Three Studs, Three Duds From High-Impact Patriots Practice

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots will soon start preparing for their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on Aug 8.

New England had to build some “sweat equity” before doing that, though, and Saturday’s nasty weather made that quite easy. Who improved their stock on the sticky afternoon? Who might have taken a hit? We had our eyes peeled throughout practice, and a number of guys stood out — both positively and negatively.

Let’s take a look at the biggest studs and duds of the day:

STUDS

TE Hunter Henry
Henry made two spectacular grabs during competitive team drills, including a one-handed snag over Kyle Dugger that brought fans at the practice fields outside Gillette Stadium to their feet. He’s been really good throughout training camp, but Saturday was perhaps one of his best practices since joining the Patriots.

It hasn’t mattered who was throwing him the ball (though it’s mostly been Jacoby Brissett), he’s once-again become a favorite target.

S Jaylinn Hawkins
Hawkins currently is battling Dell Pettus and newcomer A.J. Thomas for a roster spot, and seems to be the leader in the clubhouse. He intercepted Brissett in 11-on-11s, capitalizing on a tipped ball in the end zone.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said he plans on playing the 26-year-old “a lot” throughout the preseason.

EDGE Oshane Ximines
Ximines has been as steady as they come during training camp, providing an impact on defense and special teams. Mayo pointed to Ximines when asked about guys who showed up in both phases, and the expectation is that he’ll be among those who are entrusted to make an impact on the new kickoffs.

“I actually like it,” Ximines said Saturday. “They took running out of the kickoff, and now everything is within five yards. It fits in with my strong suits, where everything happens quick. It’s like getting off the line and playing a tackle or a tight end, so it’s suited for my game.”

DUDS

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
We don’t want to pile on the guy but… c’mon.

He’s comfortably been the least-impactful receiver during camp, and was demoted to the second field during one of the competitive team periods — where he repped with Bailey Zappe and Joe Milton III. He did get a few reps with Drake Maye, but fell on his only target before the ball even got to him.

RB Kevin Harris
Harris has looked good on the ground, but he had three drops Saturday. If he can’t be a real threat running routes out of the backfield, New England might look elsewhere for that third running back spot.

JaMycal Hasty has been steady in the passing game.

QB Joe Milton III
Milton is supposed to be the starter, according to people who haven’t actually witnessed any practices this summer, so you might be surprised to learn he finished 1-for-4 in competitive team drills with two ugly misses.

Shocking!