The New England Patriots held their first practice of 2023 mandatory minicamp on Monday at the practice fields by Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. Here are the players who stood out on the field, for one reason or another…

• WR Ty Montgomery

  

  Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

• Montgomery doesn’t just look like he’s back to where he was during 2022 camp. He looks even better. And that’s as he mainly works with the wide receivers, which is an intriguing development.

  The veteran was on track to be a key piece of the Patriots offense, especially in no-huddle and two-minute situations, as a pass-catching back/wide receiver hybrid. He’s off to a great start for 2023, but he just needs to stay healthy.

• TE Hunter Henry

  

  Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

  Henry and Mike Gesicki both look like they’re going to be a major piece of the offense in 2023 – that is, as a tandem. The two-tight end set might finally, truly make a comeback this season, after several years of merely sprinkling it in or giving up early when it’s not going well.

  We don’t expect Henry and Gesicki to falter like Henry and Jonnu Smith did. Henry, in particular, had a strong connection with Mac Jones in team drills, and lined up in multiple spots. This was the first time he really seemed to pop in practice, and it was a good sign for him going forward.

• CB Christian Gonzalez

  

  Cornerback Christian Gonzalez of the New England Patriots practices during 2023 mandatory minicamp in Foxboro. (Matt Dolloff/98.5 The Sports Hub)

• The rookie first-round pick didn’t necessarily “make plays” on Monday, but what stood out was his usage. He continues to regularly line up as a starting outside corner, often drawing assignments against DeVante Parker or Kendrick Bourne on the perimeter in team drills. He also lined up against Montgomery in the slot on at least one snap.

  Gonalez is the real deal from an athleticism standpoint, but adding versatility to the mix would be huge for him. It looks like the Patriots may indeed view him as an immediate starter.

• LB/S Marte Mapu

  

  New England Patriots linebacker Marte Mapu (52) warms up at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)

  We’re becoming a broken record highlighting Mapu in these things, but it bears repeating that the rookie third-round pick continues to get a good share of snaps with the starters. And that’s not always as a linebacker. He’s playing plenty of safety-looking roles, too.

  Mapu also looks fast out there, which is a good sign, considering he’s practicing in a red non-contact jersey. But the fact the Patriots are already willing to use him in so many different ways is a great sign for his potential to make an impact.

• OL Jake Andrews

  

  Jake Andrews of Troy participates in the 40-yard dash during the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

• The new Andrews has been billed as a center since the Patriots drafted him in the fourth round of the 2023 draft. But the reason we’re listing him here is because he lined up next to David Andrews with the starting offensive line, at right guard.

  Injuries are a big reason for that. Mike Onwenu continues to miss time due to ankle surgery, and rookie guard Atonio Mafi was limited. But it’s notable that the rookie Andrews got the nod over Bill Murray at times. Something to watch going forward.

• LB Ja’Whaun Bentley

  

  New England Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley walks to the practice field for 2022 training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)

  Bentley made a great play during 11-on-11 to blow right by left guard Cole Strange for a “sack.” The play looked like more than just a missed assignment for Strange.

  Bentley has gotten progressively better over the past few seasons, so it would be huge if he improved even further for an inside linebacker corps filled with question marks.

• DT Daniel Ekuale

  

  Daniel Ekuale of the New England Patriots celebrates after sacking Colt McCoy of the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

• With Lawrence Guy reportedly holding out due to a contract dispute, a clear opportunity is opening up on the Patriots’ defensive interior. Ekuale at times lined up as a starter at the nose between Deatrich Wise and Davon Godchaux during team drills on Monday, a good sign for his immediate future here.

  The Pats clearly like Ekuale’s strength and versatility at defensive tackle, and if Guy ends up elsewhere for 2023, that could mean Ekuale is in for a key role.

• Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

  Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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