Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 5/01/09

TEAM SHOTS

• John Cockrell's Friday Out-Takes: NFL Draft '09.
• All-Access will feature exclusive behind the scenes footage from the the Patriots draft room.  Tonight at 7pm on WBZ Channel 4.
• Patriots sign five rookie free agents:  LB Antonio Appleby, QB Brian Hoyer, DB Jamar Love, DB Marcus McClinton and OL Jermail Porter. 
• Patriots acquire TE Alex Smith from Tampa Bay.
  

LOCAL SHOTS

• Karen Guregian relay's Rodney Harrison's texted advice to rookie S Patrick Chung, “Yeah, shut up, listen to the veterans, work hard, and knock someone in the mouth.”
• Christopher Price writes up the maturity and outstanding character of Patriots' LB Tyrone McKenzie.
• Mike Reiss notes Bill Belichick annually makes the point that the rookie mini-camps are teaching - not evaluating - sessions. The newbies are introduced to some of the basics of the team's playbook.
• Mike Reiss offers the transcript of Patrick Chung's press conference and Robert Kraft's comments during the jersey presentation.
• Mike Reiss analyzes the TE Alex Smith trade and  updates us on what Draft picks the Patriots own next year.
• Mike Reiss hosted his weekly on-line chat, and quotes an NFL source that the Patriots have reached out once again to free agent DE Jason Taylor in an attempt to woo him to New England.

LONG SHOTS

• KC Joyner (NY Times) Run blocking ratings: Patriots beat the Jets.
• Tim Graham (ESPN) Sanchez leads AFC East imact rookies for 2009.
• NFL.com (AP) Comcast will keep airing NFL Network while both sides work on a deal.
• Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Mini-camp: The season begins.
• Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Re-grading 2006 Draft: Casserly big score now apparent.
• Dan Pompei (NBC Sports) Who's happy, and who's worried after Draft?
• Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Is rookie money hurting the NFL?
• Alex Marvez (FOX Sports) The seven deadly sins of an NFL Draft bust.