Mack Hollins isn’t just showing up for training camp, he’s living for it, saying it’s his favorite time of the year because everyone’s competing at the highest level for a job. For a guy who lives for competition, getting back on the field and going “wall-to-wall ball” is exactly where he wants to be, even staying in a hotel for camp. He truly loves it.
Iron Sharpens Iron in the WR Room
The competition in that wide receiver room is absolutely fierce this year, and Hollins is all in. With A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs joining the top of the depth chart, the battle for snaps behind them is heating up big time. Hollins is right there in the mix with Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III. But for Hollins, this isn’t a problem, it’s motivation. He says it’s that “iron sharpens iron” mentality. You get a room full of great players, and everyone either gets better or gets left behind. Hollins sees it as a group ready to level up. He said even after just two days, plus OTAs, the room is thinking, “Alright, cool. We’re all just gonna get better then. We’re gonna find out who’s the best.” It’s a clean slate for everyone, and you have to earn your spot.
Year 10 Grind Looks Like Year 1 Hunger
Hollins isn’t just talking the talk either. Last season, his first with the Patriots, he led all their wide receivers, playing 68% of the offensive snaps. He pulled in 46 receptions for 550 yards, which were his highest totals since 2022 when he played under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas. Now in his tenth year and second season in New England, Hollins is trying to literally turn back the clock to make sure he’s not the one getting left behind. He’s trying to get back to being that hungry young player, acting like he’s never seen the offense before. That means lifting hard, running hard, chasing down plays, and doing more work than anyone else after practice. He’s been with Josh McDaniels for a total of four or five years in his career, so it’d be easy for him to get comfortable. Instead, he’s going back to “chopping wood,” putting in that extra effort.
With minicamp and training camp heating up, every single rep matters. Hollins is clearly all in on earning his spot and setting the tone for that wide receiver room. It’ll be exciting to see which players emerge from this intense battle ready to make plays when the season kicks off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
Leave a Reply