On Monday, James had tight coverage to force incompletions to top receivers Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and rookie Kyle Williams (PBU). James’s ability to play his leverage in man coverage allowed him to maintain great body positioning on Diggs, who was running an out-breaking route in the back of the end zone. He then took away the passing window on a go route to Boutte and broke up a comebacker near the front pylon intended for Williams. Although it’s worth noting that James’s “rise” coincides with Gonzalez and Davis’s absences, he’s earning more opportunities. From this vantage point, James fits the mold of the man coverage corners that have thrived in New England.
The second-year receiver has as many high-end flashes as any Patriots wideout through 10 camp practices. On Monday, the 2024 fourth-rounder posted a “hat trick” during 7-on-7s with three straight touchdowns during low red zone work, then fought through contact to haul in a back-shoulder fade from backup QB Joshua Dobbs in full team drills. In recent practices, Baker flashing positively is almost a daily occurrence. That said, Baker also allowed a ball to be punched out of his hands in the end zone during red zone work, which points to the biggest potential roadblock for the 110th overall pick in last year’s draft: consistency. Over the next few weeks, it’ll be interesting to see if Baker gets any reps with QB Drake Maye and if he can supplement his highlight-reel moments with steadiness play-to-play. Baker seems to be behind Diggs, Boutte, Williams, DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins. However, his larger frame, vertical speed and ability to win battles at the catch point offer a different skill set from New England’s other outside (X) receivers.
With top draft choice Will Campbell getting most of the attention, Bryant has quietly begun to increase his involvement. The Patriots are playing the long game with 12-year vet Morgan Moses, who is the Pats projected starting right tackle. Moses has been in and out of full team drills, possibly to preserve the 34-year-old for the regular season, opening the door for those competing for top swing tackle reps. Following a solid showing in 1-on-1s, the rookie seventh-rounder got the nod over second-year pro Demontrey Jacobs for the first time in Monday’s session. Bryant had wins over pass-rushers Truman Jones and Bradyn Swinson to finish 2-1-1 in 1-on-1s on Monday. Plus, he didn’t look out of place pass protecting at right tackle in team drills. In college, Bryant mainly played left tackle for Missouri, with first-rounder Armand Membou on the other side. Bryant’s experience at left tackle suggests he’d be comfortable playing there in the pros, so if he can hold up on the right side, he has swing tackle flexibility. The Missouri product also has excellent size (6-7, 320 pounds) and athleticism (8.99 RAS). Bryant emerging as a serviceable backup would be a positive development for the Patriots.