Video: Rookie report

I definitely think this is the Patriots best class since the Ty Warren, Eugene Wilson, Asante Samuel class (obviously excluding Bethel Johnson there).

Guyton is also looking to be one of the best moves BB/SP has ever made.

I'm already looking forward to next year's draft, especially with the Chargers stinking it up and us having their 2nd rounder... I'd look for some o-line upgrades, more pass rushers, and some more safety depth as the primary needs.

What about Vince Redd?

Hi Matt. Redd is on the practice squad. Since media members don't get to watch practice, I can only assess the games.
--Mike

At this point, let's hope that 2009 is the soonest we have to start worrying about the quality of K. O'Connell... as we learned in the first game of the year, the 2nd string QB is always just 1 snap away from becoming a starter.

o-line upgrades, more pass rushers, and some more safety depth as the primary needs.

WE need more TE depth as well.

hi mike, i tend to agree with your quick assessments. Mayo is looking like the real deal. It's crazy the dropoff from 1st to 2nd/3rd round cornerbacks. Cromartie and company seem much better than wheatley and co.

Clearly, Bethel Johnson didn't pan out as a WR but he had some rather large special teams contributions above and beyond just ability to return kicks - he had game changing returns.

I have to say, that really puts it into perspective. Mayo, Guyton and the two corners are the future of our D. BJGE could wind up being Faulk's replacement (or Maroney's).

I think BB and Scott P. have blown us and maybe the league away with Mayo,Guyton,and BenJarvus. All three are playing at or above their draft selection.
Matt Slater was the fastest player on the team in camp. A kick returner, WR ,and DB has'nt panned out yet. / Crable was the one everyone was laughing at for having the skinnest legs.= IR Shin injury / Wheatly sure looked good on R. Wanye at indy before the injury. Wilhite has been burnt more than on that (PICK PLAY) at indy. I think it was the Rams game he went Superman on his man after the saftey missed the tackle. But thats what a 4th round DB does. I mean usually our 4th round plays for the jets

Shawn Crable is on the IR? He was inactive for every game so far this season. So what is his injury and when did he do it to force IR? Was this a move to open up the roster?

My philosophy is that I consider rookie FAs a part of the draft class, and considering Guyton and Green-Ellis I say thus far this is a pretty strong group. In general, I think the team does a nice job developing rookie FAs. Take a look at contributors like Woods, Alexander, and Ventrone, for example. All good special teams contributors who can be plugged in situationally if needed. Also, there seems to be a theme with the national media that this team is old. Take a look at player participation stats and you'll see plenty of names from our recent draft classes. It's nice to see that growth from within. Very few teams can do that. Indianapolis, San Diego and Buffalo are other teams that consistently bring in hidden talent.

I watched BenJavis play for his two years at Ole Miss and if he can stay healthy he is the real deal. I think that he really could be Faulk's replacement someday.

Mike,

I agree that the players taken in the 2008 draft (or as undrafted free agents) have performed better than recent draft classses. Pats management has been given a lot of credit for this, but perhaps this years success is due, in part, to the higher talent level relative to previous years.

Relative to other teams, how many impact players have we drafted?

The rookies are playing this much speaks more to the onfield needs of the team and less to the talent level of the rookies. That being said, they are doing a decent job, getting great experience, and Mayo looks like the real deal.

I think the best move the Pats made was not moving up to get Gholston and not drafting Keith Rivers.

Mayo was expected to be good and he is. The real bonus is Guyton. To get 2 quality, young LB's is great, but to get one as a free agent is just stunning.

How was Guyton not drafted and Gholston was number 6 over all. I think it's clear which one has taken better to NFL level of play.

Jings, all that pre-draft hype and chatter about Gholston...how ridiculous does that look now?
Id love to see USC's Mauluga in Patriots blue, thats for certain!

Why is everybody so in love with BJG-E? The guy gets yards if there is a big hole and doesn't get yards if there isn't. He's very slow and has no shiftiness. He'll be out of the league in 2 years. On the other hand, Guyton looks great. If he can add some bulk to his frame he'll be even better. Pioli and BB waited 5 years too long to address the inside LB situation, but hopefully we'll have a great duo of Mayo & Guyton for years to come. Wheatley was also looking good before his injury and Meriweather is coming along nicely. There are lots of good young players on this defense who will really shine in 2009.