#PostPulpit Mailbag: What were the biggest positives from spring practices?

#PostPulpit Mailbag: What were the biggest positives from spring practices?

Summer break rolls on for the New England Patriots as training camp lies just over one month away.

So to help fill the void, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag.

What are the five best things you spotted during spring camp that should make the team better in 2024? - CanuckYaz

Let’s start with some positivity! Here’s what I would go with:

1. Drake Maye: We aren't suiting Maye for his red or gold jacket after a handful of practices where he couldn't be touched, but the spring was an encouraging sign for the No. 3 pick. The talent that was spotted while at UNC was apparent in Foxboro and Maye received positive remarks from the New England coaching staff when discussing the 21-year old’s progression. It was a positive start.

2. Ja’Lynn Polk: After a slower start to spring practices, rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk concluded the program with a bang. That included hauling in a pair of touchdowns in both minicamp practices, one on a fade from Maye on the final play of the spring. New England needs more playmakers on offense and Polk’s finish left the arrow pointed upwards.

3. CB room: Christian Gonzalez’s return was always going to be big for the Patriots, but the depth outside him, Jonathan and Marcus Jones was a question mark this offseason in a young cornerback room. But, it felt like everyday a new cornerback or two made an impressive play. That was led by Alex Austin who continued to build off his strong finish last season while Isaiah Bolden was also involved. Outside of them, Azizi Hearn, Marco Wilson, Marcellus Dial, and even UDFA Mikey Victor had impressive moments. While an outside addition like Stephon Gilmore should not be ruled out, the youngsters were impressive in the spring.

4. Keion White: New England’s defense will be good next season, but they’ll take the next step if one or two of their younger players elevate their game. After the spring sessions, last year’s second-round pick Keion White, who was mentioned by head coach Jerod Mayo when asked if there was a player that has surprised him so far, may be that guy.

5. Late O-Line shuffle: The Patriots talent at the tackle position is worrisome, as they are set to start career right tackle Chuks Okorafor on the left side with either Mike Onwenu or Caedan Wallace at right. But, a late change in minicamp — with Wallace playing right and Onwenu kicked inside to guard — may give them their best five with players in their more natural position. This will obviously be closely watched throughout camp, but that group may provide the most confidence going forward.

Who is your early pick as the x-factor on offense? On defense? - Matt1102

I’ll agree with Matt’s pick here on offense and go with Chuks Okorafor. While picking Maye or one of the young receivers, or even Jaheim Bell, would be fun here, the left tackle play is crucial and may even determine when we see Drake Maye take the field. If Okorafor can even just be average, that could be a win.

On defense, I’m split between two players touched on above: Keion White and Alex Austin. Both second-year players flashed at times last season and built off those performances with impressive springs. Those two guys becoming key contributors on defense would allow the unit to become ever scarier.

Is it too early to be thinking about whether we will get a top 3 pick again next year in the draft? - BirdStealsTheBall

The Patriots first-round pick could certainly be sitting in the top-10 once again next season, but I have a hard time seeing them in the top-3 for a second straight year. Their defense will again be one of the better units in the league and the offense should at least be coherent while Maye will increase the ceiling of the group when he sees the field.

Plus, there are teams like the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants out there.

It would seem that the Pats are much more eager to extend younger players thru their prime, rather than older players who may be declining once their current contract expires. Do you think that a wait and see approach with the older players is smart? - coolbeanz

I think being careful with your older players is always a smart approach in any sport. The last thing you want to do is tie yourself to an aging player who’s play ultimately declines on a longer term contract. It’s something I'm sure the Patriots will take into account as they evaluate Davon Godchaux, 29, and Matthew Judon’s, 31, contracts.

Since you may have a better view of the Pats’ internal structure than us bumpkins...what is your personal opinion on how Mayo has performed to date and has your initial opinion been swayed in either direction? - PatsHowYouDoIt

I wouldn't say the opinion has been heavily swayed throughout the spring. It is pretty clear that things are being done differently and the players seem to be responding well to Mayo’s coaching philosophy as a more player-friendly approach.

One note I will add about spring practices is the early sessions did feel a bit clunky with a lot of wasted time and players standing around. It did get better as the spring progressed as they started to utilize both practice fields and splitting their large coaching staff between them. As Mayo said, he’s still learning too.

If I go into a long slumber in a cool dark cave until final cutdown day, am I really going to miss much? - GAPatriot

You’ll miss tons of terrific training camp content right here on Pats Pulpit. Plus, you won’t get to see Drake Maye and Joe Milton hurl footballs all summer (although the cool dark cave does sound nice).

That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.