FOXBORO — In some ways, it may seem a little counterintuitive.
As the Patriots go through organized team activities and minicamp, the lack of full-pad or full-contact workouts shifts the focus for players in the most physical of sports to the more mental side of the game.
With veterans added to the mix in the hopes of making the Patriots roster, players like wide receiver Nate Washington, cornerback E.J. Biggers and defensive linemen Frank Kearse and Markus Kuhn have to make every rep count, even without the benefit of showing how they can make contributions when there’s live hitting.