MVN - Most Valuable Network

Patriots rookie Jonathan Whilhite signs

Recent news coming out for the New England Patriots has been an update on rookie signings.

The Patriots have signed fourth-round pick cornerback Jonathan Whilhite. The former Auburn star is set to join a secondary that no longer has Asante Samuel, Randall Gay or Eugene Wilson, but does offer a new coach for the defensive backs in Dom Capers and experience with veteran Fernando Bryant joining Ellis Hobbs.

The Patriots have not yet signed second-round CB Terrence Wheatley, who also joins the depleted secondary and is expected to learn quickly and hopefully start at some point in 2008.

The other rookie signings to day have been 5th-round pick special teamer Matt Slater and 6th-rounder linebacker Bo Ruud.

Slater has practiced on special teams, defense and offense and may seem like a plug n play play to be utilized in multiple situations. He is a combination player  similar to Bam Childress and recently released Willie Andrews. Slater may still be a developmental player and most likely will make the practice squad and may make a couple of game day rosters in 2008.

At inside linebacker, Ruud has the opportunity to learn from some of the best with Tedy Bruschi, Adalius Thomas and Mike Vrabel all having palyed the position under head coach Bill Belichick and defensive coach Dean Pees. The offseason acquisition of veteran Victor Hobson and selection of rookie first-round pick Jerod Mayo means these three may all learn together.

Ruud is a definite for the practice squad, but if he performs well in training camp and shows the ability to learn quick and do well on special teams could crack the roster come opening day.

IN BILL WE TRUST!!

This entry was posted on Friday, July 18th, 2008 at 2:29 am and is filed under AFC East, Ty Law, Bam Childress, Dom Capers, Jerod Mayo, Cornerback, Boston Sports, Fernando Bryant, Terrence Wheatley, Victor Hobson, New England Sports, Randall Gay, Ellis Hobbs, New England Patriots, Bill Belichick, Special Teams, Patriots Roster, Patriots Draft, Robert Kraft, Bo Ruud, Dean Pees, Tank Williams, Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, Adalius Thomas. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.