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Patriots Hope Draft Picks Play Up To Expectations. The Patriots first selected RB Robert Edwards, from Georgia, to fill the void left by RB Curtis Martin's departure. With the Patriots second selection, they chose DB Tebucky Jones, from Syracuse. These two players will be in the spotlight as the Patriots training camp opens later this month. Publications have stated that Jones was the riskiest player selected in the draft, but in the mini-camps, Jones has proved them wrong. All eyes are on the saddle of running backs on the Patriots roster. They must fill the shoes of players such as Curtis Martin, Sam Gash, Keith Byars, and Dave Meggett. The Patriots lost priceless NFL experience when those running backs listed above parted their separate ways. It will be up to Robert Edwards, Sedrick Shaw, and Derrik Cullors to carry the ball this season...with the help of others. Let's take a look at the Patriots rookie draft picks:
1. RB - Robert Edwards - Robert is fast, has quick acceleration, and is a great runner and receiver. The question is the durability factor. He has been injured several times and he will work on his strength in camp to prevent that. The Patriots see a lot of potential from Edwards and hope he can prove to be a great running back, along with being the future franchise running back. 2. DB - Tebucky Jones - Tebucky was injured in mini-camp, but showed great improvement. He'll participate fully in training camp to show he'll be the starting CB. He will compete with Steve Israel and Chris Canty, plus possibly a veteran corner back (if the Patriots sign one.) He shows great skills and speed that are great if he'll be the starter. He is also versatile because he can play safety as well as cornerback. He is very inexperienced, though, which could prove to be a problem in key situations. He is a fast learner, which can offset his inexperience. 3. WR - Tony Simmons - It has been said that Tony Simmons has world-class speed and can burn cornerbacks on the fly pattern. Another WR, Denis Montana, is the only player faster than him, according to local newspapers. The Patriots think he'll fit in great backing up Shawn Jefferson or Terry Glenn. The Patriots have a
4. TE - Rod Rutledge - He just recently signed which is a great thing for the Patriots. He has "soft hands", but he tends to drop easy passes. He is a great blocker, which will take some pressure off of All-Pro Ben Coates. Rutledge will battle with Lovett Purnell for the backup TE spot and for playing time in the double-tight end set.
5. FB - Chris Floyd - Floyd is a bit inexperienced, but a tremendous blocker. He'll be a vital part in the offense coming out of the backfield to block and receive. He is also a great catcher, which is good since the Patriots throw to the FB plenty of times throughout the year. 6. DL - Greg Spires - Greg was among great defensive linemen in his college years at Florida State. His teammate, Andre Wadsworth, was taken in the first round (3rd overall) by the Arizona Cardinals. It shows that Greg had great teachers. He has tremendous talent and size. He'll also have great teachers here with veteran Henry Thomas and Mark Wheeler. 7. DL - Leonta Rheams - Rheams is another DL prospect the Patriots hope to make into a future Pro Bowler. He is the latest Patriot rookie to sign so they know he'll be in camp. He may be featured on short-yardage situations, which will help him develop his run-stopping skills. 8. DL - Ron Merkerson - Merkerson went to the University of Colorado, the same college LB Ted Johnson came from. the Patriots are hoping Merkerson IS the next Ted Johnson. Merkerson will be a part of an extremely solid group of linebackers which include Ted Johnson, Todd Collins, Chris Slade, Ted Bruschi, Marty Moore, and
9. RB - Harold Shaw - The Patriots now have 2 Shaw's, Sedrick and Harold (doubt it if they're related.) Harold will provide depth and help with the running game when called upon. He is a terrific runner and could be a great addition. 10. C - Jason Anderson - The Patriots were impressed with Anderson, who was selected in the 7th round. He has great pass blocking, as well as good run blocking. He could be an emergency long-snapper, if not the 1st string long-snapper. The Patriots expect him to fill in for Mike Gisler, who signed with the Jets earlier this offseason. Jason will be backing up Dave Wohlabaugh, who recently signed a contract extension. |
