Pat' off season and next year (1 Viewer)

[nerangers]

USA Today's "Inside Slant" offers a Patriots draft review. The Patriots surprised some people by focusing on the offensive side of the ball at the top of the 2006 draft, but it's hard to argue with the team's top selections and the needs they fill on the depth chart. And the picks, including six straight offensive or special teams players to lead off the team's 10 overall selections, certainly have to please Tom Brady. Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney, Florida wide receiver Chad Jackson and Texas tight end David Thomas bring an instant injection of youth, playmaking ability and depth to a New England offense that struggled at times last season and had holes to fill. And with the duo of Maroney and Jackson the Patriots got a pair of offensive playmakers who many thought could have been early first-round talents.

Note: Since being in PA, I don't get to see the Pats play as much as when I lived in MA. I did listen on the internet radio as much as I could. Maybe I didn't notice that the Offense was spuddering....it makes sense that if the coach felt this way, that he needed to address it. The more you read about the draft and what the Patriots accomplished, it really shows that the average fan can be blind to what is right in front of them. I am sure glad Coach B sees all!

 

[nerangers]

Flutie News:

While saying he still has the passion to play football, Doug Flutie remains torn between retirement and returning for another year in the NFL. Yesterday, Flutie said, “I’ve talked to six teams” recently, but he made it clear “I’m not going to leave (New England) to play. That’s not going to happen.” Flutie spoke to reporters at Catholic Memorial, where he was demonstrating the drop kick to students as part of his association with Eastern Bank. Flutie wanted to wait until the draft before a final decision was made. The Patriots didn’t draft a quarterback. Flutie was Tom Brady’s backup last season.

SIX Teams???

 

[Boston]

USA Today's "Inside Slant" offers a Patriots draft review. The Patriots surprised some people by focusing on the offensive side of the ball at the top of the 2006 draft, but it's hard to argue with the team's top selections and the needs they fill on the depth chart. And the picks, including six straight offensive or special teams players to lead off the team's 10 overall selections, certainly have to please Tom Brady. Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney, Florida wide receiver Chad Jackson and Texas tight end David Thomas bring an instant injection of youth, playmaking ability and depth to a New England offense that struggled at times last season and had holes to fill. And with the duo of Maroney and Jackson the Patriots got a pair of offensive playmakers who many thought could have been early first-round talents.

Note:  Since being in PA, I don't get to see the Pats play as much as when I lived in MA.  I did listen on the internet radio as much as I could.  Maybe I didn't notice that the Offense was spuddering....it makes sense that if the coach felt this way, that he needed to address it.  The more you read about the draft and what the Patriots accomplished, it really shows that the average fan can be blind to what is right in front of them.  I am sure glad Coach B sees all! 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The offense was choppy last year. They had their moments but they were not consistent. First off the playcalling was not what it was under Weis. There were far, far too many plays that accomplished zero and didn't put pressure on the defense. Under Weis they would often set stuff up for later in the game and always gave the D something to think about. That just didn't happen last year. They also tried to get to many easy points by throwing long to a stiff like Davis with very little success. My hope is with a year under his belt Josh McDaniels will be settled in to take over the OC role and return the Pats to more of their roots. To be fair injuries were crippling as the O line and RB units were crushed. I expect big things from the O line this year as the unit is young and last year's injuries could turn into a plus as guys like Mankins, Kazcur, Gorin and Hochstein all developed. Yet, with Dillon aging and Faulk and Pass being situational players (good ones but still situational) a young pair of legs was important. Also, they needed more weapons in the passing game. Even though they lost Givens hopefully Mills, Thomas, Jackson and Caldwell give the offense a boost. Watson developing further would help as well.

IMO the whole offense fell on Brady's shoulders last year (and he was injured also). If he was off than the O had no chance. The ground game was awful and the receivers just weren't deep enough. Add in a banged up O line and there were long stretches of many games where they just weren't putting as much pressure on the opposition as they needed to. With the healthy return of some key players and some young additions the upside on the Pats O is very promising. This unit has the potential to be explosive for quite sometime as only Dillon and Troy are over 30 years old on the entire O.

 

[nerangers]

Patriots | Team announces minicamp schedule

Wed, 3 May 2006 20:34:02 -0700

The New England Patriots will have a rookie minicamp May 13-15. They will have another minicamp for veterans and rookies June 13-15.

 

[PMENFAN]

Maybe I didn't notice that the Offense was spuddering.

It sputtered, but there were reasons, and I think they were addressed. There is no #2 RB. There is a 3rd down back that can run the ball, but he can't pound it. That says pass, and you had a young, very young, line with little experience to handle the ears pinned back rush. To assist the line, you keep two very good tight ends in to block, allowing double coverage on that stiff Davis, because both Givens and Branch missed time last year. And still the offense was pretty decent. Put Maroney in the same situation, and he is such an upgrade to Faulk that he alone changes they dynamics of the situation. Suddenly, the interior D has to protect against the run. He will never run screens, or draws, as well as Faulk, but the D has to protect their gaps with the legitimate threat to get to the second level, and be very difficult for a DB to bring down. Faulk didn't have that element. Evans was a threat to be brought down by the NT, from behind. And, they added depth at the line, and the rookies got valuable experience. I expect a resurgent O this season, controlling the clock, putting 2 WR and probably 2 TE's into routes, because Maroney is also a fair back at blocking. Plus they also have the MIlls dimension, who can block very well, and pass catch. He's a TE in a different position. Lots of fun new toys for Josh to manipulate.

 

[nerangers]

Patriots | Brady wants Flutie back; concerned about other loses

Thu, 4 May 2006 10:46:58 -0700

The Associated Press reports New England Patriots QB Tom Brady wants QB Doug Flutie to return for one more year with the Patriots. "I don't know how that's going to work out," Brady said Thursday, May 4, when asked at a news conference about Flutie, who is considering retirement. Brady said he was concerned about the team's other veteran players who left as free agents. "We lost a lot. There's a lot of value in those guys," Brady said. "The people that we bring in are going to have to find ways to contribute."

Full article at Boston.com Brady wants Flutie back with Patriots

Brady: Loss stings

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said he hasn't forgotten about the team's last game of the 2005 season -- a playoff loss in Denver.

"It was tough," he said today in a press conference at Gillette Stadium. "It's funny, I don't watch a lot of TV. But before I went to bed I was actually watching TV and was on the 'On Demand'. Then I went to 'Patriots On Demand' and was like 'Let me flip through some of this stuff.' So I watched the press conference before the Denver game, and the last thing I say, to the last question about Champ Bailey, was 'Yeah, every time I throw over there I'm really going to make sure I'm careful.'

"I'm sitting there, lying in bed, thinking 'Of all the things to have said, sure enough.' Champ took one [interception] 103 yards. That's going to stay with me for a long time. It was a tough way to end the year. We were really playing at a much higher level than we were earlier in the season. We were a very confident team. We laid an egg out there, and I was a huge part of that.

"Hopefully, with the work that we're doing now, trying to improve, when we get in those situations again we won't make those same mistakes."

Brady answered several other questions, touching on subjects that included his trip to Israel with owner Robert Kraft; his thoughts on the free-agent departures of players like kicker Adam Vinatieri, outside linebacker Willie McGinest and receiver David Givens; and his thoughts on backup quarterback Matt Cassel. He also said he spoke with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who told him the Patriots "stole" the Colts' running back [Laurence Maroney] in the draft.

Check out Q&A with Tom Brady (sorry, the article is seven pages, too much to post the whole thing)

 

[nerangers]

Meyer a Gator on the prowl (full article)

Meyer's positive relationship with New England head coach Bill Belichick may have factored into the Patriots selecting Florida wide receiver Chad Jackson and linebacker Jeremy Mincey in the NFL Draft.

The Pats didn't stop there, signing three more Gator free agents on Monday. Meyer said he couldn't be happier for cornerback Vernell Brown, defensive end Jarvis Moss and offensive lineman Randy Hand.

"They're going to a real (team),'' he said.

 

[nerangers]

NFL Network analyst Butch Davis on the Patriots draft: “They got Laurence Maroney, a guy a lot of people thought was the second best back in the draft. Then they come back and get an electrifying player in Chad Jackson. He will give Brady a great deep threat. Then they get David Thomas, a tight end from Texas, who reminds me of Jay Novacek. A great draft for the Patriots.”

Tom Brady on SIRIUS radio discussing Rodney Harrison: “He’s the best defensive player I’ve ever played with. When we beat the Eagles, Rodney Harrison was the MVP of that Super Bowl. I know Deion (Branch) won it, but if you were a Patriots fan, you knew who the best player on the team was. It was Rodney Harrison, without a doubt.”

 

[Exile]

These aren't Patriot items, but could affect the team so I thought I'd post them.

NFL | Brooks eyes the supplemental draftThu, 4 May 2006 22:01:07 -0700Jeff White, of the Richmond Times Dispatch, reports former University of Virginia LB Ahmad Brooks has signed with an agent and is working out with trainer Chip Smith, who has trained a number of NFL players, in the hopes of being drafted in the NFL supplemental draft. Brooks was dismissed from the Virginia football team for unspecified reasons after deciding to return to the school for his senior season.

Well, Brooks is definitely going to be in the supplemental draft. You have to think Belichick will get a clear idea of what those "unspecified reasons" are from Al Groh. It'll be curious to see if the get in on the "bidding".

Ravens | Injury to Titan may send McNair to BaltimoreThu, 4 May 2006 21:52:01 -0700Jamison Hensley, of the Baltimore Sun, reports the injury to Tennessee Titans DB Michael Waddell may force the Titans to release or trade QB Steve McNair sooner than expected. The Titans don't have much room under the salary cap and getting rid of McNair's cap number would create plenty of room to sign both their draft picks and another free agent cornerback. The Baltimore Ravens, who have offered a fifth round pick for the quarterback, are expected to immediately sign McNair if he is released.

I've read that the Titans were already the most likely destination for Ty Law. If they've lost a DB and move McNair sooner rather than later, you have to think the chances of Law going to Tennesee increase even more.

 

[nerangers]

Patriots | Team allocated rookie salary cap pool

Thu, 4 May 2006 22:42:01 -0700

Tom Silverstein, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reports the National Football League allocated the New England Patriots $4,617,429 million under the 2006 rookie salary cap pool, according to a source with access to NFL Players Association salary data.

Rookie pool set

The Patriots' rookie pool figure for 2006 is $4,617,429, according to NFL Players Association documents. This is the maximum amount of salary cap space the team can spend on its 10-member rookie draft class, as determined by the NFL.

The figure is the 11th highest in the league.

The Packers, with 12 drafts picks, had the highest rookie pool figure at $6,647,633. The Falcons had the lowest figure at $2,069,514.

In the AFC East, the Jets have a rookie pool of $6,631,295, followed by the Bills ($5,366,937) and Dolphins ($3,023,638).

The rookie pool is determined based on a team's total number of draft picks, and where those picks were made (the higher the pick, the more money allotted).

Patriots | Brady says Patriots will have awesome season

Thu, 4 May 2006 21:29:29 -0700

Shalise Manza Young, of the Providence Journal, reports New England Patriots QB Tom Brady believes the Patriots are in for an awesome season. Brady has spent extra time in the Patriots facility this offseason working out and working with teammates. Brady said he's taken a greater responsibility to lead by example, "I enjoy being here with the guys and don't ever feel obligated to be here; I feel like it's part of my responsibility to show people, hey, I'm working out and I'm doing everything I can to get us going in the right direction." Brady also said the team lost a lot in free agency but even the Patriots' Super Bowl teams underwent changes the following year.

 

[nerangers]

Not sure if you all got a chance to check out Bloom's Top 100, Link for the rabid Thread...lots of good stuff.

Figured I would add the ones specific to the Patriots...I hope Bloom won't mind.

2(4) Laurence Maroney, RB, NE – You can’t ask for a better destination.

Maroney gets to tote the rock for a perennial winning team and only has

an aging, overpaid Corey Dillon in his way. New England is high rent

real estate for a running back and Maroney is a natural talent at RB.

Remember, Corey Dillon got 12 rushing TDs in this offense last year

despite being a shadow of his former self. He rushed for over 1600 yards in

2004. Maroney could take over this year if Dillon’s 2005 is like his

2004, and put up those kind of numbers in a best case scenario.

10(7) Chad Jackson, WR, NE – I was looking for Jackson to land

somewhere where he would be groomed to be a #1. New England is notorious for

spreading the ball around and should re-sign Deion Branch. New England

lacks a #2 WR and Jackson does have the short and long game to be a #1,

so he’s worth a late first.

59(46) Garrett Mills, FB/TE, NE – I was hoping Mills would land

somewhere that would use him as much as a #1 TE in the passing game, but the

Patriots already have their TE in Ben Watson and they also drafted David

Thomas. I can’t knock Mills down too far because of how natural he is

as a receiver, and the chance that he plays himself into a bigger role.

84(73) David Thomas, TE, NE – Thomas will likely become a Jim

Kleinsasser type dependable target in New England behind more talented targets

Ben Watson and Garrett Mills. He’s still worth a late round flier based

on his production at UT with Vince Young.

Interesting that Garrett Mills is listed before David Thomas.  I really wondered if the Pats really needed to take both of them.  I like both of them as players though...

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I think Mills is the more talented receiver and has more long term upside.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Chad Jackson's rookie impact? With Givens gone, how much can he add to New England's offense this year?

TIA.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He can stretch the field with his deep speed from day one, but I don't him to play a central role. One thing to watch especially closely here is the negotiations with Deion Branch. If for some reason the Pats talks with Branch break down in the long run, Jackson could be set up be a true #1.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

what te's other than davis have a shot to be really special top 10 type players?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Lewis could be top 10, but not special because he lacks the speed to make huge plays, although he could be a top red zone target (double digit TDs last year at UCLA). Klopfenstein could crack the top 10 eventually because Linehan likes to use the TE and sought him out.Garrett Mills is a deep sleeper to watch - i have to keep saying it, he's got one of the best sets of hands in the entire draft and was ultraproductive in college.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

[nerangers]

A look inside the AFC East (full article)

The Patriots are favored to win the AFC East yet again in 2006 and while the other three teams in the division may not be in the Patriots league now, a couple of them are heading in the right direction to be contenders in the future.

Bottom Line: The Bills have a long way to go before they’re in position to challenge the Patriots. This is a team with a lot of uncertainty and their moves this offseason did nothing to clear that up.

Bottom Line: A lot of people expect the Dolphins to compete with the Patriots for the division title in 2006 but I think they’re still one year away. In 2007, when Culpepper is healthy and Saban has more draft under his belt, Miami will be a much more serious threat to the Patriots. This team overachieved last year, so they may take a step back before they move forward.

Bottom Line: The Jets are headed in the right direction under Mangini but it’s going to take him a year or two to implement his system and get his type of players in New York. Rome wasn’t built in a day and the Jets are probably two years away from competing for a playoff birth.

 

[nerangers]

To the other 31 teams of the NFL: Leave the Patriot Coaching Staff Alone. You have disected it enough already!!! Signed, NERangers (LOL)

Now that Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi officially announced that this season will be his last, some are wondering who will be his successor. Conversations should start with Giants vice president of player evaluations Chris Mara, but any successor will have to be chosen by both the Mara and Tisch families. Patriots vice president player personnel Scott Pioli would have been a front runner, but indications are that his contract with New England is too binding to allow him to leave for New York.

 

[nerangers]

In The Continuing Saga of Ty Law:

As for Ty Law, Jeff Fisher said Thursday, “We have not yet scheduled his visit.” The cost for Law could be greater and likely would have to wait until the Titans resolve their issue with quarterback Steve McNair to free up some salary cap space. The Kansas City Chiefs, according to reports, have interest in Law as well and could have an edge since Herman Edwards, Law’s coach with the New York Jets, is now with the Chiefs.

To make a free-agent signing, the Titans likely would have to release Steve McNair, who counts $23 million against their salary cap. Tennessee is reportedly $112,000 under the cap. Titans officials are tentatively scheduled to meet next week with free-agent cornerback Ty Law. They also have spoken with free agent Ahmed Plummer. According to a league source, Tennessee is preparing to hold on to McNair until they would need to sign their draft picks in July, a delay that could force the Ravens to increase their trade offer from a fifth-round pick. The Ravens are expected to immediately pursue McNair once he is released. Ravens officials received permission Sunday to talk to McNair's agent, who appeared "agreeable" to a new deal.

 

[nerangers]

Drafting Tidbit:

Of the 330 players invited to the Scouting Combine, 222 were drafted. The highest player picked not invited to the Combine was Stephen Gostkowski, a kicker from the University of Memphis selected 118th overall by the Patriots. There were three non-Combine invitees picked in Round 4, three in Round 5, nine in Round 6 and 18 in Round 7.

FYI: Over the past three years (2003-05), more than 150 undrafted college players have made NFL rosters.

 

[nerangers]

for you New Englanders that will be lucky enought to see this....

* For those in the Boston area, there will be a special draft edition of Patriots All Access on Monday, May 8 on WCVB-TV (Channel 5). The program airs at 7 p.m. ET and will have a look inside the Patriots' draft room, as well as conversations with Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli and Richard Seymour. The program also sits down with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and shows him an interview he conducted back in his rookie season, then asks him for his thoughts.

* The Patriots' rookie mini-camp is scheduled for May 13-14 at Gillette Stadium.

 

[Bri]

Drafting Tidbit:

Of the 330 players invited to the Scouting Combine, 222 were drafted. The highest player picked not invited to the Combine was Stephen Gostkowski, a kicker from the University of Memphis selected 118th overall by the Patriots. There were three non-Combine invitees picked in Round 4, three in Round 5, nine in Round 6 and 18 in Round 7.

FYI:  Over the past three years (2003-05), more than 150 undrafted college players have made NFL rosters.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's interesting

 

[nerangers]

Found this in one of the threads over at Boston.com....Enjoy..

BTW - Watching these really got me excited for how the Pats could do this season. These players really add something to the Patriots team.

Video Clips of draft picks

Laurence Maroney

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Chad Jackson

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

David Thomas

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

http://media.putfile.com/DT-74

Stephen Gostkowski

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Jeremy Mincey

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Garrett Mills

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Ryan O'Callaghan

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Le Kevin Smith

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Dan Stevenson

No vid available

Willie Andrews

No vid available

Check out this one of Chad Jackson at the combine. He had 27 catches, the next best was only 19. Don't miss the one hander.

Here's more Chad Jackson in another combine drill he won:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgnHM0SRqr0...=chad%20jackson

More Maroney:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwBbBY0tf6E&search=maroney

Another Maroney:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=b78O2T9GRbQ

 

[nerangers]

Hi Guys...just wondering your thoughts about TE David Thomas and Garrett Mills. I know Mills will end up being a FB, but to me it seems like the Patriots did not need to draft both of them. I know the Pats do a lot of two TE sets, so does that mean that David Thomas is the third TE and Garrett Mills will be playing a different position?

Considering I didn't see Garrett Mills on too many Mock drafts, he seems like an exceptional talent.

Little more info on him...and a good link:

Listed as a tight end in college, the 6-foot-1, 241-pound Mills is being projected as one of the top fullbacks in this year’s draft. Number one by Vic Carucci at NFL.com, and second-best by Mel Kiper Jr.

http://colts.scout.com/2/519659.html

NERangers...

 

[Exile]

Hi Guys...just wondering your thoughts about TE David Thomas and Garrett Mills.  I know Mills will end up being a FB, but to me it seems like the Patriots did not need to draft both of them.  I know the Pats do a lot of two TE sets, so does that mean that David Thomas is the third TE and Garrett Mills will be playing a different position?

Considering I didn't see Garrett Mills on too many Mock drafts, he seems like an exceptional talent.

Little more info on him...and a good link:

Listed as a tight end in college, the 6-foot-1, 241-pound Mills is being projected as one of the top fullbacks in this year’s draft. Number one by Vic Carucci at NFL.com, and second-best by Mel Kiper Jr.

http://colts.scout.com/2/519659.html

NERangers...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Since when does need go into the Patriots drafting? But yeah, I think Thomas will be the 3rd TE and Mills will play FB, H-back, etc...

 

[Exile]

Laurence Maroney

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Chad Jackson

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

David Thomas

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

http://media.putfile.com/DT-74

Stephen Gostkowski

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Jeremy Mincey

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Garrett Mills

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Ryan O'Callaghan

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Le Kevin Smith

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Dan Stevenson

No vid available

Willie Andrews

No vid available

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

FYI...These are the same videos I posted and commented on a few days ago.But I had the same reaction...it got me excited about the Pats draft.

 

[nerangers]

Laurence Maroney

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Chad Jackson

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

David Thomas

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

http://media.putfile.com/DT-74

Stephen Gostkowski

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Jeremy Mincey

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Garrett Mills

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Ryan O'Callaghan

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Le Kevin Smith

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/sports?ch=...bars=no'));

Dan Stevenson

No vid available

Willie Andrews

No vid available

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

FYI...These are the same videos I posted and commented on a few days ago.But I had the same reaction...it got me excited about the Pats draft.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry Exile...must have missed them and I am catching up this weekend (busy schedule during the week with four kids and baseball season! lol) at the boston.com chat site...all I have to say is WOW!EDIT: Found them Exile...it was over in the Patriot Drafting thread...that is why I missed it.

 

[Exile]

Oh no problem...I re-read that post and realized it came across snarkier than I meant. What I really meant to say was "Check out my previous post to see my comments on these videos." And I forgot it was in the other Pats thread, too.

 

[nerangers]

Was just catching up on some email and saw the grades that KFFL handed out for the top of the draft. The Patriots did not make the top 10 in their opinion.

Top Grades:

Arizona Cardinals (A-)

Greenbay Packers (A-)

Philadelphia Eagles (A-)

Denver Broncos (B+)

Houston Texans (B)

Honorable Mentions:

Tennessee Titans (B)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (B)

San Francisco 49ers (B-)

Pittsburgh Steelers (B-)

St. Louis Rams (B-)

I think it is funny that grading always seems to be based on what you think the team should have drafted vs. the quality of players actually drafted. Had the Pats drafted four LBs on the second day, they probably would have gotten an A+. Some teams draft mainly on value vs. need. I always look at who is drafted in the first five rounds as your major contributors from the draft. The later rounds are for the future and sleepers.

 

[nerangers]

Patriots | Kaczur and Gorin will compete for right tackle position

Sun, 7 May 2006 10:25:09 -0700

Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots OT Nick Kaczur will compete with OT Brandon Gorin for the right tackle position. Kaczur is in his second year and started the majority of the 2005 season at left tackle.

Patriots | Samuel and Hobbs competing for No. 1 cornerback role

Sun, 7 May 2006 10:18:58 -0700

Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots CB Asante Samuel is competing with CB Ellis Hobbs for the No. 1 cornerback role, with CB Eric Warfield possibly making a run for the position. CBs Chad Scott and Randall Gay are expected to compete for playing time, but are considered long-shots to win the top position.



Patriots | Caldwell will compete with C. Jackson for No. 2 receiver role

Sun, 7 May 2006 10:18:36 -0700

Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots WR Reche Caldwell will compete with rookie WR Chad Jackson for the No. 2 wide receiver role. Caldwell has the early jump on the job since he's been working with QB Tom Brady for an extra month.

NOTE: Here is the actual article (four pages): The buzz is back as ‘competition’ begins

 

[nerangers]

things that make you go hmmmm....LOL

Graham may be in bit of a tight spot (full article)

Bill Belichick called Corey Dillon last Saturday to inform his starting tailback that the Patriots would draft a running back in the first round.

Later that day, Belichick drafted a tight end. And on Sunday, he drafted an H-back. Starting tight end Daniel Graham has yet to receive a phone call.

also

Patriots | Team has not contacted B. Graham about contract extension

Sun, 7 May 2006 10:35:13 -0700

Jerome Solomon, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots TE Daniel Graham has not been contacted by the team about a contract extension. Graham is entering the final year of his rookie contract and the team drafted TEs David Thomas and Garrett Mills during the 2006 NFL Draft. Graham said, "I would like to play my entire career with the Patriots but what happens, happens. I understand it's a business. I learned that early in my career. And I know the organization will do what they think is best for the organization."

 

[nerangers]

How would you grade the Patriots' draft?

JEROME SOLOMON

Patriots beat writer

The Patriots get a lot of credit for the players they took, but draft positioning kept them from getting a top grade. A better haul would have included the No. 1 linebacker or No. 1 cornerback. Instead, they got maybe the No. 2 running back and the No. 1 or 2 receiver. Laurence Maroney has star potential, Chad Jackson should be an excellent fit, and David Thomas ought to be a contributor for some time. Stephen Gostkowski has the inside track to replacing Adam Vinatieri and Garrett Mills will be a fan favorite. Another good day at the office for Belichick & Co. Grade: B

I'd give a solid B+ with a chance for extra credit if Laurence Maroney and Chad Jackson become what scouts feel they're capable of becoming and at least one of the two tight ends becomes a productive player. Unable to address more obvious needs at linebacker and in the secondary, Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli instead overhauled an offense that is aging at running back and getting thin at wide receiver. Time will tell whether the players will fill those needs, but on the day they were selected, they were the best players available. That the Patriots got them picking 21st in the round is all anyone could ask for.

NICK CAFARDO

Football reporter

Grade: B. You have to like the first two picks, and even tight end Dave Thomas, but given their needs at cornerback and linebacker, it was surprising that one of the two positions wasn't addressed in the first three picks. The Patriots decided to pass on North Carolina State defensive end/linebacker Manny Lawson at No. 21, though he seems to be a good fit as an outside pass rusher in a 3-4 defense. I would rather have traded for Javon Walker than drafted Chad Jackson. Walker would have been an instant No. 2 receiver, while Jackson, a good value where the Patriots took him (36), has to build up to that.

MIKE REISS

Patriots reporter

Few teams can say they acquired two players with first-round grades, which the Patriots did in landing Laurence Maroney (21st overall) and Chad Jackson (36th). The next two picks -- tight ends Dave Thomas (86th) and Garrett Mills (108th) -- should immediately help the special teams, at worst. And if Stephen Gostkowski becomes the kicker, that's good value to get him in the fourth round. So all in all, this looks to be a promising draft for the Patriots. Grades are tough to hand out as they are based on projection, but a solid B is the choice right now.

JIN-CHUL KIM

Reader from Sharon

While the Patriots definitely got some players that should fill needs on the offensive side of the ball, I felt that some of the later-round picks were more depth picks than need picks. And with the challenges they face at linebacker and defensive backfield, I would have thought that the depth picks would have been better-served on defense, especially nickel/dime backs who can also play special teams. I thought this was a good but not great draft. And in the end, it is production on the field 2-3 years from now that will define this draft class

 

[Exile]

things that make you go hmmmm....LOL

Graham may be in bit of a tight spot (full article)

Bill Belichick called Corey Dillon last Saturday to inform his starting tailback that the Patriots would draft a running back in the first round.

Later that day, Belichick drafted a tight end. And on Sunday, he drafted an H-back. Starting tight end Daniel Graham has yet to receive a phone call.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, I've heard it theorized that the drafting of 2 TEs means the end of Graham's tenure with the Pats. But I don't buy it.Neither Thomas nor Mills bring (or at least seem to bring since we haven't seen them yet) the skillset that Graham has. Graham is considered by many to be one of the top blocking TEs in the league. He's absolutely a key to the Patriots running game. Thomas looks to be a fantastic receiving TE but is a bit small to be an elite blocker. Mills, as has been discussed, probably won't play TE much at all.

My take is that Thomas is Fauria's replacement and Mills is the next receiving FB a la Larry Centers or Patrick Pass. Meanwhile, the Pats will try to resign Graham in their usual don't-break-the-bank way. If he leaves, the Pats will need to find someone else besides Thomas or Mills to fill his role.

Out of curiousity, has anyone seen whether any of the following pending Patriot free agents has been contacted about an extension yet:

Tully Banta-Cain, LB

Monty Beisel, LB

Troy Brown, WR

Heath Evans, FB

Chad Scott, LB

Russ Hochstein, G

Larry Izzo, LB

Dan Klecko, DT

Dan Koppen, C

Mel Mitchell, S

Patrick Pass, FB

Asante Samuel, CB

My point being that the Pats have a LOT of free agents coming next year and, other than Seymour, who was extended, and Branch, who is being negotiated with, none of these guys may have yet been contacted. I'm sure the Pats set a priority for their coming FAs and work in that order. Seymour was #1, Branch seems to be #2. I would expect Graham, Koppen, and Samuels (in some order) to be the next 3 negotiated with.

 

[nerangers]

things that make you go hmmmm....LOL

Graham may be in bit of a tight spot (full article)

Bill Belichick called Corey Dillon last Saturday to inform his starting tailback that the Patriots would draft a running back in the first round.

Later that day, Belichick drafted a tight end. And on Sunday, he drafted an H-back. Starting tight end Daniel Graham has yet to receive a phone call.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, I've heard it theorized that the drafting of 2 TEs means the end of Graham's tenure with the Pats. But I don't buy it.Neither Thomas nor Mills bring (or at least seem to bring since we haven't seen them yet) the skillset that Graham has. Graham is considered by many to be one of the top blocking TEs in the league. He's absolutely a key to the Patriots running game. Thomas looks to be a fantastic receiving TE but is a bit small to be an elite blocker. Mills, as has been discussed, probably won't play TE much at all.

My take is that Thomas is Fauria's replacement and Mills is the next receiving FB a la Larry Centers or Patrick Pass. Meanwhile, the Pats will try to resign Graham in their usual don't-break-the-bank way. If he leaves, the Pats will need to find someone else besides Thomas or Mills to fill his role.



<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree with you Exile...I think they will secure Graham's services. Thomas definitely was picked up to help out with the two TE sets...and although we all thought Mills was just another TE taken at the draft, the many articles we have read over the last week proves that he is more than that, and will most likely not be used as a TE.

--With Daniel Graham and Ben Watson, the Patriots didn't exactly have a crying need at tight end. Still, they might very well have found a highly effective multipurpose player in one of the two tight ends they selected, fourth-rounder Garrett Mills of Tulsa.

Mills, who holds the NCAA record for receiving yards by a tight end with 1,235, can play fullback, H-back and fill any other pass-catching role. But he also can block, and brings a high level of intelligence necessary to grasp the Patriots' complex offensive scheme.

 

[nerangers]

Out of curiousity, has anyone seen whether any of the following pending Patriot free agents has been contacted about an extension yet:

Tully Banta-Cain, LB

Monty Beisel, LB

Troy Brown, WR

Heath Evans, FB

Chad Scott, LB

Russ Hochstein, G

Larry Izzo, LB

Dan Klecko, DT

Dan Koppen, C

Mel Mitchell, S

Patrick Pass, FB

Asante Samuel, CB

Trying to find out info on these guys...

Here are the ones that were signed this season, and those let go.

Signed:

Troy Brown, WR New England

Reche Caldwell, WR San Diego

Heath Evans, FB New England

Martin Gramatica, K Indianapolis

Tebucky Jones, S Miami

Steve Neal, G New England

Chad Scott, DB New England

Departures:

Tom Ashworth, T (SEA)

Matt Chatham, LB (NYJ)

Andre' Davis, WR (BUF)

Tim Dwight, WR (NYJ)

Christian Fauria, TE (WAS)

David Givens, WR (TEN)

Willie McGinest, LB (CLE)

Adam Vinatieri, K (IND)

 

[nerangers]

STREAMS AND PODCASTS:

Patriots Roster Report - 5/5/2006

In this edition of the Patriots Roster Report, we review the 2006 Patriots Draft Class. Tune in as PVN's Brian Lowe and the staff of Patriots Football Weekly break down the Patriots roster.

PFW in Progress - 5/3/2006

In this edition of PFW in Progress, the staff of PFW take a look at the 2006 Draft class and offer their opinions on the Patriots picks. Take a break with Fred, Paul, Andy and Tom as they give you the off-season scoop and answer your questions.

 

[nerangers]

LB Sightings!!!!

Patriots | Team signs Loyd

Mon, 8 May 2006 14:17:24 -0700

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots have signed free agent LB Jeremy Loyd (Rams) to an undisclosed contract.

Patriots | Team signs Gardner

Mon, 8 May 2006 14:14:59 -0700

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots have signed free agent LB Barry Gardner (Jets) to an undisclosed contract.

Quick hits on the signings of linebackers Barry Gardner and Jeremy Loyd:

Gardner

* 6-foot-1, 245 pounds

* Eight-year veteran

* 110 career games (24 starts)

* 186 career tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception

* 92 career special teams tackles

* Has played for the Eagles (1999-2002), Browns (2003-2004) and Jets (2005)

* Played in all 16 games in 2005 with one start

* Played in college at Northwestern

* Second-round draft choice in 1999

* 29 years old

Loyd

* 6-foot-2, 235 pounds

* Three-year veteran

* 14 career games (no starts)

* Has not registered a defensive statistic

* 10 career special teams tackles

* Originally signed by the Browns as a rookie free agent in 2003

* Signed to Rams practice squad in 2003 and played in 10 games as a rookie

* Missed the 2004 season on injured reserve

* Played in four games in 2005

* Played at Iowa State

* 25 years old

ANALYSIS: Both Gardner and Loyd add depth to the linebacker position and special teams units. Of the two, Gardner would seemingly have a better chance to make the final 53-man roster, although the Patriots have Larry Izzo and Don Davis, who would seem to fit a similar profile. The Patriots now have 15 linebackers on the roster, giving them almost four layers on the depth chart for the full-team mini-camp (June 13-14) and training camp.

 

[nerangers]

Patriots | Team signs UDFA Drame

Mon, 8 May 2006 10:29:31 -0700

Patriots.com reports the New England Patriots have signed undrafted rookie free agent DE Kader Drame (Syracuse). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Patriots | Team signs UDFA Ayodele

Mon, 8 May 2006 10:22:12 -0700

Patriots.com reports the New England Patriots have signed undrafted rookie free agent NT Remi Ayodele (Oklahoma). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.



ROOKIE FREE AGENT UPDATE: The Patriots finalized their rookie free agent signings on Monday. Two additional names on the list are Oklahoma nose tackle Remi Ayodele and Syracuse defensive end Kader Drame.

The full list:

Nose tackle Remi Ayodele (Oklahoma)

Center Brian Barthelmes (Virginia)

Quarterback Corey Bramlet (Wyoming)

Cornerback Vernell Brown (Florida)

Wide receiver Erik Davis (Vanderbilt)

Defensive end Kader Drame (Syracuse)

Offensive tackle Randy Hand (Florida)

Safety Jarvis Herring (Florida)

Safety Keon Jackson (Toledo)

Linebacker Corey Mays (Notre Dame)

Linebacker Freddie Roach (Alabama)

Wide receiver Matt Shelton (Notre Dame)

Safety Sam Smith (Delaware State)

Cornerback Gemara Williams (Buffalo)

Linebacker Pierre Woods (Michigan)

 

[nerangers]

Big Ben (from boston.com)

When Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was speaking about the team's offense last week, he predicted that tight end Benjamin Watson would have a "terrific season."

Watson has been an active participant in the Patriots' offseason program. The following is a pre-draft Q&A with Watson after he finished a workout at Gillette Stadium:

This is your third season in the NFL. Does that change your mindset entering the year?“My mindset is definitely different than it was last year. Last year I was trying to prove to myself that I could still play at this level. Going through a year, I know I can play at this level. It’s a matter of perfecting the things that can make me a better player, having that experience that I didn’t have [entering] last year. I’m definitely more comfortable heading into this year than last year.”

What would you like to perfect?“Things like making reads quicker, not thinking as much. A lot of times you see guys who are great players, they’re thinking, but it’s more natural for them, more instinctive. Last year, a lot of times, I was so consumed with not making a mistake, it can paralyze you. This year, I’m hoping a lot of that is behind me, so I can do more playing instead of thinking. Little things like that, like leveraging a big guy or getting the right position, instead of just trying to power him. I saw that in watching a guy like Christian [Fauria] block these guys who are 300 pounds; he did it not necessarily with power all the time but with position and leverage. Learning how to do that.”

So it's a focus on becoming more of a complete tight end?“It's continuing to develop those skills and something where you can always get better at something. I know I can definitely get better at something. I know I can at this point in my career because I’m still learning the game.”

If you were to play more snaps as a receiver, how different would that be for you?

“It would be a lot different, you’re facing different defenders. Hopefully if I go out wide, I could pull a linebacker out there and beat him instead of trying to run it on a guy who is quicker than me. In this league, a lot of tight ends do go out. It’s not something that’s out of the question. We'll have to wait and see what happens.”



How would you describe the atmosphere in the team's conditioning program?“They changed some stuff in the actual workout program, tweaking some stuff here or there, working more core, stuff like that. It still feels like the same group of guys, the same spirit that we’re trying to work hard and improve on last season.”

Until the rookies arrive, it's just you and Daniel Graham as tight ends...“We're holding down the fort. I love working with Daniel, just like I did Christian. At the beginning of last year, I really had some tough times. It got better as the year went on and Daniel and Christian were always in my corner, always helping me, giving me tips in practice. Those two guys -- you had coaches and then you had them. I liked working with those guys. I’m sad Christian won’t be able to be here but, me and Daniel, I think we work well together. I’m looking forward to us doing well this season.”

How tough was it to learn the offense?“That was tough. Physically, I also wasn’t feeling the greatest. So stuff like that -- just the NFL, it's so different than college. From that experience, I'm hoping to impart some of the knowledge I learned to the rookies, to do the same thing Daniel and Christian did for me."

When you think of where you started last year -- and where the year ended, with you chasing down Champ Bailey -- it must have felt like a long year...

"There were tough times. Great times, too. God was faithful to me and brought me through the whole thing. I could see the progression and how it got better each week.”

 

[nerangers]

Smith gives the Patriots more options up front

The Patriots went into the draft needing some depth at nose tackle. They came away with Nebraska's Le Kevin Smith in the sixth round, a player who could develop into a quality backup behind Vince Wilfork.

Smith lined up at three different positions along the defensive line for Nebraska. He played right defensive tackle as a sophomore, nose guard as a junior and weak-side tackle as a senior. Smith’s versatility is one of the things the Patriots like about him.

“He has a little position flexibility,” Bill Belichick said after the Patriots selected Smith with the 206th overall pick. “He has a little bit of height to him so he could possibly play some end. I think we’ll start him off a little more at nose tackle. Let’s see how it goes. I wouldn’t rule out end for him but he’s probably more of a nose.”

 

[Exile]

The Patriots now have 15 linebackers on the roster, giving them almost four layers on the depth chart for the full-team mini-camp (June 13-14) and training camp.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This doesn't surprise me at all. BB LOVES to establish competition in training camp at all positions and especially the ones that have questions. Last year, after losing Ted Johnson and Tedy Bruschi (or so it seemed at the time) he had 17 LBs in camp.

 

[Bri]

I doubt Gardner makes the team

For anyone interested, Parcells was talking about Vincent Brown working with Pasquale and learning coaching LBers in the NFL and was saying how smart or astute Brown is. He seemed excited about Brown.

 

[AB in DC]

Gardner was a good player at Philly who seems to have fallen off the map since he left. What's his story?

 

[Bri]

Gardner was a good player at Philly who seems to have fallen off the map since he left.  What's his story?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He's bounced around as a backup and/or starter due to injury. It appears Reid got the most of him and not such a compliment toward his abilities

 

[nerangers]

Broncos | Team wanted Cobbs in the 2004 NFL Draft

Tue, 9 May 2006 09:42:31 -0700

Andrew Mason, of DenverBroncos.com, reports Denver Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist said the team originally wanted to select Broncos' RB Cedric Cobbs in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft, but the New England Patriots selected him before the Broncos could. Cobbs' NFL career has come full circle, as the Patriots released him and the Broncos signed him. He's now expecting to compete in training camp for the team's starting running back spot.

Patriots | No word from Flutie

Tue, 9 May 2006 06:48:11 -0700

Tom E. Curran, of the Providence Journal, reports free agent QB Doug Flutie's (Patriots) agent, Kristen Kuliga, said Monday, May 8, that the 43-year-old still hasn't decided if he's going to return to the New England Patriots in 2006 to back up QB Tom Brady. A decision was reportedly going to be made last week but that's on hold. Flutie currently is out of the country. The team's rookie minicamp is this weekend and passing camps for all the skill position players are in the offing, too. Earlier this month, Flutie said, "I'm just going to take my time to make my decision."

 

[nerangers]

Linebacker deals

The contracts that linebackers Barry Gardner and Jeremy Loyd signed with the Patriots are both one-year deals, according to figures filed with the NFL Players Association.

Gardner's contract is for $710,000, the veteran minimum for a player with eight credited seasons. He didn't receive a signing bonus.

Loyd's deal is for $425,000 and doesn't include a signing bonus.

Should either player make the team's final roster, they would each count $431,160 on the salary cap.

 

[nerangers]

Faulk: Mind game

If Patriots running back Kevin Faulk was in position to pass along advice to first-round draft choice Laurence Maroney, he said the words would be simple.

“I think there is just one thing you can tell a rookie who comes in here, no matter if he’s a first-round pick, second-round pick, third-round pick,” Faulk said during a break from the team’s offseason program at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday.

“Obviously you have the ability to play in the NFL, or you wouldn’t be here. But the next thing is the mind. It’s 90 percent mental and 10 percent ability, if you ask me. Your ability got you this far. Now it’s your mind that gets you the rest of the way.”

Faulk, who enters his eighth NFL season in 2006 and turns 30 in June, said he first discovered the overriding importance of the mental aspect of football in his “third or fourth season.”

“Being with Coach Belichick, you have no choice,” he said. “That’s one thing he thrives on a whole lot, being mentally sharp.”

Faulk has been spending weekdays in New England, participating in the offseason program, before flying home to Louisiana on weekends to be with his family. He’ll also be inducted into the Louisiana State Athletic Hall of Fame in July.

“It means a whole lot, being part of the great running backs they’ve had there and the great players [in all sports] they’ve had coming out of LSU, like Shaq and Pistol Pete [Maravich].”

Faulk, who was wearing a LSU cap with Maravich’s No. 23 on it, answered a few other questions before sitting down for a television interview.



The Q&A:

What are your thoughts on some of the draft picks and adding them to the offense?

“It’s always good to add options to the offense. I think Tom [brady] loves it; it helps him spread the ball around.”

Do you feel as if the addition of Maroney might change your role?“I can’t control that. The only thing I can control is what Kevin Faulk does. Like I said, it’s a great addition to the team. Another weapon for the team. But as far as how I feel about, I can’t control it. I can just control what Kevin does.”

As a longer tenured guy, is that the same approach you take with free-agent departures?“I saw an interview with [Tedy] Bruschi and I think he said it perfectly. You almost spend a decade playing with guys, and when they’re gone, it hurts for a little while. Then reality sets in, you know you’re in a business, and it can happen to anyone. When you see them put that name on a different color jersey, you’re playing against each other now. You’re not teammates anymore. I think they’re going to take it the same way.”

Do you have any specific goals this year?“Most of all, staying healthy. I think previous years I’ve had some injuries that you couldn’t believe a football player would get. But I got them.”

Do you have any thoughts on LSU’s Joseph Addai, and him being picked by the Colts?“I think he’s in a good situation. I have to give him a call and congratulate him. He’s a great guy, with the ability to a No. 1 guy in Indianapolis. The offense fits his style perfectly.”

 

[Boston]

Broncos | Team wanted Cobbs in the 2004 NFL Draft

Tue, 9 May 2006 09:42:31 -0700

Andrew Mason, of DenverBroncos.com, reports Denver Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist said the team originally wanted to select Broncos' RB Cedric Cobbs in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft, but the New England Patriots selected him before the Broncos could. Cobbs' NFL career has come full circle, as the Patriots released him and the Broncos signed him. He's now expecting to compete in training camp for the team's starting running back spot.

Hopefully the Denver GM is aware that the Pats drafted young Cedric in the fourth round which means he was available when the Broncos selected in the third round.

 

[nerangers]

Tee time (from boston.com)

When Patriots scouts and coaches assessed kicking prospects in the 2006 draft, the tee used by Stephen Gostkowski on kickoffs set him apart.

Gostkowski has always used a one-inch tee. Many other college kickers use a two-inch tee, seemingly putting them at an advantage because it’s easier to strike more of the ball when it sits higher off the ground.

In the NFL, kickers are required to use one-inch tees.

“Every team I worked out for asked about the one-inch tee,” said Gostkowski, one of the Patriots’ fourth-round choices (118th overall). “It’s another transition kickers have to make.”

The fact that Gostkowski used a one-inch tee at Memphis, and had success on kickoffs, increased his NFL stock. Essentially, NFL coaches and scouts didn’t have to wrestle with the projection of how he might fare with a lower-set tee.

In 2005, his first year kicking off, Gostkowski had an impressive 39 of 68 attempts result in touchbacks. College kickoffs are from the 35-yard line. In the NFL, the kickoffs come from the 30.

“Probably the hardest transition in going from college to the NFL will be that kickoffs are more about direction and hang time than kicking it out of the end zone,” said Gostkowski, who is scheduled to arrive at Gillette Stadium on Friday for the team’s rookie mini-camp. “Special teams coaches spend a lot of time on coverages, so it’s not about being five yards deep all the time, but putting the ball where they want it.”

Gostkowski said he’s always used a one-inch tee because that’s what his high school team (Madison Central) had when he first started kicking. After going through the scouting process and seeing the importance NFL coaches and scouts placed on the one-inch tee, he said less turned out to be more in his case.

“I guess what I didn’t know helped me,” he said.

 

[nerangers]

Patriots | Light feeling good

Wed, 10 May 2006 07:25:10 -0700

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots OT Matt Light (leg) is back to feeling good again, seven months after suffering a leg injury. ''I'm feeling as good as I possibly can at this point," said Light. ''Not to say everything is perfect, because if you've been playing football for more than a couple years, usually nothing is perfect. But it's coming along really well." Light's current battle, he joked, is gaining some separation from the team's trainers. He said he's seen too much of head trainer Jim Whalen and strength coach Mike Woicik since painfully crashing to the Heinz Field turf in Pittsburgh during the 2005 season. Light plans to remain in Foxborough throughout the offseason, and said the team is in Phase 2 of ''pretty intense workouts this offseason."

 

[nerangers]

Patriots | Light discusses his weight and strength after injury

Thu, 11 May 2006 10:51:41 -0700

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots OT Matt Light (leg) discussed his weight and strength after sustaining a leg injury during the 2005 season. Light said, "Weight, for me, even when I was down and casted up and all that other stuff when I first broke my leg, I didn't gain any, I didn't lose any. Right now I'm the exact weight that I left last season, which is a little odd. I'm not sure it's the best weight [laughs], but it's getting back there. I think from a strength standpoint, I've been working in there with Mike [Woicik] and been able to maintain a majority of that. Getting back to playing strength, and everything else, will be a little bit [tougher]. I'm not putting pads on right now. Once that happens and we get to see how the bullets fly for real, we'll see where I'm at."

Patriots | College coaches discuss Maroney's intelligence

Thu, 11 May 2006 10:33:50 -0700

John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots RB Laurence Maroney's intelligence is being underestimated compared to his big-play potential and physical ability. While discussing a 93-yard touchdown Maroney had during the 2005 season, Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said, "To me, he set us up. He kept running boom, boom, boom a certain way until he understood how we were flowing our backside players, and then he said, 'OK, here's what I'm going to do.'" Minnesota offensive coordinator Mitch Browning said, "Laurence is smart. There are certain times to look for those plays in the NFL and there are other times you're going to get tackled in the backfield. That's something he'll learn the longer he's in the league." Maroney has admitted his cutbacks occasionally upset his coaches, who would caution that some of his maneuvers could result in losing yards in the NFL instead of gaining them in college.

Patriots | No progress on Branch talks

Thu, 11 May 2006 07:24:45 -0700

John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports agent Jason Chayut said there has been no progress towards a contract extension between his client, WR Deion Branch, and the New England Patriots. Branch is in the last year of his five-year rookie contract and is slated to make just over $1 million this season. "It's too early to put a timetable on anything," Chayut said.

 

[nerangers]

Light leftovers

A few leftovers from offensive tackle Matt Light, who spoke earlier this week to the Boston Globe on his recovery from a 2005 leg injury:

On how his perspective changed from watching on the sideline in 2005:“Everybody goes through that at some point. I had a great run, injury-free, didn’t miss any games. You’re just fighting through the little things you have to fight through and all of a sudden it comes to a stop. It’s a pretty big transition. Number one, you’re dealing with doctors and hospitals, and all that stuff. That’s never fun. Number two, you’re on the outside looking in, which is tough. You have everybody doing their thing, and you can’t take time away from them and say ‘Hey man, how’s it going? How are you feeling?’ You can’t sit there and [chit-chat] with those guys because they have a job to do. It’s not like they’re going to have time to hang out with Matt Light, who is nursing an injury. That’s tough to recognize, but it’s just a fact of life. They’re out there preparing hard and you get a different view of how things work.”

On managing his weight and strength at this time:“Weight, for me, even when I was down and casted up and all that other stuff when I first broke my leg, I didn’t gain any, I didn’t lose any. Right now I’m the exact weight that I left last season, which is a little odd. I’m not sure it’s the best weight [laughs], but it’s getting back there. I think from a strength standpoint, I’ve been working in there with Mike [Woicik] and been able to maintain a majority of that. Getting back to playing strength, and everything else, will be a little bit [tougher]. I’m not putting pads on right now. Once that happens and we get to see how the bullets fly for real, we’ll see where I’m at.”

On the performance of last year’s rookie linemen -- Logan Mankins and Nick Kaczur:“I watched Logan [Mankins] on film, and watched what he did as a rookie, and it’s not an easy thing to do, especially when you have that much going on. It would be one thing if you had a rookie go through a season with guys on either side of him who have been there and done that. But he had another guy who came in [Nick Kaczur] that was in the same boat he was, and I thought they both played great.”

On the camaraderie of the offensive line group:“We have guys who are all on the same page, they all respect each other, and there’s no ego, no ‘who has the better house?’ or that little stuff. We all fit together and there’s a lot to be said for that. I don’t think it’s that way everywhere. I think it does a lot toward building a team and the atmosphere we want to have here.”

On entering his sixth NFL season and what he’s learned over that time:“I’ve learned a lot of things, on and off the field. We’ve come a long way. I came into the league unmarried, no kids, just a single guy out there having a good time. Now I’m married and have two crazy, wild kids and all the responsibilities that a lot of other guys in the world have. It’s different, but the bottom line is that you have to push yourself and hold yourself accountable for everything that happens. You see a lot of guys who come through, not here necessarily, who have a great opportunity to do something and let things slip away. Nobody is going to push you. Coaches can only yell and scream so much. You learn a lot from everything. You learn a lot from the rookies that are coming in new. I’ve been impressed with our new guys and their work ethic, Logan and Nick, these guys are really hard workers, and they push themselves and everyone around them. It’s not like all of us who have been here a while have it all figured out. It’s good to see that.”

 

[nerangers]

More news on Ty Law:

Chiefs coach Herman Edwards spoke to the Kansas City Star about his relationship with free-agent cornerback Ty Law. The Chiefs are among the teams to have expressed an interest in Law, who has also maintained an open dialogue with Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Edwards spoke with Law last week.

"He’s going to take some visits, but ultimately, he’ll have to make a decision," Edwards told the Star. "I know he wants to play, he wants to play at a place where he feels he can help and he can win. I think obviously this is an opportunity for him here, and there will be some others. But at the end of the day, he’ll have to make a decision. You can’t pressure him. He’s not that type of guy. As long as you keep communicating and he hasn’t signed anywhere, you still have an opportunity to get him.”

 

[nerangers]

* Patriots inside linebacker Monty Beisel, a candidate to start next to Tedy Bruschi in 2006, has added bulk to his frame and is now around 248 pounds. “I’ve been working real hard, cut down some of my body fat some, and was able to put on eight, nine pounds,” he said earlier this week during a break from the team’s offseason program at Gillette Stadium. “You get a little thicker, increase some speed and strength, and just become a better overall player. I feel year in and year out, if you’re not getting better in this league, you’re falling behind. I’ve made a lot of transitions with my body, from year one to going into year six, as far as weight, body fat percentages and all that. I’m just trying to find where my body feels best and where I need to play at the optimum level.”

* Patriots fans who wish to purchase tickets to individual games in 2006 will have the opportunity this Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m. ET when a few thousand tickets will be released for sale through Ticketmaster. Visa will be the only form of payment accepted. Tickets will not be sold at the Gillette Stadium Ticket Office. Ticket orders can be completed online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone. Ticketmaster phone numbers vary by area code. In the greater Boston area, fans can call 617-931-2222 or 508-931-2222. The Patriots season ticket waiting list remains in excess of 50,000 fans.

 

[Exile]

On a semi-Patriots related note, I was watching NFL Access a few minutes ago and Pat Kirwan was talking about the June 1st cuts:

The first point he made was that there won't be many (if any) impact players cut at that time because most teams made their cuts early this year due to the big jump in salary cap room created by the new CBA. I knew this was going to be the case, but I point it out as bad news for the Pats since they've done pretty well getting players after June 1st cuts.

On a somewhat more positive note, Kirwan said the only real "name" player who *might* get cut is LB Donnie Edwards. I'm hoping that this does happen since, as we've discussed here, he'd be a great short term addition to the Patriots LB Corps.