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One the one-year anniversary of Junior Seau’s death, former teammate Tedy Bruschi joined SportsCenter to share a couple of stories about him (video above).

“I miss my friend,” Bruschi said. “I miss Junior. ...

“Becoming a teammate of his I was so excited and learned so much from him. Probably one of my favorite teammates of all time. I smile when I think about knowing Junior and playing with Junior, because that’s all he ever wanted to do is go out there and do what they loved. You should have a love for the game and love for what you’re doing.

“So many stories. Even today, I get emails and texts from all my friends because we know what today is.”

Every Thursday on ESPNBoston.com, there is a Patriots chat in the early afternoon. Today's chat kicked off at 12:45 p.m. ET, can be recapped here, and included some of the following topics:

1. Drafting Rutgers safety Duron Harmon in the third round and the strategy of projecting value based on other teams' needs/draft board.

2. The Rutgers-to-Patriots pipeline.

3. Brandon Lloyd, Deion Branch and the possibility of signing a veteran receiver.

4. Breaking down the draft picks and what roles they might fill.

5. Trading down in the draft and trading for running back LaGarrette Blount.

6. Safety Tavon Wilson and his projected Year 1 to Year 2 jump.

Every Thursday on ESPNBoston.com, there is a Patriots chat in the early afternoon. Today's chat is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET (note the change from the normal noon time), and questions can be submitted in advance.

Catch up then.

The latest NFL collective bargaining agreement alleviated many of the headaches involved with signing rookies, particularly first-round draft choices. Holdouts were a regular occurrence prior to the new CBA, but a new rookie wage scale has largely resolved any issues relating to contract disputes.

It also has decreased the amount of money that top rookies receive, as Sam Bradford, the top overall choice in 2010, signed a six-year deal worth up to $78 million (including $50 million in guaranteed money), while Cam Newton, the top overall choice in 2011, signed a deal that maxes out at just over $22 million.

The Patriots traded their first-round selection this year to the Vikings in a deal that gave Minnesota the 29th overall choice for the second straight year.

Salaries for rookies tend to increase slightly each year, so the contract for the 29th pick this year, Cordarrelle Patterson, is likely to eclipse what teammate Harrison Smith (the 29th overall pick in 2012) received last year.

The details for Smith's deal are as follows: four years, a maximum value of $7.139 million with a $3.6 million signing bonus and $5.8 million guaranteed.

Among the picks acquired from Minnesota in the trade was the 52nd overall selection, used on linebacker Jamie Collins, who was taken just seven picks ahead of the Patriots' second choice, wide receiver Aaron Dobson.

The 52nd pick last year, Zach Brown, received a four-year deal with a maximum value of $3.858 million and a $1.25 million signing bonus, while the 59th pick, Vinny Curry, signed a four-year deal worth up to $3.23 million and a signing bonus of $807,950.

Keeping in mind that the salaries for Collins and Dobson are likely to increase minimally, the Patriots project to pay their top two choices just over $7 million in maximum value for eight seasons of work.

While rookie contracts are no longer as difficult to agree upon, it's always interesting to note what the top choices for each team will earn in their first NFL deals.

On a beautiful day in New England, a look at some of the media-based activity today from a Patriots perspective:

20th introduction for Krafts. The Patriots will continue the tradition of introducing their top draft choice with owner Robert Kraft and team president Jonathan Kraft, and that will take place at 3 p.m. ET with linebacker Jamie Collins (52nd overall). It's mostly a photo opportunity and a chance to see the team's top pick at the stadium for the first time, while Robert Kraft usually makes a few remarks to welcome the top pick. In 2005, offensive lineman Logan Mankins bought his first-ever suit for the tradition. In 2006, the Patriots decided that both running back Laurence Maroney (first round) and Chad Jackson (second round) would be part of it, and with Jackson arriving from the University of Florida, they presented him a Patriots winter parka instead of a jersey. Hard to believe it's been 20 years for the Kraft family.

Chandler Jones & Stevan Ridley step to the mike. While much of the attention has been focused on the Patriots' draft picks, returning players continue to work behind the scenes in the voluntary offseason program.Two players who have been taking part in the program, second-year defensive end Chandler Jones and third-year running back Stevan Ridley, are expected to answer questions from reporters today. Some good topics to cover with both.

Rookie free agents likely to be announced. With rookies arriving in town today, the Patriots are likely to announce their rookie free-agent class. One reason the club might wait to announce those signings, even though agreements are in place, is that there are still logistics to finalize upon their arrival (e.g. medical, introduction to program etc.). This is the Patriots' largest rookie free-agent class in recent memory, and as we've seen from past years, at least one of them beats the odds to earn a roster spot. One message the rookie free agents are likely to hear from Bill Belichick is that it doesn't matter how they got to Gillette Stadium, everyone is on the same footing now. Rookie minicamp on-field practices are scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

One of the big storylines in Dallas is how the Cowboys are attempting to duplicate what the Patriots do on offense with tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

With this in mind, the following questions were asked by our cousins at ESPNDallas on the Patriots' approach:

1. What makes the Patriots' use of the two-tight end package work so well?
2. How does it differ, in your mind, in how other teams use the package?
3. How do most teams combat it with their defensive personnel?
4. Is there ever a downside to it, like shrinking the field too much?
5. Has the package all but eliminated the fullback in the offense?

To check out the answers, CLICK HERE. And feel free to share any of your own thoughts in the comments section of this blog entry.

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.