New England Patriots: A Too-Early Look at Training Camp Battles

I know, Training Camp is still two months away, but if the "experts" can already be conjuring up 2009 Mock Drafts then I can take an early stab at the anticipated position battles for the Pats.

Besides, Spygate is dead and we're in the middle of the worst part of the NFL Offseason, aka "The Void." There's not much football news out there, even for the Patriots, so why wait?

Here are the stories I'll be following come July in ascending order of interest to me...

5. Who Needs a Punter When You Never Have to Punt?

The Pats didn’t really need much out of their punter last year, and they didn’t really get much out of Chris Hanson.

They’ve brought in rookie Mike Dragosavich and throwback hero Scott Player who, if the Pats have to play with another retread, I would love to see get the job with his single-bar facemask and Fu Manchu.

Personally, I’m rooting for the rookie Drago to crack the team. At least that would be an interesting storyline and would bring a new energy to the special teams.

We all thought a punter youth movement was upon us last year when youngsters Tom Malone and Danny Baugher were in camp. Baugher looked like he had the job sewn up until he was suddenly cut and ended up beating the crap out of his dad the following day. That opened up the door for Hanson and that was that for 2007.

Anyway, Punter battles are never that cool or exciting so as long as it’s not Chris Hansen for another year, whatever. And even if it is Hansen, whatever.

Our probably-too-early prediction: I don’t care enough to make a prediction. Yet.

4. Where's the Big, Scary Tight End?

Before the Patriots suddenly became a multi-Wide Receiver offensive juggernaut last year, they were primarily a Two-Wide Receiver, Two-Tight End, Single-Back offense. Heading into camp this year the Pats have their worst Tight End depth in recent memory.

Ben Watson was injured again for a few games last year, and David Thomas played in one game before having his season ended by being put on IR. Kyle Brady supposedly had issues last year and was not brought back.

That leaves us with Stephen Spach, a Free Agent signed off the street last season; Marcus Pollard, whose best years are behind him; and undrafted rookie Free Agent Jonathan Stupar.

Where’s the big blocking Tight End a la Daniel Graham who can come in and help out the offensive line? Answer: not currently on the roster. It will be interesting to see if they make any moves to bring someone in or if David Thomas is healthy and improved enough to lend some major blocking help. After the Super Bowl, the Pats clearly need someone for this role.

Our probably-too-early prediction: Pats figure out how to get by with Watson, Thomas and Pollard.

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