Patriots sign rookies Kareem Brown and Mike Elgin

The Patriots continue to make progress in signing their rookies before training camp begins as the team has signed fourth-rounder defensive lineman Kareem Brown and seventh-round center Mike Elgin.
Kareem Brown is considered to make the team via the practice squad and due to the depth of the Patriots young defensive line will have to fight for an opportunity to break into the line rotation.
Elgin was impressive during mini-camp but again due to depth and youth at the offensive line, he may only make the practice squad if room is still available.
With Brown and Elgin in the fold, that leaves first-round defensive back Brandon Meriweather as the only unsigned rookie.
As mentioned in previous posts, Meriweather is comparable to last year’s 24th pick by the Bengals, cornerback Jonathan Joseph.† Joseph received a five year contract worth about $8.2 million with nearly $5 million guaranteed.
Expectations are Meriweather will most likely receive a bump up of 8% over last year’s numbers.
However, with quarterback Brady Quinn having been chosen by the Browns with the 22nd pick, it could skew the numbers in a higher direction.
In comparison, Joe Staley signed with the 49ers for an incentive laden contract possibly worth as much as $10.9 million.
Best of luck to Kareem Brown and Mike Elgin!
I look forward to watching them in training camp this coming Friday!