FOXBORO, Mass. — Christian Gonzalez isn't wasting any time. 

While he has looked solid throughout the first two days or training camp, Friday was at a different level. 

In the 7-on-7 period, the New England Patriots rookie broke up a pass from Mac Jones intended for Tyquan Thornton and followed it up with a screen on a pass intended for Kendrick Bourne. 

The 2023 first-round pick is making a strong case to be a starting cornerback and if training camp is any indication, he is well on his way. 

Here’s what else I saw from Wednesday's training camp session:

– Mac Jones had a highlight pass, locating Hunter Henry in the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown play. Henry caught the ball over Adrian Phillips' head and fell into the end zone. 

– Matt Sokol almost had the play of the day after Bailey Zappe found him in the back of the end zone, with Sokol making a diving catch. However it was fairly clear that he was out of bounds. Sokol is still making a strong case for the third roster spot behind Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki. 

– Despite having been a limited participant in practice yesterday, Matthew Judon returned and was taking part in all the drills. 

– Defensive backs had a strong showing in team drills, with Jonathan Jones having numerous pass breakups throughout the day. 

– Throughout the first three days of training camp, the focus during team drills is on the red zone, but one thing is very clear from watching: the receivers need to get more open. 

– Demario Douglas is taking reps with the first-team, proving to be a good sign for the rookie receiver. He is vying for a spot on the 53-man roster, but seems to have a leg up over the other rookies. 

– Conor McDermott was with the top unit on the offensive line instead of Riley Reiff.

– Quarterback Stats

Mac Jones: 3-for-5 in 7s, 5-for-10 in 11s

Bailey Zappe: 2-for-6 in 7s, 4-for-11 in 11s

Trace McSorley: 4-for-6 in 7s, 2-for-7 in 11s 

– Attendance

New Absences: 

RB/WR Ty Montgomery 

DL Christian Barmore

Still Absent:  

Mike Onwenu (PUP) 

Calvin Anderson (NFI)

Cody Davis (PUP)

-Thornton's absense is most likely due to a collision he was involved in yesterday, colliding with Terez Hall on one rep during the 7s. He was slow to get up and was limping afterwards.

-As for Barmore, his absence was easily explained by his Instagram story, posting a photo of himself with his newborn child. 

Featured Image via Sophie Weller – A to Z Sports