ESPN SportsNation Patriots with Mike Reiss

Mike Reiss

Good afternoon and welcome to today's chat. Going to take a quick inventory here.

Mike Reiss

Jelly Belly jellybeans -- check.

Mike Reiss

Springsteen playing on Sirius -- check.

Mike Reiss

Cup of coffee nearby -- check.

Mike Reiss

Got it all, we're ready to roll. What's on your mind today? We'll plan to chat until 1 p.m. ET. One week until training camp starts.

Corey (Northwest Ohio)

Mike, do any veterans voluntarily join the rookies early, or is that noy allowed?

Mike Reiss

Corey, my understanding is that the veterans can use the facility, but there are strict rules as to what they are allowed to do. They can't just jump into structured meetings right now, and in fact, I don't think the coaches want that. This is time for the rookies to get their individual attention. They've had some catch-up to do since they were drafted/signed, so it's probably more of a refresher course for them until the veterans officially report.

Alec (Lehigh) [via mobile]

Do you think the Patriots will sign Andre Cater anytime during training camp?

Mike Reiss

Alec, after listening to Carter on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday, I am no longer as confident that Carter will be back. While it certainly could happen, it sounded like he's still working his way back. My hunch is that the Patriots will see what they have early in camp, and if it doesn't look like they envisioned, maybe then they pursue it. But for now, I don't sense anything is imminent.

Mike Reiss

Here is the link to our Patriots blog on ESPNBoston.com with Carter's comments.

Mike Reiss

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4725229/andre-carter-update-on-sirius

Adam S (Cranston)

I read Rodak's Bubble Watch on Dennard. If Dennard doesn't make the squad wouldn't he be a likely pick up by another team. Even though he was a late round pick - that was because of off-field concerns. With an offseason of working under the Pats system and the fact that his trial is not until December, wouldn't teams be more interested in him? I don't think Cole or Williams would be in the category. Shouldn't that increase Dennard's chances of making the squad?

Mike Reiss

Mike Rodak has his doubts about Dennard. I think he'll be on the roster, and that if he was waived, he'd probably get claimed on waivers. But let's not forget the scoreboard on this one: Rodak 1, Reiss 0. Last year, Rodak was correct in predicting Brandon Meriweather's release, while I thought he was off.

George (Boston)

Hey Mike. Seems like we've been hosting a fair number of tight-ends over the past couple months. It could just be a training camp numbers/depth issue or injury insurance as Gronk's health is still somewhat in question. But I also wonder whether the team is looking for another standard in-line tight end to line up on the left side to move Hernandez into a more traditional WR role while still maintaining his versatility and not losing our effectiveness out of the 2-TE set. Is the team looking for a stop-gap option until Ballard gets healthy? Thoughts?

Mike Reiss

George, I think you're on to something. If Visanthe Shiancoe is in shape and they can come to a contract agreement, I think it's a no-brainer signing for the Patriots. Part of it is the Hernandez deal. I think they view him as much as a receiver/H-back as a TE, although they wouldn't say that. Also, you want to spread out some of the training camp workload at a position where it's hard to find guys. Ballard most definitely a 2013 projection than 2012.

Eric (MA)

Hey Mike, how would rate the ability of our TEs as run blockers? Obviously Gronk is a beast, but if Hernandez and Fells could both play a role in run blocking, do you see the Pats using any 3 TE sets this year? I can imagine having 3 TE on the field that can block and catch causing personel problems for an opposing team.

Mike Reiss

Absolutely Eric. They did the 3-TE sets quite a bit last year too (the third TE was a converted OL). Part of what makes that effective is that the defense usually counters with a base defense, and Brady can then spread them out with Gronk and Hernandez out wide, and it's just not fair. I expect to see more of it this year. Tight ends are the ultimate "matchup busters" if you can find good ones. As for run-blocking, I'd say Gronk is solid. Fells and Hernandez obviously not at that level, but they are competitive.

PatsHaveWepunz (Florida)

Mike, the Wilson pick lands somewhere in the top 3 surprising picks of BB's tenure (possibly THE most surprising). Since we heard next to nothing about the guy leading up to today's start of rookie mini-camp, will you give us your prediction/expectation of what we'll see from Wilson in camp and for the season? Also, let's get real about Carter. I read the repost of his interview today, and I'm thinking his injury was WAY worse than we originally thought. Your take?

Mike Reiss

On Tavon Wilson, I think the most realistic projection is sub defender (in nickel or dime), playing "in the box", perhaps in a similar role as we saw the Patriots experimenting with Tank Williams a few years back. Also, special teams. As for Andre Carter, I thought the same thing when listening to the Sirius interview. He said he had to re-learn how to walk. Was surprised at that. Class guy. I wish him the best.

Matt (Bristol CT)

I've been watching some clips of Tavon Wilson and it seems that he can contribute on special teams as well. If he can hold his own and Nate Ebner impresses, I think it'll knock Sergio Brown off the roster. Do you think this will happen?

Mike Reiss

I do, Matt. I think Sergio Brown has a real battle for a roster spot on his hands.

Tim (Newton, MA)

Hey Mike,I wanted to touch on discussion earlier in the week about these safeties around the league getting big contracts, and the correlation of Chung's contract ending at the end of the year. If we see a similar contribution from Chung this year (in my view, good but not elite) what do you expect from the Patriots side of things? I don't think he's a 7 mill+ per/yr guy, not even close actually. It's a while until we reach that point, and I'm sure his 2012 season will impact it heavily. But any idea where you expect this to go?

Mike Reiss

Tim, my first thought is franchise tag. That tag has been lower than others, making it a bit more manageable for teams to absorb. But before we get to that point, perhaps the sides reach an extension during the season (a la Dan Koppen a few years back). I wouldn't rule that out.

Elliot (Narragansett, RI)

Hey Mike, what do I have to do to get an autograph at training camp?

Mike Reiss

Elliot, autographs of players are difficult and I'd say to anyone, come with low expectations. But it's worth a try so bring a Sharpie, something for them to sign, and hope for the best. After the practices, fans line up along the rope of the practice fields and players come by (usually a different position group each practice). Good luck.

keith (Ohio)

Do you think the pats treated Welker fairly re his contract?

Mike Reiss

Keith, I think at the end of the day, when you look at the bottom line, they're paying him $9.5 million to play this year. If that's not fair, I'm not sure what is. That's a high-end-of-the-market contract for one year. I understand why Welker would want even more security, and I don't blame him for holding his line for it. To me, what's important to players is going to vary from case to case, and because of that I never feel comfortable saying what's right or what's not right for a player. But to answer the question, I do think the Patriots are treating Welker fairly.

Gary (No VA)

Can Ballard go on IR once the season starts without being waived?

Mike Reiss

Yes, Gary, after the cut-down to 53 players.

Tom (Miami)

Hey Mike, Do you think the Pats will carry 7 WR's? It seems that if Stallworth can bring something to the table in the form of KR it would only add to his value. Thanks as always!

Mike Reiss

I'd be surprised at 7, Tom. Six would be my max number.