Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston calls Patriots sixth round draft pick Zach Moore a lock to make the team at defensive end.
"Some might view it as a surprise that Moore, the sixth-round pick from Concordia-St. Paul (198th overall), is viewed as a 'sure-fire' lock when it's possible he doesn't play much in 2014," writes Reiss. "But the feeling here is Moore was selected with a two-year plan in mind (he comes from a lower level of competition) and he is a sure-fire lock based on his top physical traits and testing results (e.g. 10-yard split). He's an intriguing prospect to monitor over the next two years, as first-year defensive line coach Brendan Daly will be one of the main staffers working with him on development." READ MORE>>
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Erik Frenz](http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extrapoints/2014/07/jimmygaroppoloryanmallettpatriotsqb_training.html) of Boston.com predicts Patriots QB Ryan Mallett will be the No. 2 quarterback behind Tom Brady entering the 2014 season.
"Barring a last-minute trade of Mallett, it seems likely that the Patriots will enter the season with three quarterbacks on the roster for the first time since 2011 (Brady, Mallett, with Brian Hoyer as the top back-up)," adds Frenz. "Mallett has a great deal of experience in the Patriots' system, which may make it difficult for Garoppolo to knock him out of the No. 2 slot for the time being." READ MORE>>
Nick Underhill of MassLive.com reports there is optimism that Patriots second-year WR Aaron Dobson will be ready to participate in training camp, according to a source. Dobson missed OTAs and mini-camp due to offseason foot surgery.
"The source added that it is still too early to be certain of Dobson's status, but this is the first time since his March surgery that anyone has spoke of his situation with optimism," adds Underhill. READ MORE>>
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Doug Kyed](http://nesn.com/2014/07/patriots-film-review-rookie-running-backs-vie-for-top-reserve-role/) of NESN.com believes that rookies James White and Stephen Houston are the two most intriguing running back options to replace LeGarrette Blount as Stevan Ridley's backup.
"If Ridley's fumbling issues persist, the Patriots could turn to Vereen or Brandon Bolden to carry the load as the bell cow running back, but if they have to use a rookie, White appears to be the best option, though Houston has tons of potential," adds Kyed. READ MORE>>
Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com ranks his top 10 players of 2014 and lists Tom Brady at No. 3 behind fellow QBs Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning.
"Rob Gronkowski would have made my list if we went 11 deep," writes Rosenthal. "No other non-quarterback changes his offense more than Gronk, including Megatron. But durability is a skill, and it was just too hard to include Gronkowski over guys who are safer bets to stay on the field." READ MORE>>
