac Jones during 7s, which was the defensive play of the day. 

The Patriots are expected to return to practice on Wednesday for their third and final day of mandatory minicamp sessions.

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