PatsBlog: A Patriots Blog

According to Adam Schefter, the Patriots hosted free agent running back Kevin Jones on a visit last week:

Last week, New England very quietly hosted a visit -– and no team can do things as quietly as the Patriots — with former Lions running back Kevin Jones, whom Detroit released in March.

Jones appears to be a couple of months away from recovering from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered late last season, but he is far enough along that the Patriots brought him in for a look.

I think it would be a great decision to sign Jones.  Yes, he is coming off injury.  However, he still has great potential, and at 5′11″, 225 lbs, could be the perfect compliment to Laurence Maroney.

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.

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.