Patriots Notes 7/24: Mayo Signs Deal, Roster Finalized, PUP

With training camp beginning at 8:45 this morning, the Patriots have agreed to a contract with rookie inside linebacker Jerod Mayo, according to a league source.  Although Mayo will miss the first practice, it is really fortunate that the Patriots could avoid a holdout with the 10th overall pick.  Mayo was the last Patriots draft choice unsigned, as the Patriots locked up cornerback Terrence Wheatley on Tuesday.

Over the past few days, the Patriots also made some final signings to fill out their roster.  Over the last week, they signed Anthony Clement, Chris Dunlap, Lavdrim Bauta, and Titus Adams.  Anthony Clement is probably the most well-known, and has the best chance to make the roster.  The massive 6′8″ right tackle has started every game the last two years for the Jets.  Overall, he seems to be a solid body who is slightly above average in pass protection.  We’ll see if he can earn a roster spot, and possibly a significant role on the team.  The Patriots also signed former Georgia Tech wideout Chris Dunlap.  If you remember, Dunlap was on the team last year during training camp, and made it to the final cuts.  He has good speed, and showed the ability to be a solid return guy and even make some catches during preseason 2007.  He will be competing with C.J. Jones and Robert Ortiz for practice squad spots.  As for the Lavdrim Bauta signing…  I’m not going to pretend I know a lot about the former Duke and Villanova right tackle who went undrafted following the 2007 draft.  Titus Adams is a big run-stuffing defense tackle drafted in the 7th round of the 2006 draft by the Jets.  However, he has questionable durability, and very limited pass rush abilities.  Adams could compete for a spot as a reserve nose tackle, but he is a longer shot to make the final roster.

Because training camp starts today, the Patriots also announced their physically unable to perform list.  During the preseason, players can be activated from this list at any time.  This years list includes: With training camp beginning at 8:45 this morning, the Patriots have agreed to a contract with rookie inside linebacker Jerod Mayo, according to a league source.  Although Mayo will miss the first practice, it is really fortunate that the Patriots could avoid a holdout with the 10th overall pick.  Mayo was the last Patriots draft choice unsigned, as the Patriots locked up cornerback Terrence Wheatley on Tuesday.

Over the past few days, the Patriots also made some final signings to fill out their roster.  Over the last week, they signed Anthony Clement, Chris Dunlap, Lavdrim Bauta, and Titus Adams.  Anthony Clement is probably the most well-known, and has the best chance to make the roster.  The massive 6′8″ right tackle has started every game the last two years for the Jets.  Overall, he seems to be a solid body who is slightly above average in pass protection.  We’ll see if he can earn a roster spot, and possibly a significant role on the team.  The Patriots also signed former Georgia Tech wideout Chris Dunlap.  If you remember, Dunlap was on the team last year during training camp, and made it to the final cuts.  He has good speed, and showed the ability to be a solid return guy and even make some catches during preseason 2007.  He will be competing with C.J. Jones and Robert Ortiz for practice squad spots.  As for the Lavdrim Bauta signing…  I’m not going to pretend I know a lot about the former Duke and Villanova right tackle who went undrafted following the 2007 draft.  Titus Adams is a big run-stuffing defense tackle drafted in the 7th round of the 2006 draft by the Jets.  However, he has questionable durability, and very limited pass rush abilities.  Adams could compete for a spot as a reserve nose tackle, but he is a longer shot to make the final roster.

Because training camp starts today, the Patriots also announced their physically unable to perform list.  During the preseason, players can be activated from this list at any time.  This years list includes:  Jarvis Green, Mike Vrabel, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Ellis Hobbs, Stephen Neal, Nick Kaczur, Oliver Ross, Bo Ruud, Mike Wright, Ryan Wendell, and Wes Welker.  While I’m sure some player will come off within the next few days, this list has to be a little concerning.  Are Hobbs, Neal, and Wright on the list because they are all still recovering from surgery?  Is Oliver Ross ever going to be healthy?  Is Kaczur on the list because of his legal troubles (which were reportedly solved as he pleaded guilty to a traffic violation as he helped the government with the prescription pill investigation)?  Why are Mike Vrabel and Wes Welker, two vital pieces to any championship aspirations, on this list?

Finally, with training camp set to begin today, check back here for practice notes everyday, as I’ll keep you updated with all training camp happenings.