Patriots Recap

A busy week for the team's brain trust.

The annual owner's meeting has come and gone, with the biggest change being a change in the overtime rules. While the Patriots voted for the change, Bill Belichick still voiced displeasure over the new rule. “I like the rules of the game as they are in regulation,” Belichick told ESPNBoston.com on Monday. “I think that’s the way it should be in overtime, but that’s not the way it is. So whatever it is, it is.” He essentially would like to see an entire period be played in its entirety.

Among other things, it was revealed that the Pats are likely headed for a Thanksgiving day matchup against the Lions. Any hardcore Pats fan remembers the team sporting the the red throwbacks back in 2002. Plus, who could forget Tedy Bruschi's unbelievable pick six? The official NFL schedules should be revealed in the near future.

The Patriots received four compensatory picks in this year's draft. The NFL awarded picks for departed free agents: Larry Izzo, Jabar Gaffney, Heath Evans, Lamont Jordan, and Lonie Paxton. However, the team signed a compensatory free agent last offseason, Brandon McGowan, and therefore was only awarded four selections. The team now boasts 12 picks in a deep draft class:

1st round (22^nd overall)
2nd round (44^th, from Jacksonville)
2nd round (47^th, from Tennessee)
2nd round (53^rd)
4th round (119^th)
6th round (190^th)
6th round (205^th, compensatory)
7th round (229^th)
7th round (231st, from Philadelphia)
7th round (247^th, compensatory)
7th round (248^th, compensatory)
7th round (250^th, compensatory)

The Patriots also conducted the first round voluntary offseason workouts over the past couple of weeks. Tom Brady, who was a no show during the first week because he was training in Los Angeles (boxing) arrived in New England for the second week of work. Randy Moss, also in a contract year, showed up on time for work as well. He has shown that his dedication need not be questioned. On the other hand, Logan Mankins is not as satisfied. The restricted free agent (who would be unrestricted if not for the status of the league's collective bargaining agreement) will be forced to sign his tender sheet and play out the year at his assigned salary. However, with the team resigning many of the players from within, it's easy to see where his frustration lies.

The Pats added veteran blocking TE Alge Crumpler this week. Crumpler, 32, stands 6'2" and 262 pounds, will receive base salaries of $1.4 million in 2010 and $2.4 million in 2011 as well as a $1 million signing bonus. His status will be basically year-to-year with the team. Crumpler is known for his leadership and work ethic and may help to groom a young TE that the team selects in the draft.

Owner Bob Kraft and team president Jonathan Kraft each had some interesting insight this week as well. Bob was blunt, stating "Tom Brady is going to be part of this franchise. He wants to be, we want him." He also touched on the team's chemistry, "I think the chemistry, the locker room, a lot of games are won and lost before you hit the field." Kraft said their offseason moves have been reflective of their desire to see increased leadership and better chemistry going into the 2010 campaign. Jonathan Kraft said the team's offseason was far from done and that offseason transactions may continue well into the summer due to the uncertainty that surrounds the league.

The draft is just over three weeks away. Get excited.