Projecting New England’s Opening-Day Wide Receiver Depth Chart

May 23rd, 2013

Could undrafted free agent Mark Harrison make the final roster in 2013? (Photo: US Presswire)

NEPD Editor: Matthew Jones

In an effort to completely revamp their wide receiver personnel, the New England Patriots signed four significant veteran wide receivers this offseason: Danny Amendola, Lavelle Hawkins, Michael Jenkins, and Donald Jones. To complement those additions, New England drafted wide receiver Aaron Dobson (Marshall) in the second round of the draft, and Josh Boyce (Texas Christian) in the fourth round. Following the draft, the Patriots added three undrafted free agents at the position: T.J. Moe (Missouri), Kenbrell Thompkins (Clemson), and, most recently, Mark Harrison (Rutgers.) The nine aforementioned players will join returning Patriots Julian Edelman, Matthew Slater, and Kamar Aiken in what should be a fierce roster battle. This article will detail the most likely candidates for roster spots.

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Patriots Off-Season: Monitoring the Progress of Brandon Spikes

May 22nd, 2013
Brandon Spikes Patriots

Through ups and downs, Brandon Spikes has still been great value as a late second-round pick. (Photo: US Presswire)

NEPD Staff Writer: Oliver Thomas

In 2010, the New England Patriots invested a second-round draft pick in Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes. Three years have since passed, and the polarizing tackler is now entering the final chapter of his rookie contract.

Needless to say, 2013 is a big year for No. 55.

Spikes has trudged through his share of peaks and valleys during his time in Foxboro. And his unpredictability makes it all the more critical that he finishes his fourth season on a good note.

With that in mind, let’s track his development.

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Patriots sign coveted UDFA Mark Harrison

May 21st, 2013
Mark Harrison NFL Draft

Mark Harrison is the newest member of the Patriots from Greg Schiano’s 2009 recruiting class at Rutgers.

NEPD Editor: Mike Loyko

You can never have too many Rutgers players seems to be the theme of this off-season in Foxboro. Just when it looked like the Patriots were done adding former Scarlet Knights to the roster Bill Belichick strikes again, this time adding WR Mark Harrison to the roster. Harrison was a projected mid-round draft pick, but landed with the Patriots due to circumstances outside his control.

Let’s learn more about Mark Harrison the player.

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The Five Most Intriguing Veteran Players in 2013

May 19th, 2013

2011 second-round pick Shane Vereen is projected to see more snaps in 2013. (Photo: US Presswire)

NEPD Editor: Matthew Jones

As the New England Patriots begin preparing for their 2013 campaign, it’s time to take a look at five of the most intriguing veteran players on New England’s roster; whether or not these players develop should have a significant impact on New England’s plans for the future, as all five remain unknown quantities entering the season.

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Report: Rob Gronkowski May Need Back Surgery

May 17th, 2013
Belichick Brady Gronkowski

Gronk hurt. Gronk sad.

NEPD Staff Writer: Tony Santorsa

The 2013 season for Rob Gronkowski continues to get worrisome by the week.

With reports indicating that Gronk will be requiring a fourth surgery on his forearm in the upcoming week, Mike Garafolo of USA Today is reporting that New England’s All Pro tight end might be dealing with a back problem.

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Major 2012 Contributors on the Roster Bubble in 2013

May 16th, 2013

Zoltan Mesko’s roster spot is far from guaranteed in 2013. (Photo: US Presswire)

NEPD Editor: Matthew Jones

New England received strong contributors across the board in 2012, but nonetheless the organization appears interested in the possibility of replacing some players with high 2012 snap counts; read on to find out who may be looking for work elsewhere in 2013.

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Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley: The Symbiotic Patriots Backfield

May 15th, 2013

Why did Shane Vereen get passed on the depth chart by Brandon Bolden? (Photo: US Presswire)

NEPD Staff Writer: Oliver Thomas

Alabama head football coach Nick Saban once said, “Everything that Bill Belichick does has some purpose.”

That was precisely the case when the New England Patriots selected California running back Shane Vereen at pick 56, then Louisiana State running back Stevan Ridley at pick 73 of the 2011 NFL draft.

Two years later, we now know that double-dipping at halfback was not a redundant move for New England. Both men have served a purpose. Yet thus far, one has gotten more opportunities than the other. That man has been Ridley.

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