On Monday the New England Patriots announced the signing of veteran free agent offensive lineman Tyronne Green and rookie free agent R.J. Mattes. In addition to the signings, the Patriots released defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick and wide receiver Andre Holmes.

The Deaderick release stands out the most of all the team’s transactions. The former seventh-round draft choice rotated across New England’s defensive line in 2012 and seemed to play his best football towards the end of the season; starting five games replacing fellow lineman Kyle Love.

While I am surprised about the release, the timing is very curious. One would think Deaderick would at least be brought to camp in order to compete for a roster spot. Perhaps Bill Belichick and the Patriots coaching staff knew the Alabama product would not make the team so they wanted to give him a chance to make another roster.

Although, this move may speak more to the additions of defensive lineman Tommy Kelly and Armond Armstead. The Patriots seem to have a stronger and more talented defensive line in place for the 2013 season. Both should prove to be solid in the Pats rotation and this latest release may give the Patriots faithful a reason for optimism going into the season. With 114 days until kickoff, however, still a lot remains to be seen.

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It has been almost two weeks after the conclusion of the 2013 NFL Draft, and the dust is starting to settle as the off-season has hit it’s lowest point.

There is certainly a lot to digest after another action packed draft weekend. To help analyze the event, I caught up with James Christensen of NEPatriotsDraft.com. Here’s the Q & A:

 

What stood out most to you over draft weekend?

 

The quarterback position stood out like a sore thumb. Guys with first and second day grades fell late onto day three in some cases – a definite 180 degree turn from the last few years where marginal quarterbacks crept into day two or even day one.

 

 What are your thoughts about what the other three teams in the AFC East – Jets, Dolphins and Bills – did during the draft process?

 

I’m always a bit puzzled by the Bills, but if E.J. Manuel turns into the next RG3, I’ll eat my words. I think the Jets and Dolphins both had very good drafts. It is no secret that Geno Smith was my #1 prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft and I really thought he would be a success in the NFL. Now that he is on the Jets… I’m not so sure. The Dolphins are gambling on Jonathan Martin to protect Ryan Tannehill. If he is up to the task – I have my doubts – the Dolphins are a legitimate playoff contender.

 

How do you think the Patriots faired with their selections?

 

To me, it all depends on Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce. If one of those players – my money is on Dobson – turns into a productive starter, this draft class will be viewed as a success. If neither do, no matter how good Jamie Collins or the other defensive players are, this will be a wasted year for Tom Brady.

 

What player do you like most from the Patriots draft class?

 

Aaron Dobson without question. He was my #1 senior receiver coming into the year and despite questionable QB play he showed off a dazzling skill-set. As for a value pick, Michael Buchanan has a chance to be the latest 7th round steal for Belichick. I’ve scouted him in person a few times and he has always impressed. I think he can be Tully Banta-Cain with a bit more upside for New England.

 

What player do you like least from the Patriots draft class?

 

I can’t say that I dislike any of them. Like many NFL Draft writers, I think the Patriots could have got Duron Harmon a round or two later, but it is best to look at the guys you got, rather than where you got them. If you switched around Michael Buchanan and Duron Harmon, nobody would have batted an eye. Bill Belichick got his guys, let’s see them play.

 

How would you grade the Patriots draft class as a whole?

 

When you add Aqib Talib (4th round trade) to the draft choices, this class looks awfully good on paper. They’ll receive an incomplete from me until at least two seasons, but I will be very surprised if two or more of these players aren’t starters by then.

 

New England attacked the Undrafted Free Agent market from the get go. How do you think they did overall and are they any particular signings that stand out to you? 

 

I think there are a couple of players that will get long looks for making the roster. T.J. Moe isn’t fast, doesn’t have a large catch radius and won’t wow you in any one area, but the Patriots have done magical things with quick little guys that tear up the 3-cone drill. Josh Kline is a versatile lineman (played all five positions at Kent State) that is going to be tough to cut come camp time. Both players would look great stashed on the practice squad.

 

Every year it seems at least one Undrafted rookie free agent makes the roster. Which free agent(s) do you envision making the cut this year?

 

I think that Moe will be the pick by a lot of people in the media, but I’m going with Kline. Amendola and Edelman will keep Moe off the roster in my opinion, despite the bonus given to him. To me, he is insurance in case either Amendola or Edelman gets injured during pre-season.

 

– James Christensen is the founder of the Draft Sites Network and is the lead editor at NEPatriotsDraft.com - an award-winning NFL Draft and Patriots website.

In a move that doesn’t surprise many around New England, the Patriots made yet another draft day trade with the Minnesota Vikings Thursday night.

The Patriots traded their first-round pick, 29 overall, for four Vikings selections; second-round (52), third-round (83), fourth-round (102) and and seventh-round (229) picks from Minnesota.

Overall, this is a great trade for the Patriots. Yes, it does take the wind out of the sails a bit by not selecting in the first-round, however, the value they received in return more than makes up for it. By most expert’s opinions, the second and third round of this year’s draft were the best place to have selections.

With four picks in the next two rounds, New England can still target several players to upgrade their team. Some names to keep in mind: USC WR Robert Woods, Tennessee WR Justin Hunter, Boise State CB Jamar Taylor, Florida State DE Tank Carradine and many more.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see New England stay active Friday and move around the draft boards – up or down – and potentially even add picks for the 2014 NFL Draft.

A lot of action will take place Friday night from a Patriots standpoint, stay tuned.

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The NFL draft is finally upon us and the league rumor mill is buzzing. This year’s draft should prove to be unprecedented in terms of unpredictability, which should make Thursday night all the more exciting. Here’s how I expect the first round to play out. –

2013 NFL Mock Draft

 

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher? That’s the multi-million dollar question. I believe it will be a tackle, and the disgruntled lineman Brandon Albert could be dealt to the Miami Dolphins.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

The Jaguars have a big need for a pass rusher, but they need to protect their quarterback Blaine Gabbert in order for him to have success.

3. Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd, DL, Florida

The raiders have a ton of needs, but they have over-hauled their defense this season and continue that process adding the Florida standout lineman.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

There’s no doubt the Eagles have a huge hole at the tackle position. With Fisher and Joeckel likely gone by this point, Philadelphia pounces on Lane Johnson. One has to think Oregon’s defensive prospect Dion Jordan is in play with Head Coach Chip Kelly now at the helm though.

5. Detroit Lions: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU

The Lions have a need at cornerback, but look for them to fill the void left by Cliff Avril with an intriguing pass rusher in Ansah.

6. Cleveland Browns: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

Milliner is slightly overrated, but pairing him with Joe Haden would turn Cleveland’s secondary into a strong unit.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon

With the run on tackles starting early, Arizona adds a strong pass rusher with a ton of upside.

8. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

Buffalo is a wildcard pick to me, and the possibility of them selecting Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib is in the back of my mind. They could go in a number of different directions, but I look for them to fill the void left by Andy Levitre.

9. New York Jets: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU

It’s no secret Rex Ryan loves to be aggressive and adding Mingo to their front seven would allow the defensive minded coach to turn up the heat.

10. Tennessee Titans: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

The former guard and now head coach, Mike Munchak, takes the best player available at this point. Warmack is tremendous and will bolster Tennessee’s offensive line.

11. San Diego Chargers: D.J. Fluker, OL, Alabama

San Diego is another wildcard for me. Does a tackle or guard slide to them? Do they trade out of the pick? It’s a tough call. It’s a bit of a reach, but the Chargers need to upgrade their offensive line.

12. Miami Dolphins: D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston

After losing Sean Smith, the Dolphins add a solid cornerback in Hayden who could prove to be the best of the class when it’s all said and done.

13. New York Jets: 
Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

Gang Green needs offensive playmakers, plain and simple. Austin is electric and will add an instant spark to a lethargic offense.

14. Carolina Panthers: Star Lotulelei, DL, Utah

The Panthers have a ton of holes, but the defensive tackle position is a glaring need. Star could turn out to be a star in the NFL early as long as he is cleared medically.

15. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Richardson, DL, Missouri

The Saints need help on defense and have an opportunity to add one of the less talked about lineman in this draft class. Richardson adds an interior pass rushing presence and will help the unit get more physical.

16. St. Louis Rams: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

The Rams will be most likely disappointed Tavon Austin is gone at this point, but they add an immensely talented receiver who can contribute immediately.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia

Jarvis Jones just looks like a Steeler. Pittsburgh needs to add a pass rushing linebacker with James Harrison now in Cincinnati and Jones seems to fit the bill.

18. Dallas Cowboys: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

I am not a huge fan of Vaccaro, but he is talented and could help a secondary in desperate need of a playmaker.

19. New York Giants: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

Mathias Kiwanuka and Michael Boley are no longer on the team, so there’s a big need at linebacker. New York loves to build their front seven and get an intriguing prospect in Alec Ogletree.

20. Chicago Bears: Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

Chicago knows Brian Urlacher isn’t getting any younger and add Te’o. The Notre Dame linebacker’s stock has fallen since the national championship game, but he should be a solid pro.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Jonathan Cyprien, S, FIU

Cyprien has been rising up draft boards and the Bengals are rumored to love him. It might come as a shock to most, but he could be very good in Mike Zimmer’s defense.

22. St. Louis Rams: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

Steven Jackson is now with the Atlanta Falcons and Lacy is the best running back in the draft. He is an every-down back that can carry the load in St. Louis.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

The Vikings add another Williams to the middle of their defensive line and get younger in the trenches.

24. Indianapolis Colts: Xavier Rhodes, CB/S, FSU

The Colts have been active in free agency addressing their needs in the secondary, but selecting Rhodes would give Chuck Pagano a talented prospect to groom in his defense.

25. Minnesota Vikings: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

They signed Greg Jennings, but pairing him with Hunter could be a scary one, two punch. They need to

26. Green Bay Packers: Datone Jones, DL, UCLA

The Packers want to get more physical. Jones is a monster and can play several spots along the defensive line. If Eddie Lacy is available, I would think he would be a candidate too.

27. Houston Texans: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

Andre Johnson is really the only viable receiver Houston has and they are in need for another talented pass catcher. Several guys could be in play here, but I see Hopkins fitting in nicely.

28. Denver Broncos: Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M

The Broncos lost Elvis Dumervil in one of the most bizarre situations in recent memory. Denver would love to get some help in their secondary, but pairing Moore with Von Miller is an intriguing thought.

29. New England Patriots: Robert Woods, WR, USC

It’s no secret I am a huge fan of Robert Woods.Would this be a shock? Nothing surprises me anymore with Bill Belichick in the NFL Draft, but the Patriots have not selected a wide receiver in the first round since Terry Glenn in 1996. It’s time New England develops a young wide out for their offense and it could very well be the USC product.

Woods absolutely screams Patriot and would not only fill a need, but also is a quality selection is this area of the draft. He’s smart, durable, versatile, had great college production at USC and could contribute right away. He is a superb route runner and has some of the best hands in the country. Woods might not be the most talented, but he will have a long NFL career.

I would not be surprised if the Patriots traded back into the mid 30′s and picked up a late third or early fourth round pick.

Two players to also keep in mind are Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant and UCLA defensive lineman Datone Jones. Both seem to be good fits at other positions of need and all three players would be welcomed additions to New England.

30. Atlanta Falcons: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

The Falcons would be ecstatic if Desmond Trufant slides to them and it also wouldn’t surprise me if Atlanta moved up to target a cornerback. I wouldn’t rule out a defensive end either to help ease the loss of John Abraham.

31. San Francisco 49ers: Jamar Taylor, CB, BSU

I love Taylor as a prospect and putting him in San Francisco’s defense just made too much sense. He is a great fit and his talents will be maximized by the 49ers.

32. Baltimore Ravens: Matt Elam, S, Florida

Elam isn’t the next Ed Reed, but then again, who is? Nevertheless, the Florida safety is a human missile and offers a ton for a defense in need of young secondary help. I could also see a linebacker being under consideration here as well.

Final Thought:

Even though I did not mock any trades into this draft, I would expect a few trades towards the end of the round for teams looking to get a quarterback. For instance I could see the Cleveland Browns potentially looking into West Virginia QB Geno Smith and the Buffalo Bills targeting Syracuse signal caller Ryan Nassib. Should make for some interesting drama at the end of the night.

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!

The 2013 NFL Draft is upon us and it’s one of my favorite times of the year. So much excitement around the league as each team looks to improve their roster. Amazing how the NFL can dominate the headlines even deep into the off-season.

The New England Patriots go into draft weekend with five selections and could go in several different directions. Here are the team’s picks. –

Draft Selections:

• Round 1 (29)
• Round 2 (59)
• Round 3 (91)
• Round 7 (226 and 235)

With this year’s draft class lacking “elite” talent near the top of the first round, they should have no problem finding a player with equal value and need. Of course, I expect Bill Belichick to move around and manipulate the draft board in order to gain more choices in the middle rounds.

Between the players still under contract from last season, along with the team’s additions in free agency, New England has been active in filling out their roster. As the team looks to improve, I see three glaring needs that should be addressed early. Here are the top needs as of now. –

Top Needs:

• Wide Receiver
• Cornerback
• Defensive End (pass rusher)

Wide receiver is my number one need for the team, hands down. Looking at the current roster, question marks surround each player and it’s time the Patriots develop a young pass catcher. A receiver with the ability to play outside of the numbers, make plays and test a defense vertically, will open up the middle of the field for the other weapons.

Cornerback is my second need for the Pats. While the team is bringing back their top three cornerbacks from last year, they could use some more quality depth. With Aqib Talib on a one-year contract, Kyle Arrington in the slot and Alfonzo Dennard going into his second year, the Patriots could use a versatile coverage corner.

Defensive end is right there with cornerback in terms of need and one could make the argument it should be a higher priority. The addition of defensive tackle Tommy Kelly helps solidify the middle of the line, but a pass rushing defensive end opposite of Chandler Jones would be tremendous. The Patriots pass rush has been lackluster for years and another player to help get after the quarterback will not only improve the secondary, but could make the defense very dangerous.

Here are five prospects for each of the top three needs. Keep in mind I have only selected players that I believe will be available outside of the top of the draft (top 16).

Five Wide Receiver Prospects:

• Robert Woods, USC, 6’0 – 201

Woods is my favorite receiver prospect for the Patriots this year. He’s smart, durable, versatile, had great college production at USC and could contribute right away. He is a superb route runner and has some of the best hands in the country. Woods might not be the most talented, but he will have a long NFL career.

• Justin Hunter, Tenn.,6’4 – 205

Hunter is an extremely intriguing player, but certainly a bit of a risk. The Tennessee product has all the tools and measurables to be an elite wide receiver. While he has tremendous size, speed and can make plays, he does seem to play too cautiously at times. Hunter did tear his ACL in 2011, however, so he may just be getting back to full form.

• DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson, 6’1 – 214

Hopkins possesses all the tools to be a very good NFL wide out. Despite just average speed, Hopkins’ strength, explosiveness and ability to gain separation more than makes up for it. His ability can play outside, win one-on-one battles and make him an attractive prospect.

• Keenan Allen, Cal., 6’3 – 205

The Cal pass catcher loved up to his stellar high school reputation in his collegiate career and now looks to make his mark professionally. Allen’s great frame, body control, strong route running and versatility, makes him a solid option at the end of the first round.

• Quinton Patton, La. Tech, 6’0, 202

Patton is most likely going to be available midway through the second round and possibly when the Patriots pick at 59. His ability, value and potential could be intriguing for New England. While he needs to continue to develop, his size, strong hands and ability to run good routes will make him effective early.

Five Cornerback Prospects:

• Desmond Trufant, Washington, 6’0 – 190

Trufant is my top cornerback option for the Patriots. He has good size, great speed, ability to change directions quickly, fluid in his movements, aggressive, smart, durable and versatile. He has many attributes that would make him a great selection and could contribute immediately.

• Xavier Rhodes, FSU, 6’1 – 215

Rhodes and/or Trufant might be off the board before New England makes a selection, but it’s tough to chose who ranks ahead of the other. Rhodes is intriguing for several reasons and is the best press-coverage corner this year. His great size, length and speed make it easy for him to match-up with opposing receivers. The Florida State prospect may even be an option at safety later on in his NFL career.

• Jamar Taylor, BSU, 5’11 – 192

Taylor screams Patriot to me for several reasons. Besides being talented, he was a great student at Boise State, extremely hard worker off the field, team captain. Along with those qualities, his ability to play inside and outside could make Belichick consider him early in the process.

• D.J. Hayden, Houston, 5’11 – 191

Hayden stock may be rising faster and higher than any other prospect in this entire draft class. After checking out medically and recovering from a near fatal injury, the Houston cornerback could be an option in the first round or early second. Besides being solid in coverage, I love his explosiveness and toughness on the field. Hayden brings an edge and could be a very good player at the next level.

• Johnthan Banks, MSU, 6’2, 185

Banks is another big, athletic cornerback with a ton of upside. His size is both a strength and weakness on the field, giving him a great ability to match-up, but seems to be hindered in lateral movements. The Mississippi State defender is a ballhawk and could help New England’s struggle with the deep pass.

Five Defensive End Prospects:

• Bjoern Werner, FSU, 6’4 – 255

Werner was born and raised in Berlin, Germany, but has developed nicely as a football player in the past five seasons. Along with his strong pass rush ability, the Florida State defensive end has turned into a well-rounded prospect with a ton of potential. Adding Werner opposite of Chandler Jones could greatly improve the Patriots defense.

• Datone Jones, UCLA, 6’4 – 280

Jones is an absolute truck. He is already built for the NFL and has the frame to show for it. He has good speed for his size, but his strength overpowers almost all of his opponents. Jones would seem to be an intriguing option for New England because of his versatility to play across the defensive line, production and his high football IQ.

• Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, FSU, 6’5 – 265

Carradine’s stock is continuing to rise despite tearing his ACL against Florida, causing him to miss out on almost all pre-draft workouts. When you watch Carradine play, there’s no doubt he has great talent. The Florida State defender is explosive and a very good pass rusher. The only real knock on him, prior to the injury, is his lack of experience; he still could be a good addition to a pass rush needy defense.

• Jarvis Jones, Georgia, 6’2 – 245

Jones might be more of an outside linebacker prospect, but his pass rush ability could attract the Patriots to him. Despite having some off field issues and “spinal stenosis”, Jones is very talented and flashes his ability on tape. His speed, explosiveness and motor make him popular in a pass happy league.

• Margus Hunt, SMU, 6’7 – 277

Hunt is a bit of a project, but an athletic freak. Measuring in at nearly 6’8 and 280 pounds, it’s amazing he could actually add more weight to his frame without losing too much athleticism. When you watch Hunt, you can see flashes of incredible ability that almost an coach would interested in. He has a ton of upside to grow and develop into a very good defensive lineman. My one question with the SMU product is how tall is too tall? Could be risky in the first round.

Bottom Line: 

Overall, there are several quality players for the Patriots to upgrade their roster for the 2013 season. The three positions I listed are all very deep and have prospects with high upside well into the mid-rounds.

I can most definitely see a scenario in which New England trades down, out of the first round into the mid 30′s, to acquire some more draft picks and then take the best player available on their board.

With how unpredictable this draft is shaping up to be, how the board fall could dictate which way the Pats go in the first round. For now, however, we’ll have to wait and see.

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!

In a recent post by ESPN’s Mel Kiper, he played the role of every NFL General Manager and made selections for each of the first three rounds. Here is what Kiper had for the New England Patriots. -

 

Top needs: WR, CB, DE, G/C

Rd. 1 (29) CB Jamar Taylor, Boise St.
Rd. 2 (59) WR Markus Wheaton, Oregon St.
Rd. 3 (91) C Travis Frederick, Wisconsin

 

Kiper Analysis:

“I’m not sure fans are too excited about Taylor, but he’s been a recent riser, hits one of my top two needs and the board didn’t break in my favor. If you see the pick-by-pick, both the top two wide receivers are gone, and Xavier Rhodes was taken by Denver just one pick ahead. Late in Round 2, I get an intriguing wide receiver talent out of Oregon State. Wheaton has good hands, and he’s run as low as 4.34 in the 40, so he’s got some burst; DeAndre Hopkins of Clemson was taken a couple of slots before. In Round 3, we run into a major value gap if drafting a 3-4 defensive end, so I opt for the best center in the draft. Frederick can start immediately if called upon. Last season, Ryan Wendell took over as the starter, and played pretty well, but he can be a liability as a pass-blocker, so at the very least this creates more depth up front, and some competition.”

To read Mel Kiper’s full story and analysis on all 32 teams, click here.

Quick Thoughts: 

- Jamar Taylor is one of my favorite cornerback prospects in this year’s draft. Like Kiper said, the Boise State product is rising up draft boards and could be selected in the late first, mid-second round.

- Markus Wheaton is an intriguing wide receiver, especially for his value. Drawing some comparisons Mike Wallace, Wheaton has great athleticism and could stretch the field vertically; an element the Patriots would love to add to their offense.

- Travis Frederick is considered one of this year’s best centers and possesses several qualities that would make him an attractive prospect to New England. He’s reportedly a hard worker, strong, versatile and the Pats could develop him. Although, I just don’t see the need for a lineman in the first three rounds. I would expect some undrafted free agent rookies to join camp, but there are more pressing needs at this time.

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!

The National Football League has announced the full league schedule for the upcoming season.

The schedule, which was released Thursday at 8pm, laid out the entire New England Patriots 2013 regular season. Here is the full schedule for next year. -

2013 Regular Season

Week 1 – Sep. 8 – at Buffalo Bills (1 p.m.)
Week 2 – Sep. 12 – New York Jets (8:25 p.m. TNF)
Week 3 – Sep. 22 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1 p.m.)
Week 4 – Sep. 29 – at Atlanta Falcons (8:30 p.m. SNF)
Week 5 – Oct. 6 – at Cincinnati Bengals (1 p.m.)
Week 6 – Oct. 13 – New Orleans Saints (4:25 p.m.)
Week 7 – Oct. 20 – at New York Jets (1 p.m.)
Week 8 – Oct. 27 – Miami Dolphins (1 p.m.)
Week 9 – Nov. 3    - Pittsburgh Steelers (4:25 p.m.)
Week 10 – Nov. 10 – BYE WEEK
Week 11 – Nov. 18 –at Carolina Panthers (8:40 p.m. MNF)
Week 12 – Nov. 24 – Denver Broncos (8:30 p.m.  SNF)
Week 13 - Dec. 1 – at Houston Texans (4:25 p.m.)
Week 14 – Dec. 8 – Cleveland Browns (1 p.m.)
Week 15 – Dec. 15 – at Miami Dolphins (1 p.m.)
Week 16 – Dec. 22 – at Baltimore Ravens (8:30 p.m. SNF)
Week 17 – Dec. 29 – Buffalo Bills (1 p.m.)

Thoughts:

- Five Primetime Games: The Patriots have five primetime games this season. It’s always fun to have your team highlighted in primetime and the Pats have quite a few opportunities to flex their muscle.

- Solid Bye Week: The team has to love the week 10 Bye Week. Well placed in the middle of the season and playing fewer games on the latter half of the season is always favorable.

- No opponents Coming off Bye Weeks: Interesting point by ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots don’t face a team coming off a bye week this season. Doesn’t sound like much, but no team will have an extra week to prepare for them throughout the year.

- Week 12, 13 Measuring Stick Games: For the past couple of years, the Patriots seem to have measuring stick games back-t0-back following the Bye Week. This year is no different as the Patriots will face the Denver Broncos at home in week 12 and then go on the road to face the Houston Texans in week13. Both games should prove to be great tests to the club before the playoffs.

- Buccaneers Will Be A Familiar Foe Early: The Patriots will see the Buccaneers twice in just about five weeks. The team’s meet in the pre-season and then face-off in week three. It will be interesting to see how the coaches handle the games and the time leading up to the meetings.

- Balanced Schedule: New England has a very balanced schedule in my opinion. Tougher games are spread out, just about a middle of the season bye week, not too many quick turn-around games; very favorable for the Pats.

2013 Prediction: 12 – 4

What do you think about the 2012 Patriots schedule? Do you have a record prediction? Let me with a comment below!

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!

The 2013 NFL schedule will be released on at 8pm eastern Thursday night, according to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello.

The schedule release was supposed to be announced on Tuesday, April 16, but the league moved the date to make some final adjustments. The opponents have already been released, but the dates have yet to be made public knowledge. Here are the Patriots 2013 opponents:

Pre-Season:

Home: Buccaneers, Giants

Away: Eagles, Detroit

 

2013 Regular Season: 
Home: Browns, Steelers, Saints, Buccaneers, Broncos, Bills, Dolphins, Jets

Away: Ravens, Bengals, Falcons, Panthers, Texans, Bills, Dolphins, Jets

 

After specific times and dates have ben announced, I will post the schedule along with my thoughts. Be sure to check it out.

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!

Bill Belichick visited the Notre Dame Coaches Clinic as a guest of Head Coach Brian Kelly this week.  He met with the media before speaking with the coaches in attendance for the clinic.

In the video, Belichick discussed the Notre Dame football program, the talent and depth on their roster, along with much more. Check it out. –

The New England Patriots turned their free agent focus to defense on Friday, signing veteran safety Adrian Wilson.

Wilson’s agent, Tory Dandy, confirmed the report on Twitter saying, ”Congrats to client @adrian_wilson24 on signing with the New England Patriots!” Dandy tweeted.

Multiple reports say the deal is for three years, but no financial details have been disclosed at this time.

Wilson is a 12-year veteran who had spent his entire career with the Cardinals before being released earlier this week for salary cap reasons. The 33-year-old recorded 39 tackles, three sacks, one interception and a forced fumble in 15 games with Arizona last season.

The five-time Pro Bowl safety also commented on Twitter shortly after inking his new deal.

#PATRIOTSNATION. I’LL TRY MY BEST TO TWEET. REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY.GREAT FANS AND GREAT TEAM!!!!

— Adrian Wilson (@adrian_wilson24) March 16, 2013

The Wilson signing is a great move by New England. Listed at 6’3, 230 pounds, the veteran safety is an enforcer who should help the Patriots defense in several ways. While he was not on the field in nickel situations last year, he still made an impact and has plenty left in the tank. Darren Urban, who has covered the Cardinals for 14 years and works for azcardinals.com, shared his thoughts with me shortly after the news broke Wilson had signed.

@patriotshaven Good in locker room. BB will use him right way. Very motivated to show he has a few good years left.

— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) March 15, 2013

 

Overall, Wilson should be a good addition for the Patriots. He offers the team a physical presence in the middle of the field, will be able to contribute immediately and potentially mentor New England’s young defensive backs in the process.

I believe the Pats have a lot more work to do defensively, but the addition of Wilson is definitely a good start.

Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!