Fryday Pats Linkage

Happy Friday to all, there's no draft to look forward to this weekend but at least there's some Rookie Mini-Camp action to satiate our hunger for all things Patriots. We'll be checking in throughout the day today as reports and pictures arrive from Gillette. For those unfamiliar with Rookie Mini-Camp it's basically a chance to get the new guys in and get them up to speed with how the Pats operate. That way when they get into the real Mini-Camp at the start of June with the Vets they aren't totally lost. Some Friday linkage to get things started...

The Rookies got their numbers. I like Mayo in 51. Crazy-Legs Crabble is 98 which I also like. Wheatley (22) and Wilhite (24) have taken the numbers of past Pats cornerback legends and hopefully they will live up to the likes of Ty Law and Asante Samuel.

PFW is hearing rumours that Mayo's got a good chance to be one of the start ILBs by opening day. I tend to disagree with PFW (they've been wrong before). While I think that Mayo has a shot to start I think it's more likely that Bruschi and Hobson (and Seau if he reups) are getting the majority of the reps early in the season. Mayo's speed will be useful in passing situations so look for him to get some work there. I for one would be thrilled if Mayo was part of the base 3-4 defense but I think that will be directly linked to whether or not Junior Seau returns for another season. I'd rather not rush him, but as Patrick Willis of the 49ers proved last year it's not impossible for a rookie to come in and dominate at Inside Linebacker.

Christopher Gasper reports Ellis Hobbs had a second off-season surgery to repair a sports hernia. Hobbs catches a lot of flack from Pats fans, and being the closest Pat to Plaxico Burress as he scored the Super Bowl winning touchdown doesn't help matters but I am a fan of his. Based on what we saw in the draft Hobbs is clearly what the Pats look for in their corners. He might not be the biggest guy but he's super quick and can change direction instantly. No one can argue that he's a warrior. He played 2006 with a broken wrist and now we see he played 2007 with a torn labrum and a sports hernia. Hopefully with a healthy 2008 Hobbs can pick up a few more interceptions and win over those who doubt him.

We'll be back shortly as the practice reports and, more importantly, pictures come in...