Patriots’ Barefoot Veteran Catches Fire After Quiet Training Camp Start

Mack Hollins had a simple description for the New England Patriots’ lighter practice Wednesday.

“Obviously, it’s more of a mental day,” Hollins told reporters after the walkthrough, according to 98.5 The Sports Hub.

The reduced-speed session allowed players to concentrate on assignments and smaller details after New England held five padded practices in six days.

But Hollins had already made his point during the more physical portion of training camp.

The veteran receiver followed a quiet opening stretch with nine catches and three touchdowns across two padded practices, creating one of the recent surges in the Patriots’ full receiver competition.

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Hollins Breaks Through With 3-TD Practice

Hollins took over Monday’s indoor practice after spending the early part of camp outside the primary spotlight.

Pats Pulpit reported that Hollins led all Patriots receivers with five catches and three touchdowns during 11-on-11 work.

He produced on different routes and areas of the field while working primarily behind A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs and DeMario Douglas.

The 32-year-old brought that production into Tuesday.

Hollins caught four passes during team drills, matching Brown for the second-highest total among New England receivers.

His biggest play came on a deep throw from Tommy DeVito that would have resulted in a touchdown of more than 40 yards under game conditions.

He also delivered when the Patriots practiced an end-of-half situation.

Drake Maye found Hollins for a chunk gain over the middle during the first-team offense’s two-minute drive, helping move the unit into field-goal range.

Hollins later supplied two more chunk plays during DeVito’s two-minute possession.

The back-to-back performances gave Hollins nine receptions and three scores over two days.

They also showed how his size can work across different situations, from the red zone to downfield throws and late-game possessions.

Wednesday didn’t offer another chance to build on those numbers because the Patriots held a walkthrough.

Hollins still was among the receivers working mainly with Maye while Doubs was absent.

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Patriots WR Room Still Has Place for Hollins

New England changed the receiver hierarchy during the offseason by adding Brown and signing Doubs, while Douglas has continued to work as a top-three option throughout camp.

Hollins has responded by reinforcing a role that doesn’t require him to lead the depth chart.

The 6-foot-4, 221-pound receiver gives the offense a large catch radius and experience at multiple receiver spots.

After Tuesday’s practice, 98.5 The Sports Hub projected Hollins as the Patriots’ No. 3 outside receiver and fourth receiver overall, adding that he appeared to have a firm hold on a roster spot.

His first season in New England showed why the coaching staff can still find snaps for him.

Hollins finished with 46 catches for 550 yards and two touchdowns in 15 regular-season appearances. He started 13 games before an abdominal injury sent him to injured reserve late in the year.

Hollins returned for the AFC Championship Game and finished the postseason with six receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown.

Four of those catches, 78 yards and the score came against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.

Brown, Doubs and Douglas may enter the season ahead of him in the rotation.

Hollins’ clearly gives Maye another proven option when the Patriots want size, a contested-catch target or a receiver capable of working beyond the sticks.

Wednesday was the mental day.

Monday and Tuesday showed what Hollins can provide when New England turns the speed and contact back up.

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