clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

New England Patriots Links 4/20/12 - Versatile S Steve Gregory Striving to be a Starter

By Marima
<em>Steve Gregory shows he already knows how to intercept Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and turn it into a touchdown</em>.
Steve Gregory shows he already knows how to intercept Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and turn it into a touchdown.

Mark Farinella notes Steve Gregory has yet to to learn how he is going to be utilized by the Patriots, since the coaches can't be involved at this point of the training program.

"This is the time to really build team camaraderie and to get to know guys, and to build the foundation of the season," he said. "So that'll come as the offseason gets going a little more here."

"We haven't really sat down and talked about it," he said during a break in Thursday's workouts. "I'm just going to be put in a position probably where I can help this team the best. I'm sure the coaches will do a good job of placing me where I need to be."

"It's a winning organization," he said. "Obviously, everyone's goal in the NFL is to win a Super Bowl, and I know this gives me a great opportunity to do that."

Mike Rodak highlights Nick Caserio's annual pre-draft news conference, that focuses more on the scouting process than next week's draft strategy.

Team just wrapped pre-draft visits. Caserio said that the majority of the team's draft preparation work is done, including pre-draft visits, which concluded on Wednesday. Caserio noted that there have been instances of scouts or coaches traveling to visit prospects in the days before the draft, including offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia visiting Nate Solder a few days before the Patriots selected him in the first round last year.

Underclassmen, defensive front seven highlight draft. Caserio said that this draft included the most underclassmen applying for an evaluation from the league than any prior draft. In terms of positional depth, Caserio said that the "quantity of front seven players is higher than in years past," while noting that there are other positions that are less deep than usual.

TEAM TALK

LOCAL LINKS

  • Karen Guregian says the Patriots need a boost on kickoffs and could use a return man.
  • Karen Guregian profiles the top kick return prospects in this year's draft.
  • Mike Rodak reports safety Steve Gregory's positional versatility is considered part of his value to the Pats.
  • Mary Paoletti is confident Nate Solder will be ready to step in for Matt Light when the time comes.
  • Jeff Howe expects Brian Waters to be back in 2012 despite his absence from voluntary workouts.
  • Tom E. Curran notes New England has shown that it can be comfortable drafting a player who is considered to have character issues.
  • Mark Farinella notes that the bulk of the offense is the responsibility of Tom Brady's right arm, and that's not going to change in 2012.
  • Mike Reiss highlights the 'NFL Total Access' assessment of the Patriots' offseason moves, from Brian Billick and Jason Taylor.
  • Paul Kenyon thinks the Pats may select DL Michael Brockers to fuel the pass rush.
  • Mike Reiss profiles possible Patriots in this year's draft: CB Chase Minnifield (Virginia).
  • Jeff Howe thinks Stephon Gilmore's skills in zone defense fit perfectly for the Patriots if he falls in the Draft.
  • Tom E. Curran breaks down the Offensive Tackle position in this year's draft.
  • Mark Farinella analyzes what is projected to be a very deep class of wide receivers in the draft.
  • Tom E. Curran interviews Michael Lombardi, who thinks the Patriots need to increase team speed on defense. (2.25 min. video)
  • Dan Duggan Patriots Notebook: Nick Caserio says the Pats draft preparation is now a matter of cleaning up a few loose ends; Steve Gregory is happy to return to the east coast and is preparing himself in every way to be a starter here in NE; Nate Solder still wants to add weight, but only the kind of weight that gains muscle and keeps him fast and flexible.
  • Julian Benbow Patriots Notebook: Nate Solder remembers Dante Scarnecchia's visit with him only a week before the Draft; Nick Caserio says conversations with other teams will likely ramp up the closer it gets to draft day; Steve Gregory has played both safety spots some nickel back, and four years playing cornerback at Syracuse; Tom Brady has been back at Gillette working out, as have Chad Ochocinco and Brandon Lloyd. Brady can throw to receivers but there cannot be any coaches present.

NATIONAL NEWS

More From Pats Pulpit