Mike Reiss offers a terrific perspective piece on the Jets' big moves this offseason.
Scott Pioli used to have a note written on the board in his Patriots office that reminded him that he wasn't collecting talent, but instead, building a team. That process is ever-evolving and requires a lot more than a few splashy, headline-grabbing moves in March and April.
Ian Rapoport notes Damione Lewis wanted to be sure he could do the job, before signing with the Patriots.
Lewis wanted to make sure he could confidently make that kind of leap before signing a free agent deal with the Pats, so he got in touch with some players who have also had to switch defenses.
"Yeah, I talked to some guys I played with over the years who have made the transition from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense," Lewis said. "I asked about the differences. They told me what they felt was the difference. They actually said it would be an easier transition going from a 4-3, to a 3-4, than vice versa. The game is so much faster in a 4-3 as a lineman, than it is in a 3-4. They just said it’s a matter of being patient, and I’d be fine."
Lewis worked out with his new teammates for the first time yesterday, and started the relationship-building process. He said whatever leadership skills he may have aren’t forced.
"That’s just my personality. I just follow whatever path my personality puts me into," he said. "I’m not a big rah-rah guy. I’m not a very forceful guy. I’m just me. I’m very comfortable . . . I believe in having a good time . . . I believe in reaching out and talking to guys and asking them what’s going on in their personal life, and what’s going on out on the field. I think that’s where camaraderie comes from.
"Whatever role that puts me into, then that’s what it is," Lewis went on. "I’m not going to reach out and try to be something, I’m not, or be more than what I am."
TEAM TALK
- PFW Draft Prospect Report: Offensive line.
- Patriots Today - Draft Preview: Offensive line. (5.08 min. video)
- Andy Hart profiles his top RB prospects in the Draft.
LOCAL LINKS
- Albert Breer points out that since Fred Taylor and Santonio Holmes are cousins, Jets-Pats is now a family rivalry.
- Ian Rapoport notes the Steelers reportedly called "everyone" for Holmes, including the Patriots.
- Mike Reiss points out another difference between the Pats and the Jets. The Jets now have six selections in this year's Draft; the Patriots have 12.
- Mike Reiss thinks LB Brandon Graham would be a good fit for the Patriots with his all-out-all-the-time approach. He touches on Graham's perception of Belichick before and after meeting with him too.
- Tedy Bruschi talks OLB prototype (46 second video clip)
- Christopher Price notes WR Dez Bryant thinks he'd 'be a good fit with the Patriots'.
- Jeff Howe thinks Florida's Carlos Dunlap could help fill Richard Seymour's void.
- Albert Breer reports New England will work out Dexter McCluster in Largo, Fla. on Wednesday. McCluster was Mr. Everything at Ole Miss. His senior year, he was the quarterback in the 'Wild Rebel', rushed for 1,169 yards as a tailback, caught 44 passes for 520 yards and even threw a 27-yard touchdown pass.
- Albert Breer reports on two prospects who worked out in Foxboro last week, LSU tailback Charles Scott and Georgia Tech RB Jonathan Dwyer.
- Christopher Price notes CB Chris Cook (Virginia) recently worked out for the Patriots.
- Tom E. Curran profiles TE Dennis Pitta (BYU).
- Robert Lee profiles WR Brandon LaFell (LSU) as a first round prospect for the Patriots.
- Mike Reiss profiles DE/OLB Daniel Te'o-Nesheim (Washington).
- WEEI looks at what the experts are saying about the Patriots leading up to the Draft.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Johnette Howard (ESPNNY) The New England Patriots reign is over: Santonio Holmes trade makes it official -- Jets are the new kings of the AFC East. Ummm... doesn't a team have to win a few games first?
- Mike Reiss (ESPNBoston) Jets not king of the hill yet. New York's moves intriguing, but NFL Championships aren't won in April.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Have Jets supplanted Patriots in April?
- Clark Judge (CBS Sports) Big name acquisitions might carry Jets or sink Coach Ryan.
- Matt Williamson (Scouts, Inc.) Jets keep getting better.
- Sam Farmer (LA Times) How the NFL Draft might shape up.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Toby Gerhart a Belichick-style runner.
- Michael Lombardi (Nat'l Football Post) It's time for Big Ben to finally grow up.
- Jeffri Chadiha (ESPN) Roethlisberger must face hammer. Steelers, NFL should make a suspension part of the consequences.