PatsBlog: A Patriots Blog

With training camp beginning at 8:45 this morning, the Patriots have agreed to a contract with rookie inside linebacker Jerod Mayo, according to a league source.  Although Mayo will miss the first practice, it is really fortunate that the Patriots could avoid a holdout with the 10th overall pick.  Mayo was the last Patriots draft choice unsigned, as the Patriots locked up cornerback Terrence Wheatley on Tuesday.

Over the past few days, the Patriots also made some final signings to fill out their roster.  Over the last week, they signed Anthony Clement, Chris Dunlap, Lavdrim Bauta, and Titus Adams.  Anthony Clement is probably the most well-known, and has the best chance to make the roster.  The massive 6′8″ right tackle has started every game the last two years for the Jets.  Overall, he seems to be a solid body who is slightly above average in pass protection.  We’ll see if he can earn a roster spot, and possibly a significant role on the team.  The Patriots also signed former Georgia Tech wideout Chris Dunlap.  If you remember, Dunlap was on the team last year during training camp, and made it to the final cuts.  He has good speed, and showed the ability to be a solid return guy and even make some catches during preseason 2007.  He will be competing with C.J. Jones and Robert Ortiz for practice squad spots.  As for the Lavdrim Bauta signing…  I’m not going to pretend I know a lot about the former Duke and Villanova right tackle who went undrafted following the 2007 draft.  Titus Adams is a big run-stuffing defense tackle drafted in the 7th round of the 2006 draft by the Jets.  However, he has questionable durability, and very limited pass rush abilities.  Adams could compete for a spot as a reserve nose tackle, but he is a longer shot to make the final roster.

Because training camp starts today, the Patriots also announced their physically unable to perform list.  During the preseason, players can be activated from this list at any time.  This years list includes: With training camp beginning at 8:45 this morning, the Patriots have agreed to a contract with rookie inside linebacker Jerod Mayo, according to a league source.  Although Mayo will miss the first practice, it is really fortunate that the Patriots could avoid a holdout with the 10th overall pick.  Mayo was the last Patriots draft choice unsigned, as the Patriots locked up cornerback Terrence Wheatley on Tuesday.

Over the past few days, the Patriots also made some final signings to fill out their roster.  Over the last week, they signed Anthony Clement, Chris Dunlap, Lavdrim Bauta, and Titus Adams.  Anthony Clement is probably the most well-known, and has the best chance to make the roster.  The massive 6′8″ right tackle has started every game the last two years for the Jets.  Overall, he seems to be a solid body who is slightly above average in pass protection.  We’ll see if he can earn a roster spot, and possibly a significant role on the team.  The Patriots also signed former Georgia Tech wideout Chris Dunlap.  If you remember, Dunlap was on the team last year during training camp, and made it to the final cuts.  He has good speed, and showed the ability to be a solid return guy and even make some catches during preseason 2007.  He will be competing with C.J. Jones and Robert Ortiz for practice squad spots.  As for the Lavdrim Bauta signing…  I’m not going to pretend I know a lot about the former Duke and Villanova right tackle who went undrafted following the 2007 draft.  Titus Adams is a big run-stuffing defense tackle drafted in the 7th round of the 2006 draft by the Jets.  However, he has questionable durability, and very limited pass rush abilities.  Adams could compete for a spot as a reserve nose tackle, but he is a longer shot to make the final roster.

Because training camp starts today, the Patriots also announced their physically unable to perform list.  During the preseason, players can be activated from this list at any time.  This years list includes:  Jarvis Green, Mike Vrabel, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Ellis Hobbs, Stephen Neal, Nick Kaczur, Oliver Ross, Bo Ruud, Mike Wright, Ryan Wendell, and Wes Welker.  While I’m sure some player will come off within the next few days, this list has to be a little concerning.  Are Hobbs, Neal, and Wright on the list because they are all still recovering from surgery?  Is Oliver Ross ever going to be healthy?  Is Kaczur on the list because of his legal troubles (which were reportedly solved as he pleaded guilty to a traffic violation as he helped the government with the prescription pill investigation)?  Why are Mike Vrabel and Wes Welker, two vital pieces to any championship aspirations, on this list?

Finally, with training camp set to begin today, check back here for practice notes everyday, as I’ll keep you updated with all training camp happenings.

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.

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.

When Fernando Bryant was released a month ago by the Lions, I was wondering if the Patriots would take a look at him.

Well apparently, they have.  Bryant visited with the team today, and is expected to sign a contract with the Patriots.

UPDATE: According to profootballtalk.com, the deal is signed, and will be a one year deal.

This siging will certainly qualify as the biggest of NE’s offseason.  At 5′11″, Bryant, a nine year veteran, will have the easiest path to being a starter next year.  He has some speed, with good cover skills, and can support the run.  Last year, Bryant had 69 tackles with two interceptions with the Lions.

The Patriots have made five signings this offseason, four of which have been in the defensive backfield.

The 2008 free agency period has been nothing what 2007 was like. The Patriots have scheduled few visits, made only a few moves, and haven’t pursued any big name free agents.

Still, the team has made some moves, including the signings of three defensive backs, Tank Williams, Jason Webster, and Lewis Sanders as well as wide receiver Sam Aiken.

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Tank Williams

Tank Williams has played safety his entire career. He most recently played for the Vikings. Last year, he didn’t do much, but I think he could be a good fit for our system. Williams is simply a hard hitter. He isn’t too good in pass coverage, but he can be helpful in run support. I would expect him to be part of the safety rotation, with Harrison, Sanders, and Meriweather. The Patriots could potentially run a package of Meriweather (better in coverage), Harrison or Sanders, and Williams. Williams could be used as a blitzing safety, or he could cheat up and play linebacker. Remember Matt Stevens? I think Williams could have a role similar to him.
Jason Webster

Webster is a true wildcard. Last year, with the Bills, Webster was injured for just about the entire season, even though he was projected to be a starter. If he can get past his injuries, Webster could be a potential starter or nickel back. Webster has speed and cover skills, although he lacks size. Webster’s future with the team relies 100% on his training camp performance. If he’s healthy, plays well, and learns the system, he could be a starter, or at least a backup. If he’s still hurting, and/or struggles, he could be out of town before September.

Lewis Sanders

Lewis Sanders has one thing that no other corner on the Patriots roster has: size. Sanders has been injured, but was healthy for just about all of last season. Sanders is a good tackler, decent in man coverage, and as I said before, has size. He is also an exceptional special teams player. He could play his way into a starting position, but I would expect him to be more of a role defender, and a full time special teams player.

Sam Aiken

Sam Aiken certainly wasn’t signed to take over Donte Stallworth’s role, but he was signed to contribute on special teams. Aiken is a special teams ace, and can also play some receiver (although I wouldn’t expect him to take on that role with the Patriots.) I would expect him to make the team.

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Although the Patriots haven’t signed any big name guys, they have taken a look at one, and another look at an interesting prospect.

Adam Seward

Seward has played in the Carolina’s 4-3 defense as a backup and special teams player since being drafted in 2005. However, at UNLV, he gained a lot of experience in the 3-4. He is a restricted free agent, and the Patriots would have to give up a fifth round pick if they signed him to an offer sheet (and the Panthers didn’t match). I think that the Patriots will, and should sign Seward to an offer sheet. It would be low risk, and could be high reward, as Seward could develop into a star in the Patriots 3-4 system.

Ty Law

Ty Law has been mentioned multiple times on this sight. Simply stated, he wants to be a Patriot. He and Belichick have had discussions, and there is a possibility a deal could get done. If signed, Law would likely begin to transition to free safety, although he would still see a lot of time at corner. The obvious sticking point will be money.

Pacman Jones

According to sources, the Patriots are one of five teams interested in the services of Pacman Jones. Is he what we need? Yes. Is he what we want? Probably not. People say that the Patriots have had a tendency of bringing in “bad” players, and turning them around. But that’s simply not true. Randy Moss and Corey Dillon never had legal issues like Pacman, they were both disgruntled from losing. There’s a big difference. If the Patriots could get Pacman for a sixth or seventh round pick, I say go for it. If the Titans want more, it’s simply not worth the risk.

Hank Poteat

The Patriots have had preliminary discussions with cornerback Hank Poteat. We all know what Poteat can provide. But has he lost a step? Still, I’d like to bring him into free agency and give him a shot.

The Patriots have made another big move, resigning free agent wide receiver Jabar Gaffney.  The deal is one year, and worth two million.  Gaffney said he wanted something longer, and thinks that a new deal will happen.

I cannot stress how big of a move this is.  Last pre-season, I said that Gaffney might surpass Stallworth on the depth chart, and he did.  Gaffney played phenominal in his given oppurtunities last year.  With Stallworth out of the way, Gaffney should see even more playing time.  I’d expect him to have between 50 and 70 catches next year, with 750-1000 yards.  Even if Chad Jackson steps up the way we hope, Gaffney will still have a big role on this team, as he is versatile enough to play in the slot or on the outside.

Randy Moss is still a New England Patriot.  Earlier this afternoon, the two sides agreed on a three year, $27 million contract, with at least $12 million guaranteed.  Moss was offered more money by Philadelphia, but chose to remain with the Patriots.  According to Moss, he wants to “finish what we started.”  More to come tomorrow. 

It’s a six year deal, as reported earlier.

Patriots 2002 - 2007

232 tackles, 22 interceptions

Yesterday was “restricted free agent day” in the NFL, where teams must place tender offers on their restricted free agents.

The Patriots had two restricted free agents, defensive lineman Mike Wright, and defensive tackle Rashad Moore.

The Patriots placed the second round tender on Mike Wright (worth $1.41 million).  This is a good move, as it ensures that the Patriots will have a top backup for Vince Wilfork, a backup who is also versatile along the line.

The Patriots however, declined to place a tender offer to Rashad Moore, making him an unrestricted free agent.

According to sources, the Patriots have resigned receiver Kelley Washington, just hours after declining his $4 million option for the 2008 season.

The Patriots announced they wouldn’t pick up Washington’s option over a week ago, but it was rumored that the two sides were working together to reach a new deal, which they reportedly have.

Last year, Washington excelled on special teams.  But with the reshaping of the receiving for for ‘08, it looks like Washington could play himself into an offensive role this upcoming season.