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TE snapshot

(Fourth in a series of position snapshots leading into the start of Patriots training camp, July 28.)

Tight ends

STARTERS: Daniel Graham (5th year), Benjamin Watson (3rd year)

RESERVES: David Thomas (rookie), Garrett Mills (rookie)

2005 TIGHT ENDS: Graham, Watson, Christian Fauria

2006 ROSTER LOCKS: Graham, Watson, Thomas, Mills

OUTLOOK: If Graham and Watson are both healthy, it makes sense to have them on the field together as much as possible. In theory, that would create better matchups for the Patriots because defenses will likely counter with their base package against a two-TE package. Picture Tom Brady stepping to the line of scrimmage, scanning the defense, and then making the play-call based on what matchups he sees against his two big, physical and athletic tight ends. It will be one of the storylines to watch throughout the preseason. For the plan to come together, however, Graham must recover from having medical work on his shoulder this offseason. He didn’t participate in team drills at the Patriots’ June minicamp, but when healthy is the best blocker of this group and defenses must still account for him in the passing game. Watson appears primed to take the next step in his career and it was interesting to hear him say he felt rookie David Thomas is further along at this point than he was in his rookie year. Thomas showed nice hands in spring camps, while Mills projects to a H-back role, where he'll line up in the backfield or be in motion in addition to playing at the line of scrimmage. With the team likely keeping four tight ends, which is one more than last year, that means another position will have to be reduced (perhaps quarterback or receiver).

QUOTE OF NOTE: “People say they want to show it to their kids, to Little League teams. The thing about that is that if I didn’t make the effort, it would have been 10 times worse because all the guys give so much of themselves. I felt like it was my job." –- Benjamin Watson, on covering the entire field to chase down Champ Bailey on an interception return against the Patriots in the playoffs (Boston Globe, April 12, 2006).

EXTRA POINT: We'll be tied up for the majority of the day, so any breaking news probably won't be accounted for until the evening.