Mayo class of '08 selections

Mayo alone puts the '08 draft in a positive light for the Patriots. However, the verdict is still out on the other six players the team selected, all of whom remain on the roster.

The Patriots drafted a pair of cornerbacks to compensate for the loss of Pro Bowler Asante Samuel, but still found themselves signing veteran Deltha O'Neal six days before the opener, and starting him in 10 games.

What happens this weekend will also figure into the final grade for 2008, as the Patriots shipped an '08 third-round pick to the Chargers for San Diego's second-rounder (No. 47 overall) this year.

A recap of the Patriots' 2008 draft class:

Jerod Mayo, ILB (first round, 10th overall) - The highest pick by the Patriots since they selected defensive end Richard Seymour sixth overall in 2001, Mayo was exactly what they hoped he would be. The former University of Tennessee star started all 16 games and led the team in tackles with 139, according to coaches' film review. Mayo also led NFL rookies in tackles and became only the second Patriot and the first since cornerback Mike Haynes in 1976 to be named Defensive Rookie of the Year, earning 49 of a possible 50 votes.

Terrence Wheatley, CB (second round, 62d overall) - Wheatley got off to a strong start in training camp and appeared to be the successor to Samuel at left corner, even taking his No. 22. But the signing of O'Neal was an ominous sign, and a fractured left wrist in the eighth game of the season truncated Wheatley's rookie campaign. Wheatley played in six games and was a healthy inactive for two others. He finished with no interceptions and two passes defended, both of which came in his final game. Wheatley was tapped to make his first career start against the Colts and broke his wrist breaking up a pass intended for Marvin Harrison in the second quarter of the Patriots' 18-15 loss. Now he'll have to beat out veterans Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs for playing time.

Shawn Crable, OLB, (third round, 78th overall) - Crable was selected with the third-round pick the Patriots picked up from New Orleans when they moved from No. 7 overall to No. 10. The 6-foot-5-inch, 243-pound Crable didn't play a down last season. He was a game-day inactive for the first eight games before he was placed on injured reserve (shin). With his redshirt year behind him and Mike Vrabel now in Kansas City, Crable has a chance to show why he was a third-round pick.

Kevin O'Connell, QB (third round, 94th overall) - It was a little bit of a surprise when the Patriots used a third-rounder on a quarterback. It was an even bigger surprise when O'Connell ended up spending the season as the No. 2 quarterback after Matt Cassel took over for the injured Tom Brady. O'Connell has a big arm and Ben Roethlisberger-like mobility, but is still raw. The former San Diego State signal-caller appeared in two games last year, completing 4 of 6 passes for 25 yards.

Jonathan Wilhite, CB (fourth round, 129th overall) - Next to Mayo, Wilhite was the biggest contributor. He played in all 16 games, seeing time on special teams coverage and return units and on defense at both slot corner and left corner. He had his struggles, but started the final four games at left cornerback. Wilhite notched his first career interception in a 49-26 victory over the Raiders and ended the season with 23 tackles, according to coaches, and two passes defended.

Matthew Slater, WR/DB/KR (fifth round, 153d overall) - Perhaps with visions of Devin Hester in their heads, the Patriots traded up, surrendering a seventh-round pick to move up seven spots to pick Slater, a return specialist at UCLA. The son of Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jackie Slater, Slater was appealing because of his return skills and versatility - he practiced at both wide receiver and safety. Unfortunately for Slater, the most memorable moment of his rookie season was a ghastly gaffe. His muff of a third-quarter kickoff was the turning point in the Patriots' 33-10 loss to the Steelers. Backing up Ellis Hobbs, Slater returned 11 kickoffs for 155 yards. He also finished second on the team in special teams tackles with 13.

Bo Ruud, LB (sixth round, 197th overall) - Ruud figures to have an uphill battle for a roster spot in 2009. He was placed on IR prior to the start of last season (ankle).