The Patriots will spend the next two days competing against the Vikings in joint practices before Saturday afternoon’s preseason game in Minnesota.
Before we see which players stand out against the Vikings, let’s highlight who’s impressing and disappointing through the first three weeks of training camp.
Six trending up
RB Treveyon Henderson: Simply put, the Patriots’ offense looked better and more explosive Friday night against the Commanders when Henderson was on the field. Does that mean he’ll pass Rhamondre Stevenson for the starting job by Week 1? Not necessarily. But expect him to see a ton of work in his rookie season. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and running backs coach Tony Dews raved about Henderson’s speed, play strength, intelligence and work ethic this week.
WR Efton Chism: The undrafted rookie out of Eastern Washington has ridden the rookie rollercoaster since the beginning of th spring. He was a major standout during OTAs and minicamp but started slow when the Patriots regrouped for training camp. He’s been on a major upswing over the past week, however. Backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs raved about Chism’s ability to get open in key situations. Chism’s work ethic is unmatched as he tries to adapt to the NFL and learn McDaniels’ complex offense.
LG Jared Wilson: It didn’t take long for Wilson to earn a starting spot on the offensive line. He began the summer as the Patriots’ top backup center behind Garrett Bradbury and left guard behind Cole Strange. Wilson, a starting center last season at Georgia, has now passed Strange on the depth chart at left guard.
OT Marcus Bryant: The 2025 seventh-round pick out of Missouri began the summer behind Will Campbell, Morgan Moses and Demontrey Jacobs on the offensive line depth chart. Now, with less than two weeks until roster cuts, Bryant appears to be the favorite to start the season as the Patriots’ swing tackle. He’s lined up at his college position of left tackle, and the Patriots’ coaches like his versatility to flip over to right tackle, as well.
S Jaylinn Hawkins: Hawkins’ re-signing this offseason was viewed as an afterthought. He was one of the few Patriots free agents who actually returned under new head coach Mike Vrabel. Now, he’s a regular part of the starting defense. Hawkins is a smart player and a strong locker room presence. It appears Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams value his ability to cover ground in the back half of the defense alongside Jabrill Peppers.
S Craig Woodson: It would not be a shock if Woodson, a 2025 fourth-round pick, emerged as a starter this season. He’s seen a rise up the Patriots’ defensive depth chart, and like Hawkins, has the ability to cover a lot of ground at free safety. Woodson was the first defensive player selected by Vrabel and his scouting staff. It would be a major win if Woodson winds up as a starter.
Six trending down
WR Ja’Lynn Polk: It’s been a tough offseason in a make-or-break summer for the 2024 second-round pick. He initially passed his physical in late July but suffered an injury in the days leading up to camp that sidelined him for the first four practices. He was quiet in his return to the field, save for one standout practice, then suffered another injury during Friday’s preseason game. He won’t practice this week as he fights for a roster spot. Chism and Javon Baker seem like favorites for the 53-man roster over Polk at this point.
WR Kendrick Bourne: Bourne has missed about half of training camp since suffering an injury during the Patriots’ intra-squad scrimmage. Already looking a step slow in practice as he fights for a spot on the roster, Bourne will need to make up for lost time if he’s able to return before roster cuts on Aug. 26. Bourne’s biggest strengths are his veteran leadership and knowledge of the offense. Veteran Mack Hollins might be an even better veteran leader, and he has more recent experience with McDaniels.
OT Demontrey Jacobs: Jacobs still seems to be trending toward a roster spot, but he’s seen his spot as the Patriots’ top swing tackle taken by Bryant. Jacobs is now fighting with Vederian Lowe for a fourth offensive tackle spot behind Campbell, Moses and Bryant.
OL Cole Strange: Strange, a 2022 first-round pick, began the summer as the Patriots’ starting left guard. He’s not fighting for snaps at center and right guard. Strange still has a chance to earn a roster spot, but he’ll need to prove more valuable than 2024 third-round pick Caedan Wallace and backup center Ben Brown.
OLB Anfernee Jennings: It was an ominous sign to see Jennings still on the field for the final defensive snap of Friday night’s preseason opener against the Commanders. In practices leading up to this week’s joint sessions against the Vikings, Jennings worked on the scout team. Jennings is a very useful player in a defense that prioritizes defenders who can eat up space and set the edge against the run. The Patriots’ new attacking defense, led by Vrabel and Williams, doesn’t necessarily suit Jennings’ strengths. It would make sense for the Patriots to seek a trade partner for Jennings.
S Kyle Dugger: Dugger is in a somewhat similar position as Jennings, though his contract is much less traceable. Dugger was a standout player for the Patriots under Bill Belichick, but an ankle injury last season made him a liability in coverage. The defense got by with two traditional strong safeties in Peppers and Dugger under Belichick and Jerod Mayo. If Vrabel and Williams are looking to start a traditional free safety like Hawkins or Woodson, then Dugger could become expendable.
