Back
More Interesting News & Notes... • Patriots rookie defensive back Tebucky Jones, who was called the riskiest pick in the NFL draft by Pro Football Weekly, plans to prove the scouts wrong. The publication and the anonymous scouts believe he was the riskiest pick because he just made the transition from running back to safety. His lack of experience was a major factor in their minds why he was a risky selection. "That's just media," said Jones, "and they're going to write what they want. "That stuff just motivates me more." As for the scouts who were quoted but not named, Jones said he doesn't have much respect for those who hide behind anonymity. But, he said, "Some of them probably wish they had taken me for their teams." Jones, who is learning the cornerback role after playing one year as a strong safety for Syracuse, is running hard again after pulling his right hamstring during the first day of the full-squad minicamp. He says he's "98 percent" recovered and feels he'll be able to participate fully during training camp, which begins July 19 at Bryant College in Smithfield, R.I. Jones's agent, Gary Wichard, responded to the "riskiest" tag by saying, "I love it. Tebucky was handpicked by Pete Carroll, and anyone who knows the football business knows that Carroll is the best defensive backs coach in the business. That's his thing. If he thinks Tebucky can play corner, then I'll bet the risk pays off for the Patriots. If Pete were picking a different position, I could understand where people think it's a questionable pick, but not defensive back." Gary Wichard noted the risk Syracuse coaches took in converting Jones to safety after he was recruited out of New Britain (Conn.) High School as a running back. "The bottom line is, Tebucky is a great athlete, and once he gets the reps he needs, he'll be comfortable out there," Wichard said. Jones will work with strength and conditioning coach Johnny Parker the rest of the week, as will the other rookies and free agents. RB Robert Edwards contract... • The Patriots are trying to get the contract of running back Robert Edwards, their top pick, under contract. Edwards's agent is seeking a 7.8 percent increase over last year's 18th overall pick, Kenny Holmes, a defensive end whose four-year deal with Houston averaged $1.2 million. The Patriots have offered Edwards, this year's No. 18, a six-year deal at a 6 percent increase over Holmes's salary. Agent Allan Wade wants a four-year deal in case Edwards develops into a superstar. The sides are also considering the idea of guaranteed money rather than a hefty signing bonus. "The first thing we have to agree on is what the cap number will be, and then we can take it from there," Wade said. Other Rookie News... • Only second-rounder TE Rod Rutledge and seventh-rounder C Jason Andersen have been signed. Rutledge received a four-year deal worth $1.98 million with a $720,000 signing bonus. Rutledge's yearly salary escalates from $225,000 this season to $395,000 in Year 4. Update On The Veteran RBs... • The Patriots have told all the free agent veteran running backs they brought in for visits that they won't decide whether to make offers to any of them until the start of training camp. |
