FOXBORO, Mass. — JuJu Smith-Schuster didn’t get off to a quick begin in New England Patriots coaching camp.
The veteran wideout, who burdened he feels good bodily, was kind of nonexistent in the course of the first 4 pad-less periods. The Patriots threw on the pads Monday, and Smith-Schuster had his greatest observe of camp someday later.
“I might say it’s been nice. It’s been good,” Smith-Schuster mentioned after the crew wrapped up Day 6 on Tuesday. “So far as being on this offense, I really like what AVP (Alex Van Pelt) is doing with our group and getting us proper.”
Smith-Schuster recorded a pair of wins throughout a 1-on-1 interval Tuesday. He caught a Bailey Zappe move in opposition to cornerback Alex Austin and adopted it up with a reception in opposition to beginning cornerback Jonathan Jones. Smith-Schuster additionally appeared like he drew a penalty on rookie cornerback Marcellus Dial Jr. on his ultimate 1-on-1 rep, although there have been no referees throwing flags.
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Smith-Schuster was suffering from a brutal drop on a move from Jacoby Brissett throughout 11-on-11s, however adopted up with a reception from Drake Maye in purple zone 7-on-7s and had a landing from Joe Milton throughout purple space 11-on-11s.
“When these alternatives come, you bought to make one of the best of it,” Smith-Schuster mentioned. “Feeling good to get the crew pumped and hype once you rating.”
Smith-Schuster is not a lock for a New England roster spot given the quantity of our bodies within the receiver room.
He’s actually behind DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. Kendrick Bourne and Ok.J. Osborn additionally really feel like locks for roster spots. Smith-Schuster might be preventing with Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor for a ultimate spot or two, although he doesn’t have the particular groups prowess Reagor does.
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“You’ve numerous nice guys within the room,” Smith-Schuster mentioned. “Lots of people who’ve been making performs all camp. I might say that the competitors stage may be very, very excessive. So everybody that’s on the market, when the chance comes you’ve acquired to make one of the best out of it.”
Smith-Schuster has lots to show after an underwhelming debut season with the Patriots, a marketing campaign during which he completed with 260 yards on 29 receptions in 11 video games. He entered coaching camp with a aggressive mindset, however stays assured. He believes he nonetheless has the 1,000-yard receiver in him coming into his age-28 season.
“It’s at all times been in me, that dawg, that competitiveness,” Smith-Schuster mentioned. “I’ve been in numerous conditions — powerful conditions, making these laborious catches and having the ability to convert and transfer the sticks. One thing I take pleasure of. So, for certain, acquired that dawg in me. For certain.”
Smith-Schuster must stack days much like Tuesday ought to he wish to make up for his gradual begin. He’ll have the chance to proceed that momentum when the Patriots return for Day 7 on Thursday.
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