Patriots workout 4

[pats1]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

December 31, 2006
4 workouts

The Patriots worked out four free agents at Gillette Stadium on Friday, likely with an eye on next season. A look at the four:

* Quarterback Jeff Mroz (Yale) -- Was signed by the Cowboys as a rookie free agent in May. This story, from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, details his signing at that time. He was released Aug. 7.

* Center Trey Darilek (Texas El-Paso) -- A third-year player who has spent time with the Eagles (2004-2005) and Dolphins (2006). The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Darilek was a fourth-round draft choice in 2004, and here is a bit more on him from his old Eagles biography. He apparently has versatility to play center, guard and tackle, which is something the Patriots generally like.

* Defensive back Robb Butler (Robert Morris) -- According to his player page on NFL.com, he has spent time with the Chargers and Ravens. He entered the league in 2004 as a rookie free agent, as this story from the Northeast Conference website explains.

* Receiver J.R. Russell (Louisville) -- A seventh-round draft choice of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2005, he is a tall target at 6-foot-3, 206 pounds. Here is a bit more on him from the Buccaneers website.

Posted By: mreiss | Time: 08:02:25 AM

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Re: Patroits workout 4

Interesting that the look at out of work vet MLBs has not produced someone worth a spot on the 53.

 

[cstjohn17]

Looks like training camp fodder...

 

[DefenseRules]

They look like NFLE candidates.

 

[IcyPatriot]

J.R. RUSSELL ... Looks like he'll have to beat out Caldwell ... not likely.

Strengths: A good-sized receiver that improved tremendously his final two seasons in school. Has above average height, adequate bulk and strength, and adequate-to-good speed for his size. Does a good job of breaking the press. He is a physical receiver that will get into DB's bodies and dictate his own routes. He uses his body well to shield defenders. His hands continue to improve. His hand-eye coordination is above average. He has long arms and adequate leaping ability. Will make some plays on the jump ball and is a weapon on fades and in the red zone. Works hard as a blocker and is effective in that area.

Weaknesses: Has improved his route running skills and awareness, but is still somewhat unpolished in those areas. He is better vs. man-coverage than he is zone-coverage, as he still doesn't show a great feel for finding holes. He has good top-end speed, but he needs to improve his foot quickness. Builds speed as he goes and doesn't have explosive initial burst off the LOS or out of breaks. Still telegraphs his routes a little bit too much. May have more trouble separating in the NFL. Has matured in last two years but there were some early character and work ethic questions surrounding him.