Rookies on radar

Mike,

With that being said about Chung, what does the safety rotation look like? I know Merriweather is out, but is anyone looking like they are going to fill Harrison's role?

Thank you for the update on Brace. Lord knows we've heard more than enough about the other brace.

Interesting to hear about Edelman's progress - second session in a row that I've heard good things about him. Does he have a chance to stick as the #5 WR? Given the Pats style of offense they will need 5 wideouts at some point, perhaps all on the field at once on occasion.

dude i have never seen a reporter as committed and of such high quality as you. you just keep bringing it. thanks. we rip on the media a lot...but we need to give praise where it is do!

Mike, You know you're hyping up Edelman and everyone is going to want to see him on the 53. Does he really have a shot?

I know you're not a big fan of jumping the gun on predictions or even evaluations in the first year of a rookie campaign; obviously this is premature. Based on some of the comments regarding these guys, the needs on the team and their fit I could see anywhere between 4 and 8 players sticking with the team for a while. That doesn't mean they're going to be All Pros across the board - I'm just saying they could fill a void. In other years it has appeared as though the draft method has specifically applied to that "highest man on the board" mentality. I really feel like they made very logical and well timed picks this year. A lot of these guys seem like they can play one or two valuable roles and I think that's something to consider.

Hi Terrance. Safety rotation is tough to tell as it appears McGowan is still being integrated into the mix. So it looks like he's behind Slater/Spann right now, but that probably won't last. ... On Edelman, I'm trying to walk a fine line here. I really think it's best to wait until the pads come on to make any judgment on anyone (Chad Jackson comes to mind), but I have to say he has impressed me with his quickness and burst at this point. If he shows he can get off the line against press coverage in full contact work and preseason games -- and he's consistent when the grind really begins -- I certainly think he has a legitimate shot. ... Sonny, I agree on the rookies. I could see as many as 8 on the roster, depending on the development of some late-round linemen (do they show too much on tape that they won't get through waivers?) and specialists like long snapper Jake Ingram and receiver Julian Edelman.
--Mike

Thanks Mike -- This blog is great. I really like hearing about the rookies especially. I'm happy Brady is back, but I am kind of sick of hearing of his every move. I hope Edelman makes the roster.. I think he could be a really exciting player!

I'd like to see some of the guys who have been around a while and not really gone anywhere (Eric Alexander, etc) cut in favor of giving some of the rookies a chance.

I am curious to know more about Myron Pryor and Daryl Richard. With all of the expiring contracts on the defensive line, both of these guys could be factors some day. Any word on why Meriweather is absent?

Thanks Mike, appreciate the inside info.

Mike,
How does Porter look??? Does he show signs that he can play? Or does he look lost?

Same question can asked of Seabass (Vollmer) how does he look paying LT?
Interestingly enough most people projected him @ RT (given his mass) but given scouts' opinions of his great feet I would rather him @ LT.

Tackle is one of the most important positions on the field and I am wondering if either pof these guys show any signs.

Thanks Mike

Gregg,
If we have 6 and 7th round players starting on the line then the Pats are in deep trouble. Deep trouble.

Yeah, it's nice to bring in guys who were picked later (5th, 6th, 7th rounds, UDFAs)...but in all fairness, there's a reason they went so late. Every now and then, there's just a flat-out miss for why a guy didn't go early, and there are more than a couple guys who went late but came in to contribute or become superstars (Brady, anyone?)...but for every Tom Brady, there are dozens of Bill Swancutts (never heard of him? That's the point). Unless you get incredibly lucky (because let's be honest, if you thought the guy would be an all-pro, you would have taken him before the 5th round, regardless of how he was "rated"), those guys shouldn't be RELIED on to contribute.

What if they're good 6th or 7th rounders?

You know what would suck? If we had a 6th rounder or a 7th rounder as a starting quarterback.

Oh wait, we do! (tom brady / matt cassel in case you forgot)

How do the rookie free agents look?

Green-Ellis and Guyton looked good last season. When did they get drafted?

Obviously, lower round guys don't make it as often, but these guys have all been evaluated based on competition at the college level. Sometimes guys that excel at that level can't translate it to the pros (Chad Jackson anyone?) when they can't simply rely on their athleticism alone. And other guys that don't have the measurables prove that intangibles and a strong football mind can yield a more productive NFL player. Either way, I like the potential of this rookie class. Shame about McKenzie, but he's overcome a lot and hopefully is back for 2010. Go Pats!

Eit

I too want to know what's up w/Porter.

I know it's so early, but I feel like it might be easy to see if he definitely won't work out, or if he at least has a chance. I know anything beyond that is way too early to tell.

who cares what round the lineman were drafted in as long as they can play. peters who just got traded to the eagles is one of the best in the game and he wasn't even drafted.

Yes, we can all think of a few players that turned out good, but that's not the norm children. Green Ellis may not even make the team this year Jess, but that's a great name. How many Tom Brady's are out there? Only 50% of round two picks end up as starters, but you guys know it all. Thanks for playing

#9, Green Ellis might not make the Pats this year, but he has proven he can play in the NFL and he'll certainly end up on an NFL roster. Your stat that only 50% of round two picks becoming starters only strengthens the point that players come from all rounds. If the average player plays for 8 years (which is a very generous estimate), and 100% of 1st rounders become starters (also generous), then with your statistic after 8 draft classes you only have 12 of 22 starting spots filled. Where are the other 9 starters (not to mention special teamers )from? With the Pats, as it should be with all teams, draft order or size of FA contract mean nothing if you don't get it done on the field. But hey, you know it all. Thanks for playing.

Mike this summary is one of the best posts. It's short but a lot of work and thought went into it I am sure.

In his continuing effort to ape every move BB makes, Mangini is bringing Hulk Hogan in to try out as an OL prospect.

No offense, #9, but that wasn't too bright! :oP

It's a virtual guarantee that a PILE of this year's 1st Rounders will shytte the bed...and that just as large a pile of 5th, 6th, 7th Rounders and Free Agents will SHINE!

You gotta remember that the Draft is no more than a skilled and educated guess, with a LOT of surprises every year.

There isn't one in 32 teams that would say otherwise.