After pouring over all the reports from mini-camp and OTAs we’ve compiled a list of the things we know now that we didn’t know just a couple months ago. All of this sets us up as we head into the void with a little more Patriots knowledge to chew on for the next six weeks.
- Brandon Lloyd is as advertised and should have be an excellent addition to the offense.
- Ochocinco was never going to get it.
- Tom Brady is just as hungry now, if not moreso than he was earlier in his career.
- No one knows for sure what to expect out of Ras-I Dowling.
- Alfonzo Dennard is “stumpy” but surprisingly effective and often making plays on the ball.
- Sterling Moore continues to show he’s a versatile asset.
- There’s a good chance Logan Mankins will be ready to go at the start of the season.
- Sebastian Vollmer is still not healthy.
- Has anyone seen Ron Brace?
- Myron Pryor is still not healthy either.
- Jonathan Fanene could play a big role in the heart of the defense next to Vince Wilfork.
- It looks like the Pats might go even lighter in their nickel package this year with someone like Ninkovich replacing someone like Shaun Ellis.
- Jermain Cunningham had a good off-season, but he got hurt again.
- Bobby Carpenter is surprisingly playing a large part in the defense early on.
- Stevan Ridley knows he has to work on the fumbles.
- Shane Vereen is getting a lot of passing situation reps and looks fast.
- Tavon Wilson can play some nickel linebacker.
- Aaron Hernandez is likely the only healthy tight end who will still be on the roster come opening day.
- Markell Carter wasn’t as good as we hoped he might be.
- Marcus Cannon might be more valuable that anyone realizes.
