PatsBlog: A Patriots Blog

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.

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.

This is one of those rumors that just won’t die.  According to the Nashville City Paper:

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the suspension of Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones.

Though time may be running out for Jones to move his career to Dallas - where he has lobbied for a job - he appears to be getting signs of interest from the New England Patriots.

According to sources, the Pats have contacted the Titans about Jones behind the scenes, but have yet to enter into any formal negotiations. That is something that could materialize near draft time, depending on what happens with talks with the Cowboys.

Again, I’m not sure I understand this.  But it really depends on the risk factor.  How much would the Patriots have to give up to get him?  If it’s a sixth or seventh round pick, I say go for it.  Anything more, and it’s too much of a risk.

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.

Rotoworld reports:

NFL Network’s Adam Schefter reports that the Patriots will host CBs Leodis McKelvin, Antoine Cason, Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, and Aquib Talib this week.

Keith Rivers and Glenn Dorsey are also visiting Foxborough as the Pats’ visits have a decididly defensive feel. Still we wouldn’t rule out the Patriots beefing up their lines. Sedrick Ellis and Branden Albert are two popular possibilties.