5 standouts from Day 7 of Patriots training camp practice

After two straight padded practices, the New England Patriots dialed things back significantly on Wednesday. They ditched the pads for shorts and shells in the wake of mounting injuries.

The intensity was still present during the competitive team periods without full physical contact. Coach Mike Vrabel is working to strike a balance between preparing his team for the season and preserving them physically on the football field.

The Patriots are a week away from their scheduled joint practice with the Washington Commanders, and the first preseason game is slated for August 8. Even with a lighter practice, the focus on improving remains paramount for a successful 2025 season.

Here were the 5 standout players from Day 7 of Patriots training camp:

QB Drake Maye

Things got tough in the red zone over the last couple of practices, but Drake Maye shined once again when he got to open things up offensively on Wednesday. He went 11-of-14 passing during the 11-on-11 team period, including connecting on a beautiful 40-plus yard throw to rookie wideout Kyle Williams. Some truly impressive throws in this practice proved Maye is ready to take things to the next level in 2025.

EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson

Patriots edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson was so dominant at one point that he had two sacks and one pressure over a four-play stretch. The former first-round pick is looking to change public perception surrounding him after initially being perceived as a draft bust. That looks nothing like the case so far into his run with the Patriots. We'll see if that dominance carries over into game action.

WR Kyle Williams

Drake Maye isn't the only one who deserves credit for the play of the day. Rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams has looked like a reliable offensive playmaker since his arrival. He has quietly worked his way more into the mix on offense. On Day 7, he turned heads by hauling in a perfect 40-plus yard dime from Drake Maye. The play came against second-year cornerback D.J. James, who has been solid in training camp.

WR Stefon Diggs

Veteran wideout Stefon Diggs once again led the Patriots' receivers with three catches in 11-on-11s at Wednesday's practice. The four-time Pro Bowler has steadily built a connection with Drake Maye that could carry the duo far this season. In only the first week of training camp, he has already emerged as Maye's security blanket receiver on offense.

C/G Jared Wilson

With center Garrett Bradbury out, the initial thought was that the Patriots would have rookie interior offensive lineman Jared Wilson take top reps at center. However, he was spotted working at left guard with former first-round draft pick Cole Strange taking reps with the second team. It could be an early indication that Wilson is either closing in or has moved into the lead of the ongoing left guard competition.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 5 standouts from Day 7 of Patriots training camp practice