Related: Patriots training camp notebook: Physical Sunday practice sees some high-profile departures
The New England Patriots were back on the practice fields on Sunday for their 10th practice of this year’s training camp. The session was a physical one with several players suffering apparent injuries along the way. While the departures of center David Andrews, tight end Hunter Henry and long snapper Joe Cardona were among the biggest stories of the day, there also were some noteworthy performances.
With that said, let’s take a look at who stood out on Sunday for better or worse.
Winners: WR N’Keal Harry & WR Kristian Wilkerson
N’Keal Harry and Kristian Wilkerson both had busy days. With Nelson Agholor not at practice for undisclosed reasons, the two youngsters saw plenty of action.
Harry continues to make highlight reel catches, hauling in an impressive reception over Joejuan Williams during 1-on-1s that saw him fully extend for a deep touchdown. While he notched only one catch during team work, he again stood out in 1-on-1s and 3-on-3s.
Wilkerson, on the other hand, was targeted 11 times in team drills and finished with a team-high 7 receptions on the day. The second-year man continues to make a strong push for the Patriots’ 53-man roster — especially given that he again saw time working with veteran special teamers Matthew Slater and Justin Bethel.
Winners: QB Mac Jones
The 15th overall selection of this year’s draft may not have been perfect, but he again saw a considerable number of reps on Sunday. Jones attempted 23 passes during team drills compared to Cam Newton’s 16, and he completed 17 of them with one interception as well as one drop.
He still has ways to go, but the rookie appears to be getting more comfortable executing within New England’s notoriously difficult offense.
Losers: CB Jalen Mills, CB Joejuan Williams & CB Michael Jackson Sr.
The Patriots have one of the best starting outside cornerback duos in the NFL, but the depth behind Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson is somewhat suspect. With Gilmore still out on the physically unable to perform list, neither Jalen Mills nor Joejuan Williams or Michael Jackson have distinguished themselves.
On Sunday, all three had some negative moments. Mills was beaten on a deep touchdown by Kristian Wilkerson (the two were later involved in a quick scuffle as well), while Williams and Jackson had their fair share of issues going up against N’Keal Harry in 1-on-1s. Jackson later registered an interception off Mac Jones, but the gist remains despite the pick: New England’s outside cornerback depth looks like a weakness at the moment.
Winners: DT Christian Barmore & DT Carl Davis
Returning to the practice fields after missing two sessions last week, Christian Barmore picked up where he left off. The second-round rookie continues to be a handful during 1-on-1s, and he showed his combination of power and explosiveness yet again on Sunday.
Carl Davis, meanwhile, continues to establish himself as an under-the-radar player worth keeping an eye on. The second-year Patriot, who was re-signed via a one-year contract in free agency, won both of his 1-on-1s — versus Marcus Martin and Alex Redmond — and later also looked good during 11-on-11 work.
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