A team strength just got a tiny bit weaker. The Patriots traded DL Le Kevin Smith to Denver for a 5th round pick. That selection was then sent to Oakland to complete the Derrick Burgess trade. The agreement was New England gave the Raiders 3rd and 4th round selections unless the Pats could get Oakland a 5th round pick. If the Pats came through with the fifth rounder, then that would replace the fourth round pick.
Well New England got the fifth rounder, and it only took a lightly used D-lineman to get it. I'd like to think it's the equivalent of trading Smith for Burgess. With that viewpoint, the Patriots definitely got the better of the deal.
Also, CB Mike Richardson was released. That leaves just one player from the 2007 rookie class (safety Brandon Merriweather) that remains with the team. Hopefully Richardson washed the jersey before turning it in because as quickly as he hung it up, it was on the back of RB Chris Taylor.
Taylor is an oft-injured third year player released by Houston. The former Texan spent two years with the team after signing as a rookie free agent out of Indiana.
His college career was nothing special, as his four-year total is a great year for an elite back.
Don't get attached to Taylor, as I don't expect him to get out of camp as a Patriot. He's fresh legs to keep the other running backs from getting worn out too quickly. The five camp opened with will be the same five New England enters the season with.
