Patriots OTAs: Mac Jones Among 3 Players to Watch

The New England Patriots have begun the final phase of their 2023 offseason workout program. Who will the media be watching during OTAs?

FOXBORO — At long last, the New England Patriots will be providing members of the media with their first on-field look at the team during organized team activities (OTAs) at Gillette Stadium. 

Following a perplexing, yet interesting week of contrived controversy, the Pats will hit the practice fields as they continue to prepare for mandatory minicamp (scheduled from June 12-14) — eventually leading to training camp in late July.  

Though these practices will allow players to participate in their most realistic football simulations since the end of the 2022 season, they are not truly indicative of what should be expected during both mandatory minicamp and training camp.

Still, the manner in which the drills are conducted may provide some insight on which players may have the upper hand in earning a spot on the Pats' opening day roster.

In that vein, here is look at three Patriots on whom fans and media alike will be watching closely heading into June’s mandatory minicamp. 

Mac Jones

At the risk of abandoning originality, most — if not, all — eyes will be on Mac Jones until coach Bill Belichick officially declares his opening day starting quarterback. Though he entered 2022 on the heels of an impressive rookie campaign, Jones struggled to rekindle his previous success in his second year. Ultimately, he finished the season with 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, as the Patriots limped to an 8-9 record. For the second time in three seasons, New England failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Throughout the season, Jones displayed notable discomfort in New England's new offensive system under the direction of offensive play-caller Matt Patricia and quarterback coach Joe Judge. At times, the disconnect between the players and the coaching staff was so overt that Jones was observed hurling expletive-laden frustrations, believed to be in the direction of his coaches. Jones’ frustrations were strong enough to reportedly seek advice from outside the organization — a decision which led not only to friction with coach Bill Belichick, but has also embroiled the 24-year-old in offseason trade speculation.

Despite the purported turmoil, Jones has approached the 2023 season with renewed fervor. The Alabama product is not only excited to work with new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, he is once again working within a system which is expected to accentuate his abilities. It will be interesting to see whether Jones shares any first team reps with fellow quarterback Bailey Zappe. If Jones spends the majority of the time with the starting unit, it may signal New England’s dedication to preparing their 2021 first-round selection for a return to respectability — and then some — in 2023. 

Tyquan Thornton

While fans continue to clamor for a game-breaking wide receiver, they may presently have one on their depth chart. Following his selection by the Patriots in the second round (50th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. Thornton has been heralded as a potential deep threat due to his speed. However, his rookie debut was delayed when suffering a fractured clavicle in the preseason. After his activation from injured reserve, Thornton showed flashes of his potential. In Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, Thornton scored his first receiving and rushing touchdowns, making him the first Patriots wide receiver since Deion Branch to score a receiving and rushing touchdown in the same game. Thornton finished his rookie season with 22 catches for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran 3 times for 16 yards and a touchdown.

With Thornton showing the initiative to gain greater synergy with his quarterbacks, he seems primed for a significant step forward in 2023. If the Baylor product participates in a notable amount of drills with the first-team offense, O’Brien may be signaling a significant increase in his workload for the upcoming season. 

James Robinson

Though they still have several positional needs, running back remains an intriguing position for the Pats. Third-year running back Rhamondre Stevenson emerged as New England’s feature back in 2022. The second-year runner amassed 1,040 yards with five touchdowns, while averaging five yards per carry in the lead role. He also caught 69 passes for 421 yards and one touchdown as a backfield receiver. Rookies Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris saw minimal time through the season. Yet, each flashed promise in their respective reserve roles, earning one rushing touchdown, respectively. 

Robinson was purportedly signed as a free agent to help mitigate the loss of former Pats back Damien Harris, who joined the Buffalo Bills earlier in the offseason. The Illinois State product had an electric rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020, became the fourth undrafted player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in his rookie season (1,079) along with earning the record for most scrimmage yards of any rookie free agent in NFL history with 1,414.

However, some have questioned whether Robinson has either the same physical ability or the psyche since suffering an ACL tear in 2021. While he is expected to be the Pats second option on early downs, Robinson may also play a role as a backfield receiver. His placement during team drills will be worth watching in the coming days. 

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