Bradyn Swinson pulls back curtain on Patriots’ rookie duties

FOXBORO — Bradyn Swinson has two priorities in his first Patriots training camp: sacks and snacks.

On the field, the fifth-round draft pick is trying to carve out a role in New England’s edge rusher rotation. Off it, it’s Swinson’s job to make sure his more experienced position mates are well fed during meetings.

“For the most part for me, I’ve just been having to bring snacks,” Swinson said after Wednesday’s practice. “I’ve got boys like Keion (White) and KC (K’Lavon Chaisson) — I’ve got big boys in my room, so they always want snacks. But they eat some old head snacks, like vanilla wafers and stuff. Like, what are we doing?”

Swinson’s snack list also includes Gushers, fruit snacks, sunflower seeds and Chex Mix. The biggest eater in the group, Swinson said, is Harold Landry III, who goes through snacks “like he’s breathing oxygen.” The rookie out of LSU has had to refill Landry’s allotment “about six, seven times” since camp began last week.

In addition to being de facto food delivery men, Patriots rookies carry veteran’s helmets and pads off the field after each practice and, according to Swinson, are required to tell jokes “every time we come into a room.” The traditional rookie “skit night” also is coming up soon.

“It kind of feels like it’s crossed over into a fraternity or something,” Swinson said. “… But I’m enjoying doing it. It’s a blessing to be here, so I’ll do whatever they tell me to do.”