Robert Kraft is now one step closer to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Is this the year Patriots owner Robert Kraft gets into the Pro Football Hall of Fame? As of Thursday afternoon, he’s one step closer.
Two weeks ago, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Senior Committee announced their semifinalists in the categories of ‘seniors,’ ‘coaches,’ and ‘contributors’ for the Class of 2024. Kraft was one of 29 individuals included in the ‘contributors’ category.
Training Camp Day 1 reactions w/Bob Socci
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On Thursday the Hall released the second round of voting. Kraft is included in that group, making him one of 29 finalists from the three categories combined.
Kraft has owned the Patriots since 1994, after purchasing their stadium – the old Foxborough Stadium – in 1988. In 2002, he financed the building of Gillette Stadium, a then-$325 million project.
Under Kraft’s ownership the Patriots have reached the Super Bowl 10 times, winning six. In addition to what he’s done with the Patriots, Kraft has also been a major player in league-wide politics during his time as owner. He’s served on multiple league committees including the committees for finance, compensation, and chairing the media committee. In 2011, he played a key role in ending a lockout that began threatening the season, with Colts center Jeff Saturday later referring to him as “a man who helped us save football.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 18: Owner Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots reacts before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The next step in Kraft’s candidacy will come on August 15, when the committee will select one individual from this list of finalists to go on the final Class of 2024 ballot. Kraft will then be up for general induction as a member of the Class of 2024, needing 80 percent of the vote to get in.
Kraft isn’t the only member of the Patriots’ organization to be a finalist from the committee. Frank ‘Bucko’ Kilroy, who worked for the team from 1979 until his death in 2007 is also among the finalists. Kilroy held numerous roles from scout to GM. From a league-wide view, he was one of the individuals key in establishing the annual scouting combine.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
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Patriots training camp notebook: What changed and what didn't for the offense on Day 2
Mac Jones’ day
QB Mac Jones throws a pass on the second day of Patriots Training Camp (Katie Bennert/98.5 The Sports Hub)
With it being an up-and-down day for the offense, it was an up-and-down day for Mac Jones. His highlights were mixed (and for some overshadowed) by a low lowlight as he went 6-for-14 in what was again mostly low red zone work.
His highlights included multiple impressive touch throws on back-shoulder concepts. He also seems to be building good chemistry with JuJu Smith-Schuster, who caught two passes including a touchdown on Thursday.
However, there was also a moment that was reminiscent of 2022. Set up inside the three yard line the Patriots called a designed rollout for Jones to his right, which the defense anticipated perfectly. It was a play Jones probably should have burned, but instead he tried cutting back inside before throwing the ball across his body, where it was intercepted by Kyle Dugger. It was Dugger’s second interception in as many days in camp.
Spectacular catches
Jul 26, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker (1) makes a catch during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Some of those completions by Mac Jones were good plays by both the quarterback and receiver. The first two highlight plays of camp were made on Day 2, with spectacular catches from DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki.
Parker’s catch saw him run a back-shoulder fade to the back corner of the end zone. With Marcus Jones close in coverage, Parker went up and high-pointed the ball at its apex, before toe-tapping both feet to complete the catch.
Gesicki’s catch was also a high-point. Running a cross along the end line, Jones threw the ball up to Gesicki to get it over a defender between the two. Gesicki was able to climb the ladder and secure the catch.
These are just two plays, but they show what should be a strength of the Patriots’ passing game this year – size. Seven of the nine wide receivers currently on the Patriots’ roster are 6-feet or taller, with four of the nine standing over 6-foot-2. Then there’s Gesicki who is listed at 6-foot-6, and 6-foot-5 Hunter Henry.
If the Patriots are smart, they’ll use that size to their advantage this year. Fades and 50-50 balls should be a regular part of their offense, and they showed a glimpse into why that is on Thursday.
Wide receiver side group
JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kendrick Bourne chat at Patriots Training camp. (Katie Bennert/98.5 The Sports Hub)
During a special teams period on Thursday, Parker, Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, and Tyquan Thornton all went onto a side field to throw with all three of the team’s quarterbacks. It’s no surprise that these four are at the top of the depth chart, but his further illustrated the gap between then and the rest of the players at the position when it comes to a potential roster spot. To this point, it doesn’t look like any leader has really emerged for the fifth wide receiver spot.
Demario Douglas’ growth
Jul 26, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas (60) makes a catch during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
While there’s no clear leader for that fifth wide receiver spot, Demario Douglas has certainly put himself in a good position early on. The coaching staff has given him plenty of reps, and he seems to be making the most of those opportunities.
One thing that stands out about Douglas right now is his size. Last fall in college Douglas was listed at 179 pounds. The Patriots’ training camp roster has him up to 192, and having seen him at the Shrine Bowl back in January and seeing him now, that seems about right. He added significant muscle in the offseason, and still is moving well with the extra mass on his frame.
First NFL test for Christian Gonzalez
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez runs through a resistance-band drill at Patriots training camp. (Alex Barth/98.5 The Sports Hub)
Patriots first-round pick Christian Gonzalez spent most of Thursday’s practice matched up with Smith-Schuster in coverage. Smith-Schuster is a good test for Gonzalez as he gets acclimated to NFL competition.
Smith-Schuster got Gonzalez a few times in their matchups – including once for a touchdown catch – but Gonzalez certainly held his own and seemed to win more total reps than Smith-Schuster did. That’s an encouraging sign early on, given that as a first-round pick Gonzalez should be expected to step into a starting role right away this year.
Jahlani Tavai making plays
Jun 12, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai (48) works against a resistance rope at the Patriots minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The final 11-on-11 period of Thursday’s practice featured the most high-impact reps of training camp so far. This time the team started from the high red zone, and worked with down and distance markers to simulate the end of a drive.
One of the standouts from that period was linebacker Jahlani Tavai. He had a pass breakup in coverage working against Pierre Strong, and also used a swim-move to earn a would-be sack of Bailey Zappe.
At this time last year, it was clear the Patriots’ coaching staff was still trying to figure out the best way to utilize Tavai within the defensive system. That clicked late in camp, and he spent the season as a strong-side edge setter on early downs – a role he played well. He’ll likely be back in that role again this season, but it will be interested to see if he keeps making plays in passing-down situations.
First injury of camp
Jul 27, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Ty Montgomery II (14) takes a hand-off from quarterback Mac Jones (10) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Unfortunately, injuries are a reality when it comes to football and training camp is no exception. After a clean day on Wednesday, Thursday saw the first injury of the summer for the Patriots.
Early in practice, wide receiver Ty Montgomery collided with linebacker Terez Hall while trying to work his way back to a ball thrown behind him from Trace McSorley. It was a lower-body collision, potentially knee-to-knee.
Montgomery got up slowly and limped to the next drill, but did run a few routes during the next period. While he was moving fine during plays, he did still seem hindered when subbed out, and continued to flex and shake his left leg. Shortly after he joined the training staff, who worked on his left leg and put a sleeve over his knee. He stayed on the field and did a bit of individual running after that, but did not return to team drills. Hall left practice early as well.
The fact neither player left the field directly to head back inside the stadium is an encouraging sign. We’ll see if either or both players are on the field for the team’s third practice tomorrow.
Attendance
Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson during positional drills at training camp. (Katie Bennert/98.5 The Sports Hub)
Aside from Montgomery and Hall leaving early, the Patriots’ attendance was mostly unchanged from Wednesday. None of the players from the PUP (Mike Onwenu, Cody Davis) or NFI (Calvin Anderson, DaMarcus Mitchell) lists returned. Matthew Judon was one again limited as well. In the only change, Rhamondre Stevenson was also limited. With Stevenson not taking part in team drills, Pierre Strong saw an expanded workload.
What’s next?
Jul 27, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick heads to the podium for a morning press conference before training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots will have their third training camp practice on Friday morning. Practice is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. with Belichick speaking to the media beforehand. Gates open for the public at 8:00.
