week ending May 3rd...
Patriot Rookie News:
After the draft last weekend, Patriots coach Bill Belichick opened his post-draft press conference with a joke. "Who would have ever thought you would be covering a Bill Belichick draft with no offensive linemen, defensive linemen or tight ends taken?"
New England drafted ILB/OLB Jerod Mayo, CB Terrence Wheatley, OLB Shawn Crable, QB Kevin O'Connell, CB Jonathan Wilhite, WR Matt Slater, and OLB Bo Ruud (note: For those that did not like how the Patriots drafted, read the book Patriot Reign to get a better insight on the whole drafting process. The Patriots know what they are doing!) The Patriots address their needs by taking three linebackers, two defensive backs, one quarterback and one receiver/special teams’ player.
For those that though Jerod Mayo was a reach for the Patriots: Mayo can play inside or outside linebacker, and was moved from weak side linebacker to the middle this past season and registered 140 tackles. Some have compared him to another former Tennessee player, one-time Denver Bronco Al Wilson, a five-time Pro Bowler. Had the Patriots not drafted him, the Lions most likely would have at pick 15.
Don’t overlook the significance of the Patriots selecting San Diego State quarterback Kevin O'Connell with the 94th pick; it was the highest the team has selected a signal-caller since taking Drew Bledsoe first overall in 1994. Matt Cassel only has one year left on his rookie contract, and O’Connell could be the quarterback in waiting…
At the May 1st Jersey presentation (a Kraft family tradition for fifteen years) to their #1 pick Jarod Mayo, Kraft asked of Mayo “tell me something that you think about the connection up here? Without even blinking, Mayo said 'Kraft and Mayo go together.' [Kraft] thought that was pretty good, and a great connection. Kraft-Mayo goes very well."
Georgia Tech LB Gary Guyton, who ran the fastest 40-yard dash time among linebackers (4.47) at the NFL combine, has signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent
Additional undrafted free agent rookie signings: OL Josh Coffman (East Carolina), DB Mark Dillard (Louisiana Tech), DT Carlos Feliciano (Maryland), RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Mississippi), LB Gary Guyton (Georgia Tech), DL Chris Norwell (Illinois), OLB Vince Redd (Liberty), NT Henry Smith (Texas A&M), TE Jonathan Stupar (Virginia), DE Casey Tyler (Portland State), and C Ryan Wendell (Fresno State)
Undrafted free agent Punter Mike Dragosavich and tight end Tyson DeVree have been signed to undisclosed contracts after visiting with the Patriots this week
Rookie training camp officially started on Friday, May 2nd.
Player News:
CB Ellis Hobbs, who had surgery in February to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, underwent a second offseason surgery in March to address a sports hernia. Hobbs is expected to be ready for training camp in late July.
The Patriots cut veteran LB T.J. Slaughter and waiving CB Tim Mixon
WR Randy Moss has announced the formation of Moss Motorsports LLC. "We don't have all of the details in place just yet, but I am very excited about Moss Motorsports becoming a part of NASCAR. I am by nature a very competitive person and this is an outlet for me to compete at another level," Moss said.
Team News:
The finalists for this year's induction in the Patriots Hall of Fame were announced on May 1st: TE Ben Coates, OL Jon Morris, and RB Jim Nance
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