Training camp is in session and with that, we embark on yet another NFL season. The New England Patriots have just completed their first full week of practices, and there is plenty to talk about. Week one of training camp gave fans their first look at some new additions, as well as some familiar faces. Now that the first full week of practice is behind us, let’s take a look at the three biggest standouts from the first week of Patriots Training Camp.
Standouts From Week One of Patriots Training Camp
Stephon Gilmore, CB
The first standout from the first week of camp is none other than Stephon Gilmore. During the first week of camp Gilmore has been far and away the best defensive back on the field. He has been a virtual black hole, not allowing a single pass in his direction to be completed. This success should come as no surprise as Gilmore was ranked as the best corner in football last season by Pro Football Focus. It is certainly encouraging to see Gilmore continue his superb play from last season into the early stages of camp this season. Fans should expect Gilmore to continue his excellent play as camp progresses and the regular season begins.
Maurice Harris, WR
The next standout from camp is newcomer Maurice Harris. New England signed Harris in the offseason after playing last year with the Washington Redskins. Harris has so far made a huge impact with New England. In his short time with the Patriots he has turned heads in a variety of ways. His crisp routes, soft hands, and ability to win the 50/50 battles has impressed coaches. Fans should expect Harris to see some serious playing time in the preseason due to the injury to Julian Edelman. The receiving corps for the Patriots is rather thin heading into the season, so there will be plenty of opportunity for a player like Harris to make his mark.
Danny Etling, QB/WR
One of the more surprising aspects of camp so far has been Danny Etling. The second-year quarterback began camp taking reps at wide receiver. New England drafted Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham in this year’s draft, making the odds for Etling to make the roster as a quarterback unlikely. Etling does seem to be an interesting project at receiver. He is 6’3″ and proved last preseason that he runs well. If he is able to turn himself into an NFL receiver, he could be an interesting red zone option for the Patriots. However, Etling’s position change is most likely his last effort at making the roster, something that is still unlikely. Despite his small chance of making the team, Etling has been and will continue to be a fun player to follow.
Patriots Training Camp Honorable Mentions
In addition to the three players mentioned above, there have been some other standouts in camp. One of them is wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. Meyers has been the yearly undrafted player to turn heads at Pats camp. A smart player, it is unlikely that Meyers makes the team, but with a relatively thin receiving corps, anything is possible.
The final honorable mention is rookie receiver N’Keal Harry. Harry has had plenty of ups and downs through a week of camp. His ups, however, have been impressive. Harry has made a handful of spectacular grabs in the red zone during practice. If he continues that the Patriots may have found a nice red-zone target to take some of the targets Gronk has seen over the years.
The Patriots still have plenty of practices left before the season, but there have already been plenty of standouts. Some players have jumped on the opportunity to make a name for themselves early in camp. It will be interesting to see who keeps it up, and who will fall behind the pack.
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