3 Up and 3 Down from Patriots Training Camp so far
Greg Bedard of BostonSportsJournal.com joined the Felger and Mazz program on Wednesday and hit on the latest with the New England Patriots. Below are Bedard’s 3 up and 3 down from Patriots Training Camp so far…
3 UP
MIKE ONWENU
Greg Bedard: I don’t think he reported in the greatest of shape but I will tell you, on the field, especially in the one on ones, he has been awesome. Just dominating. He got off to a 7-0 start. Almost all of them it looked like he was going against children. Just completely stuffing them right at the line until Keion White got him on a quick little inside move the other day on his last Rep so he’s 7-1 at this point. But Big Mike has been the best player in camp so far.
SIDY SOW
Greg Bedard: He has shown vast improvement. Now I don’t know if this Scott Peters and Robert Kugler, the new offensive line coaches, but he has also been incredibly impressive so far in the one on ones and he’s looked like a different player, he does. Last year you worried about him being a little undersized, kind of struggled in pass protection and he looks completely different this year.
JAVON BAKER
Greg Bedard: He’s been a little bit inconsistent and that’s the book on him. But you see the upside there. Like Ja’Lynn Polk is more consistent and I love Polk and I think he’s going to be really good. I Think both of these guys are going to be pushing for sort of the, I guess you would call it the number one spot on the receiving core really. I think they’re going to push by the end and Baker certainly has the upside and he flashes a lot.
3 DOWN
JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER
Greg Bedard: I think this is the end of the road for him. He can’t get any separation. I’ve heard that there’s still issues with his knees. I don’t see the use for him here with so many young guys, and from what I understand, I’ve heard that the Patriots are putting a premium on speed, especially at the wide receiver position. So when push comes to shove they’re going with speed and upside more than just slow and plotting.
MARTE MAPU
Greg Bedard: This is a kid, and look injuries are part of the deal, he’s always hurt. He came in to this program from surgery watching for a very long time. He’s back to watching. Like the kid, you can tell how smart he is out there, he’s listening on a walkie-talkie, like he’s staying involved. And I think he can be a good player here. But if he doesn’t get on the field soon and start playing and earning a role in this team, I don’t know if he’s going to make the roster at the end of the day.
BAILEY ZAPPE
Greg Bedard: I went with Bailey Zappe because I don’t think he’s long for around here. I don’t think that they like his attitude, his body language, all that stuff.
Felger: What’s his attitude and body language?
Greg Bedard: Well there’s a lot of crossed arms watching Drake Maye, especially watching Joe Milton. When Joe Milton’s getting the snaps he’s just standing there. They don’t like his attitude or his body language.
