Because Carter played off-ball linebacker at Penn State, Bowen can put Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns on the field at the same time. The Giants want him rushing the passer first and foremost, which is why lining Carter up on both sides of the defensive line is paramount.

The penultimate practice of the offseason brought Mike Vrabel’s Patriots as close as they’ve come yet to real football. Mandatory attendance for players. Red-zone work. Almost an hour of competitive periods pitting their top offense against their top defense.

For the second straight open practice, Drake Maye was sharp under center — specifically when things moved into the red area for the final two competitive 11-on-11 periods. Down near the goal line, the second-year quarterback had back-to-back touchdowns to TreVeyon Henderson out of the backfield before hitting Kendrick Bourne in the back right corner of the end zone.