The 4 most impressive Patriots through OTAs (so far)

It's that point in the NFL offseason when not a lot is going on to discuss or even to be excited about except for what is seen during media-attended OTA practices.

It may be silly to some since it's very early in the summer, and they're just practicing lightly against each other, but it's nice to look forward to something Patriots related, right?

Of course, things are a bit different for New England this season, with so many changes to the coaching staff and several new players in place of a few longtime favorites who moved on to other teams. With Matt Patricia gone and Bill O'Brien in, there's a lot more to watch for through these practices, especially when comparing to this point last year, which was vastly different.

Although the media has only been present for two OTA practices thus far, and they are scheduled to attend this Thursday or Friday as well, there hasn't been a lot of detail regarding how players are performing outside of what the team is putting out there or the rumors.

However, despite the overall lack of substantial detail, a few players have remained at the top of standout performers over the last two weeks, a few of which should make Patriots fans excited.

Christian Gonzalez

Is anyone shocked by this one?

Immediately upon being drafted, the excitement over Christian Gonzalez was absolutely unreal. Other than the fact the Patriots seriously lucked out in having the top-ranked cornerback of the class fall to them after trading down in the first round, the potential Gonzalez possesses and will bring to the team is substantial.

And fortunately for the Patriots' coaches, his performance through limited OTAs thus far is living up to the hype.

From the get-go, Gonzalez was said to likely be a starter right away, even though Bill Belichick is not known for immediately having rookies be starters. But that doesn't appear to be the case for Gonzalez, who worked with the starting defensive team on Tuesday and was notably not switched out when others were swapped in for reps.

"When New England’s top defensive unit took the field for the first competitive 11-on-11 period, Gonzalez was manning one of the outside cornerback spots, with Jonathan Jones at the other, Jalen Mills in the slot and Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers at safety. Jack Jones, whose strong rookie season was derailed by an injury and a team-imposed suspension, repped with the twos to start.

Jack Jones did work in with the first team in subsequent drills, but when he did, he replaced Jonathan Jones, not Gonzalez."

Although Tuesday's practice was significantly lighter than days prior, and nearly all of the team's top receivers were absent, Gonzalez's skillset was on full display throughout, with even some of his veteran teammates taking time to comment on what they've seen from him so far.

"It’s pretty effortless just the way he does everything. The way he moves in and out of breaks, he runs easy. It just looks very light, very fluid. It’s easy to see.

He’s very athletic, and he learns well. He learns really well. There hasn’t been a lot of time, so that’s all I can really say, but he learns fast. Very smart."

Kyle Dugger after Tuesday's practice

"(He’s) coming to work every day, focusing in meetings. I think that’s the biggest thing you want to see with these rookies, man. Are they taking what Coach is saying in the meetings out to the field? And as of right now, he’s doing that."

Jalen Mills after Tuesday's practice

With just one OTA practice left for the media to attend this season, we likely won't have the chance to see much more from Gonzalez before the start of training camp next month. But how he's being used and his performance thus far provide a lot to look forward to and show he could easily be a day-one starter.

Mac Jones

Despite all of the controversy and speculation that dominated headlines this offseason about the Patriots' quarterback situation, Mac Jones rightfully appears as the clear QB1 for New England moving forward.

Through all the practices thus far, Jones has played with the first-team offense, while Bailey Zappe and Trace McSorley have worked with the second-stringers or reserves.

He's completed nearly every pass to this point, ending Tuesday's practice 7-for-8 during 11-on-11s and last week finished 16-of-16, and has noticeably carried himself differently compared to last season.

Considering the overall unenthusiastic mood from the quarterback and the entire offense last offseason working under Matt Patricia, a noticeable shift in attitude at this stage is significant. It proves how much of a positive impact Bill O'Brien has already had on the offense, particularly from working with Jones himself.

It appears his teammates have noticed a shift in Jones's attitude, as both newcomer Mike Gesicki and third-year running back, Rhamondre Stevenson were super complimentary when asked about the quarterback after Tuesday's practice.

"Mac’s awesome. That’s my guy. He’s been incredible as a leader. He’s been great out there physically throwing the ball, and timing, throwing a very catchable ball, and all that kind of stuff. And he likes to have fun. So it’s been a cool offseason for us trying to gel and be on the same page. And I think it’s been good."

Mike Gesicki after practice on Tuesday

"Mac’s always been a mature guy. He came into the league pretty mature. I see all the same things. He’s just on it this year."

Rhamondre Stevenson on Tuesday

It's obviously important to reiterate that it is early in the offseason, meaning things can change between now and September. However, the optimistic vibes from Jones and the offense are a far cry from the hopefulness of last year.

Many changes have occurred over the last two seasons, which can be challenging for a team to overcome, even if they are very much needed. And so far, it appears it's all working in the offense's favor, which can certainly translate to overall performance once they hit the field.

So even if it is only June and we've heard this song and dance about Jones in the past, consider the changes the offense has implemented this season compared to last and the dramatic difference in attitude before writing the offense and the quarterback off.

Marte Mapu

An under-the-radar yet potentially significant playmaker for the Patriots, Marte Mapu's versatility has been the leading detail when discussing the rookie linebacker.

When the media got the first opportunity to see Mapu in action last week, he was practicing at his given position on the defense, in a non-contact jersey, however. But his placement on the field change when reporters returned on Tuesday, as they witnessed him playing deep at free safety.

Mapu was known to play nearly every position on the defense during his time at Sacramento State, including "slot defender, deep safety, strong safety, overhang linebacker, and edge rusher, depending on the defensive play call and offensive personnel."

So, Belichick had him showcase that during Tuesday's practice.

What makes his move to free safety more interesting, though, is his potential to replace the newly retired Devin McCourty at the position. Expect to see more of that during training camp in a few weeks, as Belichick will likely continue to explore all that Mapu can do, especially since he has a passion for versatile players.

That versatility has already caught the eye of his veteran defensemen, with Jalen Mills citing Mapu's athletic ability as one of the more prominent aspects of his game.

"I think the biggest thing is just him knowing at the end of the day, wherever they sub him in at, what position am I at, firstly?. Whether I’m at linebacker (or) I’m at safety, I’m on the tight end, I’m on the running back. And then two, what’s my execution for this play? Am I in man? Am I in zone? And then just let his athletic ability take over from there."

Jalen Mills after Tuesday's practice

Hopefully, come training camp, Mapu will be rid of the non-contact jersey and allowed to participate in the full practices to show off his full abilities. That's when we will get a real look at what he can bring to this defense.

Mike Gesicki

The Patriots' free agent signings of 2023 were not deemed game-changing or thrilling, mainly because none were top performers in their position. But stealing Mike Gesicki from the Dolphins may end up being one of the more underrated moves Belichick made this offseason.

After trading Jonnu Smith to the Falcons earlier this year, a significant void was left within the tight ends room. Hunter Henry has been the leading pass-catchers among the tight ends over the last two seasons, but with injury concerns and not much help from Smith during that time, there was a need for another player at the position on the offense.

Now Gesicki may not be the well-rounded tight end people were hoping for since he's not known for his blocking whatsoever, but his receiving skill set is enough to be excited about all he can bring to the field.

Now that he's on a team with an offensive coordinator who has a reputation for using double tight end sets on game day, there's an infinite amount of possibilities in how to include Gesicki, that best utilizes his abilities and create opportunities for Jones.

Through OTAs so far, he's already looking the part and more.

On Tuesday, Gesicki led all receivers in catches from Jones and has worked heavily alongside Henry so far. Jones hinted that the pair will likely continue doing so when speaking to the media last week, suggesting we'll see the return of the double tight end sets seen in the Patriots' past.

"Throughout the years in the league so far, this is my third year, but watching (Gesicki) go against some guys as an opponent was really cool to see. He would make some plays 1-on-1 and down the field, and all that stuff. You can definitely see that translate to here. I think Hunter and him, and everybody else in the tight end room — Scotty (Washington), Matt Sokol, everybody — they’re doing a good job.

I think the biggest thing is molding together. Those two are going to work as a pair. It might be different guys at times, but Mike definitely has playmaking ability. He’s a smart football player, and I’m just excited to work with him."

Mac Jones last week on Gesicki and Henry

How else O'Brien plans to use him on the field is up in the air at this point, and there's not much to look at from last season from Gesicki under Mike McDaniel to guess.

But what we do know is this; he's a great pass-catcher. He can stretch the field. He can create a mismatch when drawing a linebacker or safety since he is the size of his given position. He can make opportunities in the red zone, something the Patriots have struggled with in recent years.

And to top it all off, he can't stop gushing about happy he is to be in New England. That may not mean much to some, but a positive attitude and willingness to learn and improve can go a long way in the NFL, and possibly even further in the eyes of coach Belichick.