2006 Draft - Day Two (finally)

As you know, I try to do my best not to let my emotions get the best of me and when I write this blog, I try to be as objective as possible. However, the more I read about the players the Pats have collected from this years' draft, I can't help but get excited about them.

Round 4 Garrett Mills, TE from Tulsa
Why in the world would the Pats take yet another TE after selecting a TE in round 3 when they really don't need a TE? Here's all you need to know to understand why: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sportsNews/view.bg?articleid=129061

Round 4 Stephen Gostkowski K, Memphis
The numbers on Gostkowski are impressive. 22-25 field goals including all 10 attempted from over 40 yds. 35 for 35 on extra points in his career and his kickoffs consistantly go for touchbacks. Reading about him kicking this weekend at Pats Rookie Camp, he is still consistantly kicking for touchbacks, and on a number of occassions his kickoffs are bouncing off the ceiling of the indoor practice facility. The only question will be how he does under pressure.

Round 5 Ryan O'Callaghan T, California
A beast of a man at 6'7 344, he slipped this far due to injury concerns. He might turn out to be the next Patriots 5th round steal at O-Line (Dan Koppen). Here's what you need to know: Career Notes: Started 35 games...Despite four surgical procedures on his shoulders, two concussions and two hand fractures, Ryan has missed only one game due to injuries during his career.

Round 6 Jeremy Mincey DE, Florida
The Florida connection with Urban Meyer continues with Mincey, who projects to an outside line backer in the Patriots' scheme. 2005 SEASON: All-Southeastern Conference second-team choice by the league's coaches and Associated Press...Served as team captain and was a member of the Florida Leadership Committee in 2005...Started all year at weak-side defensive end...Ranked fourth on the team with 62 tackles.

Round 6 Dan Stevenson G, Notre Dame
Charlie Weis calls this guy the next Joe Andruzzi. That's not a bad thing to say about a 6th round pick.

Round 6 LeKevin Smith NT, Nebraska
If you run into him, don't call him LeKevin, it's La-Kee-vin. Maybe Mr Smith would be more appropriate. CAREER NOTES: Recorded 36 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, the seventh-best career total in school history. Selected all Big 12 Academic Honor roll.

Round 7 Willie Andrews S, Baylor
Was a kick/punt returner in college. Has an outside shot to make the team, and only if he produces big time in the kicking game.

The scoop on the 15 undrafted rookies that are in camp this weekend:
- Corey Mays, a 6-foot-1, 234-pound linebacker, and Matt Shelton, a 6-foot, 172-pound wide receiver - played under former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss at Notre Dame.
Also signed were:
Remi Ayodele, 6-2, 300-pound nose tackle, Oklahoma;
Brian Barthelmes, 6-6, 288-pound center, Virginia;
Corey Bramlet, 6-4, 219-pound quarterback, Wyoming;
Vernell Brown, 5-8, 165-pound cornerback, Florida;
Erik Davis, 6-2, 192-pound wide receiver, Vanderbilt;
Kader Drame, 6-5, 290-pound defensive end, Syracuse;
Randy Hand, 6-6, 305-pound tackle, Florida;
Jarvia Herring, 5-11, 205-pound safety, Florida;
Keon Jackson, 5-11, 206-pound safety, Toledo;
Freddie Roach, 6-2, 248-pound linebacker, Alabama;
Sam Smith, 6-0, 200-pound safety, Delaware State;
Gemara Williams, 5-8, 180-pound cornerback, Buffalo;
Pierre Woods, 6-5, 249-pound linebacker, Michigan

I watch a LOT of Michigan games and I'm NOT excited abou Pierre Woods.
I DO like Freddie Roach a whole lot. He was extremely productive in college with one of the best Defenses in the country. Here's the article:
http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=139228