OTA video: Alex Smith

All this week we're featuring video from Wednesday's OTA (organized team activity) at Gillette Stadium. Today's video: TE Alex Smith.

Barring the unforeseen with Randy Moss, newly acquired tight end Alex Smith is probably going to have to change the URL (and design) of his official website.

And while AlexSmith80.com is available, it's our guess that Smith will wait to see just how the Patriots' roster shakes down this summer (and what numbers in the 80s become available) before registering a new domain.

Because in his short time in New England, the No. 1 question Smith has fielded is about his new jersey number.

"I'm sure [the questions] are going to keep coming," Smith said with a smile Wednesday while talking to reporters in the No. 80 jersey previously worn by Troy Brown. "I'm not trying to fill Troy's shoes. He's a great player and everyone knows what he did for this franchise. I just want to come in and do what I can to help this team."

Smith's main concern is learning a new system after spending the first four years of his career in Tampa Bay, where he caught 129 passes for 1,252 yards and 11 TDs. While this first OTA was geared more towards younger players still acclimating to the NFL, Smith found the sessions invaluable to ensure he hit the ground running with full-squad workouts looming next week.

Smith will compete for a job at a tight end spot that also features Chris Baker (another offseason acquisition), Ben Watson, David Thomas, and Brad Listorti.

"If I didn't have a chance to get on the field (this week), and they just threw me to the wolves, I don't know what I'd be doing," said Smith. "I'm definitely learning from this, the time in the meeting room and the time on the field.

"Everyone stays in shape this time of year. My focus is on knowing my assignments, knowing what I'm supposed to be doing. Once you do that, everything else comes naturally. You just go out there and play football."

Learning his assignments isn't as easy as it might sound.

"If you saw how big the playbook is ... it's a good two phone books," said Smith. "There's plenty of information in there. You kind of have to grasp it as fast as you can. Those other guys have been doing this for a while, so they don't miss a beat."

To hear more from Smith, check out the video at the top of this entry. You can read more on Smith in this Globe story from earlier this week.

Previous OTA video

• May 22 - QB Kevin O'Connell
  
• May 21 - OLB Shawn Crable
  
• May 20 - RB Fred Taylor