Patriots rookie minicamp took place over this past weekend in Foxborough. It’s the first time the Patriots’ draft picks, UDFAs, and other non-roster invitees get to go through on-field drills with the Patriots coaching staff.

The Patriots are one of a few teams that don’t open rookie minicamp to the media. So, it wasn’t until Tuesday that we got a look at what was taking place on the fields behind Gillette Stadium.

• Over the past day, the Patriots have released pictures and a couple of videos of players running through basic drills. That includes a clip of first-round pick Christian Gonzalez on a ball-tracking rep, sixth-round wide receivers Kayshon Boutte and Demario ‘Pop’ Douglas going through a release drill.

  Check out the footage below…

• Gonzo on the grind.@chrisgonzo28 | #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/sMrjgCi1xi

  — New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 17, 2023

• Kay + Pop.@KayshonBoutte1 | @popshotta3 pic.twitter.com/j0Tx6IoL2l

  — New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 16, 2023

• Those videos, plus a handful of pictures, are all we’ve seen so far. However, there was also one notable report to come out of the weekend.

  According to Doug Kyed of AtoZ Sports, UDFA quarterback Malik Cunningham only played quarterback over the weekend. Cunningham, who was a four-year starter as a dual-threat QB at Louisville and one of the best athletic testers at this year’s Combine, was reportedly open to switching positions in the NFL. Cunningham, who was recruited as a safety as well as a quarterback coming out of high school, certainly has the athleticism to make the change to another position whether it be receiver or safety or somewhere else. So far though, that doesn’t appear to be the case in Foxborough.

  Beyond finally getting on the field, this was also a big weekend for most of the Patriots rookies because they officially signed their rookie deals. The Patriots have now come to terms with eight of their 12 draft picks, with the top four picks in Gonzalez, defensive end Keion White, linebacker Marte Mapu, and center Jake Andrews still needing to officially sign. Rookie signings can at times carry on into July.

  The Patriots rookies will join the rest of the team on the field next week, when OTAs begin. The first such practice is on Monday, with Thursday’s practice being the first of six sessions to be open to the media.

• 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 [email protected].

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