Julian Edelman could be a breakout star based on the makeup of the roster.
NEPD Editor: Mike Loyko
The Patriots were able to cut their roster down to the league mandated 53 tonight. As expected there were some surprises and some decisions that left people a little curious. How does the roster breakdown position by position? Who are the first players to go if the Patriots claim someone on waivers? Check it out here.
Visanthe Shiancoe is the only free agent signing at tight end that is currently practicing in New England. (Photo: US Presswire)
NEPD Staff Writer: Matthew Jones
The New England Patriots spent two picks on tight ends in the 2010 NFL Draft: a second-round selection on Rob Gronkowski and a fourth-round choice on Aaron Hernandez.
The two combined for 87 catches, 1,109 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns as rookies and both players substantially improved their production in 2011, ending up making 169 catches for 2,237 yards and 24 touchdowns.
New England’s offensive scheme last season was heavily focused on getting both Gronkowski and Hernandez the ball as much as possible, yet nonetheless New England enters the 2012 season having added a number of tight ends to the roster, most notably Daniel Fells, Jake Ballard and Visanthe Shiancoe.
Visanthe Shiancoe chose the Patriots over the Eagles.
NEPD Staff Writer: Matthew Jones
Visanthe Shiancoe opted to sign with the New England Patriots today after considering alternative offers from the Seattle Seahawks as well as the Philadelphia Eagles; the deal is reportedly worth $1.2 million over one year, with $400,000 in guaranteed money.
Shiancoe, who turned 32 in June, is entering his tenth season in the NFL after spending his first four years in New York and the previous five in Minnesota.
Visanthe Shiancoe is now a New England Patriot. (Photo: US Presswire)
NEPD Editor: James Christensen
Come back every Monday, Wednesday and Friday as I choose my five favorite New England Patriots and NFL Draft links to share. Feel free to submit your own links in the comments.
2014 Patriots 7-Round Mock: Version 5.0 (and a Few Notes)
A Potential Move: Patriots Second-Year Wideout Mark Harrison
Mike Loyko’s 2014 NFL Draft Guide: Now Available
2014 NFL Draft Close-Up: Penn State Defensive Tackle DaQuan Jones
Edge of Development: Patriots Defensive End Michael Buchanan
2014 Edge Rushers: A Look at Michael Sam’s Game
2014 NFL Draft Close-Up: Oregon State Defensive End Scott Crichton
Making Sense of Patrick Chung’s Surprise Return to the Patriots
