Patriots’ secret plan revealed: Why A.J. Brown’s first session was deliberately low-key

Follow us on Google Discover

AJ Brown’s debut practice with the New England Patriots is over and done

It was hardly a grand debut for AJ Brown, but that was always expected. He passed his physical, went through positional drills, took part in a few team snaps, and made his first catch from Drake Maye, giving the Patriots their first live checkpoint ahead of mandatory minicamp.

The Patriots wasted little time integrating Brown, who passed his physical the day after the trade. He joined positional drills and logged just four snaps in 11-on-11 work as he settled in. Brown’s only notable play was a one-handed catch on a short hitch route from Maye.

The session wasn’t about numbers, though, but about a fresh start. “Trying to adjust, walking up the hill with my uniform on, I was like, ‘man, this is real,’” said Brown, who now plays for the club he supported growing up.

He was a full participant in positional drills but took only four snaps in 11-on-11s while getting acclimated, his first full-team rep a quick hitch from Maye on the outside. His one standout moment was a one-handed grab from his new quarterback.

“Trying to adjust, walking up the hill with my uniform on, I was like, ‘man, this is real,” said Brown. The 26-year-old grew up a Patriots fan and now finds himself wearing their uniform.

Brown’s profile gives Maye a different target

Brown provides the kind of physical presence and reliability at the catch point that Vrabel pointed to when discussing the trade. “Trying to improve our football team in every possible way, give our offence multiple weapons to build on what we did last year.”

Brown’s skills provide Maye with a dependable option for contested throws and tight windows, and Maye responded well during practice, finishing 17-for-22 in team drills, including 12 straight completions.

Romeo Doubs and the slot group remain important parts of the offence, but Brown’s addition has already had an impact on other players. Kayshon Boutte is now training separately amid trade rumours. Brown is expected to be a primary read for third downs and red-zone situations.

With mandatory minicamp coming up, Brown now has a brief period to turn that focus into actual timing with Maye. The trade addressed New England’s need for a top receiver, but June will be key in building enough chemistry to avoid a slow start come training camp.