The Patriots open their mandatory mini camp today at Gillette Stadium. There are five storylines to keep an eye on this week. 

1. Brady’s Reps: The Patriots were in the same boat last off season so Bill Belichick and his coaching staff have experience dealing with this situation. Brady should get the majority of the first team reps however that could change come training camp. If Brady still has to serve his suspension, then Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett will get more reps in training camp.

2. No Gronk: Rob Gronkowski will more than likely be rested this week and training camp as well. I agree with sitting Gronk. Why push him at practice or play him in the preseason. It makes no sense. He’s too valuable. He knows the offense and he’s in shape. He’ll be fine.

3. Breakout the New Weapons: I’m curious to see how the Patriots use Martellus Bennett, Chris Hogan, Donald Brown, Clay Harbor, Malcolm Mitchell and Nate Washington. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has a lot of options at receiver and tight end. Look for the Patriots to move all of these guys around in their formations and personnel groupings in an effort to get the most out of them. 

4. Shea McClellin at Weakside Linebacker: McClellin is penciled in at weakside linebacker as press time. Throughout his NFL career, McClellin has played defensive end, weakside linebacker, strong side linebacker and middle linebacker. He’s a jack of all trades and similar to Jaime Collins in terms of his versatility.  McClellin will be a factor this season. I can’t wait to see how the Patriots use him. 

5. Malcolm is Here: Malcolm Butler reported so the notion that he would hold out for a new contract was false. Butler has zero leverage so it wouldn’t be in his best interest to hold out. He needs to be patient and continue to play at a high level.