New England Patriots: 4 standouts from training camp so far

SS Jordan Richards

In June, it appeared the clock was ticking on 2015 second-round pick, safety Jordan Richards. A month later, he’s collected three interceptions in four days of training camp.

Following Saturday’s practice session, Zack Cox wrote of the safety:

"“Richards, who spent the 2016 campaign buried at the bottom of the depth chart, has impressed through three days of camp practice, intercepting three passes and breaking up two others. He was the first — and, so far, only — player to pick off starting quarterback Tom Brady.”"

Richards’ third interception came in coverage against tight end Rob Gronkowski, who Doug Kyed points out, “usually torches Richards in practice.”

Mike Petraglia shared this video of Richards talking to the media after Saturday’s practice.

When asked about his limited amount of reps, the third-year safety told reporters:

"“I love our group of guys. You don’t count your amount of reps, you make your reps count.”"

Richards has done a stand-up job turning heads in training camp thus far. If he can consistently create turnovers and make the best of his opportunities, he’ll have no trouble making New England’s 53-man roster.