Patriots to work out DTs on Thursday

How will the uniform naming accommodate two guys named "Chris Baker"? Perhaps it will be a similar situation with Brady and Brady two years ago.

David:, I wouldn't worry unless there are a dozen bakers.

David, Two years ago we had QB Tom Brady and TE Kyle Brady, it is not the same case as having two Chris Baker on the team if ever they draft the guy.

Mike,

Do you know what constitutes an "out-of-town" visit? I've wondered this, as teams are allowed (unless I'm mistaken) an unlimited amount of "in-town" visits, but a strict limit of 30 visits for "out of town" prospects. Is it done by the state that the stadium is in? Is it in the region covered by the team? (i.e. New England), is it within a set radius of the stadium, within "driving distance" (which could be a very broad definition), or some other criteria altogether? This has just been bothering me a little.

Thanks

NFL teams are allowed to workout college players in their hometowns (i.e. Chris Baker and Knighton are both from Windsor, CT), their college campus and/or a another college campus that is located in the metropolitan area of the players hometown or current college campus.

NFL teams are allowed to workout an unlimited amount local players that are in the metropolitan area of that NFL team.

NFL teams are only allowed to bring in 30 players from "out of town" for physicals, meetings, etc.

Hey Mike and All,
What are the chances that the Pats look seriously at an earlier round DT pick? I mean, I'm with everyone on the OLB position being a big need right now, and even with Bodden and Springs, the D-backield needs depth. But, hear me out:
OLB and DB are positions they have been looking to fill via free agency, and they may still go in that direction. Depth-wise, who else can play the Nose in a 3-4? If Vince goes down (god forbid and knock on wood) nobody can adequately fill the void. Wouldn't they need to go into a 4-3, which BB wouldn't like? A good 3-4 NT may be the way to go so that Vince gets more rest (he's getting on in years and has diabetes) and the rookie will have a great Pro Bowler to learn from. Then, when Vince's contract is up aftr this year, there may be some more room to negotiate a good salary with him and still have a young guy to back him up. Also, NFL NT in a 3-4 is one of the harder positions to transition to from college. So, not playing a good rookie too much during a 2-3 year learning period may be necessary and that means we don't have to consider this as pushing Vince out the door. So, Baker may be a good late rounder, but is there any chance they move in to get Raji or his teammate, or the guy from SJS who has the Youtube video of himself jumping out of the pool (sorry, I'm blanking on the name)? Just a thought.

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1

#1 Pats Fan,

That was helpful, but I still feel like it's a bit ambiguous. I understand that the rules don't apply for the two prospects mentioned in the article (the Patriots went to them, rather than vice-versa), but how would you define the "metropolitan area"? For, say, Green Bay, there isn't any metropolitan area, even in Green Bay. It's not even a real city, so that would seem to restrict the team somewhat. For Boston, would it be anything east of 495? Would it extend out to, say, Fitchburg? Worcester? All the way down the cape? RI? Southern NH? You could make an argument that the Boston Metro area extends up to Portsmouth, and maybe even Portland (although there isn't much between Portsmouth and Portland). I only ask because we always hear about 1 or two possible guys coming out of UMaine every couple years. Would these guys be allowed to drive down to Foxboro, or would the Pats have to go to them? If they came down, would this qualify as an out of town visit?

I just think it might hamper the ability of teams to compete. For example, New York could probably claim all of CT and 75% of NJ as "part of the NYC Metropolitan Area". I know it isn't a huge deal, because the Pats could easily send someone there, but it seems like it's a little bit of a disadvantage.

Rob,
Good questions, but the metropolitan area is defined by the area marked in yellow around a city on any map...so take a look a map of the metropolitan area of Boston and the Pats would be able to bring in any player for workouts that fits in that yellow area.

Players from Maine for example, would only be allowed to workout in Foxboro if their hometown was in the metropolitan area of Foxboro/Boston. Other wise the Pats would have to travel to Maine to work them out.

If player from U. of Main did come down and they were from "out of town' then
would count against one of the Pats 30 'Out of town' visits.

Oh, well that's extremely helpful and answered my question entirely. I...I honestly can't think of any followup. That nailed it.

Thanks

Played againsts both of thse guys in high school...beat them in the state playoffs. could have never guessed they would be going pro

i am from windsor high and both of them are good guys, i wish them the best

It is pretty rare...good for these guys and the little old town of Windsor, CT!!!