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Patriots stock watch: Who's up, who's down through four practices?
Not much can be taken from only four training camp practices, but enough has happened to get a general overall sense of where certain players are at before the competition ramps up on Thursday.
The New England Patriots are expected to hold their first practice of the summer in pads on Day 5. Things are about to intensify to the point where we get a real sense of where players stand. We'll also get a better gauge of the offensive and defensive line competition.
With that said, let's take a look at who's stock is up and who's is down for the Patriots through four training camp practices.
Stock up: WR Kayshon Boutte
So far, Kayshon Boutte has been the best player at training camp for the Patriots. And yes, that's the same Kayshon Boutte the team was said to be shopping for a fifth-round or sixth-round draft pick . Maye has targeted the 24-year-old wide receiver with great success multiple times downfield. Boutte isn't only improving his value on the open market for next year, but he should be making the Patriots think twice about trading him.
Stock down: WR Kyle Williams
There's hope that second-year receiver Kyle Williams will see a major breakout season, but that's going to be hard to achieve with so many other options. It also doesn't help that Williams has looked like the No. 6 or No. 7 option at wide receiver for the Patriots. On Tuesday, he was seen working with the backup unit , which isn't necessarily ideal for a young player looking to take on a bigger role.
Stock up: EDGE Elijah Ponder
There have been concerns at edge rusher with Harold Landry banged up and rookie Gabe Jacas missing the entire spring. However, second-year edge rusher Elijah Ponder has continued to shine through four practices. There has been plenty of hype from Patriots coaches and players around the former undrafted free agent. He flashed his potential last season, but this year, he could put it all together and become a major contributor for the team.
Stock down: QB Drake Maye/WR A.J. Brown connection
Calm down. There is no reason for panic through four practices.
Still, it admittedly hasn't been pretty for quarterback Drake Maye and star wide receiver A.J. Brown. The two have only connected three times in competitive team periods. That will obviously improve with more time and reps together, but the hope is that it looks significantly better than it has in practice by Week 1 of the regular season.
Stock up: TE Eli Raridon
Rookie tight end Eli Raridon has shown how effective he can be as a pass-catcher in the early practices. That's good news for a Patriots team with questionable depth at the tight end position. Julian Hill got injured in the spring, and Austin Hooper rejoined the Falcons in Atlanta. Raridon has the prototypical size, along with versatility as both a blocker and receiver.
Stock up: RB Lan Larison
If the season started today, Lan Larison would probably be the No. 3 running back option behind TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson. The former UC Davis standout has earned extensive work with Drake Maye and the top unit in practice. It should come as no surprise considering how well he performed at last year's training camp. A preseason injury brought an early end to Larison's season. Now, he is picking back up where he left off.
Stock up: CB Christian Gonzalez
Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez is due a contract extension, but he isn't holding out of practice while waiting on a deal to get done. His presence in the defensive backfield is a game-changer for the team, and he's already had some solid one-on-one reps against A.J. Brown. Nothing is happening off the field that has impacted Gonzalez from performing like one of the best NFL corners on it.
Stock up: WR DeMario Douglas
DeMario Douglas has looked like the top slot receiving option for the Patriots in the early practices. The expectation was that his role would increase, and that has become evident with the opportunities he continues to get with the starting unit. Douglas has been one of the more underutilized playmakers in New England for years. Perhaps this is the year that he finally gets unlocked to his full potential.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots stock watch: Who's up, who's down through four practices?
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