Patriots Trade Versatile Hochstein to Broncos

The Pats dealt OL/FB/TE Russ Hochstein to the Denver Broncos for a late round pick in 2010 today. Hochstein, 31, will join Josh McDaniels in Denver as well as recently traded Patriot Le Kevin Smith. I personally will miss Hochstein lining up all over the place, but the Patriots deemed him expandable obviously.

The back-up center and guard spots appear to be a bit foggy at this point however. Rookie fourth rounder Rich Ohrnberger out of Penn State and fifth rounder George Bussey out of Louisville appear have almost no experience at the center position, but each were heralded guards in college. Billy Yates too is a familiar name who played RG last year when Neal was out, but again he has little center experience. The Patriots' website's depth chart lists undrafted second year player Ryan Wendell as the team's backup at center. Wendell spent all of last season on the practice squad is only 24 years old. It should be interesting to see who will make the team backing up the guard and center positions.

UPDATE:

The Patriots have resigned tackle Mark LeVoir to a three year deal. This comes a day after the Patriots signed RT Nick Kazcur. The Patriots are probably too rich at the tackle spots with Light, Kazcur, LeVoir, Vollmer, and O'Callaghan, but the interior remains in question.

MORE UPDATES:

The Patriots released S/LB Tank Williams. Williams was brought in last year to compete for a roster spot, but tore his ACL in the preseason. The Pats brought him back for another shot this year, but he obviously wasn't working out.

Patriots third round pick LB Tyrone McKenzie, who tore his ACL in June minicamp, signed a contract with the team today. Belichick was high on South Florida alum after the draft, so he will get a shot to make the squad next year.