Patriots 2019 OTAs recap: N’Keal Harry, J.C. Jackson among the standout performers

No contact, multiple star players missing, and mostly teaching — but football is back, everybody! The New England Patriots returned to practice today for their third session of this year’s organized team activities, the first one open to the media. We are therefore finally able to bring you a recap of today’s practice session.

Attendance

14 players were not spotted: QB Tom Brady, SS Patrick Chung, RB Sony Michel, SS Nate Ebner, LB Kyle Van Noy, OT Yodny Cajuste, RB Nick Brossette, OT Isaiah Wynn, DE Michael Bennett, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, WR Demaryius Thomas, P Ryan Allen, LS Joe Cardona, DE Deatrich Wise Jr.

Offense

The quarterbacks performed as follows during 11-on-11 drills (via Doug Kyed):

Brian Hoyer: 9/13, 1 INT

Danny Etling: 6/12

Jarrett Stidham: 6/13, 1 INT

First-round rookie N’Keal Harry was one of the standout performers of the day, catching five passes — one of which a back-shoulder touchdown from fellow rookie Jarrett Stidham, another a grab in double-coverage. (via Jeff Howe)

On the day, Harry registered five touchdowns. (via Henry McKenna)

Starting left guard Joe Thuney lined up at left tackle today. (via Mark Daniels)

Benjamin Watson made arguably the best catch of the day — a scoring grab in traffic — on a throw from Danny Etling. (via Mark Daniels)

A new wide receiver was present wearing number #72. (via Mark Daniels)

Troy Brown was present in an assisting role, working with the wide receivers. Kevin Faulk was also present for the session. (via Evan Lazar)

Defense

A pair of young cornerbacks stood out: J.C. Jackson had two pass-breakups, while rookie Joejuan Williams had a pass-breakup and a interception. (via Doug Kyed)

Williams’ interception was a pick-six off Jarrett Stidham (via Mike Reiss)

Stephon Gilmore, Duron Harmon and Adam Butler also registered broken-up passes. (via Mark Daniels)

Adam Butler had an interception return for a touchdown off a pass by Brian Hoyer. (via Zack Cox)

Jamie Collins Sr. was mostly used as an outside linebacker, rushing at times but also dropping into coverage. (via Nick Underhill)

Special teams

Julian Edelman, Phillip Dorsett, N’Keal Harry, Rex Burkhead, Jonathan Jones, Braxton Berrios, Maurice Harris and Ryan Davis all saw time as punt returners. (via Mark Daniels)

Jake Bailey was the lone punter present and made most out of his chances, showing a strong leg with outstanding hang-time. (via Ryan Hannable)