FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (July 24, 2006) -- The New England Patriots signed second-round pick Chad Jackson among four rookies reaching contract agreements.
The others were kicker Stephen Gostkowski, a fourth-round choice and possible replacement for Adam Vinatieri; tight end David Thomas, another fourth-rounder; sixth-round pick Jeremy Mincey, a linebacker; and free agent wide receiver Keron Henry.
The team has signed all its 2006 draft picks except first-round selection Laurence Maroney.
Jackson, who had 88 receptions for 900 yards and nine touchdowns last season at Florida, could be an immediate contributor after the team lost No. 2 receiver David Givens, who signed with the Titans.
The Patriots' top receiver, Deion Branch, skipped a mandatory minicamp in June because of a contract dispute, and could miss the start of training camp later this week.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Jackson had 120 receptions for 1,586 and 16 touchdowns in three seasons at Florida.
Gostkowski made 70 of 92 field goals in four years at Memphis. He was 22 of 25 his senior year, but 10 for 10 from 40 yards or more, including three of more than 50 yards.
He and veteran Martin Gramatica are expected to compete for the kicker's job vacated when Vinatieri signed with the Colts.
Thomas finished at Texas as the school's top receiving tight end with 98 receptions for 1,367 yards and 15 touchdowns, all school records.
Mincey had 123 tackles, including 5 1/2 sacks, in two seasons at Florida, where he played defensive end.
Henry signed with the Saints as a rookie free agent in 2005 out of Connecticut, then signed with the Chargers, who assigned him to NFL Europe before releasing him in June.
The Patriots also waived offensive tackle Jon Doty.
