PatsBlog: A Patriots Blog

With training camp set to begin July 24th, I will begin my training camp preview series.  In each segment I will analyze the position, and each player at it.

Tom Brady

Do I really need to say anything about Brady?  Laser, rocket arm.  Terrific pocket awareness.  Great lockerroom leadership.  Clutch player.  In fact, I don’t have to go through his strengths and weaknesses.  Tom is Tom, and 50 touchdowns should explain the rest.

Matt Cassel

2008 Training Camp is going to be very critical for fourth year quarterback Matt Cassel.  Cassel is in a contract year, and is therefore playing for his second contract.  Heres to hoping Cassel can get it together, have a terrific preseason, and have good trade value.  Personally, although I like Cassel a lot, I can’t envision a scenario where he is with the team past 2008.  With a decent arm, good speed, and the ability to manage an offense, Cassel could one day be a starter for an NFL franchise.  On the other hand, with the keen ability to make erratic decisions on the field, and two younger quarterbacks pushing, Cassel could find himself on waivers before the end of the preseason.

Matt Gutierrez

Gutierrez is as intriguing as they come.  Gutierrez was a Michigan product before transferring to Idaho State after losing his starting job to a shoulder injury.  The thing about Gutierrez is that his potential is sky high.  Once a highly touted quarterback, Gutierrez puts zip on the ball that rivals Tom Brady.  He has good pocket prescence, great work ethic, and tremendous size.  If Gutierrez beats out Cassel this training camp, he could be with the team as a backup for a long time.

Kevin O’Connell

Back in late April, the Patriots surprised everyone by selecting San Diego State quarterback Kevin O’Connell.  O’Connell has the size, speed, and throwing ability to become an excellent starting quarterback.  He needs to work on mechanics and he can be inconsistent at times (his inconsistency was more than evident during mini-camps).  Some people have labeled him as Tom Brady’s eventual successor.  While that is unforeseeable at this time, O’Connell will be on the team in 2008, and will have several years to develop in the Patriots system.

The Skinny

Quarterback is by no stretch of the imagination a need for the Patriots.  They have one of the greatest all-time quarterbacks at the helm, with three young guys developing underneath.  The only downside of this unit is experience behind Tom Brady.  Otherwise, this unit is golden as can be.

Team Grade: A

When the Patriots take the field for mini-camp today, they will be joined by one new face.  His name is Oliver Ross.

The Patriots signed the 33 year old swing tackle to a one-year contract Monday, bolstering depth at the tackle spot.  Ross, who has spent time with the Cowboys, Eagles, Steelers, and Cardinals, missed all of 2007 with a torn left tricep.

The 6′4″ 330 lb tackle has spent time at both the right and left tackle spots during his career.  However, he is a more natural fit at right tackle.  He could go anywhere from being cut to be a key reserve or even a starter next year.  He will compete with Wesley Britt, Ryan O’Callaghan, and returning starter Nick Kazcur for playing time.

Colvin Weighing His Options

This week, former Patriots linebacker Rosevelt Colvin visited with the Houston Texans.  Although he left without a contract, the Texans seemed to be quite interested.  The Colts, Browns, and Jets also seem to have some level of interest as well.

All in all, it seems that a Rosevelt Colvin return is becoming more and more unlikely.

Dragosavich Released

Patriots’ rookie punter Mike Dragosavich has been realeased.  Dragosavich, a North Dakota State product, was widely considered the best available punter in April’s draft.  Although I was looking forwards to seeing Dragosavich play, it was rediculous to think that the Patriots would bring three punters to camp, considering the new roster limit of 80.

It wasn’t the most eventful or exciting day of mini-camp, but it was certainly a chance for some of the new guys to get their chance.

The biggest story of the day was the presence of tight end David Thomas.  Thomas is going into his third season in 2008, after making only catch in 2007, a season that limited him to two games due to a foot injury.  He certainly didn’t look spectacular, as he was just getting the rust off, but it was good to see him out there nonetheless.  If the Patriots have a healthy David Thomas, the passing game becomes that much more potent, because he has a nice combination of hands and speed for a tight end.

Also making a slightly unexpected appearance was cornerback Mike Richardson.  I was really high on Richardson during 2007 training camp, as I thought he was a more physical presence at cornerback who could make good breaks on the ball.  And although it was really nice to see him get out there, he really seemed to struggle.  He looked slow, shaky, and wasn’t making good breaks on the ball.  Although, we can’t write a verdict yet, as this is his first time back on the field, so the rust is obviously there.

Also making an appearance were two of the young quarterbacks, Matt Gutierrez and Kevin O’Connell.  Gutierrez continued to put zip on the ball, and looks more consistent than ever.  O’Connell continued his inconsistencies, but seems to be getting more comfortable under center, and shows the ability to make every NFL throw.

The receiving group at the camp was really interesting.  C.J. Jones was there, and he looked like the best of the group.  Sam Aiken, signed earlier this offseason, was also there, but he looked a little shaky on the offensive side.  At one point, he dropped an O’Connell pass that landed smack in the center of his chest.  Robert Ortiz looked okay, from what I can gather.  Ray Ventrone and Matt Slater, two hybrid offensive/defensive guys, got some time at receiver.  Ventrone played all offense, and really seemed to struggle.  He’s got some speed and agility, but it’s clear he’s never played receiver at a high level.  Slater continued to look decent at receiver, as well as on the defensive side of the ball, and certainly looked to be the better of the two.

Defensively, Jerod Mayo and Tank Williams stood out to me.  Mayo looked very fluid in the hips, and was doing well in drop-back coverage drills.  Tank Williams lined up some at linebacker, and could get a look there in sub-packages (similar to how Rodney Harrison sometimes lines up).

Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee

Round 1, Pick 10

The Patriots traded down from the number seven spot to select Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo.  While many questioned the pick, I was enthralled with it from the get-go.

At 6-1, 242 lbs, Mayo has a very thick, well-built frame (look at some of the photos from when he was introduced to the Patriots).  Excluding size, the first thing that stands out to me about Mayo is his smarts.  Mayo is just a knowledgable player.  He works extra hard in the film room, and he reads and reacts to plays very well, all important traits for a 3-4 inside linebacker.  When defending the run, Mayo isn’t the best bull-tackler, but is a very good open-field tackler.  He can read plays well, and has great acceleration to get to the ball carrier.  He is also very good in pass protection.  Mayo posseses fluid hips, speed, and acceleration.  His insane speed allows him to stick with any tight end and most receivers.

Although Mayo has a lot of strengths, there are some parts of his game that he needs to polish in order to excel at the next level.  These concerns include bull-rushing, taking double teams, and shedding blockers, the latter of the two have to do with his hand usage.  If Mayo can perfect his hand usage (an area where he has improved), then he will be able to rush up the middle better, take and shed hits, as well as double teams. 

Overall, Jerod Mayo seems like a great fit for the Patriots.  I would expect him to come in and compete with Junior Seau / Victor Hobson for a starting job on the inside immediately.  Regardless of that outcome, Mayo will certainly get playing time on third downs.  Some people argue that Mayo was a reach at 10.  In fact, a lot of people argue that point.  However, I believe that if Mayo returned for his senior year, he would have become a top five pick.  And whether or not Mayo comes in and starts immediately, Mayo will be a starter in this system as well as an eventual Pro Bowler for years to come. 

Earlier this week, I was fortunate enough to be able to interview Patriots’ rookie defensive lineman Casey Tyler.  It’s my first player interview (in fact, I think I’m one of the first blogs to get one), and I thought I’d share it with everyone.

Congrats!  You’re in the NFL.  What were your initial thoughts when the Patriots gave you that call?

The Patriots certainly didn’t pick up any big name guys in rounds 4-7, but they picked up some guys who can contribute on special teams and sometimes in offensive/defensive situations.

In round four, they picked up Jonathan Wilhite.  He’s a 5′ 9 1/2″ inch cornerback from Colorado.  He’s very fast, instinctive, has fluid hips, can play in zone, has good footwork, is a decent tackler for a cornerback, and is versatile in that he can play the slot or the outside.  Still, he is very undersized and doesn’t have ball skills, plus he has had some injuries.  Still, he could eventually have a role as a nickel guy (especially if Wheatley is able to step up into a starting position).

The Patriots traded up in round 5, hoping to get Nebraska cornerback Zackary Bowman.  That didn’t work out too well, as Bowman got selected one pick prior.  With Bowman off the board, the Patriots went with Matt Slater.  He is the jack of all trades, as he plays safety, corner, and receiver (for which he was drafted).  But he was really drafted for special teams.  He had three return scores last year, but is also great in return coverage.

In the sixth round, the Patriots selected inside linebacker Bo Ruud.  Ruud played multiple positions at Nebraska, but projects well as a 3-4 inside linebacker with the Patriots.  He was a guy that I liked a lot, I’ve had him go in some of my mock drafts.  I think he could turn out to be a good rotational guy for the Patriots at linebacker.  He’s got good instincts, strength, and size, so I think he might be a good late-round find.

According to ESPN.com’s Michael Smith, the Patriots have inquired about Virginia defensive end / outside linebacker Chris Long.

The trade would likely be the seventh pick, and the 63rd or 69th. 

If the Patriots could pull off this trade, I say due it.

The Patriots have made a late free agent fury, signing some needs before this Saturday’s draft.

First, they signed 38 year old punter Scott Player.  Not exactly a need, but it’s a freaking awesome signing.  Look at him:

Player is here for one thing… and that is to provide Chris Hanson some competition during training camp.  He actually punted well in his limited stint for Cleveland last year, and it will be interesting to see if he can push Hanson for his job.

The Patriots also announced the signing of defensive lineman Kenny Smith, who was cut by the team last year in training camp.  Nothing big, but another body for camp.  He’s big, strong, and versatile, has some experience, and could make a push for a roster spot.

The biggest signing of the group was 36 year old tight end Marcus Pollard.  At 6′3″, nearly 260 lbs, Pollard is a force.  He is a good blocker, and has decent hands for a tight end.  I really like this signing because it temporarily addresses a draft need, tight end.  Plus, Pollard fits the shoes of the blocking tight end that Kyle Brady left behind.

A few quick thoughts and runthrough:

1. Overall, a pretty soft schedule.  If you go by strength of schedule (opponents 2007 record), the Patriots have the easiest schedule in the league at a .387 strength of schedule.
2. Patriots get an easy start and should be able to break the consecutive wins during the regular season streak.  They open with the Chiefs, followed by the Jets, then the Dolphins, and then the 49ers.  If the Pats won all four, they would have twenty-two straight.  Overall, following the devastation of the Super Bowl, I think it’s great that the season begins with a soft four games.
3. The scheduling of the bye week didn’t exactly turn out well for the Patriots.  Week four is the earliest possible time for a bye, and that’s when the Pats got it.  Everyone wants a week 9 bye, but anything around the middle of the season is generally preferred.  Plus, with an aging team, a later bye is preferred.
4. The Patriots first big test will be in week 6 AT the Chargers.  This will be no easy contest, but if the Patriots do win, they should be able to roll through a Monday Night home contest against the Broncos and another home contest against the Rams.
5. Week 9 2007 = SB 41.5… Week 9 2008 = SB 42.5.  That’s right, for the second straight year, the Patriots will be traveling to Indianapolis to face the Colts at the midpoint in the season.  Clearly, this will be the toughest regular season game of the year.  If the Patriots win, they may be poised to make another run at undefeated.
6. Following the Colts game, the Patriots should be able to roll through the middle of November with games versus the Bills and Jets and a game in Miami.  Three divisional games that should translate into wins.  The Jets game is a Thursday night game, which means the Patriots will only have three days to prepare following the Bills game.
7. The Patriots will once again face the Patriots near the tail end of the season.  If the Pats are 11-0, it will essentially be a rematch of last year’s game (which resulted in a 34-13 victory for the Patriots).
8. Following that game is another tough one, as the Patriots will face off against Seattle.  This could very well be the toughest game of the season, or at least the grittiest one.  The elements will be tough, and the Patriots will be traveling.
9. Week 15 will the reunion of Randy Moss and Oakland.  Obviously, media outlets are making a big deal of it.  I’m not.  I’m more interested in a week 17 matchup in Buffalo that could mean… well you know…
10. Although the Patriots’ schedule doesn’t seem too hard on the outside, the big x-factor will be the travel.  During the season, the Patriots will make four trips out west, and it wil be interesting to see how the players handle the trips.

The Patriots continue to stockpile pre-draft visits.  On Wednesday, the Patriots hosted Outside Linebacker Vernon Gholston.   Gholston played defensive end in college, but would make the shift to outside linebacker if drafted by a 3-4 team like the Patriots.

The Patriots also scheduled pre-draft visits with Auburn cornerback Patrick Lee and Oklahoma inside linebacker Curtis Lofton.  Lofton is a guy I really like.  If we got a pick in the 30-45 range, I think that the Patriots should take a strong look at him.  He’s played outside and middle linebacker for Oklahoma, but would presumably be a good fit at inside linebacker for the Patriots.

Also, Jerod Mayo is scheduled for a pre-draft visit to the Patriots, according to his agent.  Mayo has been flying up the boards as of late, and is looking like he will land in the mid to late first round.  Mayo would project as an inside linebacker for the Patriots.