patriots

• As it stands right now, the average age of the 90-man roster is at 25.3 years old. The oldest average age group is at quarterback, where the three signal-callers average 28 years old (that group includes the oldest player on the roster in Tom Brady). In addition, the linebackers and offensive line have an average age of 26. Meanwhile, the specialists, receivers, offensive line, defensive line, tight ends and defensive backs all average 25 years old. The youngest average position is at running back, where the group averages 24 years old.

Couple notable nuggets:

• Tom Brady spent a majority of his first-team reps with Danny Amendola as his slot receiver, as expected, but continued the day with a rotating cast as his other options, including free agent signees Donald Jones and Michael Jenkins, as well as rookies Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce.
• Rookie Aaron Dobson snatched a Brady pass out of the air between two defenders, making his mark on the field. He followed up with another dazzling sliding catch later on.
• The highlight of the practice was second-year linebacker Dont’a Hightower picking off backup quarterback Ryan Mallett. Mallett appeared to be rusty through the day’s drills.

And so it begins…

Happy Monday everyone. We’re starting this week off with a look back at some of the more interesting nuggets to come out of rookie mini camp. The dead of the offseason continues to drag on…

There were rumblings that Amendola was going to don 80, and they appear to be true. I really like it.

And Kyle Arrington has relented, giving 24 to Adrian Wilson, and changing his number for the third time with the Patriots to 25. Hopefully the 25 version of Arrington never leaves the slot and becomes a dominant player there like he’s capable of.

Here’s a crack at a post-draft 53-man roster. The most interesting spot? Defensive end, where we have a bit of a log jam with Justin Francis, Jake Bequette, Michael Buchanan, Brandon Deaderick and Jermaine Cunningham all battling for maybe two spots.