Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (what we know about 2nd-round pick Gabe Jacas' absence; A.J. Brown to front of line quickly; Kayshon Boutte picks up where he left off; TE Eli Raridon/DT Milton Williams on top "family games" team etc.) espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/4904…

Follow up: The Patriots don't plan to sign tryout punter Devin Bale at this time, but could revisit down the road, per a source.

Story: First impressions of WR A.J. Brown in his first 2 weeks with the Patriots? Coaches and players have plenty to say. espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/4903…

Fun fact: TE Eli Raridon, who signed a four-year, $6.748 million contract with $1.368 million fully guaranteed, drives a 2018 Nissan Altima and won’t be upgrading any time soon. “Plan on driving it until the wheels fall off,” the third-round pick from Notre Dame said.

Another day, another Drake Maye to A.J. Brown tight-window connection in the low red zone. On this one along the left side of the end zone, Maye threw before Brown had even turned around as he was tightly covered. Oh my.

WR A.J. Brown arrives for a post-practice media session and shares how his initial time with the Patriots has unfolded.

Scene setter: Veteran right tackle Morgan Moses watches the final day of mandatory minicamp from behind the goal posts. Mike Vrabel has noted how Moses is unlikely to practice every day in training camp as part of overall management - so first-round pick Caleb Lomu steps in.

WR Kayshon Boutte - one-handed under the goal posts.

Mike Vrabel stopped practice near the end of a competitive red-zone drill after Drake Maye ended up on the ground with a defender, and huddled the entire team up on the field. Can’t have it. Too risky. And practice ended on that note, about 20 minutes early. Maye seemed ok.

Scene setter: WR A.J. Brown (1) arrives for the final day of mandatory minicamp and converses with fellow WRs Mack Hollins (left) and Efton Chism III.

Mike Vrabel wrapping up the Patriots’ offseason program: “There hasn’t been much complacency. I think the guys have worked. We’ve had great leadership. We’re continuing to build and hopefully prepare for a long journey.”

Anticipated player interviews: 🏈WR A.J. Brown 🏈TE Eli Raridon 🏈DT Christian Barmore 🏈OLB Elijah Ponder 🏈RB Lan Larison 🏈G Andrew Rupcich

Patriots Thursday 🎙️12:15p: Mike Vrabel (then D assistants) 🏈 1:05p: Practice 1⃣🗣️ 2:50p: A.J. Brown NOTES: Sled-push competition raises energy level...Part of "family games" with roster split into 13 teams of 7 players...Drake Maye on A.J. Brown - "Hard not to get excited."

Something that caught the eye at practice: OLB Bradyn Swinson (43) joining more established teammates as part of the lead stretch line, which included a visit/light moment with Mike Vrabel.

Question: How are things going with you and A.J. Brown?   Drake Maye: “It’s hard not to get excited. What a player he is. And what a great teammate so far – he’s eager to learn, great with the guys in the locker room, and we just look forward to playing with a guy of that caliber. “He’s been a great player in this league. Everywhere he’s gone, he’s been a guy that you see on SportsCenter the next day making plays, and scoring. “The best thing about him  -- he’s been a winner. He adds something to that room we were kind of looking for. I think Stef provided it for us last year and there have been guys growing in their roles, but just coming in with that stature, and his ability and his size, and just the respect you walk in there with that kind of Stef had; A.J.’s got it too.”

Scene setter: Up close with first-round pick Caleb Lomu, who said he bought a new set of golf clubs with his rookie contract.

A.J. Brown: Coming toward the lens.