Here are 7 storylines to follow entering Patriots training camp

The New England Patriots had no shortage of storylines to follow throughout the offseason , and that isn’t going to change now that the pads are coming on…

New England will report for training camp this week, with veterans and rookies taking part in their first practice on July 25 on the fields behind Gillette Stadium. It’ll be quite the few weeks, with rookies still yet to sign their contracts, several players’ futures still uncertain, others looking to prove that they belong, and old friends becoming foes on the practice fields — with these seven storylines being the ones that we expect to follow throughout:

Christian Gonzalez contract update?

The Patriots will almost certainly make Christian Gonzalez one of the highest paid cornerbacks in the history of football, the only questions remaining are when that will happen and just how much money will they be willing to give him?

Gonzalez has been eligible to sign his extension for several months now, but hasn’t as the two sides reportedly are waiting for a conclusion to the same ordeal between the Seattle Seahawks and Devon Witherspoon — as conventional wisdom would say that the player who got drafted first (Witherspoon) needs to get paid before the player who was drafted later (Gonzalez).

Gonzalez and Witherspoon share an agent, too, which will certainly play into the timing of it all.

It’s a waiting game, which means there’s a high chance that the superstar cornerback’s training camp arrival will be delayed….

Where in the world is Gabe Jacas?

Gabe Jacas was drafted at No. 55.

Gabe Jacas still hasn’t signed his contract.

The Patriots need to find a way to get him to do that, as their heavy investment into the player matches how heavy the need for him is — with the initial expectation being that he would immediately step into a top rotational role behind Dre’Mont Jones and Harold Landry III and in front of Elijah Ponder and Jesse Luketa.

It’s not exactly the scariest group, is it?

Jacas having yet to sign comes down to a combination of two things: he underwent knee surgery around the time of the draft and recent history surrounding second-round picks suggests he would be in line for a fully guaranteed deal. It’s a sticky situation, with the team probably using that surgery as an opportunity to try and save some money on the deal — which is either a worthwhile or horrendous idea.

Will Campbell: LT or LG?

Will Campbell struggled after returning from injury during the latter portion of his rookie season, saving perhaps his worst performance for Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium.

Can he prove that he’s worthy of holding down his position?

The Patriots have and will continue to give him every opportunity, but there is now the presence of first-round pick Caleb Lomu to potentially make it a conversation worth having at One Patriot Place.

AJ Brown vs. Philly

The Philadelphia Eagles will arrive for joint practices on Aug. 19 and 20.

AJ Brown will certainly enjoy his first opportunity to compete against the team in which he spent four seasons, represented in two Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl LIX.

Romeo Doubs’ role?

Romeo Doubs’ addition to the wide receiver room will almost certainly be positive, but his role could have a trickle-down effect on the likes of DeMario Douglas and Kyle Williams. New England is likely to use him as a one-for-one replacement of Stefon Diggs, which means plenty of time in the slot and opportunities on intermediate routes and in short-yardage situations.

Douglas and Williams will be left to duke it out with veterans Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte — so long as the latter is here to stay.

Kayshon Boutte here to stay?

Kayshon Boutte doesn’t want to lose his job to Brown, but unfortunately that happened the second the veteran wide receiver was acquired.

The Patriots certainly aren’t in a rush to trade their most impactful deep threat from the last couple of seasons, but if he isn’t able to acclimate in a different role they’ll start to consider offers.

Who is the surprise breakout?

If you follow this team closely enough, you’ll have already heard some of the popular names being floated as this year’s breakout star — Jimmy Kibble, Bradyn Swinson, Myles Montgomery, etc.

I’d like to toss another name out there: Tanner Arkin.

Arkin is in prime position to compete for the primary backup tight end role, with his ability as an inline blocker giving him the advantage over the likes of Eli Raridon and CJ Dippre. It’s one of the most interesting positional battles to watch for, with perhaps the biggest opportunity for a surprise winner.