A player, coach or issue that should be on your radar as training camp approaches.
New England Patriots rookie receiver Taylor Price has made a big impression on minicamp observers this week at Gillette Stadium.
Price, the 90th overall draft selection from Ohio University, was unable to participate in team practices because of an NFL rule that prevents a rookie from reporting as long as his college remains in session. That generally affects schools that use the quarters system, and Ohio happens to be one.
Price was allowed to participate in rookie camp, but had to stay away for organized team activities. Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Price had some ground to make up on the rest of the rookies.
But by all accounts Price has looked sharp. ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss noted quarterback Tom Brady seems to have taken a shine to Price.
"It's a good start, but I have a long way to go," Price said. "There is nothing easy to learn out here. I don't know as much as I should know yet, but I'm getting to that point. I'm just learning gradually every day."
Price had 56 receptions for 784 yards and five touchdowns last year for Ohio head coach Frank Solich, the former Nebraska head coach known for his run-dominant offenses.
"He has good hands," Belichick said when the Patriots drafted Price. "He can catch the ball. He's big. He's fast. He can run a variety of routes. ... I think if he had been in a different offense and a more productive offense, he would have had more production."
Maybe it's too soon to think of Price making an impact this year. We know where Randy Moss and Wes Welker (when healthy) will line up. Beyond that, the Patriots have a few receivers to sort through, including veterans Torry Holt and David Patten and sophomore Brandon Tate.
Then again, backup slot receiver Julian Edelman contributed right away despite being drafted in the seventh round out of Kent State, where he played quarterback -- proof that a rookie with a steep learning curve can come out of the Mid-American Conference and impress Belichick enough to get on the field.