Patriots Mac Jones Sharp; DL Holding Out of Minicamp?

The New England Patriots were back on the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium on Monday, for Day 1 of the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp.

FOXBORO — The New England Patriots returned to the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium Monday, as they opened the final phase of their offseason workout program.

Mandatory minicamp 2023 has begun, and there were no shortage of stories on a cloudy, muggy June afternoon in New England.

Here are some of the highlights of an eventful Day 1:

Roll Call

Nine members of the Patriots roster were not present for Monday’s minicamp session: wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton and Kayshon Boutte, offensive linemen Trent Brown and Michael Onwenu, running back James Robinson, defensive backs Tae Hayes and Quandre Mosley and defensive tackle Lawrence Guy.

Brown apparently couldn't fly from Texas to Boston Sunday because of massive storms. 

Rookie offensive lineman Atonio Mafi and hybrid linebacker Marte Mapu were present, but wearing red non-contact jerseys. 

Lawrence Guy Holding Out

Shortly after Guy’s absence was noted by members of the media, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that he is, indeed, holding out of minicamp in hopes of landing a new contract. Guy currently has two years remaining on his current deal. He is set to make $2 million, with a $3.6 million cap hit in 2023.  

Guy has appeared in a combined 101 regular season and playoff games for New England. Despite missing three games with a shoulder injury in 2022, the 33-year-old logged 46 total tackles (three for loss,) two sacks and five quarterback hits. He has also been a valuable presence both on and off the field. Guy was voted to Patriots 2010s All-Decade Team and was named a team captain in 2020. He won the Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2021 and was the Patriots nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2022. 

Though Guy is subject to fines for missing the mandatory sessions, the team reserves the right to refrain from enforcing the penalty. 

Offense Highlights

Quarterback Mac Jones was once again the top option at the position, credited with completing 10 of 12 during 11-on-11 drills, and a perfect 21 of 21 during 7-on-7s. Back-up Bailey Zappe took reps with the second team offense, going 10 of 13 during 11s and 9 of 12 during 7s. Jones was intercepted twice on the day, by safties Adrian Phillips and Kyle Dugger respectively. Still, the 24-year-old looked sharp and comfortable in his throws.

Jones best throw of the day was a deep crosser to tight end Hunter Henry for an impressive 25-yard completion. Though defensive back Jalen Mills provided stout coverage, Jones was able to drop the ball in an area where only Henry could make the grab. 

Despite seeing limited action on Day 1, quarterback Trace McSorely collaborated on the longest play of the day, completing a 50-yard pass to receiver Tre Nixon. 

With both tackle Trent Brown and guard Michael Onwenu absent from practice, the Pats offensive line rotation primarily consisted of Calvin Anderson (LT), Cole Strange (LG), David Andrews (C), Bill Murray (RG) and Conor McDermott (RT). 

Defense Highlights

New England’s defensive backfield mostly used dime looks during Monday’s session to significant success. Rookie Christian Gonzalez and second-year ball hawk Jack Jones, aligned on the outside, with veteran Jonathan Jones in the slot. He occasionally relieved by speedster Marcus Jones.

At saftey, the Pats used a rotation of Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger, with Jalen Mills playing a notable role as well. Both Dugger and Phillips picked off Jones passes during team drills. 

Patriots defenders were active in attacking the pass, with Jack Jones, Christian Gonzalez, Marte Mapu, Josh Uche, Deatrich Wise Jr, and Isaiah Bolden all logging passes break-ups during the competitive sessions. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore was also credited with a would-be sack on Mac Jones.

Patriots Re-Sign Justus Tavai

Just when you thought he was out, the Pats pulled him back in. 

With one roster spot open heading into the day’s practice, MassLive reported that the Patriots have re-signed rookie defender Justus Tavai, filling their 90-man roster for the time being. 

Tavai was originally signed by New England as a rookie free agent out of San Diego State on May 19. His name is a familiar one for Pats fans, being the younger brother of linebacker Jahlani, who is about to enter his third season with New England.  He was released by the club on Jun 2.

The Patriots will return to practice on Tuesday for their second of three mandatory minicamp sessions.

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