Patriots Mandatory Mini-Camp: Day 1

Day 1 of the Patriots first mandatory mini camp began today, and it started off pretty well.  The players were dressed in light shoulder pads, helmets, and shorts.

• Players Out
  • Mel Mitchell
  • Asante Samuel (holdout)
  • Brandon Meriweather
  • Chad Jackson (knee)
  • Laurence Maroney (shoulder)
  • Eric Alexander
  • Richard Seymour
  • James Sanders
  • Brandon Meriweather
  • Eddie Jackson
  • Antwain Spann
  • David Thomas
• Quarterbacks
  • Matt Cassel: Threw his third interception of the mini-camp season during a seven on seven drill.
  • Matt Gutierrez: Once again looked very impressive.  At this point, I can’t see the Patriots not giving him a minimum of a practice squad spot.
  • Vinny Testaverde: Still not signed, but was once again present at minicamp.
• Runningbacks
  • Sammy Morris: Continued to wear red non-contact jersey
  • Justise Hairston: Sixth round rookie continues to look good
• Wide Receivers / Tight Ends
  • Donte Stallworth: Stallworth, who was absent for the last minicamp, was on the field for this one
  • Randy Moss: Continues to look good.  Had one impressive catch in the back of the endzone.
  • Wes Welker: Right now, he actually looks like the best receiver on the Patriots roster.  He’s a hard worker, runs good routes, has soft hand, and good speed, plus, he’s extremely versatile (worked on kickoff returns during practice).
  • Kyle Brady: Continues to be one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets.  Kyle should be part of a good 3 headed tight end monster (including Ben Watson and David Thomas).
• Defensive Backs
  • Artrell Hawkins: Intercepted a Matt Cassel pass during seven on sevens.
  • Rodney Harrison: Continues to look healthy which is a very good sign.
• Special Teams
  • Gostkowski started his field goals looking shaky, but was able to finish practice strong
  • Wide receiver Wes Welker was returning kicks

Stay tuned for more day 2!