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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:

1. Parker’s place: The red zone was a primary emphasis through the first four days of training camp, and it quickly became clear that veteran receiver DeVante Parker is a big part of the Patriots’ plans.

When the space gets tight on the field, the catch radius of a 6-foot-3, 219-pound target like Parker stands out when quarterback Mac Jones is assessing his options.

“Big body, can make a lot of plays, contested catches,” tight end Hunter Henry said. “It’s always nice to add a guy like that and take a little pressure off everybody else.”

One of the signature plays from the early stretch of camp came in a 7-on-7 drill with the ball spotted on the 10-yard line — Jones in the shotgun, Parker split wide to his left.

When Jones released the ball as Parker crossed the goal line, the eight-year veteran was not open. Starting cornerback Jalen Mills, wearing mitts as part of a technique to avoid grabbing, had him locked up.

But Jones delivered a perfect back-shoulder throw and Parker adjusted to it, toe-tapping his feet along the left boundary.

“Mac sees where the defender is. He puts it in a great spot and I’m able to come down to it,” said Parker, who has led the NFL in tight-window catches over the past five seasons (defined as less than 1 yard of separation as the pass arrives), according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

This is likely what Bill Belichick envisioned when the Patriots acquired Parker and a fifth-round pick from the Miami Dolphins in March in exchange for a 2023 third-round pick.

The Patriots might not have a clear-cut No. 1 receiver, but pairing Parker with returning top targets Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne — and drafting speedster Tyquan Thornton (Baylor) in the second round — potentially gives them a deep, diverse group.

Parker, in essence, projects to fill the role of what the Patriots thought they were getting when they drafted N’Keal Harry at the end of the first round in 2019. Harry was traded to the Chicago Bears on July 12 for a 2023 seventh-round pick (and Parker is now wearing his No. 1 jersey).

Parker, 29, has been feeding off the energy of the lively scene at training camp, where thousands have packed the bleachers and hillside each day. After a different tight-window catch in the red zone, he gestured to the crowd and raised his arms in the air, which sparked a roar from those in attendance.

“Big energy,” said Mills, the veteran cornerback who has often been assigned to cover him. “You like to see that.”

2. Real football: Monday marks an important day for the Patriots — the first practice in full pads. That’s the date Belichick has referenced as essentially the real start of training camp. Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux said players at his position “can’t do much” before that point and he expects some jitters. Added Mills: “That’s when we’re playing real football, seeing big guys in the trenches, hearing those pads clapping, and us on the back end, getting to compete with the receivers, jamming them up a little.”

3. Taking charge: Teammates are noticing a difference in Jones in his second season, and longtime team leaders such as Matthew Slater said it’s only a matter of time before the team truly becomes his. “He’s definitely more commanding than he was last year,” added offensive tackle Trent Brown. Jones is usually one of the first players to arrive for practice each day, giving himself 15-20 minutes to loosen up and work on fundamentals.

4. OT switch: Belichick downplayed the team’s offensive tackle flip in the spring — Brown on the left, Isaiah Wynn on the right — as nothing more than the norm of building versatility along the line. But that’s also the way it’s been early in training camp and it seems to have more of a permanent feeling, especially when Brown said of being at left tackle: “It’s feeling like home.”

5. Corner concerns? A significant question looms at cornerback opposite Mills, where veteran Terrance Mitchell received the initial opportunity of camp, and Belichick praised his instincts. The Patriots are the sixth team Mitchell, 30, has been with in his nine-year career. Then there’s 32-year-old Malcolm Butler, who acknowledged he’s “getting in shape” while feeling he’s already knocked off the rust after not playing in 2021. They’ve been the top two options in front of rookie Jack Jones (fourth round, Arizona State).

6. Stevenson’s change: Running back Rhamondre Stevenson reported to training camp at 225 pounds, which he said was seven pounds lighter than last year. But it’s not just the number as much as the type of weight he’s carrying. “I think I got a lot more lean and I feel better overall,” he said. It shows, as Stevenson has looked fluid as a pass-catcher in space, which was one of his offseason goals. The result is that Stevenson is giving himself a chance to stay on the field in the “passing back” role.

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Video: Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson, who said he is 225 pounds (7 pounds down from when he reported last year), on being leaner in 2022. pic.twitter.com/q8k1SOyTvd

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 28, 2022

7. Simple = success? If there was one common thread listening to Patriots offensive players after the first stretch of practices, it was their optimism about changes to streamline the attack. Stevenson, for one, said it’s “simpler, easier to learn, and you can play faster.” Brown and Bourne were among those echoing those thoughts, with Mac Jones saying: “We are doing a lot of good things schematically to get up there and snap the ball a lot quicker.”

8. Uche’s ‘breakout’: Brown predicts a “breakout year” for linebacker Josh Uche, the 2020 second-round pick who played just three snaps (not including kneel-downs) in last season’s playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills but has shown signs of being a disruptive pass-rusher when healthy. Uche was at his best at Michigan when his weight was in the 230s, and it looks like he’s back in that range now despite being listed on the roster at 245. Uche is moving well in the early days of camp when asked to cover running backs in the flat.

9. Tight coverage: The Patriots’ defense isn’t the only group providing tight coverage; about 200 media credentials were issued by the team for training camp over the first four days, a reflection of how many reporters, camera operators etc., have been in attendance each day.

10. Did you know? The Patriots ranked 11th last season in red zone offense, with a 61.9 touchdown percentage (63 trips, 39 TDs). The AFC East champion Bills ranked eighth, with a league-high 77 trips, and 48 touchdowns (62.3%).

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:

1. McMillan in middle: When the Patriots lined up in their nickel defense on the first day reporters were present for spring practices, Raekwon McMillan was a top linebacker.

It was a reminder of significant personnel turnover. Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins Sr. and Kyle Van Noy are no longer with the team. And while some viewed linebacker as a top need, the Patriots surprisingly passed on the position entirely in the draft.

So that had them lining up McMillan next to thumper Ja’Whaun Bentley as an initial inside linebacker pairing. Josh Uche and trade acquisition Mack Wilson took reps as well. And 2021 fifth-round pick Cameron McGrone projects to be in the mix (he was limited in the spring by an undisclosed ailment), with Jahlani Tavai and Harvey Langi also on the depth chart.

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McMillan’s standing highlights the uncertainty — and intrigue — with coach Bill Belichick’s linebacker plans. The 6-foot-2, 242-pound Ohio State alum could land anywhere from a starter to competing for a roster spot.

In the perfect Patriots world, he will turn back the clock to 2017, when the Miami Dolphins selected him in the second round.

ESPN NFL analyst Mike Tannenbaum was Miami’s vice president of football operations at the time, and he remembers the scouting report well.

“A tough, physical player. A little bit of a throwback. Very instinctive. Good tackler. Very smart and conscientious. Football is very important to him,” he said.

But McMillan tore his right ACL covering a punt in the team’s first preseason game that year and missed his rookie season. He returned to start every game in 2018, then played in 13 contests (12 starts) under new head coach Brian Flores in 2019 before landing on IR with a hamstring injury.

The Dolphins traded him to the Raiders in the offseason for fourth- and fifth-round picks, but McMillan was more of a role player in 2020 — playing in every game but with just four starts. While those around the Raiders viewed him as smart, tough and a high-end leader, his limitations in space were a factor in his minimal role.

After signing a modest one-year deal as a free agent with the Patriots in 2021, and being praised by Belichick early in training camp, McMillan tore his left ACL covering a kickoff in practice. That wiped out his season entirely, setting up this year’s comeback attempt.

“It’s been a long year for me, but we’re moving forward,” McMillan said in May. “After sitting back and watching, I’m ready to go.”

Added Tannenbaum: “I would bet on his character and work ethic and love of game. He’s really smart. You just hope he can stay healthy.”

2. Uche’s fit: Where Uche fits in the linebacker group looks like a moving target based on spring practices. He worked off the line and on the line, and assistant coach Steve Belichick previously referred to him as “an important piece to the puzzle.” The 2020 second-round pick from Michigan played just three snaps in the playoff loss to Buffalo (not including kneel-downs) as a niche pass-rusher (his primary role in 2021), and his ability to take on a larger role with responsibilities in pass coverage could be critical.

3. Andrews’ accounting: The Patriots needed to create some cap space to sign the remainder of their draft class, and restructuring center David Andrews‘ contract provided the relief. It was a win-win scenario, with Andrews getting money now that would have been paid to him later and the team creating $2.1 million in space. There was no new money as part of the restructure.

4. Parker’s impact: Tannenbaum knows new Patriots receiver DeVante Parker well from having selected him in the first round of the 2015 draft in Miami. What might Parker bring to New England?

“You’re getting someone who can win on the outside. Big catch radius and good at high-pointing the ball. Really effective with in-breaking routes and in the red zone,” he said. “He’s a very likeable, fun-loving person who is a great teammate — always smiling, never had a bad day.

“Injuries have been a problem, and you just hope he can put it together for 17 games. I wouldn’t say his play speed is elite, but [if healthy] he’s a very good starting NFL receiver who can be scoring eight to 12 touchdowns and making contested catches.”

5. Cargile at forum: Director of pro scouting Steve Cargile represented the Patriots at the second annual Ozzie Newsome General Manager Forum on Tuesday in Los Angeles. The goal of the forum is to connect current and aspiring executives while providing a platform to help prepare, educate and identify quality minority candidates. Commissioner Roger Goodell opened by talking about growing the “pipeline of executives” with a goal of hopefully not having to host such forums in 20 years. Cargile, 40, enters his 12th season in New England, having worked his way up from an initial role as a scouting assistant.

6. Lynch’s lesson: 49ers general manager John Lynch played for the Buccaneers (1993-2003) and Broncos (2004-07), then had a brief offseason stint with the Patriots (2008), and it was that last stop that he cited when speaking at the “Preparing for a GM interview” panel on Tuesday.

Lynch was discussing player development and the importance of having everyone on the same page when he said: “There has to be buy-in across the organization. It doesn’t just stop at personnel and coaching. It’s your trainers. Your strength coaches. Your engagement people. Your community people. It’s a real holistic approach if you really want it to be successful, because you can learn from each person.

“[Players] get pulled in a lot of different directions; everyone wants to give them advice on their careers. But if you’re not tethered, sometimes that can be a detriment … and the approach can become scattered.

“That’s the Patriots. Yeah, they had Tom Brady, and that made a difference. But there are little subtle things, and I got exposed to that. I never ended up playing for them that year because I retired, but I did see things like player development [being] at the core of their success. Everyone was speaking the same language and giving that player the same message.”

7. Throwback jerseys: The Patriots are 9-3 in their throwback uniforms, which are making a comeback in 2022 after a decade-long absence. The last loss when wearing red throwbacks was to the Dolphins — 22-21 on Dec. 6, 2009 — when Brady had long TD passes to Randy Moss (58 yards) and Sam Aiken (81) but the team blew a 21-10 second-half lead against QB Chad Henne and Miami.

8. They said it: “High performance, I think we mistake what that actually looks like in the NFL. New England is a massive outlier — [playing in] nine Super Bowls in 18 years; that will never be done again. … You think about the great pairs. I think New Orleans did an amazing job — Sean Payton and Drew Brees. They went to one Super Bowl. You look at Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay, a well-run organization. One Super Bowl. Baltimore, with Ozzie and one of the best-run organizations — two Super Bowls in the past 20. Making a Super Bowl is hard. Part of the struggle is we hold that as the ultimate goal. But building a winning culture can be year after year — are you competitive?” — Kevin Demoff, chief operating officer of the Los Angeles Rams, at the Ozzie Newsome GM Forum

9. Stueber’s absence: Bill Belichick said during June’s mandatory minicamp that rookie offensive linemen Chasen Hines (sixth round) and Andrew Stueber (seventh round) weren’t ready to practice but didn’t disclose why. Fast-forward to this past Wednesday at the New England Patriots Alumni Club “Football for You” clinic, and the entire rookie class was there — except for Stueber. It remains unclear what might be holding him back.

10. Did You Know: Rob Gronkowski‘s teams had a record of 128-37 in the 165 games he played (including playoffs), which is the second-best team winning percentage (.776) for a player in NFL history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau (minimum 150 games).

The only player with a better winning percentage was former Patriots and Broncos center Dan Koppen (.781). Patriots left tackle Matt Light (.771), receiver Julian Edelman (.769), Packers/Dolphins tight end Marv Fleming (.763) and Brady (.763) with the Patriots and Bucs complete the top six.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:

1. Mac’s deep ball: Spring practices are the appetizer to the main menu, and quarterback Mac Jones and the Patriots’ offense provided a tasty preview of what they hope to be cooking in 2022.

The main takeaway: There is potential for significant improvement in the deep passing game.

Jones delivered three downfield, tight-window throws in the final practice of mandatory minicamp that couldn’t have been placed any better.

There was a high-arc ball down the left sideline to receiver Nelson Agholor, who had rookie cornerback Jack Jones running stride-for-stride with him on a “go” route, so close that Jones was tugging his jersey as the ball arrived.

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Then a deep right-to-left crossing route to tight end Jonnu Smith, who hardly appeared open with safety Kyle Dugger in his back pocket, but made a diving catch.

And finally, a 50-yard bomb down the middle to receiver Tre Nixon, who somehow pinned the drop-in-the-bucket throw to his chest with his right hand, as cornerback Jonathan Jones was all over him. Jones seemed stunned at the completion based on his coverage.

They were plays that sparked celebrations from the offense, and veteran safety Devin McCourty referenced them as “haymakers” — great throws and catches against top coverage.

McCourty said the way the offense and defense traded “big-time shots” against each other this spring, with neither side dominating, is the type of sign he looks for when assessing the potential of a complete team.

Specific to the offense, success in the deep passing game could be the missing piece to becoming a complete attack.

Consider these nuggets from last season, via ESPN Stats & Information:

• 41% of Jones’ pass attempts thrown at least 20 yards downfield were over- or underthrown last season, an off-target mark that ranked 21st in the NFL (league average 36%).

• Jones ranked 24th with a 38.8% completion rate on vertical routes last season according to NFL Next Gen Stats. His completion percentage above expectation on those throws was -4.5% (26th out of 31 qualified QBs).

• Jones had his most completions 20-plus yards downfield to receiver Jakobi Meyers (7-of-16), but struggled to connect with Agholor (4-of-17, 0 TD, 2 INT).

• Patriots receivers ranked 25th with only 1.6 yards of separation on deep balls per NFL Next Gen Stats.

Jones felt “good strides” were made in practice this spring, but stressed that the work must continue.

“We want to be able to do whatever we want to do at any given time, whether that’s a run, pass, play-action — short, medium, or long. We’re trying to be able to have a little bit of variety,” he said.

2. Rookie hustle: In 2003, when safety Rodney Harrison signed with the Patriots as a free agent, he was practicing at a different tempo and popped receiver Troy Brown on one play. Nearly 20 years later, a parallel could be drawn to Patriots first-round pick Cole Strange, as on the final play of practice Tuesday, the guard got tangled up with outside linebacker Matthew Judon after a pack of players were around a loose football, and there was shouting on the field.

No hard feelings from Judon, who later highlighted something others around the Patriots have said of Strange — he’s always full-throttle (which was a Harrison staple).

“If you saw him, he was sprinting from 30 yards away,” Judon said. “Great hustle from him.”

3. Eyes on Nixon: Nixon, a practice squad receiver (seventh round, 2021, Central Florida), made two of the most impressive plays this spring, so now the question is if he can carry that momentum into training camp and make a charge for a roster spot. Agholor raved about him (“I don’t think there is anybody that trains as hard”), and Mac Jones explained that his connection with Nixon extends beyond the field. They used to drive to the stadium together last season, take their COVID-19 tests, and then enter the building with each other.

4. Kendrick’s cake: Receiver Kendrick Bourne was given an excused absence for the first practice of mandatory minicamp as part of his wedding celebration, and the team surprised him with a cake upon his return. It’s a moment that reflects the camaraderie and chemistry that can be developed at this time on the NFL calendar.

5. Draft report: First impressions of the Patriots’ 2022 class:

• G Cole Strange (first round): Plug-and-play starter at left guard

• WR Tyquan Thornton (second): Speed as advertised; work as a gunner could be his ticket to land on the 46-man game-day roster

• DB Marcus Jones (third): Still in a red non-contact jersey (shoulders); projects as a returner and sub defender

• CB Jack Jones (fourth): Sticky coverage on the outside; curious to see if he can make a push to start after looking the part

• RB Pierre Strong Jr. (fourth): Got a look as a kickoff returner, where speed stood out

• QB Bailey Zappe (fourth): Work ethic not in question; usually one of the last players to leave the field

• RB Kevin Harris (sixth): Got an earful from special teams coordinator Cam Achord for a blocking miscue on a kickoff return

• DT Sam Roberts (sixth): Tough to judge much at his position without pads and full contact

• OL Chasen Hines/Andrew Stueber (sixth/seventh): Did not practice

6. Rookie value: If Jack Jones emerges as a contributor after finishing strong in spring practices, it would highlight the financial value of receiving contributions from those playing on rookie contracts. Jones’ deal that he signed Thursday includes a $746,984 signing bonus (paid in two installments) and base salaries of $705,000, $870,000, $985,000 and $1.1 million. So his cap charges are just $891,746, $1.05 million, $1.1 million and $1.2 million.

7. Fight On! As Jack Jones was answering questions from reporters last week, Agholor interrupted by calling out “Fight On!” It was a reference to USC’s fight song, as Agholor came out of the school in 2015 and Jones began his career there in 2016 before finishing up at Arizona State. They had a few notable battles on the Patriots’ practice field in recent weeks and then shared smiles about their Trojan ties afterward. “I knew Nelly before I got up here; I used to see him around SC,” Jones said. “I love competing with him. We make each other better.”

8. Belichick and Banda: Coach Bill Belichick has been hands-on with the offense, but in the team’s final minicamp practice, he was noticeably hands-off. He spent the majority of the workout twirling his whistle on the sideline and talking with Utah State defensive coordinator/safeties coach Ephraim Banda. Belichick’s time is valuable and the extended chat with Banda had me wondering more about his background and what might have piqued Belichick’s interest.

9. Health check: Defensive tackle Byron Cowart and rookie offensive linemen Hines and Stueber are among those to monitor medically when the Patriots return for training camp in late July. They haven’t practiced this spring, making them candidates for the physically unable to perform list if they don’t make strides in the next month. Meyers, running back James White, rookie defensive back Marcus Jones and tight ends Dalton Keene and Hunter Henry were limited, so they have some ground to make up as well.

10. Did you know? Receiver DeVante Parker, who hauled in a deep pass from Mac Jones last week while leaping over cornerback Jalen Mills, has the most receptions on tight-window throws in the NFL over the past five seasons (69), according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Julio Jones (63) and Mike Williams (62) are next on the list. Tight-window throws are defined as less than a yard of separation as the pass arrives.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:

1. Mac’s edge: Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in March that quarterback Mac Jones was “respectful of coming in as a rookie” last season and that he believed Jones “has a little more edge that we’ve seen.”

It’s showing now.

The Patriots have two weeks remaining in their offseason program — with a three-day mandatory minicamp scheduled for Tuesday-Thursday this week — and Jones’ increased leadership has caught his teammates’ attention.

“It’s just at another level now,” receiver Kendrick Bourne told ESPN. “He’s more comfortable, more confident. He knows what’s going on, and the muscle memory is there [from having gone through it] — OTAs, then camp, and the season. He’s just more locked in, more secure in his position.”

As a result, Jones is positioned to become a team captain in just his second NFL season. If that’s the way it unfolds when players vote near the end of training camp, it would put him in rare company, joining Jerod Mayo and Devin McCourty as the only other Patriots to earn a second-year captaincy in Bill Belichick’s 23-year tenure as head coach.

“He connects with all the players really well. I’m proud of that dude, because it’s not easy,” said Bourne, who was among the visitors at Jones’ house for a hibachi party during the first night of the NFL draft. “Going into his second year after having a year like that, it’s going to be a challenge, but he’s a guy that likes challenges, like all of us in that Patriot building.”

Jones’ increased comfort level has manifested itself at practice when demonstrating to his pass-catchers what he’s looking for in their routes. At one point on Tuesday, he split out wide and ran a route as wide receivers watched intently.

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Highlighting a top observation from Patriots practice: Mac Jones’ growing comfort level with WRs to express what he is looking for route-wise.

This video from Tuesday, after DeVante Parker takes a rep, shows one example.

Rolling the route, instead of a sharp cut, was emphasis. pic.twitter.com/miHqn728bH

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 1, 2022

“He’s a young guy but he’s developed as a leader. That’s what this team needs,” said receiver DeVante Parker, now in his eighth NFL season and first in New England after being acquired in a trade from Miami. “I’ve only been here a few weeks, but I still see it.”

Added veteran cornerback Malcolm Butler: “He has great energy on and off the field. His confidence, his swagger — I love that about him.”

2. Balancing act: Starting safety Adrian Phillips arrived in town last week to take part in the final couple of weeks of the team’s offseason program. He said he felt it was the right thing to do, even though it wasn’t easy leaving his wife, Camille, and their 8-month-old son, Dylan, back in Texas. Camille, a doctor, has a demanding job.

“I was at home being a dad and house husband,” Phillips said. “I’m sad that I’m away from him for an extended period of time, because this time is so pivotal. But I FaceTime with him every day and make sure he doesn’t forget my face.”

3. Post-McDaniels era: How has the transition been without Josh McDaniels at offensive coordinator? Spending time with Bourne last week at the 47th annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts Golf Classic, he shared one player’s perspective.

“It’s been dope so far. Joe Judge, our newest member [of the staff], he’s doing a great job,” Bourne said. “Really just new terminology, new words. Football is football, so it’s just about learning the new words, and getting the old words out. And it’s applying my abilities to the new system.”

How much the Patriots’ system actually changes — versus how much the staff is focusing on experimentation — is one of the greatest areas of intrigue surrounding the team.

“I think [Judge is] putting us in position to be successful. I’m excited so far,” said Bourne, adding that his abilities as a rusher (12 carries, 125 yards, 10.4 average in 2021) have been among the personal highlights. “Hopefully we’ll have a great year. We’ll see how it goes.”

4. CB questions: If there’s one position that stands out when asking the question “Do the Patriots have enough?” it’s outside cornerback. Veterans Butler and Terrance Mitchell have been paired there, along with top returnee Jonathan Jones in the slot. Jalen Mills and Joejuan Williams have been the others working on the outside, with Shaun Wade getting his initial work inside. Fourth-round draft pick Jack Jones of Arizona State, who has shown some stickiness in coverage, could also be a factor as he catches up to the more experienced players. “It’s a good group. A lot of competition,” Butler said.

5. Thornton’s arms: If Patriots second-round pick Tyquan Thornton has a successful rookie season as a receiver, how he uses his arms to become a more fluid route runner could be the key. That’s one area he’s focusing on this spring as he works to get “1% better each day.”

“Your arms, that’s your bread and butter, to get in and out of your breaks,” said Thornton, who is wearing a temporary No. 51 in practice, per Belichick’s annual spring tradition of assigning rookies unconventional numbers as a reminder to them of what should be most important.

6. Asiasi’s plan: When the second annual “TE University” takes place June 22-24 in Nashville, Tennessee, third-year Patriots tight end Devin Asiasi plans to be there. The primary goal for the 2020 third-round pick from UCLA — who has appeared in 10 NFL games while totaling two receptions for 39 yards and one touchdown — is to gain more knowledge from others around the league.

7. Keene’s state: This is a make-or-break year for tight end Dalton Keene, the Patriots’ other 2020 third-round pick whose best hope to stick might be as an H-back type, and it doesn’t help that he has been limited the past two weeks after suffering an undisclosed injury at the first OTA practice May 23. The setback, albeit seemingly minor, is a reflection of how the Virginia Tech alum has had a series of unfortunate breaks, which includes missing all of last season on IR.

8. Mandatory camp: This week’s mandatory minicamp figures to be an extension of the work the Patriots have been doing in the voluntary offseason program, and so notable storylines will include some of the players returning to town who haven’t been around — left tackle Isaiah Wynn, outside linebacker Matthew Judon and receiver N’Keal Harry among them. Harry, the 2019 first-round pick, is now a long shot to make the roster at his traditional position barring injuries ahead of him on the depth chart. Harry’s best chance might be to ask about a possible switch to tight end to compete with Asiasi and Keene as TE3 behind Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.

9. Ernie in spotlight: In all his years as Patriots football research director, Ernie Adams kept a low profile before his retirement following the 2020 season. So it was a rare extended interview from Adams on the “Pats From The Past” podcast on Patriots.com, with co-hosts Matt Smith and Paul Perillo. What links Russ Francis and Rob Gronkowski, or the 1970s Patriots teams to the modern-day Baltimore Ravens? Few can answer those questions with the authority of Adams, who does so in an enjoyable chat full of rich football history.

10. Did you know? Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is set to retire after 17 seasons, appeared in 166 games, with 147 starts. The team he started against more than any other? The Patriots (13), followed by the Jets (12), Dolphins (10) and Colts (10).

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:

1. More WR picks: Coach Bill Belichick’s history of selecting wide receivers in the draft — with the misfire on 2019 first-round pick N’Keal Harry the most recent log on the fire — is annually a hot-button topic at this time on the NFL calendar.

It isn’t all bad. But it could be a lot better.

And a case could be made that the reason it isn’t better is right before Belichick’s eyes, with the upcoming NFL draft (April 28-30, ESPN) — along with the dramatic, shifting financial landscape among top veteran receivers — making the timing right to prioritize drafting more receivers.

Consider that since Belichick arrived in New England in 2000, he’s selected just 18 receivers in the draft. That is tied for the fifth-lowest total over that span and doesn’t take into account that six of those receivers were picked in the seventh/final round, and one is a special-teams-only option (Matthew Slater).

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• Stacking QBs » | Best at every skill »
• 32 draft questions » | Prospect comps »
• More coverage » | Full draft order »

The Ravens (30), Bengals (30) and Packers (29) have drafted the most receivers since 2000, with Green Bay viewed by many as one of the most impressive teams when it comes to developing prospects at the position. The Steelers (23), just above the league average of 22.5, are also widely regarded as excellent.

The Patriots’ acquisition of DeVante Parker in a trade last week might lessen the immediate need for a receiver, but there is still a future void to consider with Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor scheduled for unrestricted free agency, and Kendrick Bourne another solid season away from possibly being in position to request a pay raise himself.

Then consider the recent run of big-money extensions for receivers creating sticker shock for some around the NFL — Davante Adams (five years, $141.25 million, $65 million guaranteed), Tyreek Hill (four years, $120 million, $75 million guaranteed), Stefon Diggs (four years, $104 million, $70 million guaranteed) — and teams might now prioritize drafting receivers more than they have in the past.

“When you start throwing that money around, if it’s a quarterback, I get it. If it’s a pass-rusher, I get it. Guys that are impacting games all the time. With a receiver — they’re important don’t get me wrong, but a good defensive coordinator can take them out of the game plan,” said Scot McCloughan, the former Washington and San Francisco general manager who now works as an independent scouting consultant for NFL teams.

“So now you’re lucky if he touches the ball 6-8 times a game … it’s just who’s going to impact the game the most.”

McCloughan added that the price can always be justified if a team feels it’s close to a championship, but he views the draft — and getting quality production on players on cheaper rookie contracts — as becoming even more critical.

This echoes something ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid pointed out: “With wide receivers projected to make so much money after their rookie deals, we could see teams elect to simply turn to the draft to restock the talent of that player instead of paying him.”

This is one reason Belichick and the less-than-average investment at receiver could be costly (financially and otherwise) for the Patriots if it continues.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be at pick No. 21, although it’s always good to be aware of receiver-needy teams like Green Bay (No. 22) and Kansas City (Nos. 29 and 30) lurking behind them. Prospects such as Ohio State’s Chris Olave, Alabama’s Jameson Williams, Penn State’s Jahan Dotson and Arkansas’ Treylon Burks would be among those to consider in the first round.

In a draft considered deep at receiver, there should be plenty of options through the middle rounds to consider as well (ESPN’s Matt Bowen identified Boise State’s Khalil Shakir as a fit for New England in the middle rounds).

McCloughan, who got his start in the NFL as a regional scout with the Packers and remembers current Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf attending meetings as a youngster to see his father (GM Ron Wolf), said one of the biggest challenges of being a GM was adjusting to the market when salaries spiked.

“I think that’s kind of what’s going on now [at receiver],” he said.

2. Mac’s mission: Some who have spent time around quarterback Mac Jones this offseason describe him as being on a mission — from following a disciplined diet to focusing on full-body fundamentals that will help him get more pace on his throws when needed, arm-care maintenance, as well as strengthening bonds with teammates on and off the field. While Bourne’s Instagram photos from Tampa last week put a spotlight on Jones’ work with receivers, I’m told it wasn’t the first time Jones gathered with teammates this offseason, with a handful of sessions in Massachusetts a couple of weeks ago that included Agholor, tight end Jonnu Smith, practice-squad receiver Tre Nixon and running back Damien Harris, among others.

3. Brown’s target — 365 pounds: Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown‘s two-year contract includes a $750,000 weight bonus in 2022 and 2023, and here are the specifics:

• 385 pounds or less on first day of offseason program — $150,000

• 375 pounds or less on June 1 — $75,000

• 365 pounds or less on July 15 — $75,000

• 365 pounds or less each Thursday during the season — $25,000 per week

The 6-foot-8 Brown is one of the NFL’s largest players and one of the main things to deduce from the contract is that the team views him at his best at 365 pounds. He is listed at 380 pounds on the official roster.

Brown also has significant playing-time incentives. He can earn $500,000 if he participates in 65% of the offensive snaps, and an additional $500,000 at 70%. He can also earn $750,000 at each of the following playing-time markers — 75%, 80%, 85%, and 90%. A final incentive is $500,000 for 95% of the snaps or being selected to the Pro Bowl on the original ballot.

4. Penning a story: Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning, a projected first-round pick, was reportedly among a group of prospects visiting New England last week. Teams can host up to 30 prospects at their facility, and the visits are often used to clean up any final details (e.g. medical, interview, etc.). Offensive tackle wouldn’t be a headline-grabbing pick, but with starting left tackle Isaiah Wynn scheduled for unrestricted free agency after the 2022 season, and Brown on a heavily incentivized deal, it would also make some sense. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay on Penning: “Big, strong, physical, nasty dude. He’s probably the nastiest offensive lineman in this class. He’s a finisher.” Sounds a lot like former Patriot Logan Mankins.

5. Wise guy: Sixth-year defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr., who received an unexpected $2.85 million signing bonus as part of a restructured deal to help the Patriots create cap space last week, has had a daily presence at Gillette Stadium in recent weeks. That continued on Saturday when he held a Q&A for season-ticket members at the Patriots’ annual Draft Preview event.

6. Middle class: When Patriots salary cap guru Miguel Benzan tweeted that each Patriot in the top 51 has a cap charge of $1 million or more — a rarity in the NFL in terms of spreading out the wealth across the roster — the first thought that came to mind was this comment from owner Robert Kraft at the NFL’s annual meeting. “I think people who don’t understand our sport also don’t understand the opportunity cost of not having players on the field. If you saw our nutrition staff, our rehab staff, and our weight-room people, there is a composite picture of trying to give us a chance to have as many of the guys out there on Sunday as possible. That makes a big difference.” The Patriots, true to form, are betting that paying more for depth will be an advantage.

7. Parker’s number: Parker wore No. 11 in his seven seasons with the Dolphins, which the Patriots haven’t issued to a player on the 53-man active roster since Julian Edelman retired last season. Practice-squad kicker Riley Patterson was given 11 at one point last year, sparking a humorous reaction from Edelman on Twitter. On the humor front, Parker wore No. 9 at Louisville and had a light-hearted back-and-forth with linebacker Matthew Judon on possibly prying that away from him.

8. Patriots Hall: The Patriots Hall of Fame committee gathered on Wednesday to discuss nominations for this year’s inductee, and as usual, there was passionate discussion, with Bill Parcells’ candidacy the most polarizing. Nine players/coaches were nominated, and then each member of the committee voted to narrow the list to three — a first-place vote gets five points, second place is three points, third place is one point on each ballot (my ballot: Mike Vrabel, Parcells, Vince Wilfork … with Wes Welker/Mankins on deck and Julius Adams my top Seniors candidate in 2023). The finalists are expected to be announced later this week, and then a fan vote will decide the inductee. One reason I enjoy taking part in the process is that there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to a team Hall of Fame. It’s what strikes you personally.

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Patriots Hall of Fame Committee concludes its annual meeting. Those nominated in 2022: Julius Adams, Chuck Fairbanks, Logan Mankins, Lawyer Milloy, Bill Parcells, John Smith, Mike Vrabel, Wes Welker, Vince Wilfork.

3 finalists to come from this group. Then fan vote for inductee.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 6, 2022

9. Eyes on staff: Ross Douglas’ official title on Belichick’s staff last year was NFL coaching fellowship/defense, and this offseason, he’s flipped to the offense. So that leaves an opening on defense and a familiar name is a good fit to fill it — V’Angelo Bentley. Die-hard Patriots fans remember that Bentley had signed with New England as an undrafted free agent in 2016 out of Illinois. Bentley spent last season as a graduate assistant at Penn State, working mostly with defensive backs, which is similar to the void that Douglas’ move to offense has created.

10. Did you know: Patriots wide receivers combined for 103 receiving first downs last season, ranking 28th in the NFL. In addition, the Patriots were the first team since the 2009 Rams to go an entire season without a player having a 100-yard receiving game.