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In a piece now posted on NFL.com, draft guru Gil Brandt ranks the league's top 10 rookie free-agent classes, and the Patriots just make the cut at No. 10.

Brandt lists the key signings as South Florida defensive tackle Cory Grissom, Nevada tight end Zach Sudfeld and Penn State center Matt Stankiewitch.

"Grissom was a top-notch high school wrestler, and wrestlers often make for good defensive linemen. The three-year starting nose tackle can be a good player against the run," Brandt writes. "Sudfeld moved well for a big guy; he's the type of guy they do such a good job with at New England. The same goes for Stankiewitch, a smart overachiever who looks like a good developmental project."

Brandt also previously listed Missouri receiver T.J. Moe as his seventh-best rookie free agent at the position.

To read the piece, CLICK HERE.

BRISTOL, Conn. -- While the 2013 NFL Draft came to close over the weekend, it won't be long until fantasy football drafts take place in preparation for the upcoming season.

With that in mind, a group of 25 or so members of the ESPN.com Fantasy staff congregated Tuesday at company headquarters for the annual Fantasy Football Summit, during which player rankings were discussed in advance of the release of a special magazine preview.

As the top scoring offense in 2012, the Patriots had no shortage of fantasy relevant players, and though the personnel has turned over some this offseason, that figures to remain the case again in 2013.

Several Patriots-related items led to spirited conversation, some of which are outlined below:

1. Does the new-look receiving corps impact the value of Tom Brady? Brady's top two receivers from 2012 are gone, and there are some questions related to the health of tight end Rob Gronkowski (more on this later), but the 35-year old has proven to be among the most consistent and potent quarterbacks in the league. While losing Wes Welker hurts, the additions of Danny Amendola and a pair of rookie wide receivers was enough to keep Brady right in the mix among the top four fantasy quarterbacks for 2013. In 2012, Brady trailed only Drew Brees among all fantasy scorers, averaging over 20 points per game.

2. Blount's presence tied to Ridley. It seems too soon to suggest that LeGarrette Blount will both make the active roster and have a consistent role in New England, as he had a down 2012 and is limited athletically. However, one area where he has been known to have a fantasy impact is a goal-line runner who can save a fantasy day with a stat line in the mold of six carries for 17 yards and a touchdown (good enough for seven fantasy points). Stevan Ridley tied for third among NFL running backs with 12 rushing touchdowns in 2012, but some wonder if Blount will take away some of his touches near the goal line, decreasing his overall value. In the end, Ridley still checked in right outside of the top 10 running backs for the season.

3. Amendola's expectations. We didn't dive too deep into this one, but it's a question many fantasy players have already asked: how productive can Danny Amendola be in a role comparable to Wes Welker? For those who play in a point-per-reception league, Welker was an ideal fit because of his high-volume of catches (and his yardage), and the same could prove to be true with Amendola. The biggest concern relating to Amendola is the same concern that has been discussed in "real" football: his health. If he can stay healthy, some believe he'll approach the production of Welker; however, he's missed 20 games in the past two seasons, and that's a factor worth considering before drafting him.

4. The health of Gronk. Rob Gronkowski's record-breaking production has led some fantasy owners to re-think the way they value the tight end position. Despite missing five games last season (and sitting for much of a sixth), Gronkowski was just five points short of the most points produced by a tight end for 2012. He's virtually uncoverable and, for those who play in dynasty leagues, among the 10 or so best building blocks in fantasy football. But the left forearm that he broke remains not only a concern for his team, but for fantasy owners as well. When healthy, there's no doubt that Gronk is the top tight end choice (and by a wide margin), but how much caution must an owner through right now given his circumstances? The answer, much like how the Patriots are probably feeling, is it's just too soon to tell. Gronk checked in at number two on the tight end list, just behind Jimmy Graham.

BRAINTREE, Mass. -- For the first time since being drafted by the New England Patriots in 2010, punter Zoltan Mesko will face competition for his job.

Former Louisiana Tech punter Ryan Allen, who went undrafted last week, tweeted on Saturday that he will be joining the Patriots.

"Ready to take my talents to New England!" Allen tweeted. "Excited to compete and be a part of a first class organization! ... Cannot wait to grind toward success as a Patriot!"

Last season, Allen became the first back-to-back winner of the Ray Guy Award, given annually since 2000 to the best punter in college football.

Meanwhile, Mesko enters the final year of his rookie contract. Statistically, he saw a slight drop in his gross punting average last season (43.1 yards per punt after posting a 46.5 mark in 2011), although that may have been offset in part by a career-high 28 punts downed inside the 20-yard line.

On Wednesday, Mesko told ESPNBoston.com that he is ready to embrace the competition.

"I'll control what I can control," he said. "It's healthy competition and that's what got us here in the first place. So I welcome whatever the coaches feel is best for me."

This is the first time in his NFL career that Mesko, who was selected in the fifth round out of Michigan in 2010, could enter training camp battling with another punter on the roster.

"If Ryan has any questions, I'll be happy to answer them," Mesko said. "Get him caught up to things."

Mesko and special teams captain Matthew Slater were in Braintree on Wednesday, speaking to students at Ross Elementary School about the importance of physical activity.

"What better way to form your habits as a kid when you're a sponge and will absorb things from your role models?" Mesko said.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- While there could always be minor tweaks in the coming weeks, the foundation of the Patriots' 90-man roster is set following the 2013 NFL Draft and rookie free-agent signings. It has been almost two months since veteran free agency and the 2013 league year began, and here is one view of returning players who could be most affected by the changes:

Safety Steve Gregory. A 14-game starter for the Patriots in 2012 (including playoffs), Gregory faces increased competition for that role, and possibly even a roster spot after the club signed veteran Adrian Wilson in free agency and then surprised many by selecting Rutgers safety Duron Harmon in the third round. Add in another year of development for 2012 second-round pick Tavon Wilson and the returns of Devin McCourty and special teamer Nate Ebner, and it's a more crowded depth chart this year. Still, Gregory is valued by the coaching staff for his smarts and steadiness and while he didn't show up much on special teams last year, that area could be one that turns out to be more important for him this year as it pertains to his value.

Cornerback Ras-I Dowling. The top pick in the 2011 second round (33rd overall), Dowling enters a make-or-break year after injuries derailed his first two NFL campaigns. The top of the cornerback depth chart appears to be locked in -- Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard and Kyle Arrington -- and third-round draft choice Logan Ryan (Rutgers) is essentially assured a roster spot. So if everyone is healthy and playing up to the level that dictated the 2012 depth chart, Dowling projects to the No. 4-5-6 spot. His limited special teams contributions could make him expendable (if everyone's healthy), as that is an area in which Marquice Cole -- also vying for a roster spot at the position -- excels.

Defensive tackles Kyle Love/Brandon Deaderick. Co-starters next to Vince Wilfork in 2012, both face increased competition from the likes of veteran free-agent signing Tommy Kelly and CFL import Armond Armstead. Former practice squad lineman Marcus Forston is back, and the club has also signed rookie free agents Cory Grissom (South Florida) and Joe Vellano (Maryland). Both Love and Deaderick enter the final year of their contracts and they could be feeling some heat based on the added competition.

Defensive end Jake Bequette. The 2012 third-round pick out of Arkansas, who played sparingly as a rookie, is part of an "edge" group that was bolstered by second-round draft choice Jamie Collins and seventh-round draft pick Michael Buchanan. There is still some question as to where Collins fits, but the projection from this view is an edge-type role, which could have a trickle-down effect on someone like Bequette.

Defensive end Jermaine Cunningham. The 2010 second-round pick out of Florida let the team down last year with a four-game suspension, which stunted some of the momentum he had generated at the time. Upon his return, he had been passed on the depth chart by rookie free agent Justin Francis. Now with Collins and Buchanan added in the draft, and projecting to an "edge" role, Cunningham has even more competition to contend with for playing time and/or a roster spot.

Offensive lineman Marcus Cannon. The biggest trickle-down effect for Cannon is position-based. With starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer re-signing, and the club also inking veteran swing tackle Will Svitek in free agency, this could bump Cannon inside to guard, where the Patriots could use a little more depth. Bill Belichick insisted last year that tackle was Cannon's best fit, and while Cannon is likely to work at both spots in training camp, maybe the thinking of his best fit changes this year based on personnel.

Wide receivers Donald Jones and Michael Jenkins. Both free-agent signings now project to No. 5 or 6 on the depth chart behind Danny Amendola, draft picks Aaron Dobson/Josh Boyce and Julian Edelman. Had the Patriots drafted just one receiver, the odds naturally would have been better for both of them to possibly stick on the roster. Now, assuming good health, there might be just one spot (if any at all).

Tight end Daniel Fells. Some might have viewed the seven-year veteran's hold on a roster spot tenuous, but with starters Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez dealing with medical issues this offseason, his value on the roster has seemingly increased.

Running back Brandon Bolden. With the Patriots acquiring LeGarrette Blount in a trade, the second-year power back faces added competition for early-down carries with him and starter Stevan Ridley. Bolden contributes most on special teams, which is where his primary value falls with a roster spot. Like Cunningham, his four-game suspension last season stunted his momentum and he wasn't as big of a contributor on offense upon his return. From this viewpoint, there is still an aspect of Bolden having to re-earn the trust of the coaching staff.

In a piece now posted on ESPN.com, draft analyst Todd McShay goes through the AFC and selects one "impact" pick for each team and one pick that could be considered "questionable."

For the Patriots, he selects Marshall receiver Aaron Dobson for the impact category.

"I've been saying for months that Dobson had 'Patriots' written all over him," McShay writes. "Of all the top receivers in this class, Dobson has the instincts, savvy and ball skills to pick up their offense and break their trend of busts at the position. He's not a burner, but he's 6-foot-3, has phenomenal body control, and great hand-eye coordination."

At the opposite end of the spectrum, McShay is curious about Rutgers safety Duron Harmon, the team's second third-round pick (91st overall).

"We had a sixth-to-seventh-round grade on him," McShay writes. "He's the kind of player the Patriots have often selected at that position, so we'll see if they have a specific role in mind, and I'll be curious to find out what they saw that I didn't."

To read the piece, CLICK HERE (Insider content).

ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss looks ahead to the Patriots' rookie minicamp on tap for this weekend, catches up with veteran safety Adrian Wilson, considers the Patriots' roster needs following last week's NFL draft, and answers fans' questions on Twitter.

The Patriots have officially terminated the contract of guard Brian Waters, who was placed on the reserve/did not report list prior to the 2012 regular season.

Waters, signed by the team just days before the 2011 regular season, is now a free agent and can sign with any team if he chooses to continue his career.

The 36-year-old played at a high level for the Patriots during his one season on the field with the team, but did not show up for any of the OTAs last offseason and was excused from the team's mandatory minicamp.

With Waters deciding not to report, the team moved Dan Connolly from center to right guard, and Ryan Wendell stepped in to anchor the center position.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The Patriots have yet to officially announce their rookie free agent class, but one player confirmed to have agreed to terms with the club is Missouri receiver T.J.Moe.

When Moe’s name was brought up to a scout earlier on Tuesday, the response was along these lines: “He’s a little bit of that Welker-type. He fits what the Patriots do.”

That type of comparison – from a style-of-play perspective more so than production – makes Moe one of the Patriots’ more intriguing rookie free-agent signings. Doing a little background work on Moe, here are some of the things that were learned:

1. He has a bigger physical build than Welker and Danny Amendola at 5-foot-11 1/2 and 204 pounds.

2. He was projected as a later-round pick, but one of the reasons he might have slipped through the draft was a slow time in the 40-yard dash (4.69).

3. Moe was electrifying in other tests, such as the 3-cone drill (6.53), which helps measure change of direction skills. He also had 26 repetitions on the bench press, tops among receivers.

4. He was a team captain and has an outgoing personality.

5. Scored very well on the Wonderlic test, which depending on one’s viewpoint, could be an indicator that he will be able to pick up a complex offense.

6. At his Missouri Pro Day, Patriots director of college scouting Jon Robinson took an active role in running drills and thus got a very close look at Moe.

7. Knowing how much the Patriots value the slot receiver role, Moe naturally had an interest in playing for the Patriots. The Patriots’ aggressive sales pitch after the draft probably didn’t hurt either, as they were one of about six teams pursuing him. Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio was apparently persuasive in making a strong case as to why the Patriots wanted Moe.

The Patriots dropped a spot in ESPN's Power Rankings after their "typical, non-flashy draft," landing at No. 6 behind the Green Bay Packers. The Seattle Seahawks remain at No. 1.

Atlanta, San Francisco and Denver also remain in front of New England.

The Super Bowl champion Ravens, who opted to rebuild in the offseason and lost six starters, are ranked eighth. And at the bottom of the pile? Rex Ryan's New York Jets.

To see the full rankings, click HERE.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The first thing that stood out when veteran Patriots safety Adrian Wilson arrived for a media interview on Tuesday was his size. At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, the chiseled Wilson looks more like a linebacker than a safety.

That’s why teammates have nicknamed him The Incredible Hulk.

“I think it’s rather funny,” Wilson said Tuesday with a smile. “Things like that happen, I guess, once you get to know the guys.”

That connection with teammates is one of the most important things to him as he makes the transition to New England after 12 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. It’s a big change for him.

“It’s scary,” acknowledged the hard-hitting Wilson, who donned a red throwback Patriots cap and gray Patriots T-shirt. “Obviously you want to come in with the right mindset and you just want to get along with the guys. You want to kind of make sure you hang around them and get to know each and every guy. That’s the biggest concern I have right now, that I know all the guys that I’m going to be playing with. Right now we’re moving in the right direction.”

One direction Wilson didn't want to go was backwards; he said he didn't want to get into any Patriots vs. Cardinals comparisons. But when asked to describe his style of play for those who haven’t seen him much, he veered slightly off path to acknowledge some of his doubters. Wilson was taken off the field in passing situations last year, and because of that, he might be arriving in New England with a chip on his shoulder.

“I felt like I’ve had a pretty good career so far. Last year was last year. Obviously, things didn’t go my way, as far as the way I wanted them to go,” he said. “Obviously players slow down as they get older, but they also have experience and they’ve seen a lot of things as far as football. To say that a person is not good enough, that wouldn’t be the right verbiage to use, as far as that is concerned. I feel like I can help this team win. That’s pretty much what I’m here to do.”

Wilson added that he’s become a smarter football player over the years, no longer taking “ridiculous chances to make a splash play.”

A few more soundbites from Wilson:

Why he chose New England. “Why not? ... I think the way they run things is totally different from anywhere else. The winning mentality, it’s not pressure to them, or to us now. It’s going out there and expecting to win every game.”

Perception of New England around the NFL. “That they win. Other than that, a very disciplined team, a team that you’re going to have to beat them. It’s like the champ; you have to undecidedly beat the champ, you can’t just go out there and box a good 12 rounds. You have to actually knock them out.”

On if his offer of a year’s worth of Pampers to Kyle Arrington for the No. 24 has closed the deal. “I think we’re still working on that.”

Every Tuesday on ESPNBoston.com, questions from Patriots followers are answered as part of a weekly mailbag. This week's mailbag has been posted and includes some of the following topics:

1. Exploring all the defensive draft picks in recent years and if the unit will be better.

2. The evolving wide receiver position.

3. Trading down and if the Patriots are sacrificing top talent to do so.

4. The curious selection of Rutgers safety Duron Harmon in the third round.

5. Safety Tavon Wilson, defensive lineman Armond Armstead, defensive end Jake Bequette, cornerback Ras-I Dowling and more.

The Dallas Cowboys are using the New England Patriots' offensive blueprint as they build their team, which is a theme that owner Jerry Jones relayed after this year's draft.

Some felt the Cowboys reached with their draft picks (first-round center Travis Frederick), just as some have felt the Patriots did over the years (e.g. Logan Mankins in the 2005 first round). There was also a heavy focus on tight end (second-round pick Gavin Escobar) as well as a plan of adopting a running back by committee approach.

Here is part of a piece on DallasCowboys.com:

During every day of the NFL draft, following his post-draft press conferences, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones spoke briefly with the media, and three days in a row he referenced the Patriots specifically.

“They’re a good role model for us,” Jones said Thursday night. “They’ve got a quarterback in Brady, they’ve done a good job of having an offensive football team and they’ve given up a little bit on their defense – they want to score points. ...

"We welcome the opportunity to add a real tight end – with New England-type emphasis there. And can this quarterback have both of them? He sure can."

Head coach Jason Garrett added: "They’re a team, like a lot of teams around the league, that we’ll study in the offseason. We’ll watch what they do and see what the trends are. They typically do the trends better than most, so they’re a good example for us."

To read the piece, CLICK HERE.

Kent State offensive lineman Josh Kline has signed with the Patriots as a rookie free agent, according to the school.

The 6-foot-3, 310-pound Kline played left guard and left tackle for the Golden Flashes, and crossed paths with current Patriots receiver Julian Edelman for one season at Kent State (2008).

The school noted that Kline had a private workout for the Patriots after Kent State's Pro Day.

The Patriots didn't draft an offensive lineman this year, and have focused on the position in free agency. In addition to Kline, Penn State center Matt Stankiewitch has agreed to terms with the Patriots, according to a source.

Kline faces longer odds for a roster spot, but given the way the Patriots have utilized the practice squad in the past to develop young blockers, his inclusion in the team's program is notable.

The Patriots’ official list of rookie free agents should be announced in the coming days. Because those agreements can be fluid, and things can change quickly, we’ve avoided them unless they were independently confirmed.

One that we feel comfortable locking in is South Florida defensive tackle Cory Grissom.

A source confirmed that Grissom has agreed to a deal with New England, and if NFL draft guru Gil Brandt is on the mark, the signing is a coup for the Patriots. Brandt, writing on NFL.com, ranked Grissom as the top undrafted defensive tackle.

The 6-foot-1 3/8 and 306 pound Grissom was a three-year starter at South Florida from 2010-2012, appearing in 37 games. Injuries over his college career might have contributed to him going undrafted.

The Pro Football Weekly draft preview projected Grissom as a fifth- to sixth-round pick. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. rated him as the 16th defensive tackle (Insider content).

The Patriots have Vince Wilfork, Tommy Kelly, Kyle Love and Brandon Deaderick as their top returning interior linemen, while Armond Armstead of the Canadian Football League could be a factor.

Now Grissom joins the mix and his profile as a two-down run-stuffer seems to fit closest to Love’s.

EXTRA POINT: Maryland defensive lineman Joe Vellano will attend Patriots rookie minicamp, the Albany Times-Union reports. It is unclear if Vellano will be in attendance on a tryout basis, or if he has signed a contract.

The Patriots announced the release of five players on Monday: wide receiver Jeremy Ebert (as previously reported by Mike Reiss), fullback Tony Fiammetta, tight end Brad Herman, defensive lineman Tracy Robertson and defensive back Malcolm Williams.

Fiammetta recently was moved from the reserve/left squad list to the active roster. He spent the entire 2012 regular season on the reserve/left squad list after signing with the team as a free agent last offseason.

Herman was signed as an undrafted free agent last year, but suffered an Achilles' injury that kept him out for his entire rookie season.

Robertson was signed to the team's practice squad late last season, then signed a reserve/future contract following the season.

Williams, a 2011 seventh-round draft choice, moved between the active roster and practice squad in 2012, playing primarily in a special teams role.