5 standouts from Day 10 of Patriots training camp practice
The team is clearly on the verge of ramping up its workload ahead of Wednesday's joint practice and Friday's preseason opener against the Washington Commanders. It will be the first opportunity for the Patriots to test themselves against another team.
There is no better gauge of potential than seeing it in action against a team that advanced to the NFC Championship Game last season. Before the Patriots go head-to-head with the Commanders, they held another tough in-house practice session full of one-on-ones and 11-on-11 team periods.
Here were the five standout players from Day 10 of training camp practice in New England:
EDGE Elijah Ponder
One underrated name to keep an eye on in training camp and the preseason is rookie edge rusher Elijah Ponder. He popped in a major way by going 4-0 during the one-on-one pass rushing drills at Monday's practice. The former Cal Poly standout is a physical specimen at 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds with legitimate raw traits to make an impact at the next level.
CB D.J. James
This was another strong practice turned in by second-year cornerback D.J. James. He continues to make the most of his opportunities on the practice field. Throughout the competitive period, he was spotted locked in tight coverage on Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams and Kayshon Boutte. He is a scrappy defensive back willing to stand up to any challenge.
WR Javon Baker
Javon Baker is predominantly viewed as a player on the roster bubble. However, he could make things interesting if he continues to make big plays like he did at Monday's practice. He caught three straight touchdowns at one point from backup quarterback Josh Dobbs during the 7-on-7 period. The second-year wideout also snagged another leaping touchdown in 11-on-11s.
RB TreVeyon Henderson
Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson was very much involved on offense in this practice. He hauled in five receptions with three receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. The second-round pick out of Ohio State is a matchup nightmare with the ability to threaten as a runner and a receiver. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels appears to be making the most of his skill set with the playbook.
K Andres Borregales and John Parker Romo
The kicking competition has been a nail-biter between Andres Borregales and John Parker Romo. They refused to let up on Monday with both kickers finishing 4-for-4 on field goals. It's easy to give Borregales the edge as the rookie sixth-round draft pick, but Parker Romo appears determined to make it a fight to the finish.
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