Extra points

BO RUUD CONTRACT FOLLOW-UP: Following up on the contract signed by Patriots sixth-round pick Bo Ruud, it is a four-year pact. The deal includes a signing bonus of $84,900 and minimum base salaries of $295,000 in 2008; $385,000 in 2009; $470,000 in 2010; and $555,000 in 2011.

MIKE VRABEL PROMOTES LITERACY: Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel is the subject of a story on the NFL Players Association website, highlighting his community work in Ohio in promoting literacy. Education seems to be an issue that Vrabel is particularly passionate about. As the Patriots' player representative, he spoke to the Boston Globe last year about his hopes of increasing educational opportunities for players.