New WR coach Bill O’Brien has brought a new drill with him to the practice field. It involves a player on his knees in position for what would be a thigh-high tackle on a WR. While leaning on the would-be tackler the WR has to catch the ball and tuck it away. The first duo to do the drill had Ray Ventrone on his knees with his arms wrapped around Sam Aiken’s thighs. Bubba then got to play the role of WR a few throws later. Anyway, O’Brien is bringing some new blood to the WR spot as a very hands-on young coach, sort of in the mold of former WR coach Brian Daboll.

With just young, inexperienced players on the field offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia is left with just two players to work with this week — Jimmy Martin and Ryan Wendell. Scar is currently on the far side of the field putting the former practice squader and undrafted player through a few drills. Not much two linemen can do by themselves in a non-contact, shorts-and-helmet passing camp. I’m too far away to hear, but I wonder if Scar has found a few things to yell at even under these conditions.

One of the returning veterans on the field for this week’s passing camp is TE Stephen Spach. He played last season when New England battled injuries at the position. His a pretty big body and seemed to impress the coaches last year with his ability to learn the offense on the fly. With Kyle Brady no long in town, Spach could be in line to fight for a regular roster spot. He’s got decent size and his hands have looked OK this spring. Don’t sleep on Spach.

Tight ends coach Pete Mangurian has been a more vocal presence during practice work this spring. While his work in rookie camp and passing camp has been primarily with undrafted players (and now Dave Thomas), he’s taken an active, vocal approach to his work. He’s also taken on a seemingly more active role in the overall coaching of the offense and his voice has also been heard working during special teams segments.

The PFW boys are back out on the practice fields this morning but Tom wanted a day off from blogging so I’m taking over.

It’s a sunny beautiful day. There are 36 players on the field. Ray Ventrone is a still a WR. Matthew Slater is still wearing a blue pinney over his white No. 18 WR jersey. TE David Thomas is out for another day of work.

Paul is working on the full attendance. If there are any notable changes I’ll have those in a bit.