A.J. Brown ‘really comfortable’ with a new playbook and new teammates, and other observations at Patriots training camp

FOXBOROUGH — As Patriots training camp gets underway, wide receiver A.J. Brown put his comfort level with a new playbook and new teammates at “90 percent.”

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“I’m in a pretty good spot,” Brown said Monday. “It’s just really about executing and being on the same page with Drake [Maye] each and every day. I’m really comfortable.”

Brown said he likes the variety of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’s system but declined, with a smile, to get into details.

“I can’t get into all that,” he said. “Y’all know that.”

Brown stressed the importance of constant communication when building a rapport with Maye, with both players sharing their preferences and opinions. Although the Patriots are in the early stages of the summer — “they’re not really letting [Drake] throw the ball right now” — Brown expressed excitement about what’s to come.

“We’ll get going as camp progresses,” he said. “You have to do what your quarterback likes.”

The two are working on their chemistry, with a mix of catches and missed connections through three days of practice. During the first team meeting, coach Mike Vrabel even called out Brown for not bringing in a catch with cornerback Christian Gonzalez in coverage.

“He expects me to make that play, and so do I,” Brown said. “I did the hard part and I caught it away from my body, I just have to bring it in with my other hand. Vrabes doesn’t care about style points and I don’t, either. Maybe he thought I was just trying to get the crowd going or something. But it’s Vrabes. You take everything with a grain of salt, listen to him, and just make the catch.”

Over the coming weeks, Brown hopes to hone his timing, spacing, and angles with Maye. The two also had a chance to work together in North Carolina earlier this month, during throwing sessions Maye organized for the pass catchers. Brown called Maye “a true professional,” citing his attitude and approach to practice.

The addition of Brown is expected to significantly elevate New England’s passing attack, supplying Maye with a traditional No. 1 option. From all accounts, even if the tandem hasn’t filled the highlight reel just yet, things are going well. Brown is saying all the right things, participating fully, bantering with Vrabel, and engaging with Maye as well as the rest of the team.

“I think he’s gotten off to a really good start, both mentally and physically, and acclimated himself to his team,” Vrabel said.

As for the chatter about Brown’s knee? Brown said he pays no mind to it. When the Patriots traded for Brown, there was a report from the Philadelphia Inquirer that the Rams backed out of negotiations because of concerns about Brown’s health.

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“I think a lot of things get fabricated,” Vrabel said. “People tell stories of what other teams think or thought. We’re very confident in where he’s at physically. He’s done every single thing. Will he do every single thing? No. He’ll have time from me or [director of sports performance] Frank [Piraino] or [head athletic trainer] Jim [Whalen].”

Other notes and observations from Day 3 of training camp . . .

⋅ Monday was a much slower-paced day. The Patriots held a walkthrough, so players — except for Maye — traded their helmets for hats during the 90-minute session. Vrabel emphasized the importance of focusing on technique and installation of the playbook on these lighter days.

⋅ Vrabel said he remains “cautiously optimistic” about rookie edge rusher Gabe Jacas, who finally signed his contract on Sunday. Jacas, who is on the non-football injury list, did not participate in practice and instead worked out on the lower field alongside veteran Harold Landry, who is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Asked if he thought there was a chance Jacas could miss the season, Vrabel said he doesn’t anticipate that.

Vrabel did not want to get into the details about Jacas’s deal, which includes an injury waiver on his left knee — meaning the Patriots will not be required to pay out his contract if Jacas reinjures the knee.

“The most important thing is that Gabe’s here, we’re all on the same page, and we’re excited to move forward with Gabe,” Vrabel said.

⋅ Vrabel expressed his appreciation for wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, an early standout performer. Vrabel acknowledged that Boutte is no stranger to trade chatter, as his name was floated as a possibility last offseason, as well.

“We went through this last offseason,” Vrabel said. “He had a great offseason and training camp and that played out during the season. He was a large part of our success. His communication through this offseason with [wide receivers coach] Todd [Downing] and myself — he’s a pro. He understands what his job is. He’s gotten off to a good start. I’ve got a respect for him for the way he’s handled all these different situations and the conversations outside of here and the noise that doesn’t affect his performance on the field.”

⋅ The Patriots’ offseason award winners featured four second-year players: left tackle Will Campbell, edge rusher Elijah Ponder, wide receiver Kyle Williams, and center Jared Wilson. The honor goes to those who have demonstrated consistency and a positive attitude, among other traits.

⋅ Fullback Reggie Gilliam returned to practice after missing Sunday’s session. Vrabel indicated his absence was because of rest. There were no new absences on Monday.

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