Don’t have time to sift through Patriots master beat reporter Mike Reiss’ chat? We got you covered with the most interesting tid bits:
– I think Crable is on the bubble. Right now, he’s ahead of the rookies simply based on experience. I thought he got some quality reps at today’s practice in the base 3-4. So I wouldn’t count him out yet, but I sense the coaching staff is poking and prodding to try to bring out the best in him.
But keep an eye on second-year LB Thomas Williams. I think he’s had a solid showing this offseason and is giving himself a chance to be a surprise candidate.
– I’ve noticed Derrick Burgess playing more of that traditional OLB role than we saw last year, when he was mostly a sub rusher playing forward and not backwards.
– (On who’s getting the most playing time beside Meriweather) Probably an even split with McGowan and Chung. With McGowan not practicing, it’s opened the door for Chung a bit.
– [Wilhite’s] probably their top slot corner right now. I think they are still high on him.
– Spikes has a long way to go. That was one of the notes I scribbled down today after watching how his reps came after Jerod Mayo, Gary Guyton, Tyrone McKenzie and Thomas Williams. He could make up the ground in training camp, but right now, he looks deep on the depth chart, which is to be expected for a rookie at that position.
– (Top 3 Storylines for Training Camp) 1. Wes Welker’s status; 2. How do they piece it together at OLB?; 3. What is the story with Logan Mankins and Tom Brady when it comes to contracts and how is that affecting things?
– I can’t get over how big Gronkowski’s hands are. They are like catcher’s mitts. Hernandez has missed this week (undisclosed physical ailment), while Price remains out because Ohio hasn’t graduated yet. I watch Tate and the first word that comes to mind is “raw” but there is potential there. Going to be fun to watch him in training camp.