Heading into 2008, tight end looks to be one of the most questionable positions on the Patriots’ roster.  The Patriots have a lot of skill at the position, but don’t have a big blocker and there are lots of durability questions that could be a problem as well.  A player-by-player look:

Ben Watson

Ben Watson is number one on the depth chart heading into 2008.  Watson has an excellent combination of speed, strength, and size.  He is an adequate blocker for a tight end, although that certainly isn’t his strength.  With Donte Stallworth out of the picture in 2008, it will be interesting to see if Watson is used more in the offense in 2008.  If he works on his hands and blocking a little, and is able to stay healthy, he could still develop into that star player we all envisioned him to be when we drafted him in 2004.

David Thomas

Like Watson, Thomas is an adequate blocker, but he certainly is no Kyle Brady (he works hard but just doesn’t have the strength to push a lot of linebackers off the ball)… his strength is his receiving ability.  He has incredibly soft hands, and he uses his body to shield defenders off the ball, as he uses his athleticism to make great catches.  His biggest question however, much like Watson, is his health.  Thomas missed all but 2 games in 2007 due to a broken foot, it will be interesting to see if he is past those injuries.

Marcus Pollard

Marcus Pollard was the Patriots’ veteran pickup at the tight end position for 2008.  Three years ago, this might have been a great signing… but today, you have to wonder.  During mini-camp, Pollard looked like a big stiff (not unlike another Pollard in Boston… Scott Pollard of the Celtics).  He looked lost and seemed to have a case of stone hands.  Still, he is a decent blocker who has been a reliable pass catcher in the past.  If he performs well during the preseason, he’ll have a very good chance to earn a roster spot.

Jonathan Stupar

Stupar, a rookie free agent signing following the 2008 draft, just needs to come in and compete his best.  He wasn’t too utilized in college, but displayed the ability to catch the ball in traffic over the middle, and the footwork and drive to become an adequate blocker on the second level.  He could surprise a lot of people in training camp, and may be able to steal a roster spot.

Stephen Spach

Considering Spach was able to have a roster spot during the playoffs for an undefeated team, there must be something the Patriots like about him.  He seemed to be a good blocker, and an OK pass catching threat (in mini-camp), although I admit I don’t know much about him.  However, I think there is a good chance he beats out Pollard and Stupar for the final tight end spot.

The Skinny

The Patriots have very solid players at the tight end position.  Watson and Thomas are too athletic tight ends who could both be stars in this league… if they can remain healthy.  Watson is a good blocker who is freakishly athletic, and has shown improvement as a receiver, although he has been inconsistent at times.  Thomas is a hard working guy who has shown excellent pass catching ability, and good footwork on his blocking.  Behind Watson and Thomas, the Patriots have three guys who will all try to compete for a roster spot.

Position Grade: B

ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson lists the Patriots as a potential suitor for the services of Oakland running back Lamont Jordan.

One of the more interesting player situations in the league is LaMont Jordan’s in Oakland. The team held him out of its minicamp in early June and he has been expected to be released because of a high salary and a surplus of running backs in the Oakland backfield.

Despite being held out of the minicamp, Jordan remains Oakland property a month later. Oakland wants to trade Jordan but the market may be small with Chicago, New Orleans and New England as potential suitors.

If the Raiders can’t swing a trade for Jordan before training camp starts it will be interesting to see if he is allowed to practice during training camp. Jordan, who has been very professional during this time, will likely urge the team for his release if the situation isn’t resolved by late this month.

I could see why Jordan makes sense.  He is a bruising runner with good agility,  Sammy Morris is questionable coming off injury, and he would hypothetically make a good change-of-pace to Maroney.  However, he has slowed down the past few years in Oakland, injuries being the main factor.  You have to wonder if the Patriots would pursue someone who’s struggled so much recently.

I’m continuing my training camp previews section, and this time, I’m moving onto wide receivers.  Here’s a snapshot of what seems to be a competitive position:

Randy Moss

Heading into 2008, Randy Moss is one of the only wide receivers whose role on the team is cemented in.  He will be the #1 starting wide receiver, no questions asked.  However, it will be interesting to see how much he brings to training camp.  If you remember, last year, he missed all but one day of training camp and the preseason, as rumors even circulated about him being cut or traded.

Chad Jackson

If Chad Jackson is starting opposite Randy Moss come opening weekend, there are going to be a lot of happy Patriots fans.  When the Patriots moved up to select Jackson in the 2006 draft, there seemed to be no limit on his potential.  However, one torn ACL later, things look different.  C-Jack has had 18 months to recover fully from his injury.  Jackson has tremendous footspeed, hands, leaps, and route running ability.  If it all comes together, he could be the #2 threat we’ve been looking for.

Wes Welker

You can never say enough about Wes Welker.  Speed, agility, hands, smarts.  Welker seems to have it all, and he fits the slot position perfectly.  But, and please understand this, he’s not an outside receiver… he doesn’t have the size and strength to play on the outside.  He is most effective on slants, screens, and underneath routes, which is how he managed 112 catches in 2007.  Like Moss, Welker’s position with the team is guaranteed (of course barring injury).

Jabar Gaffney

When people look back on the 2007 season, they are most likely going to think of Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth as the starting receivers.  However, people seem to forget that Jabar Gaffney started more than half the season (over Stallworth, including playoffs).  Jabar has a combination of great hands, good speed, excellent ball awareness, adequate size, and good route running ability.  That translates into a good NFL receiver.  In 2008, Gaffney will either be the #2 or the #4 wideout.  What’s best is that he’s a tremendous fallback if Chad Jackson struggles.

Kelley Washington

In 2007, Kelley Washington found his niche on special teams.  In 2008, I would expect much of the same… but this time around, we might see him play a little more offense.  Although Washington struggled playing receiver during the preseason in 2007, he still managed a roster spot, excelling on special teams.  Now, Washington, how has tremendous size and decent ball skills, has an extra year under his belt in the Patriots system, and it will be interesting to see if he can make an ever bigger impact on the Patriots in ‘08.

Sam Aiken

The Patriots signed Sam Aiken in March so that he could be a special teams guy, which was his motto in Buffalo.  However, if he makes the team, don’t expect him to play on offense, because from what he showed in minicamp, he has stone hands and no concept of the offense (although I will watch him in training camp before giving my final verdict).

Matt Slater

When the Patriots drafted Matthew Slater in the 5th round of this years’ draft, they envisioned him as a jack of all trades type.  He will play receiver and safety but will most likely make his biggest impact on special teams, where he excelled during his stay at UCLA.  He will battle Sam Aiken for the last spot on the roster, but I’ll give Slater the early edge.

C.J. Jones

C.J. Jones was a guy that I liked a lot last year.  He’s a great returner, and showed some receiving skills.  However, I don’t think there is room for him on this years’ roster.  He will battle for a practice squad spot.

Robert Ortiz

Unfortunately, I don’t know a lot about the San Diego State product.  He’s got good size, and decent hands, and can find the seam well.  He can also pick up yardage after the catch.  But he lacks speed to beat defenders downfield, and has problems securing the ball.  He is a potential practice squad guy.  SI had this to say about him prior to the 2006 draft.

Ray Ventrone

Ventrone began the transition from safety to wide receiver this offseason.  Lets hope he stops that transition.  Quickly.  Because he looked god awful as receiver during minicamp.

The Skinny

Wide receiver looks to be a competitive position heading into training camp.  While Randy Moss and Wes Welker look solidified in their roles, the rest of the position is up for grabs.  Jabar Gaffney and Chad Jackson will battle it out for the #2 spot, Kelley Washington will look to earn more playing time on offense,  while Matt Slater, Sam Aiken, Robert Ortiz, and Ray Ventrone will look to make the last spot or the practice squad.

So yesterday, I posted my preview for quarterbacks.  Interestingly, Patriots.com published their quarterbacks preview the next day.  So in an effort to stay ahead of them, I’m posting my running backs preview a day early.

Laurence Maroney

It’s hard to make a great judgement of Maroney at this point in his career.  He’s been inconsistent at times, he’s had injury problems, etc.  If you watched footage of him from when he was healthy, I’d tell you he was a superstar in the making.  He has unmatched initial burst, great lateral and vertical speed, and this ability to slide out of tackles, with a frame to put on even more muscle.  His hands and pass protection are also improving.  In training camp, it will be interesting to see if Maroney is used more in the passing game, as he showed flashes of improvement throughout last year, especially in the playoffs.  Year 3 will be a big year for Maroney… anyone else thinking breakout?

Sammy Morris

Sammy Morris is certainly the wildcard at this position.  The first half of last year, he looked REALLY GOOD.  His speed was fine, but he really showed great patience and power.  The question with Morris is health.  Is he 100% recovered from the chest injury?  If he is, the Patriots could have the perfect compliment to Maroney.

Kevin Faulk

Come playoffs, Kevin Faulk WILL be there.  He will.  He’s there every year.  Whether he’s backing up Maroney or taking most of the 3rd and long reps, he will get his playing time… he’ll find a way onto the field.  However, he is 32 now, and you have to wonder when age will catch up with him.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

BenJarvus has good size, strength, acceleration, and playing speed.  At 5′11″, 220 lbs, he has the potential to develop into Maroney’s counterpart in the backfield, he’s that underrated.  Training camp, however, will dictacte Green-Ellis’ chance with the Pats, he could go from making the roster, spending the season on the practice squad, or even being cut.

Heath Evans

Heath Evans will more-than-likely make the team, and will get his playing time here and there.  Evans in the HB-FB hybrid.  You won’t see him lead blocking too often, but he will get in there sometimes, and get a third and short or fourth and short carry, from either position.

Kyle Eckel

The emergence of Kyle Eckel last season was a great story.  Unfortunately, the story may come to an end this training camp, unless the Patriots elect to keep an extra back.  Eckel is a lot like Evans in terms of what he can do on the field, although he is a little less of a blocker and a little more of a runner.  Eckel will have to have a huge training camp to stick with the team.

The Skinny

The running back position certainly has some questions.  Will Maroney be healthy and consistent?  Will Sammy Morris be ready?  How long can Kevin Faulk keep it up?  However, overall, the position is quite solid.  During camp, Morris and Faulk will be battling for playing time, while Green-Ellis and Eckel will be fighting to keep a job.  However, I would look for the Patriots to bring in another body, maybe a Samkon Gado or a Kevin Jones, and that would certainly make things more interesting.

Position Grade: B+

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

More Pats Problems after Willie Andrews was arrested last week at his Mansfield apartment following a domestic dispute.  On July 1 the Pats released Andrews as the new arrest would be a violation of his probation that was enforced after his post-Superbowl pot arrest.  Clearly, there aren’t roster spots available for potential (or actual) felons and, according to scouts.com, Andrews was no shoe in to make the team as it currently stood before his arrest.

My only concern is the concept of the NFL taking the law into their own hands by immediately suspending or releasing players who have yet to receive their day in court.  Unless Andrews confided in his bosses that everything alleged is true maybe he is innocent.  Andrews doesn’t appear to be involved in any continuous criminal enterprise such as Michael Vick.  I mean, a domestic dispute is a different crime than buying large quantities of pot.  It just so happens they both are illegal and the gun charge could work with the drug charge against him, maybe land him in jail.

At the end of the day Andrews was just not a model Patriot.  After the 2007 season concluded, Coach Belichick said in an interview with the Big Show on WEEI that, regarding Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones and players in general fitting the Patriots model, some players would show up to practice listening to music on their walkman, and kind of do their own thing, go to McDonald’s after practice and stuff like that.  Belichick would replace whatever they were listening to on their headphones with football stuff and really try to steer them in the team direction.  According to Coach Belichick, some of these players just didn’t work out and would fit in better with other teams.  Maybe Andrews will sign with the Cowboys but meanwhile we are down a good Special Teams return man.

We have officially entered the quietiest time of the NFL schedule.  Nothing is happen, and nothing big will happen until training camp begins late next month.  However, in case you are absolutely dying for anything Patriots related, here are a few things you can expect:

Signing the Rooks

Over the next month, the Patriots will attempt to sign all of their rookies (the only one signed is Matt Slater, who signed a four year contract earlier this month).  It will interesting (actually, not really), to see if the Patriots can get all of the rookies under contract before camp, or if there will be a holdout.  If there is a holdout, it will more than likely be Jerod Mayo, who is certainly expecting (or hoping) for top 10 money.

Tweaking the Roster

When the Patriots sign their rookies, they will need to release other players to make room for the rookies who currently do not count against the roster limit.  That means the Patriots will work to tweak the roster.  Maybe a couple of trades for conditional draft picks, obviously some cuts, etc.

And even though the Patriots will be looking to trim the roster, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots made some additions as well.  There is always Ty Law, who seems to be waiting it out until training camp.  The Patriots will hopefully still resign Junior Seau, as many expect.   Also, the Patriots may be interested in an additional offensive lineman, tight end (Fauria?), or running back (Kevin Jones?).

Hearing More About Spygate

Yes, of course, not that I’m really looking forward to it.  Specter claims he is finished with it, then he says he’s not.  And the NFL states they will enforce more punishment if anything new were to come up.  Same story.  I’m sick of it.  We can face the facts.  Unless there is a dramatic turn of events, Spygate is over.  Fans will always look at the Patriots as cheaters, nothing can change that.  There will always be a blemish on the Patriots history, the justification of that blemish is irrelevant.  I just hope that the NFL can look into the “videotaping procedures” of other teams as well.

Pre-Camp Previews and Speculation

These are always fun.  I’ll be doing a position by position training camp preview starting July 5th, so you can look forward to that (I guess).  Other than that, it’s all speculation.  Speculation for the season, speculation for the players… I just can’t wait till September.

I’d like to take this opportunity in my return to the blog, to congratulate the Celtics on their championship, they make all of Boston proud.  Welcome to the brotherhood of Boston teams with recent championship rings! 

The Patriots are in good shape to maintain the championship-winning ways that Bostonians now expect.  So far there haven’t been any team-crippling departures short of asante samuel and Rosie Colvin.  It’s hard to doubt Coach Belichick going into any year these days.  He hasn’t truly disappointed since, conceivably, the 2002 season of the post-superbowl hangover season.  Maybe we will have a 2002-type season because of the bitter end to the 2007 season, a la New York Mets’ 2007 collapse leading into this week’s firing of Mets manager Willie Randolph.  But I don’t think this is a likely scenario.

The other question raised by the Celtics’ win:  Does this futher hurt fans’ wounds from the Superbowl loss?  After all, if the Patriots had won the Superbowl it would be an unprecedented Trifecta of Titles.  But, personally, I think the Pats have already done their part for greatness with the undefeated regular season, a very unique feat, with those 70’s Dolphins as the only other example.

With things really slow, we finally got a couple of nuggets, both of which seem to be good news.

First, ESPN’s John Clayton is reporting that he expects Junior Seau to resign with the Patriots before training camp:

There was one name I forgot the other day in trying to figure out the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2013. Brett Favre, Warren Sapp, Michael Strahan and Jonathan Ogden are possible first-ballot Hall of Famers. I forgot Larry Allen, who has yet to announce his retirement, but most people believe he will retire. Allen has been the league’s most dominating guard for more than a decade. Then there’s Bryant Young of the 49ers and Steve McNair of the Titans and Ravens. Someone also brought up Junior Seau, who is perhaps the most dominating linebacker over the past two decades. Fortunately, Seau will probably re-sign with the Patriots before camp begins. As a Hall of Fame voter, I would like to see Seau stay in football another year. We can only vote in five modern-day players in 2013. Our cup runneth over.

Also, free agent tackle Barry Simms visited with the Patriots last this week.  He’s visited three other teams, including the Ravens, and he expects to make a decision on where to sign later any day now.  Any Patriots fan should welcome a Barry Simms signing, as I think he could compete for starting right tackle.

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.