Greatest Winners, Losers From Patriots Minicamp As Summer Break Begins

The New England Patriots entered mandatory minicamp with a few major tasks. Head coach Bill Belichick watched his players perform and he could pick the best group for the upcoming season.

Belichick canceled the final portion of spring OTAs and players will hit the field again in July.

Patriots winners in minicamp

Winners

Quarterback Mac Jones

The Alabama prospect opened minicamp with 23 straight completions. Jones finished this part of the offseason with a completion rate of 88%. Oh, yes, you’d all agree that he did better than most quarterbacks in this year’s league. Jones went 7-for-8 on deep passes and Belichick was more than impressed. Patriots players like Jones’ potential and this is of utmost importance for the upcoming season.

Wide receiver Tre Nixon

Nixon was able to catch all 10 of his targets in minicamp. He caught a one-handed 60-yard pass over slot corner Jonathan Jones. The Patriots also used him as a punt returner and punt gunner. Nixon will have to keep trying to earn his spot on the depth chart. Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne gave Nixon a chance to show his true skills.

Offensive lineman Cole Strange

Strange joined the Patriots in the first round and he has a good chance to start at left guard in September. Patriots players noticed his athleticism and relentlessness and many compared him to Joe Thuney.

Cornerback Jack Jones

Jones will definitely challenge Jalen Mills, Malcolm Butler, and Terrance Mitchell for the starting job at cornerback. Of course, he will have to increase his frame. This doesn’t change the fact that Jones has great skills and amazing coverage.

Surprising winners

Wide receiver Nelson Agholor

The veteran wide receiver didn’t have the best debut with the Patriots, but did a wonderful job in minicamp. He had 10 catches on 12 targets, but the veteran will have to do better than this to secure his playing time.

Tight end Jonnu Smith

Smith had a hard time in 2021, but showed great performance in minicamp. He learned the lesson and joined the Patriots’ OTAs as full participant. He may fill up the void at tight end.

Lineback Josh Uche

Uche will see a bigger role in the upcoming season. His performance made the Patriots forget Kyle Van Noy for a second. Uche will probably join the team as edge rusher and off-the-ball linebacker.

Lineback Raekwon McMillan

McMillan was great in minicamp and Patriots fans hope to see him overcome each and every challenge on his way.

Patriots losers

As expected, N’Keal Harry was a huge disappointment on the field. The WR decided to skip voluntary OTAs which was a major mistake. Harry was supposed to get the best of this opportunity but it looks like he is not even interested in doing so.

Isaiah Wynn is another disappointment. He skipped OTAs and Trent Brown moved to the left. Wynn may easily end up on the trade block.

Dalton Keene wasn’t as productive as everyone expected him to be. How will the Patriots handle their issues at tight end?