Six Takeaways From the Patriots Third Open OTA Practice 

Until the run game becomes a threat where Van Pelt can sequence run and pass together, the Patriots offense is playing with one hand tied behind their back. Still, the offensive line issues have been palpable in practice. On Tuesday, we counted at least six drop-backs where pressure was an issue. Mainly, interior pressure, created by Christian Barmore and friends.

Although it’s a positive note on Barmore, who wrecked multiple pass plays and was an absolute force, these O-Line issues aren’t surprising, given the personnel on paper. We’ll give this group some time to gel, and it’s always harder to block with your feet and hands without any contact.

With that said, it wouldn’t be shocking to anyone following this team closely if the line is their undoing this season offensively, and early returns suggest it will be an issue.

3. WR JuJu Smith-Schuster Flashes for the First Time This Spring, What’s His Role?

Early in practice, there was an extended special teams period during which we got a good look at the Patriots strategy for the new kickoff rules. During that period, it caught the eye that Smith-Schuster was the lone receiver working with WRs coach Tyler Hughes on the other field. The other 11 receivers on the roster had roles on special teams that they were working on with coordinator Jeremy Springer.

At that moment, you realize that Smith-Schuster is the team’s highest-paid wide receiver, who doesn’t have four-down versatility and is coming off a disappointing season. In a crowded wide receiver room, where does JuJu fit? To his credit, this was the most noticeable Smith-Schuster has been this spring, connecting with Brissett (under route) and Maye (corner route) for touchdowns during red zone work.

Although there are cap implications, Smith-Schuster must make the Patriots roster outright without a role on special teams. He’ll need to continue stacking good days to avoid being a cap casualty.

4. DeMario Douglas Goes on a Heater, Best Pats Receiver in Open Practices

The Patriots are incorporating two rookie receivers who have everyone excited, but that doesn’t mean they should forget about Pop Douglas. Douglas had a standout rookie season (49 catches, 561 yards), with more receiving yards than any Pats rookie in decades.

On Tuesday, Douglas caught three of his four targets, going on a mid-practice heater where his jitterbug quickness was too much for New England’s defense in the slot. Second-rounder Ja’Lynn Polk has been quiet during team drills (zero catches on Tuesday), while free-agent addition K.J. Osborn was more noticeable in this session than others (two catches).

Still, neither Osborn nor Polk have done anything to separate themselves, whereas Douglas has consistently been the Patriots best separator in the spring.

5. Tight Ends More in Focus While Working in the Low Red Zone

New England’s tight ends caught the eye more in this red zone-heavy practice. You can’t evaluate blocking in the run game without pads, which is a huge part of the equation for tight ends in this offense. However, Hunter Henry hauled in two touchdown grabs during red zone work, while rookie Jaheim Bell and La’Michael Pettway also got on the board. Henry looked like his usual self and was a reliable target for the Patriots QBs. Bell made his first notable practice play by elevating over Josh Bledsoe for a high-point TD, while Pettway was amped after beating Bledsoe to the inside on a skinny post. Hopefully, we’ll see more from this group soon.

6. Running Back Competition is Worth Monitoring Behind Rhamondre Stevenson

A sneaky important position battle for the Patriots offense this spring and summer is at running back. New England has Rhamondre Stevenson returning in a lead-back role, while free-agent addition Antonio Gibson joined the team as a change-of-pace/receiving back. However, the competition for RB3 and RB4 is wide-open. Plus, there’s not much proven depth there in the early-down role behind Stevenson. JaMychal Hasty was active in Tuesday’s session with three catches, including an impressive back-shoulder catch with Ja’Whaun Bentley in coverage. Hasty could earn a role in an offense that wants to run the ball plenty.