new england patriots

The numbers are out, and while we wait for the first shots of the new guys in their helmets and gear, it’s never to early to judge the choices.

• Josh Boyce – No. 82: his college number, as expected, and it’s a good fit. 
• Aaron Dobson – No. 17: this really bothers me, the number of two of the highest-taken wide receivers to flop with the Pats – Chad Jackson and Taylor Price. I hope Dobson can break the trend, but I certainly would’ve preferred 88.
• TJ Moe – No. 84: He’s Welker-like but the Pats didn’t give out 83, so this will have to suit for now.
• Armond Armstead – No. 97: The perfect number for a Jarvis Green-type player.
• Michael Buchanan – No. 99: Perfect choice for a potential pass-rushing defensive end.
• Logan Ryan – No. 26: Actually like this for a utility secondary guy.
• Steve Beauharnais – No. 45: 45 always seems to be the temp linebacker number. Doubt it sticks.
• Jamie Collins – No. 91: I just love this number for Collins. There needed to be a linebacker in the 90s, and 91 is the perfect fit.

Good read from Reiss on the guys most affected by the draft picks…

Defensive end Jermaine Cunningham. The 2010 second-round pick out of Florida let the team down last year with a four-game suspension, which stunted some of the momentum he had generated at the time. Upon his return, he had been passed on the depth chart by rookie free agent Justin Francis. Now with Collins and Buchanan added in the draft, and projecting to an “edge” role, Cunningham has even more competition to contend with for playing time and/or a roster spot.

Great job by NEPD keeping track of all the rookie free agent signings. Here’s who they have going to the Pats so far:

• Stephon Morris, CB, Penn State 
• Quentin Hines, RB, Akron 
• Zach Sudfeld, TE, Nevada 
• Matt Stankiewitch, OL, Penn State 
• T.J. Moe, WR, Missouri 
• Josh Kline, OL, Kent State 
• Brandon Jones, CB, Rutgers 
• Ben Bartholomew, FB, Tennessee 
• Kanorris Davis, SS, Troy 
• Elvis Fisher, OT, Missouri 
• Brandon Ford, TE, Clemson 
• Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, Cincinnati 
• Ryan Allen, P, La Tech 
• Cory Grissom, DT, South Florida 
• Chris McDonald, OL, Michigan State 
• Dwayne Cherrington, DT, Mississippi State 
• Mike Zupancic, LS, Eastern Michigan 
• Ryan Osiecki, QB, New Haven (Tryout)

Must watch!

Here’s our updated mock with all the shiny new picks the Vikings sent over accounted for. Should be a fun couple of days my fellow Pats brethren!