Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe writes that with the Patriots taking two tight-ends in the draft, it could be a sign that the team has no interest in keeping tight end Daniel Graham around after the 2006 season. Graham had only 16 receptions last season, but he missed five games and was hampered in others by a shoulder injury. "I would like to play my entire career with the Patriots," Graham said, ''but what happens, happens. I understand it's a business. I learned that early in my career. And I know the organization will do what they think is best for the organization."
The Boston Globe sports writers were asked the question "How would you grade the Patriots' draft?" Jerome Solomon, Ron Borges, Nick Cafardo and Mike Reiss all grade this year's draft around the B/B range. Each writer discusses their reasons for the grade.
Michael Felger of the Boston Herald writes that at the conclusion of last weekend's draft, coach Bill Belichick talked about the competition the Pats have created on the roster this spring. That was once a big buzzword in Foxboro, but such talk died down the past few years as the Patriots built up their championship roster. Now it's back. "We'll just see how the competition plays itself out," Belichick said. "I can't say how that's going to go and wouldn't attempt to do it. I try to create the competition, which I think we have, but how people perform and how well they do or don't do relative to somebody else, that's in the players' control." Felger takes a look at the key battles that start now and will last through training camp this summer.
Eric McHugh of the *Patriot Ledger * takes a look at sixth-round draft pick defensive end Jeremy Mincey. McHugh writes that according Florida head coach Urban Meyer, Mincey has the speed and pass-rushing ability to play outside linebaker in the NFL and should be in the mix to replace Willie McGinest on the Patriots perimeter. McHugh also notes that although the Patriots have not confirmed any of the undrafted free agents they either have signed or have invited to try out at the team's rookie minicamp on May 13-14, various published reports have identified several players. They include: quarterback Corey Bramlet (Wyoming), receivers Erik Davis (Vanderbilt) and Matt Shelton (Notre Dame), offensive linemen Randy Hand (Florida) and Brian Barthelmes (Virginia), linebackers Freddie Roach (Alabama), Corey Mays (Notre Dame) and Pierre Woods (Michigan), safety/linebacker Sam Smith (Delaware State), safeties Kyler Hall (Florida State) and Jarvis Herring (Florida), cornerback Vernell Brown (Florida) and defensive backs Keon Jackson (Toledo) and Gemara Williams (Buffalo).
Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes. Reiss also offers his latest Patriots mailbag.
Tom Curran of the Providence Journal offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes and commentary.
