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Pat' off season and next year (1 Viewer)

I don't see this deal happening, unless the Pats really think Lelie is better than the WRs they currently have, or Branck does not play. The Pats will get the deal done with Branch I am pretty sure...

Duckett, Graham, Lelie to be dealt? (from cbssportsline.com)

T.J. Duckett, RB ATL

News: According to reports, Ashley Lelie has been mentioned as part of a potential three-team trade that includes Atlanta RB T.J. Duckett and New England TE Daniel Graham.

Analysis: The Patriots would receive Lelie, the Broncos would land Graham and Duckett, and the Falcons would receive draft choices from both teams if this deal comes to fruition.

 
Lelie and Duckett are'nt even close to the player that Graham is. The Pats will no doubt lose Graham next year and grabbed Thomas as his heir apparent. They still will get another year out of Graham who is arguably the best run blocking TE in the league. WTF would the Pats trade away a great blocking TE who can also catch for a scrub wr who hasn't done squat? And we have to give up a draft pick too? If the Pats do this it will be the second stupid move of the off-season with the first being not franchising Adam V. :no:

 
I don't see this deal happening, unless the Pats really think Lelie is better than the WRs they currently have, or Branck does not play. The Pats will get the deal done with Branch I am pretty sure...

Duckett, Graham, Lelie to be dealt? (from cbssportsline.com)

T.J. Duckett, RB ATL

News: According to reports, Ashley Lelie has been mentioned as part of a potential three-team trade that includes Atlanta RB T.J. Duckett and New England TE Daniel Graham.

Analysis: The Patriots would receive Lelie, the Broncos would land Graham and Duckett, and the Falcons would receive draft choices from both teams if this deal comes to fruition.
This sounds like one of those trades that the media just completely makes up. The Patriots' base offense is a two TE set, and I just don't see them trading their best overall (and by far best blocking) TE.
 
I don't see this deal happening, unless the Pats really think Lelie is better than the WRs they currently have, or Branck does not play. The Pats will get the deal done with Branch I am pretty sure...

Duckett, Graham, Lelie to be dealt? (from cbssportsline.com)

T.J. Duckett, RB ATL

News: According to reports, Ashley Lelie has been mentioned as part of a potential three-team trade that includes Atlanta RB T.J. Duckett and New England TE Daniel Graham.

Analysis: The Patriots would receive Lelie, the Broncos would land Graham and Duckett, and the Falcons would receive draft choices from both teams if this deal comes to fruition.
Belichick emphatically denies rumor...http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2485406

 
Patriots | Dillon feeling disrespected; ready to rebound

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 17:41:04 -0700

The Associated Press reports New England Patriots RB Corey Dillon said he is "looking to do big things" for the New England Patriots in 2006, after a subpar year in 2005. Dillon says too many people have been too quick to anoint rookie first-round draft pick RB Laurence Maroney as the savior of the Patriots' running game, which declined last season as Dillon battled ankle and calf injuries. "I feel real disrespected," Dillon said as the Patriots wrapped up a three-day minicamp. "I feel like I have accomplished zero, not even a grain of salt in this league. And that's terrible for a guy of my status. I've been doing this for a long time." Asked later if he felt he would be fighting for his job in training camp, Dillon said, "Fighting for a job? Are you kidding me? You want to read this again?" Dillon did say he likes what he has seen so far from the five-foot-11 Maroney, who has big-play speed. Dillon acknowledged that he has reached the age when most NFL backs begin to decline. But after changing his offseason workout he feels he will be able to rebound from a disappointing year.

Patriots | Gostkowski showing the stronger leg

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 14:05:12 -0700

Patriots Football Weekly reports New England Patriots PK Stephen Gostkowski is showing the stronger leg over PK Martin Gramatica.

Patriots | Mills also working at fullback

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 14:04:57 -0700

Patriots Football Weekly reports New England Patriots TE Garrett Mills has been working at both fullback and tight end. Mills lined up at fullback and slipped out of the backfield as a receiver when the team practiced their goal line offense.

Patriots | Dillon feeling healthy now

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 14:04:42 -0700

Patriots Football Weekly reports New England Patriots RB Corey Dillon (calf) is feeling healthy after a 2005 season where he dealt with injuries the whole year. Dillon said, "To be honest with you this is the best that I've felt at this point in time in the last three years. I feel good about where I am, I'm still not close to where I want to be. I'm going to get there and hopefully by training camp I'm going to be ready to go."

Patriots | Brady wears brace on last day of minicamp

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 12:56:02 -0700

Patriots.com reports New England Patriots QB Tom Brady (knee) wore a large brace on his left knee during the last day of minicamp, which he had not worn throughout the first two days of practice.

Patriots | Team turned down Denver trade proposal :thumbup:

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 06:09:16 -0700

John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports sources said the Denver Broncos approached the New England Patriots about a trade for TE Daniel Graham, but the Patriots said "no thank you."

 
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June 15, 2006

Minicamp wrap

FOXBOROUGH -- Putting a wrap on the Patriots’ offseason minicamp at Gillette Stadium.

Head coach Bill Belichick was pleased with the three days of work, as well as some of the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in prior weeks. “These passing camps and minicamps are a good lead-in and I feel like we got a lot of things accomplished,” he said, noting that players now have information to study, and coaches saw things scheme-wise that can be adjusted.

Running back Corey Dillon pulled a biography of his career accomplishments out of his pocket after Thursday’s practice and had a reporter read them aloud. He spoke with passion when asked if he felt he was fighting for a job. “Fighting for a job?” Dillon said. “Do you want to read my bio again? I’ve been in this league for 10 years. It’s an honor being in the league for 10 years. There aren’t too many people who have been where I’m going. I’m proud about it.”

Defensive back Eugene Wilson was present on the practice field, but while he took part in some individual drills he wasn’t part of team drills.

Belichick on the kickers and how they are evaluated in a minicamp: “It's an opportunity for them to kick behind a full team, as opposed to just kicking with a snapper and a holder, and get an idea of the operation and how we do it in practice and the process. I think mentally it helps them prepare for training camp. That's when the real evaluation is going to come: in the training camp and preseason games.”

Boston College coach Tom O’Brien was present at Thursday morning’s minicamp practice.

Dan Klecko’s move to linebacker contains an interesting twist: he’s been working on the outside, not the inside.

Belichick on his message to the team at this point: "Be ready for training camp. We have good competition on this team. Everybody is fighting for a job. Be here and be ready to go, physically, mentally and emotionally."

2 highlights

FOXBOROUGH -- Two areas stood out during the morning practice of the Patriots' offseason minicamp on Thursday.

One was the way it ended, with rookie Steve Gostkowski converting a short field goal. Head coach Bill Belichick threw the team "a bone" -- telling them if Gostkowski made the kick, they didn't have to run.

The second part of the session that stood out was some of the comments made by running back Corey Dillon afterwards.

We'll start with Dillon, who believes he can still be productive.

"I'm healthy, I'm ready," he told a group of reporters. "To be honest with you, this is the best I've felt, at this time, in the last three years. So I feel good about where I'm at, but I'm still not close to where I want to be. Hopefully, by training camp I'm going to be ready to go."

Dillon said it was a nice gesture for Belichick to call him after the team drafted Laurence Maroney in the first round, "but he didn't have to. I think Bill is a very, very great coach, and I think out of respect that he wanted to give me the heads-up. That's what he did. Any great coach would give his player a call and let him know the situation. I wasn't in the draft room, I didn't know what was going on, so he gave me the heads-up and we took it from there."

Dillon has worked closely with Maroney over the last week.

"I have all this knowledge and experience in this league, so why not share it? I'd be a schmuck. And I don't want to be a schmuck."

As for the end of practice, team owner Robert Kraft watched with interest as Belichick challenged rookie kicker Steve Gostkowski.

"That was terrific," Kraft said later in the day after honoring 21 Community MVPs with grants of more than $50,000 total.

"They put more pressure on him, calling timeouts. That was unbelievable -- what a way to team-build. It was nice to see that."

Quick hits

FOXBOROUGH -- Quick hits from this morning’s practice at the Patriots’ offseason minicamp:

Players wore shorts, jerseys, and helmets (no pads). Temperatures were cooler than the last two days, and the practice fields were wet from overnight rain.

Players not present for the practice included: wide receivers Deion Branch, Michael McGrew and Zuriel Smith; tight end Daniel Graham; running backs Patrick Pass and Earl Charles; offense linemen Brandon Gorin, Nick Kaczur, Dan Koppen, and Jeff Roehl; safeties Rodney Harrison, Artrell Hawkins, and Ray Ventrone; cornerbacks Randall Gay and Antwain Spann; and defensive lineman Jarvis Green.

At one point in practice, the Patriots worked on goal line offense and defense. Rookie tight end Garrett Mills made a nice touchdown grab along the end line while linebacker Monty Beisel intercepted an under-thrown pass by quarterback Tom Brady.

When the teams broke up on separate practice fields -- the offense on one field and the defense on the other -- head coach Bill Belichick stayed with the defense and worked with the linebackers on drops in pass coverage.

For the second straight day, University of Florida head coach Urban Meyer was in attendance. He jotted down notes as the Patriots worked on their goal line offense.

One portion of practice was dedicated to the kickoff return game. The returners were rookies Laurence Maroney, Chad Jackson, Willie Andrews and Gemara Williams; and veterans Reche Caldwell, John Stone, Kevin Faulk and Bam Childress.

When the offensive line separated from the team for individual work, second-year guard Logan Mankins was lauded for his work, and form, punching the bags.

Owner Robert Kraft, who later today will honor several “Community MVPs”, was present for a portion of the practice.

Reche Caldwell made two nice, long catches, one of which was of the diving variety.

As winds whipped through the practice field, the Patriots took a short time to work on field goals. At one point, the field goal blocking unit tried to rattle rookie Steve Gostkowski by attempting to call back-to-back timeouts, but Gostkowski still made the kick.

At the end of practice, Belichick appeared to be brokering a deal with the team. If the rookie kicker Gostkowski could make a field goal, the team would be rewarded by not having to run. That got the players excited, and when Gostkowski made the kick, players were celebrating.

The Patriots officially list Garrett Mills as a fullback but he’s been working both at fullback and tight end. When the team was practicing its goal line offense, Mills was lined up at fullback a lot and slipped out of the backfield as a receiver.

 
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June 16, 2006

Camp date finalized

The Patriots today finalized the starting date for training camp at Gillette Stadium. It will be Friday, July 28.

Pats cut two

The Patriots today announced the release of two rookie free agents -- defensive lineman Remi Ayodele and wide receiver Jakari Wallace. Both were longshots to make the roster.

Roster re-set

With the Patriots releasing rookie free agents Remi Ayodele (nose tackle) and Jakari Wallace (wide receiver) on Friday, the team now has 10 defensive linemen and 11 receivers on the roster.

The breakdown:

Defensive line:

Kader Drame

Jarvis Green

Marquise Hill

Richard Seymour

Le Kevin Smith

Johnathan Sullivan

Santonio Thomas

Ty Warren

Vince Wilfork

Mike Wright

Wide receivers:

Deion Branch

Troy Brown

Reche Caldwell

Bam Childress

Erik Davis

Chad Jackson

Michael McGrew

Rich Musinski

Matt Shelton

Zuriel Smith

John Stone

The team will likely keep 6-7 defensive linemen and 4-5 receivers on the final 53-man roster.

 
Mini-Camp Recap (snipits below)

· The rookies were very impressive. Laurence Maroney looked good catching the ball and has a burst that no Patriots running back has had in quite some time. He will be a nice complement to Corey Dillon’s bruising running style. Chad Jackson and David Thomas simply don’t drop the football. Both players catch virtually every ball thrown their way. We still have to see how they beat jams at the line and run routes but one thing is for sure: Jackson and Thomas can both catch the ball. After a slow start, Garrett Mills came on late in mini-camp. Mills is adjusting to learning some new things at the moment, so he doesn’t look as polished as Thomas. However, Mills made some nice catches on Wednesday and Thursday and I expect to see a big improvement in him once training camp rolls around. After an early read on this rookie class, it looks like Tom Brady is going to be a happy quarterback for years to come.

Expect the Patriots to possibly bring in a veteran quarterback in the near future. Brady is Brady and Matt Cassel looked good but there was a big drop-off after those two. Corey Bramlet looked good at rookie mini-camp and Todd Mortensen did well in NFL Europe but both struggled this week.

Reche Caldwell had a solid camp. Two young receivers that played well were Bam Childress and John Stone. Both players got a lot of reps with Brady and caught the ball well.

Ellis Hobbs always has the most energy of any player on the field. He’s like the Energizer bunny;

Eric Warfield really struggled. After watching him at mini-camp, I would say Warfield’s roster spot on this team is far from secure.

James Sanders and Tebucky Jones both got a lot of reps and looked good.

Johnathan Sullivan needs to work on his conditioning but he wasn’t as out of shape as some people have suggested.

Martin Gramatica kicks the ball extremely low. He had a similar problem towards the end of his career in Tampa Bay that led to some of his kicks getting blocked. Both Gramatica and rookie Stephen Gostkowski hit a majority of their field goal attempts but Gostkowski clearly has the stronger leg of the two kickers.

Willie Andrews was the cream of the crop at returning kicks.

 
Colvin's highlight

For linebacker Rosevelt Colvin, the highlight of the offseason came in early May when he returned to his alma mater, Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis.

Colvin thought he was in attendance to receive a distinguished alumni award, as part of the National Honor Society annual awards night. But the school surprised him by also retiring his No. 59.

"They presented me with a jersey, which was real nice," said Colvin, a first-team all-state selection who set the school record with 219 tackles as a senior. "One of the nice parts about it was that my parents were with me."

After the ceremony, Colvin met up with race car driver Arie Luyendyk Jr. at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"He took me around in a two-seater, at about 180 miles per hour," the 28-year-old Colvin said. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I used to have a motorcycle, so I've been 130 miles per hour. But the thing that really got me was hitting the turn. I was a little dizzy getting out of the car, so I can only imagine doing 200 or so laps."

 
* Sports Illustrated's Peter King looks back to the 2001 NFL Draft and hands out grades in this piece on CNNSI.com. The Patriots get a C-minus.

A true evaluation of 2001 draft five years later

20. New England. Richard Seymour, the sixth overall pick, has become one of the league's best defensive players, and the Pats have him locked up with a long-term deal. They outsmarted the Jets, moving up ahead of them to pick long-term starting tackle Matt Light in Round 2. After that, soak in these names: Brock Williams, Kenyatta Jones, Jabari Holloway, Hakim Akbar, Arther Love, Leonard Myers, Owen Pochman, T.J. Turner. About all I can say of this sordid crew is that Myers did make a little money as a Pats special-teamer -- and he was able to get $32,600 on eBay for his Super Bowl ring.

 
Found this interesting...from boston.com...putting a price tag on Branch.

Branch's worth

Should Deion Branch be paid like a No. 1 receiver?

That was the question asked the other day in a casual discussion.

The response: “What do you consider No. 1 money?”

The answer didn’t roll off the tongue, so it was time for some research. The following are six NFL players who are considered No. 1 receivers, with their contract figures:

Terrell Owens

Career Stat Average: 71.6 catches, 1,053 yards, 10.1 TDs

Length: 3 years (free-agent deal, 2006)

Signing bonus: $5 million

Other bonuses: $3 million roster bonus in 2007; $3 million roster bonus in 2008

Average per year: $8.3 million

Chad Johnson

Career Stat Average: 75.8 catches, 1,111 yards, 6.8 TDs

Length: 6 years (extension, 2006)

Signing bonus: $5 million

Other bonuses: $3.5 option, plus several reporting and workout bonuses

Average per year: $7.05 million

Steve Smith

Career Stat Average: 63.7 catches, 751 yards, 4.4 TDs*

Length: 6 years (extension, 2004)

Signing bonus: $7 million

Other bonuses: $2 million option

Average per year: $4.4 million

* stat average doesn’t include 2004 season in which Smith played one game

** reports indicate the Panthers and Smith are in talks for another extension

Marvin Harrison

Career Stat Average: 92.7 catches, 1,233 yards, 11 TDs

Length: 6 years (extension/restructuring)

Signing bonus: $0

Other bonuses: $10 million roster (and other guarantees)

Average per year: $9.5 million

Hines Ward

Career Stat Average: 71.7 catches, 879 yards, 6.5 TDs

Length: 5 years (extension, 2005)

Signing bonus: $5 million

Other bonuses: $4 million option

Average per year: $6.4 million

Rod Smith

Career Stat Average: 72.4 catches, 988 yards, 5.9 TDs

Length: 7 years (extension, 2002; restructuring)

Signing bonus: $11 million

Other bonuses: $0

Average per year: $6.6 million

Deion Branch

Career Stat Average: 53 catches, 686 yards, 3.5 TDs*

* 2004 season limited to nine games

ANALYSIS: In a Patriots mailbag on Boston.com last week, I wrote that Branch is a No. 1 caliber receiver, a vital cog to the offense. However, the salary range for No. 1s is pretty wide. The feeling here is that the free-agent, 5-year contract David Givens signed with the Titans -- with an average per year of $4.8 million per year and $8 million in bonuses in the first two years –- would be the general range in which Branch would fall. Considerations must be given for the fact Givens’ deal was signed in unrestricted free agency, where there was a competitive bidding. The feeling here is that Branch’s market value, at this time, is in the $5 million per year range.

 
Good Article about Pioli

Built to last - Enduring success is Pioli's priority (full article)

As vice president of player personnel for the Patriots, the 41-year-old Pioli is in the team-building business. The squad has been constructed based on a philosophy he helped create, along with head coach Bill Belichick.

``When we first came here [in 2000], we wrote it down in our manual -- we're building a big, strong, fast, tough, smart, disciplined football team that consistently competes for championships," Pioli said. ``We don't want to subscribe to the theory that the window is only open for a short period of time, take a run at it, then worry about the next year, or worry about two years in two years.

``This is a `now' society. Now is important. But so is the future. From a team-building standpoint, you have to think that way."

It's been seven years since Pioli and Belichick -- the duo targeted by owner Robert Kraft and vice chairman Jonathan Kraft to run the team's football operation -- took the first steps in their team-building process in New England. Seven years is an eternity in today's NFL.

Only two organizations have had the same head coach and personnel chief working together in those roles for a longer period of time -- coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Floyd Reese with the Titans (12 years) and coach Brian Billick and GM Ozzie Newsome with the Ravens (eight years). The Steelers, with coach Bill Cowher and personnel chief Kevin Colbert, match the Patriots with seven seasons together.

For Pioli and the Patriots, new challenges are always arising in the team-building process.

 
Izzo to the air

The Patriots just sent out the following press release:

"On Sundays in the fall, Larry Izzo straps on his Patriots helmet and leads the Patriots' special teams coverage units down the field in top speed pursuit of enemy ball carriers. On Friday, June 23, Izzo will strap on a different kind of Patriots helmet and reach speeds he has never imagined.

"Friday morning, Izzo will join Lt. Kevin Davis in the cockpit of an F/A-18 Hornet for a flight demonstration with the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels.

"This will not be the first time Izzo has teamed up with our armed forces. In April of 2005, the Patriots' special teams captain spent seven days visiting soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq during an NFL sanctioned USO Tour. In addition to opening the Pat Tillman USO Center at the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, he also visited several military hospitals and camps throughout the region, meeting thousands of soldiers in the field. Shortly after his return to the states, Izzo visited wounded soldiers at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Last fall, Izzo hosted a celebrity fundraiser for charities that support American servicemen and women and their families. Dozens of Patriots players attended and participated in the "Larry-oke" karaoke event, which raised over $200,000."

June 21, 2006

Rookie bonding

FOXBOROUGH -- David Thomas is from Wolfforth, Texas and played at the University of Texas.

Garrett Mills is from Tulsa, Oklahoma and played at the University of Tulsa.

Before both tight ends were drafted by the Patriots this spring -- Thomas in the third round, Mills in the fourth -- they had hardly crossed paths. But over the last seven weeks, the two have developed a strong bond.

“I’m lucky because I have a suitemate in Garrett who is going through the same things,” said Thomas, who has looked impressive catching the ball in minicamps. “We can help each other. It’s been a pretty good situation so far.”

Veteran Benjamin Watson commented on Thomas at last week’s mandatory minicamp, saying Thomas is further ahead than he was in his first NFL year.

Thomas, who turns 23 on July 5, explained that the last seven weeks have been filled with a lot of classroom-style work.

“What we try to do is take everything from the meeting room onto the field,” he said. “We’ve worked hard to learn the offense from the older guys.”

Thomas had never traveled to the New England region prior to this year. His first impressions?

“Other than the rain, it’s been awesome,” he said. “This is a great area, there are a lot of neat things around here and they say the fans around here are the best -- whether it’s the Sox, the Patriots, the Bruins or Celtics. The fans are into it and that’s all you can ask for.”

 
Just passing along a little Ty Law News....

This Law is on agent's side (full article)

He's in St. Louis training with track coach Bob Kersee, so Ty Law's physical preparedness is leaps and bounds ahead of what it was last year at this time, when he was healing from a foot injury. He's not worried about being a top cornerback again. He knows he'll be that.

He's not even worried about which one of three teams -- Kansas City, Arizona, or New England -- will land his services.

What he does worry about is losing his agent, Carl Poston, the only agent he's ever had, to a two-year suspension. Poston is due to have an appeal heard on his behalf July 24-25 outside of Washington, D.C., by an arbiter hired by the NFL Players Association, the very organization that has charged Poston with missteps that resulted in LaVar Arrington, then of the Redskins, having a $6.5 million signing bonus left out of his contract.

 
Camping season

Before they take the field for their own training camp in late July, a few Patriots players are running their own football camps in the coming weeks.

Defensive end Ty Warren, offensive tackle Matt Light and linebacker Rosevelt Colvin are a few team members with football camps. Warren’s starts on Friday night (June 23) and is based in Waterville, Maine.

“It’s just a desire to want to teach kids what you’ve learned over the years,” said Warren, a fourth-year pro out of Texas A&M.

Warren’s camp, which encourages kids to show up the day of the event, begins at 4 p.m. ET at Waterville High School. Sessions begin at 9 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

Warren helps run the camp with former Patriot Ray “Sugar Bear” Hamilton, now a line coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“We’ve gotten to know each other pretty well and our wives have become friends,” said Warren, who will bring receiver Bam Childress to the camp.

Light’s camp is scheduled for June 25-29 at Wheaton College in Norton, Mass. Colvin’s is scheduled from July 9-13 at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I.

O'Brien's observations

Boston College football coach Tom O’Brien was a guest at one of the Patriots’ minicamp practices last week, along with Virginia coach Al Groh and Florida coach Urban Meyer.

Why the visit?

“What I generally do is go down with a specific question or two that Bill [belichick] might be able to give some input on one way or the other,” said O’Brien. “Maybe it has to do with practice, or scheduling, or technique. Coach [George] Welsh would talk about making visits [when O’Brien was an assistant at Virginia] and said that anyone who might be able to bring back a first down, or a [defensive] stop, those add up through the year. Bill is gracious in parting knowledge to the questions if he has an answer.”

O’Brien’s thoughts on the Patriots’ camp came after he answered a few questions on the Eastern Massachusetts Shriners Football Classic, a high school football all-star game which takes place Friday night (7 p.m., Bentley College). Five incoming BC recruits are part of the game, and O’Brien’s comments are part of a story scheduled to appear in Friday’s editions of the Boston Globe.

As for the Patriots' practices, O’Brien said he often takes things he learns back to BC.

“They are so well organized, so well prepared, that you generally pick something up when you watch them practice, and watch their operation,” he said. “I think the real strength of that football team is the way the players respond to the coaches, and coaching. There is not a lot of wasted time, not a lot of wasted effort. And even though they’re working hard, and are very intense, they seem to have a good time even when they are working.”

 
hey ne

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/plaindeale...ll=2&thispage=2

says Pats may be interested in Testaverde but (the gist of the article) it's that he knows the O enough that he can miss TC and still be a backup for NE or Cleveland
Can't see the Pats doing this, unless they have hit the bottom of the barrel for a backup Veteran QB.Not much going on in the Patriot Nation...

Workouts continue

FOXBOROUGH -- Many Patriots players are continuing their work in the team’s offseason program, which is scheduled to conclude July 7.

“That last week, we’ll have some testing to see if we've improved, and then we go,” said second-year guard Logan Mankins after his Friday workout.

Players will have a few weeks off before returning for training camp. The official start of training camp is July 28, although players often arrive before that day.

Mankins himself enjoyed a 3-to-4 week vacation in California shortly after the 2005 season concluded. He said the “offseason has flown by.”

“Right now, we’re just lifting weights, and we finished up our minicamp last week and that seemed to go pretty well,” he said. “I think everyone has the right idea for this year. We’re all on the same page as to what we’re going to try to do. It looks to me like everyone is working hard.”

 
Post Mini-Camp breakdown...

Post mini-camp position breakdown: Tight ends (full article)

Ben Watson, Daniel Graham, David Thomas, Garrett Mills

Overall – There may not be another team in the NFL that can brag they have the quality depth at the tight end position that the Patriots have. Watson is a star in the making and after finally getting on the field and playing a season in this offense, he looks more relaxed and confident in what he’s doing. If the freakish Watson catches fewer than 50 balls this season, I’ll be shocked.

Graham is in the last year of his contract but he’s still an important cog in the Patriots offense. At times he acts almost like another tackle but he can also make big plays when he’s catching tight end screens and short passes. Graham may never live up to the hype he had coming out of Colorado but a lot of other teams would love to have a player like him on their roster.

Thomas is the wild card because I honestly believe that he’s so polished, he can come in right away as a rookie and have an impact on this team. He was praised for his route running in college and even though he doesn’t even have one training camp under his belt yet, Thomas has one of the best pair of hands on the team. Expect big things from him in the years to come.

Mills will probably take a little longer to get adjusted to the pro game just because he’s learning a lot of new things all at once. He should be a big contributor on special teams this season while he’s learning a new position on offense. If he can turn into another Cooley two or three years down the line, the Patriots will be locked in at tight end for the future with the trio of Watson, Thomas and Mills.

 
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Post mini-camp position breakdown: Running backs (full article)

Dillon, Maroney, Faulk, Pass, Evans, Cobb, Charles

Corey Dillon - The Patriots were decimated by injuries at the running back position in 2005. Dillon hurt his ankle early in the year and it hindered him for the rest of the season. Dillon was never really himself as he only managed 733 yards on the ground, although he did get into the end zone 12 times. Now that he’s healthy again, Dillon should be ready to regain some of his old form this year but he will turn 32 in October. Keeping one eye on the future, the Patriots selected Laurence Maroney in the first round of the NFL draft. Dillon has taken a beating over the years because of his punishing running style, so the younger Maroney should help keep the veteran fresh as the season moves forward. Dillon didn’t look like he was ready to relinquish his starting job any time soon at mini-camp, as he showed with his fiery attitude towards the media. It’s probably unrealistic to expect him to repeat his 1,600- yard season from two years ago but if both Dillon and Maroney can combine for that kind of production, it should be a successful year on offense for the Patriots.

Laurence Maroney – The speedy Maroney will be a nice complement to the punishing Dillon. At 215 pounds, Maroney is a pretty big guy himself but he has the breakaway speed to score from anywhere on the field that Dillon no longer posses. During mini-camp, Maroney caught the ball very well and showcased his acceleration once he turned upfield. If Maroney were a car, he would go from 0-60 mph in about two seconds. He will begin the year spelling Dillon but the really exciting thing about this kid is he gives the Patriots something they haven’t had in an awfully long time: a home run hitter in the backfield. Not only will Maroney be a nice change-of-pace back when Dillon’s healthy, he also gives the Patriots a legitimate backup should the veteran get injured and that’s something the team lacked last year. If Maroney plays up to his potential, he should have an outstanding NFL career.

The rest of them are in the article... :bye:

 
Just passing along a little Ty Law News....

This Law is on agent's side (full article)

He's in St. Louis training with track coach Bob Kersee, so Ty Law's physical preparedness is leaps and bounds ahead of what it was last year at this time, when he was healing from a foot injury. He's not worried about being a top cornerback again. He knows he'll be that.

He's not even worried about which one of three teams -- Kansas City, Arizona, or New England -- will land his services.

What he does worry about is losing his agent, Carl Poston, the only agent he's ever had, to a two-year suspension. Poston is due to have an appeal heard on his behalf July 24-25 outside of Washington, D.C., by an arbiter hired by the NFL Players Association, the very organization that has charged Poston with missteps that resulted in LaVar Arrington, then of the Redskins, having a $6.5 million signing bonus left out of his contract.
Could the Patriots decide to pass on signing Ty Law? Michael Parente of the Woonsocket Call writes that the Patriots are one of three teams reportedly in the running, along with Kansas City and Arizona, but they might pass up the opportunity to reacquire the future Hall of Famer if Law's contract demands are too high for their payroll. Even after finishing 31st out of 32 teams in pass defense last year, the Patriots would be comfortable letting Law sign elsewhere because of the development of second-year cornerback Ellis Hobbs and the eventual return of several key players who suffered season-ending injuries in 2005. Hobbs finished with three interceptions in the final eight weeks of the regular season. His presence helped solidify a secondary ravaged by injuries and changed the complexion of New England’s defense heading into the playoffs. Hobbs could continue to flourish in 2006 if he wins a starting job in training camp among a crowded defensive backfield.
 
I hope Troy Brown breaks the record...He is deserving of this.

USA Today's "Inside Slant" also discusses Troy Brown's long tenured stay with the Patriots. In 13 seasons, all of them with the Patriots, Brown has 514 career catches, just 20 behind Stanley Morgan's franchise record. All the other receivers in camp had combined for 82 receptions, 76 of those by free agent Reche Caldwell. The "Inside Slant" also notes that while Branch might extend his holdout into training camp, Brady said he wasn't worried that his chemistry with the Super Bowl XXXIX MVP would be affected. "It's not going to take long with him because I know him so well," Brady said. "When he gets here it's not going to take any time at all. He'll come out here and you'll think he didn't miss a day."

 
hey ne

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/plaindeale...ll=2&thispage=2

says Pats may be interested in Testaverde but (the gist of the article) it's that he knows the O enough that he can miss TC and still be a backup for NE or Cleveland
It wouldn't be a shocker. The Pats need a veteran backup and BB has always had a ton of respect for Vinny. Now, whether he has anything left is another question. If BB thinks Cassell is close to being able to handle the #2 than having Vinny around could be a plus as it would help him greatly. Yet, if they don't think Cassell is ready to be a #2 they may need a backup that has a little more left.
 
hey ne

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/plaindeale...ll=2&thispage=2

says Pats may be interested in Testaverde but (the gist of the article) it's that he knows the O enough that he can miss TC and still be a backup for NE or Cleveland
It wouldn't be a shocker. The Pats need a veteran backup and BB has always had a ton of respect for Vinny. Now, whether he has anything left is another question. If BB thinks Cassell is close to being able to handle the #2 than having Vinny around could be a plus as it would help him greatly. Yet, if they don't think Cassell is ready to be a #2 they may need a backup that has a little more left.
:goodposting: You raise an excellent point...I was thinking of Vinny in #2 QB terms, and I am thinking there is not enough left in the tank. As the #3 QB though, he could definitely help out Cassell. I was thinking that Vinny would be replacing Flutie, and Flutie was the #2 QB last year. I am also thinking I need more coffee after reading this sentence I wrote! lol

Found this in one of the articles that backs up the need for another Veteran...hopefully my views of the Jets are not skewing my views on Vinny.

As of now I believe that the Pats have only Matt Cassel as backup to Tom Brady. Please do not skewer me if I am wrong. Is there any chance they would pursue Gibran Hamdan from NFL Europe? Though he has suffered 2 season-ending injuries in the last 2 years, he has both led the best team in NFL Europe and been Offensive MVP in those same consecutive years. He may not be worth big money but he could be a serviceable # 2 or 3. What do you think?

Jay Brooks

I am going to skewer you, but not for the reasons you alluded to. Cassel is the only real backup to Brady right now as third and fourth stringers Corey Bramlet and Todd Mortensen have little chance to make the team and struggled in mini-camp. But do you really think some injury-plagued NFL Europe “superstar” is really the answer. We’ve been down this road before. Rohan Davey dominated Europe by stumbling around the backfield, throw bombs and leading his team to victory. That means absolutely nothing on this side of the pond. Nothing. New England needs a third quarterback on the roster, preferably a veteran, but it certainly shouldn’t come in the form of damaged goods shipped over from Europe. You can pull my skewer out after you read this. You know I will need it for many future emailers.

Andy Hart
 
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I have to throw this one up there....after looking at the Footballguys magazine and seeing the Patriot kicker listed #31, only Gramatica was listed. I still think Gostkowski will win the kicking job, and will have more opportunities to kick than teams like Cleveland, SF, Miami, Buffalo, and Houson (to name a few), who are all listed ahead of the Patriots kicker. Neither of these guys will be just like Adam V, but you have to believe the Patriots will still have the same kicking opportunities afforded to them.

Hello, I have a question about the kicking situation in New England. According to several sources, Stephen Gostkowski kicks higher, farther, and more accurately than Martin Gramatica. My question is, what is Gramatica still doing on the roster? David BuiGostkowski has been the more impressive kicker to date. But there is no reason to cut Gramatica at this point and most teams carry two kickers in training camp anyway. There is still a competition to be waged and at the very least a team has to have two kickers to split the reps in camp. My guess is that Gostkowski will win the opening day job, but that hasn’t happened yet and there is no reason to cut your insurance policy in June.
EDIT: Well according to the website here:26 Stephen Gostkowski NE / 6 18 23 78.3 43 43 97.0 At least they are getting better at the projections....he is now ahead of the Texans and SF for kicking....
 
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hey ne

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/plaindeale...ll=2&thispage=2

says Pats may be interested in Testaverde but (the gist of the article) it's that he knows the O enough that he can miss TC and still be a backup for NE or Cleveland
It wouldn't be a shocker. The Pats need a veteran backup and BB has always had a ton of respect for Vinny. Now, whether he has anything left is another question. If BB thinks Cassell is close to being able to handle the #2 than having Vinny around could be a plus as it would help him greatly. Yet, if they don't think Cassell is ready to be a #2 they may need a backup that has a little more left.
:goodposting: You raise an excellent point...I was thinking of Vinny in #2 QB terms, and I am thinking there is not enough left in the tank. As the #3 QB though, he could definitely help out Cassell. I was thinking that Vinny would be replacing Flutie, and Flutie was the #2 QB last year. I am also thinking I need more coffee after reading this sentence I wrote! lol

Found this in one of the articles that backs up the need for another Veteran...hopefully my views of the Jets are not skewing my views on Vinny.

As of now I believe that the Pats have only Matt Cassel as backup to Tom Brady. Please do not skewer me if I am wrong. Is there any chance they would pursue Gibran Hamdan from NFL Europe? Though he has suffered 2 season-ending injuries in the last 2 years, he has both led the best team in NFL Europe and been Offensive MVP in those same consecutive years. He may not be worth big money but he could be a serviceable # 2 or 3. What do you think?

Jay Brooks

I am going to skewer you, but not for the reasons you alluded to. Cassel is the only real backup to Brady right now as third and fourth stringers Corey Bramlet and Todd Mortensen have little chance to make the team and struggled in mini-camp. But do you really think some injury-plagued NFL Europe “superstar” is really the answer. We’ve been down this road before. Rohan Davey dominated Europe by stumbling around the backfield, throw bombs and leading his team to victory. That means absolutely nothing on this side of the pond. Nothing. New England needs a third quarterback on the roster, preferably a veteran, but it certainly shouldn’t come in the form of damaged goods shipped over from Europe. You can pull my skewer out after you read this. You know I will need it for many future emailers.

Andy Hart
I would be ecstatic if we got Hamdan but Holmgren likes him and he is likely staying put. Many folks I talk to don't doubt the likelihood of him winning the #2 job in seattle. He was great in NFLE then got hurt+missed TC and was very impressive in practice last year. Then he went to NFLE this year, won their MVP award and broke his ankle or somesuch. He MAY be in their camp. Last I checked they were still holding out hope. 6 weeks to heal their camp was (guess) 7 weeks from his injury date. The NFLE season is short. Season ending injuries are commonplace.

He's most like the former NFLE QBs that played well in the NFL than anyone in years and he's also from the Admirals which has produced most of the gems. Davey wasn't such a traditional style QB and it's always iffy going league to league no matter whether it's college to NFL, NFLE to NFL or whatever. They're like apples and oranges in how they play the position.

Not many NFLE-ers will make an immediate impact and it takes a year or two to get their feet wet in the NFL.

Anyhow, the Pats don't seem to use NFLE. They send players because they're required and ....I don't know I can't think of the last guy they genuinely used from there. Vinatieri? Andruzzi? It's been a while.

Last year, Ricky Bryant was an excellent WR in NFLE and I even found some glowing quotes from BB about him saying something about how he looks great and they can't wait for him to return to the states etc. Yeah well he was cut 1,2,3 when he returned. I was fuming as he's at least a practice squad player. He was picked up by atlanta the next day and last I checked he was still with them.

Kory Chapman-We needed backs last year right? Well he was gone and signed with the Colts and bounced (the other) Ricky Williams off their roster. While not the best back, Williams is one you've heard of. Kory's still with the Colts.

So...I don't understand WTF BB is doing with NFLE but he's not using it. I highly doubt Gibran is on his mind or Piloi's at all.

FWIW I wish "we" did use NFLE

 
Bumping an earlier thought here-

Brooks' workout writeup is here

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9447397

Boston Herald says the Pats were NOT there but Gil Brandt says they were as only the Vikes didn't send someone.

I don't like(because I want him) that Cincy's LB coach Ricky Hunley met with him before and ran the workout. Nolan was the only coach to go and he has TWO workouts with them next week. Cleveland sat down with him(grrr Romeo).

Cmon BB, since when does a Groh recommendation not hold weight? We need LBers and esp need to look at the special ones.

Chris Canty was a steal for the Boys last year and Parcells grabbed him on Groh's recommendation.

I guess it's possible they figure he's a first round pick so they're outta the race but I doubt it.

 
Bumping an earlier thought here-

Brooks' workout writeup is here

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9447397

Boston Herald says the Pats were NOT there but Gil Brandt says they were as only the Vikes didn't send someone.

I don't like(because I want him) that Cincy's LB coach Ricky Hunley met with him before and ran the workout. Nolan was the only coach to go and he has TWO workouts with them next week. Cleveland sat down with him(grrr Romeo).

Cmon BB, since when does a Groh recommendation not hold weight? We need LBers and esp need to look at the special ones.

Chris Canty was a steal for the Boys last year and Parcells grabbed him on Groh's recommendation.

I guess it's possible they figure he's a first round pick so they're outta the race but I doubt it.
Bri - why was he kicked off the squad? Stuff like that usually keeps them off BB's list. He does not care for discipline problems...Ahmad Brooks?

Posted by: John Tomase

The most intriguing prospect in the upcoming supplemental draft is Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks. A finalist for the Butkus Award as a sophomore, he was kicked off the Virginia squad coached by Al Groh this season as a junior. He’s a prototypical linebacker for the 3-4, checking in at 260 pounds and supposedly running a low-4.5 40-yard dash.

He held a pro day today and it was supposedly a mixed bag. He only bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times and didn’t appear fluid, according to Pro Football Talk.

Regardless, Brooks is a name that must at least intrigue the Patriots.

 
2nd tier must kick into gear: No margin for error (full article)

You never want your Super Bowl hopes to rest on two rookies and two veteran disappointments, but barring any late signings or trades, that could very well be the situation facing the Patriots heading into the 2006 season.

To put it another way, the Pats are a team with a host of players who “had better . . .”

A few examples of what we mean:

Chad Jackson had better be as good as he’s looked in non-contact workouts.

Monty Beisel had better be improved over last year.

Tebucky Jones had better be a different player than the last time he wore the Patriots uniform.

Stephen Gostkowski had better be as clutch winning games as he is getting his teammates out of running windsprints. :D

What a great bit of coaching by Belichick at the end of minicamp, giving the rookie kicker an early taste of what awaits him this summer. Gostkowski made his end-of-practice kick, and his teammates got to leave the field. Had he missed, they would have run. The pressure will be ramped up one level in the preseason when Gostkowski kicks for his job against veteran Martin Gramatica. And, of course, it will reach peak levels when games are on the line in the regular season.

The peace of mind Adam Vinatieri gave Brady and the coaches can’t be overstated. His consistency had a direct impact on the play-calling and Brady’s decision-making. The Pats could always play for three points with the knowledge they’d get it. What happens if that confidence is gone? No one wants to find out.

One other note: Rookie running back Laurence Maroney isn’t on this list for two reasons: 1.) There’s cause to be confident that between Maroney’s fresh legs and Corey Dillon’s resume (we can read it to you if you like), the Pats will do a better job of running the ball in 2006 than they did last year. 2.) Brady and Belichick have won titles in the past without a great running game, and there’s no reason to think they can’t do it again.

 
TIDBIT...

Keep an eye on wide receiver David Patten in Washington. The Redskins got minimal bang for the buck on the former Patriot in 2005 and worked hard to upgrade the position this offseason (Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El). If Patten is eventually cut loose by the ’Skins, you’d have to think the Pats would give him a call.

 
Bri - why was he kicked off the squad? Stuff like that usually keeps them off BB's list. He does not care for discipline problems...
I don't know. It seemed to me(in article above at NFL.com) that he took an awful lot of drug tests and it made me wonder if there was some alleged drug use. He passed em' so.....I don't know.I guess you have a point, if Groh didn't want him why should the Pats? But, well why would Romeo?

 
NE...looks like I don't have to tell YOU this, but you Pats fans are just gonna love this kid David Thomas.

He has been a favorite of Texas fans during his entire stay in Austin and was Vince Young and Chance Mock's favorite receiver because of all the outstanding qualities you've already mentioned.

Tough as nails, catches everything near him, runs great routes, and a great kid. Enjoy!

 
Bri - why was he kicked off the squad?  Stuff like that usually keeps them off BB's list.  He does not care for discipline problems...
I don't know. It seemed to me(in article above at NFL.com) that he took an awful lot of drug tests and it made me wonder if there was some alleged drug use. He passed em' so.....I don't know.I guess you have a point, if Groh didn't want him why should the Pats? But, well why would Romeo?
A little more info on the situation Bri...Dolphins GM meets with linebacker Ahmad Brooks

BY JASON COLE

The Dolphins have taken an interest in former University of Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks, who is considered by many the top player available in the NFL's supplemental draft on July 13.

Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller and director of college scouting Ron Labadie were among those who attended Brooks' workout Thursday.

Mueller and Labadie met with Brooks after the workout.

In addition, the Dolphins sent Brooks to Michigan last week to meet with Lon Rosen, a psychologist and longtime friend of Dolphins coach Nick Saban, agent Greg Williams said Friday.

Rosen does character research on players for Saban.

Williams also said he presented information to scouts, coaches and executives in attendance, showing that Brooks has passed drug tests taken on a regular basis over the past two months. Williams acknowledged that Brooks had ''issues'' with drug use during college.

Brooks was arrested in March 2003 on a marijuana possession charge.

According to two sources, Brooks failed multiple drug tests for marijuana use during college.

That led to the school's dismissal of him from the team this winter.

''Ahmad knows that he has to make good decisions in the future and change the people he hangs out with if he's going to take advantage of the athletic talent he has,'' Williams said. ``He's a good kid who wants to get this turned around and be an example to kids about how someone can change for the better.''

Brooks weighed 260 pounds, down approximately 30 pounds from two months ago. The weight issue is another question for NFL teams.

Brooks was considered one of the top high school players in Virginia history before going to college.

Some scouts have said he has the talent to be a first-round pick.

However, the off-field issues could drop Brooks into the fourth or fifth round of the supplemental draft.

 
NE...looks like I don't have to tell YOU this, but you Pats fans are just gonna love this kid David Thomas.

He has been a favorite of Texas fans during his entire stay in Austin and was Vince Young and Chance Mock's favorite receiver because of all the outstanding qualities you've already mentioned.

Tough as nails, catches everything near him, runs great routes, and a great kid. Enjoy!
What's really positive is that it appears that everything you said is translating to the NFL so far. Obviously it's still early but the early reports are nothing but very positive. If this kid continues down this path I could see him becoming a Brady favorite. If Thomas and Watson both live up to the hype they have a chance to give the Pats some grade A weapons at TE.
 
Not a Pats fan but I think their offseason on the offensive side of the ball has been excellent. Between their TE's, their RB tandem, and solid wr's in addition to one of the best qb's in the game they are going to be extremely difficult to stop. I'm actually not that crazy about any of their players (maybe with the exception of Brady) fantasy wise since I think you will get a different "star" of the week depending on the matchup. Cudo's Pats.....

 
Cap check (from Boston.com)

The Patriots currently have slightly more than $15 million in salary cap space, the highest figure in the NFL.

The Eagles rank second at around $13 million.

What might the team do with the cap space (which now accounts for the top 51 salaries)?

An extension for receiver Deion Branch appears to be one of the top priorities, and that would likely take up no less than $5 million. Money must also be set aside for the team's draft picks.

Assuming Branch and the draft picks get done, that would likely still leave some significant salary cap space to utilize.

The Patriots could use some of that to sweeten an offer to free-agent cornerback Ty Law. Or they could focus on extensions for tight end Daniel Graham, cornerback Asante Samuel and center Dan Koppen.

The salary cap for all NFL teams is $102 million for 2006.

 
Post mini-camp position breakdown: Receivers (full article)

Overall: There’s no denying that the receiver position is one of the biggest question marks surrounding the Patriots heading into the season. Those who think it’s going to be an area of concern point to the fact that the team has too many “ifs” at the position. If Reche Caldwell can play, if Chad Jackson develops quickly, if Troy Brown can still produce at his age, if one of the young, unknown receivers can make an impact. Those are the questions that need to be answered but let’s say for argument sake that a couple of those “ifs” go the Patriots way. With a quarterback like Brady at the helm, they may end up being a lot better than people think.

When talking about receivers, you have to add in tight ends and a guy like Kevin Faulk. The Patriots may not have the most feared set of receivers in the NFL but they could never make that claim, even when they won the Super Bowl. You throw together a group like Branch, Caldwell, Jackson, Brown, Ben Watson, Daniel Graham, David Thomas, Faulk and Laurence Maroney and I see a lot of players with speed and big-play ability.

Branch will be Branch and Brown will provide some nice depth but Caldwell is the key. While Jackson looks like a special player, he’s still a rookie. Hey, if he can have a Randy Moss/Anquan Boldin-like rookie season then great but those are few and far between. More than likely, Jackson will catch around 50 passes and provide some big plays throughout the year and that will be a very successful first year. Caldwell needs to be a threat to take pressure off of Branch. If he can come in and put up numbers similar to that of the departed Givens, the Patriots passing attack shouldn’t skip a beat.

The Patriots do have a lot of “ifs” at receiver but they don’t have any questions about their starting quarterback. Brady is the best in the league, so if Caldwell and Jackson can learn the system and become successful in their roles, the unflappable Brady should take care of the rest. Receiver may not be the Patriots strongest position but they have three Lombardi trophies without having great receivers. Actually, with the addition of Jackson, this may be the most talented group of receivers the Patriots have had since Brady took over at quarterback. Not too shabby for a position that’s considered weak by a lot of people.

 
More info on Branch:

Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe writes that the possibility remains that Deion Branch may choose not to accept any offers from the Patriots and fullfill his rookie deal to become a free agent in 2007. Solomon reports that the Patriots have yet to offer Branch a contract with numbers high enough for him to play ball. Solomon writes that Branch will make a statement by not coming to training camp on time. If nothing is worked out, he will report in time to receive that automatic deposit of the first game check. (If he doesn't, he has until Week 10 to join the team and still be a free agent after the season.) For fans, at least, it seems the debate over what (or whether) the Patriots should pay Branch has turned into whether he is a legitimate No. 1 receiver.

Patriots | Team unable to reach a contract with Branch

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 06:50:19 -0700

Jerome Solomon, of the Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots have been unable to reach a contract agreement with Patriots' WR Deion Branch. He is entering the final year of his contract in 2006. The two sides simply have opposing views of Branch's worth. For fans, at least, it seems the debate over what (or whether) the Patriots should pay Branch has turned into whether he is a legitimate No. 1 receiver. That is not the point. Branch is the Patriots' No. 1 receiver and, maybe more importantly, he is Brady's No. 1 receiver. Branch has a starting point in mind. Indianapolis Colts No. 2 WR Reggie Wayne recently signed a six-year deal worth about $40 million, with up to $13.5 million in bonuses. Branch's argument is that he should make more than a top No. 2. There are 43 receivers slated to make more than Branch this season. Only one Patriots receiver made less than Branch last season. However, getting Branch on the cheap the past few seasons has little to do with how much the Patriots are willing to pay him going forward. Branch will probably make a statement by not coming to training camp on time or he could drag the situation on longer to make his point.

USA Today Inside Slant - The Patriots' three most important offseason moves; (full article)

1. Lost kicker Adam Vinatieri in free agency

2. Lost wide receiver David Givens in free agency

3. Drafted running back Laurence Maroney in first round

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: WR Michael McGrew; OL Gene Mruczkowski; DL Santonio Thomas; OL Billy Yates.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: WR Troy Brown; WR Bam Childress; LB Don Davis; FB Heath Evans; CB Randall Gay; DB Artrell Hawkins; OG Stephen Neal; CB Hank Poteat; CB Chad Scott; S Guss Scott; OL Ross Tucker.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED: WR Reche Caldwell; LB Barry Gardner; PK Martin Gramatica; S Tebucky Jones; S Mel Mitchell; DT Johnathan Sullivan; CB Eric Warfield.

PLAYERS LOST: OT Tom Ashworth; LB Chad Brown; LB Matt Chatham; WR Andre' Davis; WR Tim Dwight; TE Christian Fauria; QB Doug Flutie; WR David Givens; WR Cedric James; WR Bethel Johnson; LB Willie McGinest; CB Tyrone Poole; CB Duane Starks; S Michael Stone; PK Adam Vinatieri.

 
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Patriots | K. Faulk discusses return game

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 05:56:05 -0700

Eric Narcissse, of The Advertiser, recently discussed the New England Patriots return game with Patriots RB Kevin Faulk. When he asked Faulk if he was returning kickoffs and punts Faulk replied, "To be honest with you, I haven't the slightest idea. We are just trying to find the best guy to put back there." He then asked Faulk if he wanted to return kickoffs and punts and Faulk replied, "I'm a team player, so I'll do whatever the team wants me to do. My job is to help the team win, so if that means returning kickoffs or punts - I'll do it." Faulk also said the minicamps he has attended so far have been pretty good.

Patriots | Warfield seeking starting role

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 15:20:45 -0700

Richard Thomas, of the Texarkana Gazette, reports New England Patriots CB Eric Warfield will be seeking a starting spot in training camp. The Kansas City Chiefs cut Warfield, after eight seasons with the team, March 3. "Kansas City wanted to go in a different direction, and I have nothing bad to say about their organization, coaches or players," Warfield said Friday, June 23. Warfield, who is currently listed as the No. 2 left cornerback for New England, doesn't plan on being a backup. "I asked them what my role would be, and they said 'Whatever you make it.' That's why I think it I can go out there and show them what I'm capable of doing, then I can earn a starting spot," Warfield said. CB Ellis Hobbs and Warfield (6-0, 190) will likely compete for the starting left cornerback spot. Warfield has played only corner in his pro career, but says the Patriots have informed him he could be moved to safety if the team needs to move him. Warfield said he will continue offseason workouts until July 7, then get a couple of weeks off before he reports to training camp on July 28.

 
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Bri - why was he kicked off the squad?  Stuff like that usually keeps them off BB's list.  He does not care for discipline problems...
I don't know. It seemed to me(in article above at NFL.com) that he took an awful lot of drug tests and it made me wonder if there was some alleged drug use. He passed em' so.....I don't know.I guess you have a point, if Groh didn't want him why should the Pats? But, well why would Romeo?
I could be wrong Bri...as long as the price is right....and it looks like it would have to be a low 3rd or 4th rounder...Patriots | Team still interested in A. Brooks

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 06:49:58 -0700

Jerome Solomon, of the Boston Globe, reports just because the New England Patriots did not attend Virginia LB Ahmad Brooks' workout last week does not mean they are not interested in him. Brooks is a perfect fit for New England's 3-4 defense. Head coach Bill Belichick has a close relationship with Virginia head coach Al Groh, who attended the Patriots' minicamp last week. Despite some concerns, Brooks will be picked in the NFL supplemental draft. The tricky question is how high? The Patriots aren't likely to spend a first- or second-round pick on Brooks, but they are in a long line of teams that would part with a third- or fourth-rounder for him.

 
Bri - why was he kicked off the squad?  Stuff like that usually keeps them off BB's list.  He does not care for discipline problems...
I don't know. It seemed to me(in article above at NFL.com) that he took an awful lot of drug tests and it made me wonder if there was some alleged drug use. He passed em' so.....I don't know.I guess you have a point, if Groh didn't want him why should the Pats? But, well why would Romeo?
I could be wrong Bri...as long as the price is right....and it looks like it would have to be a low 3rd or 4th rounder...Patriots | Team still interested in A. Brooks

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 06:49:58 -0700

Jerome Solomon, of the Boston Globe, reports just because the New England Patriots did not attend Virginia LB Ahmad Brooks' workout last week does not mean they are not interested in him. Brooks is a perfect fit for New England's 3-4 defense. Head coach Bill Belichick has a close relationship with Virginia head coach Al Groh, who attended the Patriots' minicamp last week. Despite some concerns, Brooks will be picked in the NFL supplemental draft. The tricky question is how high? The Patriots aren't likely to spend a first- or second-round pick on Brooks, but they are in a long line of teams that would part with a third- or fourth-rounder for him.
if everyone will give up a 3rd then we gotta go 2nd for him as we're too late in the 3rd to get him.would you want to give up a 2nd for him?

 
Bri - why was he kicked off the squad?  Stuff like that usually keeps them off BB's list.  He does not care for discipline problems...
I don't know. It seemed to me(in article above at NFL.com) that he took an awful lot of drug tests and it made me wonder if there was some alleged drug use. He passed em' so.....I don't know.I guess you have a point, if Groh didn't want him why should the Pats? But, well why would Romeo?
I could be wrong Bri...as long as the price is right....and it looks like it would have to be a low 3rd or 4th rounder...Patriots | Team still interested in A. Brooks

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 06:49:58 -0700

Jerome Solomon, of the Boston Globe, reports just because the New England Patriots did not attend Virginia LB Ahmad Brooks' workout last week does not mean they are not interested in him. Brooks is a perfect fit for New England's 3-4 defense. Head coach Bill Belichick has a close relationship with Virginia head coach Al Groh, who attended the Patriots' minicamp last week. Despite some concerns, Brooks will be picked in the NFL supplemental draft. The tricky question is how high? The Patriots aren't likely to spend a first- or second-round pick on Brooks, but they are in a long line of teams that would part with a third- or fourth-rounder for him.
if everyone will give up a 3rd then we gotta go 2nd for him as we're too late in the 3rd to get him.would you want to give up a 2nd for him?
If BB is confident he can get his off-field stuff in line, I'd definitely be comfortable with the Pats using a 2nd rounder for him.
 
Bri - why was he kicked off the squad?  Stuff like that usually keeps them off BB's list.  He does not care for discipline problems...
I don't know. It seemed to me(in article above at NFL.com) that he took an awful lot of drug tests and it made me wonder if there was some alleged drug use. He passed em' so.....I don't know.I guess you have a point, if Groh didn't want him why should the Pats? But, well why would Romeo?
I could be wrong Bri...as long as the price is right....and it looks like it would have to be a low 3rd or 4th rounder...Patriots | Team still interested in A. Brooks

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 06:49:58 -0700

Jerome Solomon, of the Boston Globe, reports just because the New England Patriots did not attend Virginia LB Ahmad Brooks' workout last week does not mean they are not interested in him. Brooks is a perfect fit for New England's 3-4 defense. Head coach Bill Belichick has a close relationship with Virginia head coach Al Groh, who attended the Patriots' minicamp last week. Despite some concerns, Brooks will be picked in the NFL supplemental draft. The tricky question is how high? The Patriots aren't likely to spend a first- or second-round pick on Brooks, but they are in a long line of teams that would part with a third- or fourth-rounder for him.
if everyone will give up a 3rd then we gotta go 2nd for him as we're too late in the 3rd to get him.would you want to give up a 2nd for him?
If BB is confident he can get his off-field stuff in line, I'd definitely be comfortable with the Pats using a 2nd rounder for him.
More Information from the Globe boys....sounds like if the Pats have interest in him, it would be for a 3rd rounder.Eye on Brooks

Several fans have emailed regarding the upcoming supplemental draft and the Patriots’ potential interest in University of Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks.

The supplemental draft is scheduled for July 13 and includes prospects whose situations have changed since the NFL’s regular draft.

Brooks is an interesting prospect to chart because he has the physical measurables to play inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Players with his physical profile (6-foot-3, 260 pounds) are rare.

Where do the Patriots, who work out of a base 3-4 defense, stand with Brooks?

“We have not had any contact from New England whatsoever,” said Greg Williams, who serves as Brooks’ agent. “To me, that could mean one of two things. They have no interest. Or they could have a lot of interest and don’t want anyone to know.”

The Patriots were not present at Brooks’ recent workout, Williams said.

According to Williams, Brooks has just concluded a visit with the Browns at their team headquarters. He is now scheduled to visit with the 49ers at their team headquarters for a two-day trip. Williams said the Dolphins also arranged a personal interview with Brooks, although that didn’t take place at the team’s headquarters.

All three of those teams plan to feature a 3-4 defense, which would seem to verify Williams’ claim that Brooks is a “prototype 3-4 ‘backer.”

The Bengals, Packers and Giants, all 4-3 teams, sent team representatives to Charlottesville, Va., one day prior to Brooks’ workout for one-on-one interviews.

If on-field performance was the lone criteria being judged, the Patriots’ interest in Brooks -- a national defensive player of the year in high school and a top NFL prospect after an excellent 2004 season -- would seemingly be a slam dunk. But Brooks was kicked off the Virginia football team for an undisclosed violation of team rules. Patriots coach Bill Belichick shares a close relationship with Virginia coach Al Groh, and Groh’s opinion would seemingly go a long way in determining the Patriots’ interest. Groh attended the Patriots’ mandatory mincamp in June and addressed the team after one practice.

Teams that select a player in the supplemental draft give up that draft pick in the 2007 NFL Entry Draft. So, for example, if the Patriots were to use a second-round pick on Brooks, they would lose their second-rounder in 2007.

The Patriots figure to have at least 1-2 additional compensatory picks in the 2007 draft from the losses of free-agents Adam Vinatieri, David Givens and Willie McGinest, among others. Projecting those compensatory picks, which could be as high as the third round, could affect their thinking in making a play for Brooks.

 
Love a good Tedy B piece....

Time with Tedy

NORTON -- Listening to Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi as he came off the 18th green at the Spaulding Golf Tournament Monday at the TPC Boston, one thing became clear. He has a great appreciation for the role the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital has played in his life.

“My relationship with Spaulding is a little bit ironic,” he said. “I was a spokesman for them before I had my stroke. Then after I had my stroke, I became a patient.

“I had a definite history with them and I know the rehabilitation therapists very well and I know the people there very well. They do great work and get people back on their feet, to give them another opportunity in their lives, to resume living their lives. It’s something I’m proud to be associated with.”

Proceeds from Monday’s golf tournament went towards the “Tedy Bruschi Therapeutic Gymnasium” in the new Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital being built in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

“It’s going to be a first-class facility,” said Bruschi, who also continues to be an active spokesman for the American Stroke Association. “All the patients who come into Spaulding have a different type of adversity to overcome. Knowing they will be rehabilitating themselves in a gym with my name on it is an extreme honor for me.”

Bruschi turned 33 on June 9. Entering his 11th NFL season, he’s feeling in tip-top shape.

“I’ve had a great offseason,” he said. “I just feel like I’ve put in a lot of work this offseason that I wasn’t able to put in last season. I know during the season last year, I got back to playing good football, but I believe in the process -- minicamps and offseason programs and training camps. I think participating in all that will make me a better player this year.”

Assessing the Patriots at this point, Bruschi believes there is plenty of work to be done.

“We weren’t as clean as we wanted to be in minicamps,” he said. “It’s understandable. We’re getting the system down again and just getting used to playing football again. I think once training camp starts, everyone will have done their physical work with the offseason program. In training camp, you have to work on becoming a good football team.”

The Patriots’ offseason program ends July 7. Players will report back to Gillette Stadium a few weeks later.

Bruschi has no special plans before gearing up for the 2006 season.

“The only thing I do is spend time with my family, because once football season starts I’m around the team and the guys more than my wife and kids."

 
The Patriots figure to have at least 1-2 additional compensatory picks in the 2007 draft from the losses of free-agents Adam Vinatieri, David Givens and Willie McGinest, among others. Projecting those compensatory picks, which could be as high as the third round, could affect their thinking in making a play for Brooks.
I don't believe the Pats get a pick for Willie since they cut him.
 
The Patriots figure to have at least 1-2 additional compensatory picks in the 2007 draft from the losses of free-agents Adam Vinatieri, David Givens and Willie McGinest, among others. Projecting those compensatory picks, which could be as high as the third round, could affect their thinking in making a play for Brooks.
I don't believe the Pats get a pick for Willie since they cut him.
I was thinking about that as well...I was pretty sure there is zero compensation if you are the one to let the player go outright.on a side note...thought this was funny...."a team that wishes to remain anonymous." hmmm Patriots?

Backup QB spot

Will the Patriots add a veteran quarterback before the start of training camp?

If the team plans to do so, one of the top possibilities is Jay Fiedler. A free agent, Fielder currently has three teams he's considering, according to the St. Petersburg Times: the Buccaneers, Giants, and "a team that wishes to remain anonymous."

The Patriots often prefer to fly under the radar when it comes to personnel moves, so it wouldn't be surprising if they've at least explored a move for Fiedler.

The team currently has Tom Brady and Matt Cassel atop the quarterback depth chart. The Patriots have employed a veteran signal-caller in each of Bill Belichick's six years as coach, but currently don't have one on the roster.

 
The Patriots figure to have at least 1-2 additional compensatory picks in the 2007 draft from the losses of free-agents Adam Vinatieri, David Givens and Willie McGinest, among others. Projecting those compensatory picks, which could be as high as the third round, could affect their thinking in making a play for Brooks.
I don't believe the Pats get a pick for Willie since they cut him.
I was thinking about that as well...I was pretty sure there is zero compensation if you are the one to let the player go outright.on a side note...thought this was funny...."a team that wishes to remain anonymous." hmmm Patriots?

Backup QB spot

Will the Patriots add a veteran quarterback before the start of training camp?

If the team plans to do so, one of the top possibilities is Jay Fiedler. A free agent, Fielder currently has three teams he's considering, according to the St. Petersburg Times: the Buccaneers, Giants, and "a team that wishes to remain anonymous."

The Patriots often prefer to fly under the radar when it comes to personnel moves, so it wouldn't be surprising if they've at least explored a move for Fiedler.

The team currently has Tom Brady and Matt Cassel atop the quarterback depth chart. The Patriots have employed a veteran signal-caller in each of Bill Belichick's six years as coach, but currently don't have one on the roster.
Fiedler is probably top 5 (% wise) among active QBs in win percentage
 
The Patriots figure to have at least 1-2 additional compensatory picks in the 2007 draft from the losses of free-agents Adam Vinatieri, David Givens and Willie McGinest, among others. Projecting those compensatory picks, which could be as high as the third round, could affect their thinking in making a play for Brooks.
I don't believe the Pats get a pick for Willie since they cut him.
I was thinking about that as well...I was pretty sure there is zero compensation if you are the one to let the player go outright.on a side note...thought this was funny...."a team that wishes to remain anonymous." hmmm Patriots?

Backup QB spot

Will the Patriots add a veteran quarterback before the start of training camp?

If the team plans to do so, one of the top possibilities is Jay Fiedler. A free agent, Fielder currently has three teams he's considering, according to the St. Petersburg Times: the Buccaneers, Giants, and "a team that wishes to remain anonymous."

The Patriots often prefer to fly under the radar when it comes to personnel moves, so it wouldn't be surprising if they've at least explored a move for Fiedler.

The team currently has Tom Brady and Matt Cassel atop the quarterback depth chart. The Patriots have employed a veteran signal-caller in each of Bill Belichick's six years as coach, but currently don't have one on the roster.
Fiedler is probably top 5 (% wise) among active QBs in win percentage
Fiedler followFree-agent quarterback Jay Fiedler has not generated interest from the Patriots, according to Fiedler’s agent, Brian Levy.

Levy previously said three teams were in the mix for Fiedler -- the Buccaneers, the Giants, and a team that preferred to remain anonymous. Levy said today that team was not the Patriots.

 
* USA Today continues its series on the best NFL players at each position, and the most recent piece focuses on tight ends. Patriots coach Bill Belichick is quoted in this piece on San Diego's Antonio Gates, who earned top billing. There is one section where fans can vote for the top tight end, and seven choices are listed. No Patriots tight ends are on the list. For those who might have missed it, Richard Seymour was voted the league's top defensive lineman, while Logan Mankins was a top up-and-coming talent on the offensive line.

Sullivan arrested

Recently acquired defensive lineman Johnathan Sullivan was arrested Sunday morning, according to a report in today's Times-Picuyane. The arrest occurred Sunday morning in Georgia. The report indicates Sullivan was charged with possession of marijuana, a seat belt violation, running two stop signs and playing loud music.

Sullivan was acquired from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for receiver Bethel Johnson on June 5.

Owner rankings

Sports Illustrated's Michael Silver writes a story on SI.com that ranks each of the NFL's 32 owners. Patriots owner Robert Kraft ranks at the top along with the Cowboys' Jerry Jones.

 
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Six questions with Patriots offensive lineman Russ Hochstein:

How are things going with the offseason program at this point?“I think the offseason is going rather well, most guys have been here working hard. We have another week left before we’re officially done. The plan is to wrap it up [July 7], and take maybe a little week off, a little vacation.”

Any big plans for you?“Most of it is downtime. We might take a couple day trips, but for the most part we’ll be around here, just hanging out, and I’ll probably lift and run [to stay fit].”

How does the testing work at the end of the offseason program?“The first week we’re here, we are tested on a variety of different things. The last week, we’re tested again to see where we’re at. There are multiple tests [one of which is a bench press].”

It appears you’ve been spending a lot of time with Logan Mankins …

“We’ve become good friends. He’s kind of a country guy and where I grew up, I’m a small-town guy myself. We have a lot of things in common. Personally and playing side by side, it’s been good to get to know him.”

What one thing stood out to you about learning the center position in 2005?“Probably the amount of preparation. It’s as much mental as it is physical. You can see a lot of things that players to either side of you can’t. I believe mentally it’s probably more challenging than the other positions I’ve played.”

How are you different from the time you entered the league with Tampa Bay to right now?“When you come into the league, I was just like any rookie, worried about getting through each day. You just keep your mouth shut and try to do your job. To some extent, that never changes. You just want to do the best you can at a highly competitive level, and I work very hard at that. It’s not an easy job. It takes a lot of time and commitment.”

 

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