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Answers to rookie minicamp questions, Part I

Email|Link|Comments (5) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff May 1, 2009 12:00 PM

FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots’ first practice of rookie minicamp has concluded. It was held on the upper practice fields. In addition to 12 draft picks and five rookie free agents, there were about 8-12 players in for tryouts.

Players wore shorts/sweatpants and jerseys. These are no-pads sessions, and there is no contact (although plenty of defensive holding).

The Patriots’ general practice reporting policy is that media members do not report on offensive or defensive strategy, which includes describing formations, personnel groups or non-conventional plays. Media members are also asked not to quote or paraphrase comments made by coaches during a practice, or report anything until practice is over.

Here come some answers to your questions – since this is football, we’ll go in bunches of seven (for touchdowns) -- while keeping those parameters in mind:

1) From John:
Q: A few of these players have a bit of position flexibility, so it would be nice to see which positions the coaching staff starts them at. I expect we won't see Tate due to his rehab, but it would be interesting to know if they do any return drills and who gets reps there.
A: John, Tate was on the field, but did not participate in any drills. Darius Butler returned some punts (dropped a couple, too). I did not see any kickoff return work.

2) From Matteo, Italy:
Q: It would be nice to know what role Edelman and Bussey will play in this camp. But I don't know if they will line up in some formation. And the numbers that they will wear!
A: Matteo, I didn’t get a good look at Bussey. Edelman looked very quick to me. You saw him plant his foot in the ground and change direction smoothly. Check out the previous update for jersey numbers.

3) From Stan4444:
Q: What does the arm strength look like for the QBs?? And, does the OT Vollmer have the kind of body necessary for O Line in the pros?
A: Stan, I thought Brian Hoyer, the lone QB in camp, showed competitive arm strength. His deliveries on out patterns were not bouncing or anything like that. Vollmer is a big man. I think he can be successful with that body type.

4) From RPM:
Q: Thanks for the opportunity. For me, it seems that Coach Belichick really emphasizes learning from their mistakes. I would like to know how the rookies are able to learn from their mistakes.
A: We saw plenty of mistakes out there, RPM, which is to be expected. But nothing really stood out to me from what I saw this morning.

5) From “Just A Thought”:
Q: Please be sure to note whether Darius Butler plays a little wideout as well as DB. Or could he run the wildcat? And lets us know whether Hoyer's got cannon or not. Will Mayo and the rest of the '08 LB class be present?
A: Butler played solely cornerback. I thought he showed quickness. Hoyer’s arm looks competitive to me. No Mayo or members of the ’08 LB class. Once you have an accrued season, you can’t participate in this camp [updated: Saturday, 6:35 a.m.]

6) From “Chris”
Q: Hey Mike. I'd like to hear how the top defensive picks looks in drills, the above question re: Edelman (where is he lining up?), Hoyer's accuracy, and how much Dante Scarnecchia yells at the linemen, including Porter. But that's all.
A; Chris, I thought both Chung and Butler practiced with a purpose. They were generally close to receivers in coverage, although as one would expect, they had some hiccups. Edelman lined up at multiple spots, but he mostly caught my eye in the slot. Hoyer’s accuracy seemed OK, and Scarnecchia was on the opposite end of the field, so I couldn’t really hear him.

7) From “Jack:
Q: I'm curious about Ron Brace. Obviously you won't be able to tell too much, but does he seem to in decent shape, with decent muscle tone, or does he seem to be one of those heavier, flabbier DTs who rely (at least somewhat) on mass (as opposed to strength and technique, etc.)? If the former, I'd think he'd have potential to play some at end as well as nose (and, of course, being in good shape generally bodes better for any player on a Belichick team). If the latter, he might only be able to play the nose (and be in Belichick's doghouse from the start if he's out of shape and can't pass the conditioning test).
A: Jack, this was tough for me to tell. I noticed Brace was bearing two knee braces. If I had to guess, I think he could play some end.

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5 comments so far...

Two knee braces? Does that make a total of three braces? (badum ching)

Is this normal or cause for concern? I know Brace said that when he came in, it was more of a physical than anything.....what's going on?

Posted by Rob in Central MA May 1, 09 12:15 PM

Can you list the walk-ons (name, college, position) ?
What's your impression of the LS ?
Is Tate limping ?
Can you get closer to where the OL coach is working ?

Posted by Spear from Cali, Colombia May 1, 09 12:21 PM

Thanks for the info Mike. It is always good to hear about the rookies regardless of how little can actually be told this early. I would suspect that Brace is strickly a Tackle prospect unless he has an extraordinary wind span. I just do not think he has the length to play, constantly, on the edge.

Posted by Jeff May 1, 09 12:23 PM

Thanks a lot for your answers Mike!

Posted by Matteo, Italy May 1, 09 12:36 PM

can u take me through the philosophy of coach b? why take 3 OL and only 1 LB (and hes hurtin) and only one other one in the free agents?

Posted by hoohaa May 5, 09 10:53 AM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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