Belichick's assessment of Wilfork on the nose

It's not splitting hairs to observe that rookies (from left) Mike Elgin, Justin Rogers, and Clint Oldenburg got hazed. (BARRY CHIN/GLOBE STAFF)

FOXBOROUGH -- Considering who is missing from the Patriots' vaunted defensive line triumvirate -- ends Richard Seymour and Ty Warren -- it's easy to forget about nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

But coach Bill Belichick paid Wilfork a large compliment yesterday, calling him the most complete player he's ever coached at the position.

"I've had some guys that maybe rush the passer maybe a little bit better than Vince does, but didn't play the run as well," said Belichick. "Or maybe played the run a little bit better and don't rush the passer quite as well. But I would say on balance, he's strong at everything."

"It's not like, this is his strength, but he's not very good at something else. He's pretty good at everything. From that standpoint, I'd say he would probably be the most complete guy that I have coached at that position."

Now in his fourth season, Wilfork made the difficult transition from the penetrating, 4-3 defense he played in at the University of Miami to the Patriots' gap-control, 3-4 system, establishing himself as the reliable anchor of the defense.

"He's an excellent two-gapper," said Belichick. "There isn't anything that he doesn't do well. He's smart. He very seldom makes a mental mistake. He's well-prepared. He studies the opponent well. A lot of times he's almost ahead of the play based on a formation or a certain look. He can really anticipate what's going to happen."

Belichick cited Wilfork's improvement as a pass rusher, something that allows him to be an effective three-down player.

"He can rush the passer, he can play on the goal line, he can play in the running game," said Belichick. "He's quick. He's explosive and runs well for his size. He's smart. There's not a lot of holes in his game."

Conspicuous by his absence at yesterday's evening practice -- the morning workout was just for rookies, young players, and select reserves -- was quarterback Tom Brady. The team did not give a reason for Brady's absence, but earlier in camp, Brady stated he was going to manage his throwing.

Belichick referred to the evening practice as a rehearsal. So, it's possible backup quarterback Matt Cassel will get the bulk of the work in tomorrow's exhibition game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium (8 p.m.).

Another possible reason Belichick would want to limit Brady's action is threatening comments Tennessee linebacker Keith Bulluck made Wednesday. Bulluck singled out receiver Reche Caldwell, not Brady. When asked about Bulluck's comments and whether he was any more concerned for his players' safety than in any other exhibition game, Belichick said, "We're going to concentrate on what we have to do."

With Asante Samuel holding out, Chad Scott on injured reserve, and rookie first-round pick Brandon Meriweather getting acclimated to cornerback, Mike Richardson has seized the opportunity to make an impression at the position.

The sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame has flashed some potential, playing with the second and third teams. In the exhibition opener against last Friday against Tampa Bay, Richardson defended well on a deep ball down the left sideline.

"I think that Mike is aggressive. He's shown up a few times," said Belichick. "He's an aggressive player. He looks like a rookie.

"He's been out there every day. That means he's improving because he's working hard and he's a lot better now than he was a couple of weeks ago. But he has a long way to go."

Also in Richardson's favor is that he played extensively on special teams for coach Charlie Weis with the Fighting Irish.

"As long as you come out and you show the Patriots that you can work and you can make the plays that need to be made, they're going to find a place for you on the team," said Richardson. "That's just what I'm trying to do. Anywhere that I can help out, that's where I'm trying to work."

Danny Baugher appears to be leading the punting competition against Tom Malone and veteran Josh Miller. Also in Baugher's favor is that he can hold for field goals and extra points. Baugher said he held throughout college at the University of Arizona and this spring in NFL Europa, where he played for the Rhein Fire. "It's something I've always been a part of," Baugher said.

Miller held yesterday, a day after he expressed some frustration over his lack of activity in camp. Baugher hasn't detected any animosity from Miller toward him or Malone.

"Josh is a great guy, so we all get along fine," said Baugher. "We all try to help each other. He's obviously been around the league a lot longer than we have, so he gives us tips and whatnot, so it's been good."

Randy Moss missed yet another practice with pads. The wide receiver has not participated in a session with pads since injuring his left hamstring Aug. 1. In addition to Brady and Moss, the eligible players not at the evening practice were linebacker Adalius Thomas, safety Artrell Hawkins, defensive ends Warren and Mike Wright, offensive lineman Billy Yates, tight end Kyle Brady, and linebacker Kyle Bissinger, who appeared to injure himself in the morning session. Cornerbacks Gemara Williams and Larry Anam missed both practices . . . Former Whitman-Hanson High standout Sean Conover will make his first appearance as a pro at Gillette Stadium tomorrow night. Conover signed with the Titans as a rookie free agent out of Bucknell last year and made the team's practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster Nov. 22 and played in six games, making two starts . . . Among the spectators at the evening practice was rocker Jon Bon Jovi, a friend of Belichick's whose music was played during both workouts.

Mike Reiss of the Globe staff contributed to this report.