Patriots News and Notes

Week ending April 5th

NFL Draft News:

The Patriots will host DE/OLB Jason Jones (Eastern Michigan) on a pre-draft visit. At 6 feet 5 inches, 273 pounds, Jones would most likely project to outside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 alignment.

The Patriots will host CB Antoine Cason (Arizona), on a pre-draft visit. The 6-foot-1-inch, 191-pound corner intercepted five passes last season, returning two for touchdowns and scored twice more on punt returns. He was also the recipient of the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top collegiate defensive back. This is his second meeting with the Patriots.

The Patriots are scheduled to host RB Darren McFadden (Arkansas) on a pre-draft. Some might consider this a smoke and mirror move by the Patriots. You cannot rule out McFadden going to the Patriots though. "Any team that drafts him knows it is getting a special player,” said McFadden’s agent, Ian Greengross. "There is no question in my mind that Darren is the best player in the draft.”

The Patriots are holding a private workout with DE/LB Marcus Howard (Georgia). At 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, Howard could play defensive end in some 4-3 schemes but would be a linebacker for 3-4 clubs like the Patriots.

Additional Rookies scheduled for pre-draft visits with the Patriots: CB Charles Godfrey (Iowa), CB Terrell Thomas (USC), LB Keith Rivers (USC) and DE/LB Darrell Robertson (Georgia Tech)

The NFL awarded its 2008 compensatory draft choices and as expected, the Patriots did not receive any.

Patriot Player News:

Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli said that the Patriots made a shrewd move in inking CB Fernando Bryant. The Patriots signed the nine-year veteran on March 20, with the sides agreeing to a one-year deal with a base salary of $730,000. Marinelli suggested that Bryant's departure from Detroit was not performance-based but due to salary cap considerations. Bryant carried a $4 million salary cap charge for the Lions.

Team News:

At the Annual NFL Owners meeting, Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed his fellow owners, as well as each of the other 31 NFL coaches today, offering the organization's apology for the "Spygate" saga. "I thought it was very, very sincere and heartfelt, and I appreciated what he had to say," said Coach Tony Dungy. "I think it's a wonderful thing for Mr. Kraft to do," said Colts president Bill Polian. "I personally don't think it was necessary, but that's just typical of the kind of class he has.”

There is no national opener scheduled for the Patriots week one of the NFL Season.

The Patriots are likely to open the 2008 season at home though with a 1 p.m. game. The eight home opponents for 2008 are the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs.