Photo Courtesy Athlon Sports

The situation with Bryant is a very interesting one.  He is an immense talent, but there are some serious character questions surrounding him.  He is big, physical, has great hands, can make the tough catch.  But again, there are some character questions surrounding him that make you question if he is a top 10 pick.  Add his poor 40 yard dash time at his pro day on top of that, and you have a situation where a top 10 talent could wind up falling to the later portions of the first round.

The Patriots, in this case, are preparing for that exact scenario: what if Dez Bryant is there at 22?  By bringing him in to the facilities, Bryant will get a chance to meet with the coaching staff, possibly some teammates; allowing the Patriots to further access his character.  If the Patriots feel that Bryant is actually a good locker room guy, and has a high football IQ, then I believe they will greatly consider him if he falls to 22.  Randy Moss is in the last year of his contract, and the Patriots will need an outside threat to replace him if he does in fact leave after 2010.

Other players who have visited or are expected to visit with the Patriots include quarterback Tim Tebow of Florida, versatile defensive lineman Arthur Jones of Syracuse, running backs Montario Hardesty of Tennessee and Ryan Mathews of Fresno State, outside linebacker Jerry Hughes of TCU, defensive backs Kurt Coleman of Ohio State and Dominique Franks of Oklahoma, nose tackle Dan Williams of Tennessee, defensive end Tyson Alualu of California.  There have also been “reported” visits with conflicting reports regarding defensive linemen Cam Thomas of North Carolina, and Brian Price of UCLA.

There’s a lot that stands out from those names.  First, it is clear that the Patriots definitely intend to address the defensive line during the first two rounds of the draft, as the team has also looked at defensive lineman such as Jared Odrick, Torrell Troup, Al Woods, etc.  Second, the only pass rusher the Patriots have brought in for a pre-draft visit that we know about is Jerry Hughes.  Hughes is shorter than your prototype 3-4 outside linebacker, but he is explosive, and arguably one of the best pass rushers in this year’s draft.  Last, the Patriots could be looking to bring fresh legs to the running back position, as they are looking at two of the top runners in Ryan Mathews and Montario Hardesty.  We have already discussed Mathews on this blog, but Hardesty is an interesting guy as he shows good agility and power, although he lacks breakaway speed (and injuries could be a problem).  The Patriots could snag him in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Overall, this should be a big week for pre-draft visits, and we’ll be sure to report all of them as they happen.  It’s officially less than two weeks to the NFL Draft, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Hold off on the celebration for now, but it looks like Bodden is returning

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com reports:

Free-agent cornerback Leigh Bodden has reached an agreement in principle to return to the New England Patriots, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports.

Bodden, who spent today in Houston visiting the Texans, had also been keeping an open dialogue with the Patriots. While an agreement in principle has been reached with New England, Bodden’s agent, Alvin Keels, cautioned that no contract has been signed at this point.

“Reports of Leigh Bodden re-signing with the Patriots are not true and premature at best,” Keels wrote on his Twitter account. “Leigh is still evaluating his options. Leigh has always indicated his desire to return to New England, but nothing is official and probably will not be until [tomorrow] at the earliest.”

Essentially, what Keels is saying is that the two sides have a deal in place, but Bodden has yet to sign the actual contract, meaning nothing is official as of yet.  If this is true, and barring any hiccups in the contract being signed, bringing back Bodden will be huge for the Patriots.

Bodden, in my opinion, is a #1 cornerback in this league.  To prove this to you, I bring in data from ProFootballFocus.com.  According to their rankings, Bodden was the 14th best cornerback in the league last year.  He was 13th best against the pass and 13th against the run.  Only 50% of passes thrown his way were completions, good for tenth in the league.  Lastly, his average QB rating of all passes thrown his way was just 59.3, good for 13th in the league.  What does all of this tell us?  It tells us that Bodden is a top 15, starting, #1 cornerback in this league.  With his blend of physical play at the line, his excellent man coverage, and ability to step up against the run, the Patriots will be lucky to have Bodden back in the fold.

With a potential return of Bodden, the Patriots would have him, Shawn Springs, Jonathan Wilhite, Darius Butler, Terrence Wheatley, and Kyle Arrington on the roster at the position.  Bodden would be starting on one side, while Springs, Wilhite, and Butler would battle it out for the other starting position (although Butler and Wilhite will have to man the slot position as well).

If the agreement holds, this move will really solidify the Patriots’ secondary.

While the Patriots have shown interest in retaining Bodden, losing him would create a need at cornerback for the Patriots, as the Patriots can’t rely on Shawn Springs to go a full 16 games at this point in his career.  Currently, the top three cornerbacks on the roster are Springs, third year cornerback Jonathan Wilhite, and last year’s rookie Darius Butler.

Free agent wide receiver Josh Reed has scheduled a visit to New England.

A league source tells PFT’s Mike Florio that Reed will visit the Patriots on Sunday.

Reed is coming off a season in which he was largely phased out of the Bills’ offense, catching just 27 passes for 291 yards.

In 2008 Reed had a career-high 597 receiving yards on 56 catches.

If the Patriots signed Reed, he would immediately be penciled in as the #3 receiver until Wes Welker gets back from injury. He’s also a strong veteran presence and a good locker room guy, traits the Patriots need.  More on this later as details emerge.

Caption This! | Courtesy Boston Globe

Christopher Price of WEEI.com reports:

WEEI.com has confirmed a report via a league source that the Patriots have expressed an interest in bringing back Le Kevin Smith. Smith, a defensive lineman who was taken by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2006 draft, played three years in New England before being dealt to Denver before the start of the 2009 season for a fifth-round pick in the 2010 draft. Primarily a backup over the course of his four-year career, the 27-year-old free agent has started a pair of games in the NFL. His best season came in 2008 when he played in 15 games and finished with 14 tackles.

Le Kevin was actually a favorite of mine when he was here.  Not a top end guy, but a good rotation player who is best suited playing 5-technique, but can also move over the center.  If the Patriots brought him back, he would compete in camp, and would provide some nice depth along the defensive line.

The Patriots have an offer on the table for Panthers DE Julius Peppers, a source told the Boston Herald.

How much is not clear. And the Patriots will need to get behind the Bears, who made first push. But coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots are in the mix.

All the signs pointed towards Peppers landing with the Bears, and now, I really just don’t know.  If Julius Peppers truly wants to win a championship, and potentially become an all-time great, the choice should be a no-brainer for him.  I don’t know if the Patriots are matching the Bears’ offer, but these next few hours will certainly be interesting.

Update: This is also being reported by Jason La Canfora of NFL.com

With Banta-Cain, all indications are that a deal is in place (or at least very close), although Banta-Cain, who had a career high 10 sacks last season, may be enticed by a big money offer from a team like the Dolphins.

The Patriots have also been working the lines with Leigh Bodden.  It seems like he’s getting a lot of interest around the league.  Ultimately, I think the Patriots want Bodden back in New England, and Bodden wants to return so I think something should get done.  However, if a team gives him a big time offer, in the 5 years $40 million range, the Patriots may choose not to match.

As for Kevin Faulk, it seems like a virtual certainty that something should get done soon, as both sides continue to work towards a deal.  At the tail end of his career, Kevin Faulk has been very effective, and may be looking for a bit of financial security.

A few other free agent notes from around the league:

• The Jets completed a trade for Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie.  To be honest, I’m not sure Cromartie is any better than Lito Sheppard.  At least Lito Sheppard can tackle.  Look, this is probably a good deal for the Jets, but the guy isn’t a physical player, and he was greatly overrated during his “great” year in 2007.
• Julius Peppers is flying into Chicago to visit with the Bears today.  Looks like he will probably sign there.  However, there is said to be interest from two other clubs as well.  Could be the Patriots, but I have a feeling they will try to wait until the dust settles on this one.
• The Patriots are looking for a receiver, and have a couple on their radar: Derrick Mason and Kevin Walter.
• Kassim Osgood, a potential Pats FA target, looks to be headed to Jacksonville.
• Bears also signed Brandon Manumaleuna, one of the top free agent tight ends.  Also in negotiations with Antrel Rolle.  They’re not messing around.  Big start for them.

That’s it for right now.  I’m sure there will be some Patriots related news by the end of the day, so keep checking back here.

For the tenders, Logan Mankins received the highest possible tender, as it will take a first and a third round pick to pry him from the Patriots.  Kicker Stephen Gostkowski received a second round tender.  While Gostkowski likely won’t be signed to an offer sheet, I wouldn’t count out the possibility.  Outside linebacker Pierre Woods received the lowest possible tender, meaning the Patriots have the right to match any tender he signs, but since he was an undrafted free agent, they would get no compensation if he signed an offer sheet with another team and the Patriots chose not to match.

However, the surprising move out of the Patriots camp today was the release of veteran tight end Chris Baker.  Baker was a “prized” free agent addition on the first day of free agency last year, and I’m surprised to see him cut after only one year.  Baker played a lot for the Patriots, and while he wasn’t used as a receiver very often (only 14 grabs), he did manage to do a decent job as a blocker.

Baker’s release is coupled with the impending free agency of tight end Benjamin Watson.  Watson, 29, is coming off another year where he showed flashes, but never put it together consistently.  Maybe the Patriots are going to sign an extension with Watson, but it seems like Watson is intent on testing the open market.  Possibly, although I think unlikely, the Patriots are getting prepared to ship one of their second round picks to Chicago for tight end Greg Olsen.

No matter the case, the Patriots are clearly going to have a large turnover at the tight end position this offseason.

A.J. Feeley, QB, Carolina Panthers – It looked at one time last year that New England would land Feeley via trade from Philadelphia.  Once he was a free agent, the Patriots never pulled the trigger.  But if the Patriots are looking for a solid veteran presence, Feeley could still be an option. Other QB Options: Charlie Batch, Chris Redman, Chad Pennington

LaMont Jordan, HB, Denver Broncos – LaMont Jordan was a great power back for the Patriots in 2008.  Maybe its possible the Patriots revisit that route.  Other HB Options: Willie Parker, Thomas Jones, Chester Taylor

Kassim Osgood, WR/ST, San Diego Chargers – Special teams phenom will not return to San Diego.  At 6-5, hasn’t really excelled at receiver, and wants a chance to.  Has reported interest in New England.  Other WR Options: Marty Booker, Josh Reed, Derrick Mason, Kevin Walter, Kelley Washington

Stephen Spach, TE, Arizona Cardinals – Spach spent time with the Patriots a couple of years ago.  He is a good blocking tight end who could provide some depth for the Patriots if Ben Watson bolts as expected.  Other TE Options: Randy McMichael

Russ Hochstein, G/FB, Denver Broncos – If Stephen Neal leaves the Patriots, the Pats will be looking for some interior line depth (as Kazcur will likely switch over to RG).  Bringing back Hochstein would allow him to backup at guard and center, while also playing a fullback/h-back role for the Patriots.

Tyler Brayton, DE, Carolina Panthers – At 6-6, 280 pounds, Brayton could probably play 5-technique for the Patriots in the 3-4, but would also have the versatility to play end in the 4-3.  Other DL Options: Phillip Daniels, Marques Douglas, Vonnie Holliday, Marcus Spears

Jason Taylor, OLB, Miami Dolphins – If the Patriots don’t go after Julius Peppers, bringing in Jason Taylor as a veteran presence at outside linebacker could certainly be an option for the Patriots.  Other LB Options: Julius Peppers, Mark Andersen, Gary Brackett, Keith Bulluck, Chike Okeafor, Pago Togafau

Nick Harper, CB, Tennessee Titans – Harper might be up there in age, but he had a solid year in 2009 for the Titans.  Could be brought in as a veteran presence in camp.  Other DB Options: Deshea Townsend, Ty Law, Lito Sheppard

The Julius Peppers Rumors Have Been Ongoing for over a Year

The event Patriots fans have waited nearly two months since the end of the season for will finally come to fruition, as NFL free agency will commence at midnight tonight.  That being said, one name that keeps being connected to New England is that of defensive end/outside linebacker Julius Peppers.

Julius Pepper is an athletic freak who can wreak havoc rushing the passer, take on double teams against the run, and is fluid enough with his basketball background to drop back in coverage.  But you already know this.  The big question is, will Julius Peppers land with the New England Patriots shortly after the clock strikes midnight tonight?

While I obviously can’t answer this yet, I can give you some food for thought.  There are only two players that I can remember being linked to the Patriots as much as Julius Peppers has.  The first was Randy Moss.  Back in 2006, around the trade deadline, there were plenty of rumors of how Randy Moss might wind up in New England.  While it ultimately didn’t happen that time around, during the draft in 2007, Moss was shipped for a fourth round pick.  The second player was Derrick Burgess.  The Patriots were a team whose name you heard back before the draft last year.  While the Patriots didn’t pull the trigger on a trade back then, they did at the start of August.  Does this mean that the Patriots will make a blockbuster offer to Peppers once the clock strikes midnight?  Not necessarily, but it certainly seems like the Patriots will be a contender for his services.

Lets also take a look at the top four “contenders” for Peppers’ services.  The four teams most commonly mentioned are the Redskins, Eagles, Bears, and the Patriots.  From early indications, it seems that the Redskins and the Bears may be willing to break the bank for Peppers.  However, Julius Peppers is 30 years old, and at this point in his career, he may be looking to win a championship.  While there are things I like about both of those teams, neither is ready to compete for a Super Bowl title just yet (although I don’t think the Redskins are as far away as most people think).  So if Peppers is looking to win now, that leaves the Patriots and the Eagles as his top two options, assuming he is willing to take a pay cut.  There are three things that I think could sway his mind towards New England.  First, the Patriots are running the 3-4.  Julius Peppers, in the past, has made it public that he would like to play for a 3-4 team.  Second, the Patriots are in the AFC, and I think that Peppers wants that type of fresh start.  Finally, the Patriots have been there before.  They’ve won it all.

If Peppers is willing to take a slightly lower contract, around $12-$13 million a year (a deal at four years and $50-$55 million), I think he could be the key piece to another New England Patriots Super Bowl title.  If the Patriots had swung a deal for Peppers last season, I wouldn’t have been shocked to see the Patriots win it all.  If Peppers is signed, the Patriots immediately become a top 5 team in the NFL again.  If Peppers can put it all together, give 100%, he is the missing ingredient the Patriots need.

Logistically, I don’t know if the Patriots can offer that blockbuster contract t0 Peppers.  They are still finalizing a long term deal with Vince Wilfork.  They have extensions to work on with Tom Brady and Logan Mankins.  But when there’s smoke, there’s fire.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see Peppers in a Patriots uniform in 24 hours.  However, I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see him in another.  There’s just over 12 hours until the new league year begins.  Get ready.