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May 2, 2008

Observations from the first day of Patriots mini-camp

By SHALISE MANZA YOUNG
Journal Sports Writer

Rain forced the Patriots to move the first session of their rookie mini-camp indoors, to the Dana-Farber Fieldhouse, and the 27 players on hand worked for more than an hour on the basics of New England's system.

Some observations:

* QB Kevin O'Connell puts a lot of zip on his ball, but his accuracy is definitely an area of improvement for the third-round pick. Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Josh McDaniels spent a lot of time with O'Connell, working him both with and without a ball in his hands.

* CB Jonathan Wilhite doesn't have "stone hands." One online scouting report said the former Auburn Tiger had stone hands, but Wilhite's hands looked good while picking off O'Connell during one play. He made a good play on the ball, bobbled it a bit but held on.

* WR Matthew Slater may not end up as a WR at all. We this going in -- that Slater, the Pats' fifth-round pick, had been moved all over the field at UCLA and likely would in New England as well. This morning, he took some snaps at defensive back and came away with an interception, and of course played on special teams.

* For some, it may have been a brief tryout. Among the 27 players, there were nine in for a tryout. The team hasn't passed along those names yet, but for those who are still around for the afternoon session (which gets underway at 2:15 p.m.), we'll be able to pass along some names.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 1:46 PM to Patriots | Permalink

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