Patriots' fifth training camp practice highlights key performances
In the fifth session of New England Patriots' training camp, rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams and defensive tackle Eric Gregory stood out, while other players had mixed results.
The New England Patriots held their fifth training-camp practice on Thursday, introducing full pads for the first time this summer, which increased the intensity of drills on the Gillette Stadium fields. Rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams, a 2025 third-round pick, impressed with two notable catches, including a touchdown after beating defender Kobee Minor, and a one-handed fade that he secured with a knee down. > "I just show up every day just ready to take advantage of the opportunities given to me," Williams said earlier in the week.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown showed a stronger performance than in earlier sessions, recording four receptions on five targets from quarterback Drake Maye and engaging in a competitive matchup with cornerback Christian Gonzalez. The other starting receivers—DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Romeo Doubs—combined for a single catch, with Douglas and Boutte receiving no targets during team drills.
Second-year defensive tackle Eric Gregory excelled in the first full-contact drills, winning both of his one-on-one matchups against Ben Brown and seeing additional snaps with the starting defensive line. Linebackers, led by Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss, were active in run support but allowed several quarterback completions in pass coverage.
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez performed well in his one-on-one contests, breaking up passes intended for Brown and Boutte, though he was beaten on a deep fade by Brown. Additional notes included tight end Tanner Arkin continuing to be a reliable blocker, and quarterback Drake Maye completing a touchdown pass to Cameron Dorner.
The Patriots will conduct their sixth practice on Friday, with gates opening at 9:15 p.m. ET and the session beginning about an hour later.