Patriots:  Filling up the roster, hoping to find gems

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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

John Rooke, GoLocalProv Sports Editor

At 10:00 AM Tuesday morning, the gun went off.

Like the starters' pistol at the beginning of a race, unofficially at least, the NFL season is underway as players began reporting to facilities throughout the league, including the Patriots checking in at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. Officially, the league “year” won’t begin until next week (August 4th)…but now is the time to begin building what all fans hope is another Super Bowl contender.

"I almost put my helmet on when I walked out of my house the other day,” said safety Patrick Chung. “We're just ready to go. Guys are ready. Most guys are here getting their things done. It's time to go to work.”

It is interesting to note that at least one respected publication, Pro Football Weekly, picks the Patriots as one of three teams least affected by the NFL lockout. That may be music to the ears of local football fans…but it also means expectations will be raised. Eyes will be focused on the players brought into camp over the next few days, and here is a list of rookie free agents the Patriots have signed thus far:

Iowa LB Jeff Tarpinian – 6-2, 235 pounds, and played for former Bill Belichick assistant Kirk Ferentz. A former defensive back, and smart player (academic all-Big 10 for four years).

California KR/WR Jeremy Ross – 5-11, 213 pounds, and a teammate of Patriots’ second round draft pick Shane Vereen. Averaged 15.2 yards per punt return, 13.4 yards per reception for his career.

Texas OT Kyle Hix – 6-7, 319 pounds, started all 11 games for the Longhorns last season. Great size, but prone to penalties.

Akron OT Corey Woods – 6-5, 315 pounds, a four-year starter and projected as a possible guard in the NFL.

Auburn OL Mike Berry – 6-3, 316 pounds, an interior lineman who played mostly guard in front of Cam Newton.

Rutgers DE Alex Silvestro – 6-3, 267 pounds, a former teammate with last year’s #1 Pats pick, Devin McCourty…3-year starter who led his team in sacks and tackles for loss last season.

Maryland TE Will Yeatman – 6-6, 268 pounds, started 3 games for the Terrapins last year, slowed by a fractured finger. Transferred from Notre Dame in 2009 where he played under Charlie Weis.

Nevada DE Ryan Coulson – 6-2, 255 pounds, short for a typical rush end, but did have 55 tackles last season for the Wolfpack, six for a loss. Could play OLB in a 3-4 defensive scheme.

Illinois DE Clay Nurse – 6-3, 259 pounds, grew up in Guyana and played soccer and cricket. Started 13 games as a senior, and had four sacks, four tackles for loss. Also seen as a possible OLB in a 3-4 defense.

West Virginia LB Anthony Leonard – 6-1, 254 pounds, primarily played an inside position in college, but is seen as a potential inside/outside player. Finished 3rd on team with 70 total tackles.

As for veteran players - in the “in case you were wondering” department, Patriots guard Logan Mankins is expected to sign his franchise tender (which would pay him approximately $10 million this season) and report with the team for the first day of training camp on Thursday.  Mankins and the team have until September 20th to work out a long term contract, as per the new labor deal.  Wednesday’s activities will consist of physicals and conditioning tests/drills, and they will not be open to the public.

Two other roster moves of note were made by the Patriots on Tuesday – as they released defensive back Tony Carter, who was on the 53-man roster for the final three games last season. The big surprise was cutting injured linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, who underwent abdominal surgery earlier this week. Banta-Cain, a nine-year veteran, was informed by the team he would be released by Thursday, which would free him to sign with another team. He led the team in sacks over the past two seasons, with 15. His departure frees up about $4 million in salary cap space, so expect the Patriots to seriously consider a pass-rusher in the veteran free-agent market, like former Boston College end and NY Giants DE/LB Mathias Kiwanuka and Cleveland LB Matt Roth.

The Patriots have also announced their practice schedule for the first two days of training camp at Gillette Stadium, which will officially open on Thursday. Under the new rules agreed upon by players and owners, there won’t be any full-contact practices for these first two days, but more than likely these sessions will consist of walk-throughs and installations.

Thursday, July 28
Practices - 9:30-11:30 am and 3:30-5:30 pm
Patriots Experience (interactive fan activities) 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Friday, July 29
Practices - 9:30-11:30 am and 3:30-5:30 pm
Patriots Experience 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Finally, if you’re wondering about the first players “through the door,” let the record show that practice squad wide receiver Darnell Jenkins was the first player to enter the team training facility as the lockout came to a close. The Patriots, as well as the rest of the NFL, are back to the business of football.
 

Information from NEPatriotsDraft.com and espnboston.com was included in this story. 

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