Patriots training camp: 5 things to know about the New Orleans Saints

Tomorrow marks the beginning of joint practices between the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints, leading up to the preseason game on Thursday. Here are five things the typical Patriots fan should know about the Saints leading up to this busy week.

5. Michael Thomas is tracking upward.

The Saints’ second round pick this spring has played like a seasoned veteran. Reports out of Saints camp indicate that Thomas is certainly going to make an impact this season. Thus far, Thomas has stood out by making impressive catches away from his body (some of the one-handed variety), and in particular, keeping his wits about him in traffic.

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Just listen to Sean Payton:

"He has been encouraging when you see him in traffic. He’s got really good hands away from his body. So, he’s not someone that lets the ball get in on his chest. That will give him a chance to have a little bit more run-after-the-catch ability."

Don’t forget, the Saints also have 6-foot-6 Rutgers product Brandon Coleman, who will be showing his face in New England for the first time as a pro. Many writers, including this one, lobbied for the Patriots to roll the dice on Coleman a few years. Thomas’ name also was brought up in the same conversation this spring. Keep an eye on these two young wideouts in contention against bubble cornerbacks like E.J. Biggers, Darryl Roberts and Jonathan Jones.

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