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In a column on SI.com, national reporter Don Banks writes on seven strong hunches and he leads off with his hunch that the Bills, not the Jets, are closer to challenging the Patriots in the AFC East.

"The long-downtrodden Bills can rightfully lay claim to having the best offseason in the league," Banks writes. "After 12 playoff-less seasons, the longest active drought in the NFL, there's hope again in Buffalo. And this time, it's there for good reason."

Meanwhile, Banks casts doubt on the Jets' plan.

"They've made a messy locker room situation that much messier," he writes. "Life under Ryan in New York will never be friction-free, but pouring gas on the fire and expecting things to settle down is a curious approach to say the least."

From a Patriots perspective, which team do you view as the more serious challenger?

I like Banks' viewpoint. Still, I'm leaning toward the Jets.

When it comes to the Bills' depth and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, there remain questions from this perspective. And while the Jets still have questions at quarterback, I still see them as the more complete team at this time.

Agree or disagree? Vote in the accompanying poll and share thoughts in the comments section of this blog entry.

Links with a Patriots twist from around the Web:

1. Belichick & the highest paid coaches in sports. Forbes lists the highest paid coaches in sports, and Bill Belichick tops the list at an estimated $7.5 million per season. Belichick isn't the only coach in town residing in the high-rent district, as Doc Rivers is also right up there.

2. Pats have work to do with Welker. Writing from the players' perspective, Matt Bowen of National Football Post feels the Patriots still have work to do when it comes to taking care of Wes Welker.

3. A hunch that Bills will challenge Pats. Writing his seven strong hunches for 2012, Don Banks of SI.com sees the Bills -- not the Jets -- "are closer to dethroning the mighty Patriots in the AFC East." Also, Banks doesn't see Chad Ochocinco making the cut.

4. Brady gets a tune-up. Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald talks with former major league pitcher Tom House, who recently worked with Tom Brady on his mechanics and was impressed.

5. Bequette like Beckett. While first-round draft choices Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower have received the majority of media attention among Patriots draft picks, Rich Garven of the Worcester Telegram shines the spotlight on third-round pick Jake Bequette, who had a clever answer when talking about the pronunciation of his last name.

New England Patriots seventh-round draft pick Alfonzo Dennard will be arraigned May 30 in Lancaster County District Court on a charge of third-degree felony assault of a police officer.

The former Nebraska cornerback waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Tuesday. He remains free on a $5,000 bond.

Dennard is accused of striking an officer during a disturbance outside a Lincoln bar on April 21, five days before the NFL draft started. He was the 2011 Big Ten defensive back of the year and had been projected to be a second- or third-round pick before his arrest.

If convicted, he could face five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

On Sirius XM NFL Radio, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said the Patriots feel "at the core, that's not who Alfonzo is."

"We'll see how the whole incident comes out in time; that's in legal hands and ultimately a judge will make that decision. We just don't feel that's who he is, or even how the account of the incident came out in some places, that's what happened. But we'll see. Bottom line is we were comfortable with him, and that if he did make a mistake like so many of us have, that he'll be able to represent our organization and our team the way we want it represented and we were comfortable taking him."

BOSTON, Mass. -- During a visit to the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Patriots receiver Julian Edelman and defensive back Devin McCourty fielded a few football questions from reporters.

When informed of receiver Wes Welker's decision to sign his franchise tender, Edelman called it a "real positive thing."

“He’s one of our better players on our team and he’s only going to make us better. I think that's great," Edelman said, noting that he hadn't heard the news before it was mentioned by a reporter. “It says that he’s a great teammate and that he wants to get back with the team. I’m sure he’s excited to come back and train with us, and we’re exited to have him back."

Edelman, who enters his fourth NFL season, is Welker's primary backup and the Patriots' top punt returner. In 2009, he totaled a career-high 37 receptions, with his best game coming in the season finale against the Texans when he filled in for Welker, who had torn his ACL. Edelman had 10 receptions that day.

Since that time, Edelman hasn't had many opportunities to break through, totaling 11 receptions over the last two seasons.

Welker, Edelman, Anthony Gonzalez and seventh-round draft choice Jeremy Ebert comprise the top slot options for the Patriots in 2012. Welker, Edelman and Gonzalez all have contracts that expire after the 2012 season.

While Welker's status has been one of the big storylines of the offseason, one of the notable changes on defense is Matt Patricia officially being named defensive coordinator.

McCourty, who worked closely with Patricia while platooning in a safety and cornerback role in 2011, doesn’t think the promotion will alter Patricia’s approach.

“One good thing about being in New England is guys’ attitudes – they don’t change," McCourty said. “Whether Wes is coming back from signing a franchise tender, a guy signs a new contract, Matty P. becomes the defensive coordinator, for us it’s you go on with your day as usual.

“He’s been a great coach since I’ve been there, and I’m happy for him to step up and be promoted to that position. I expect what I’ve been getting the last two years: great coaching and guys [doing] everything they ask.”

BOSTON, Mass. -- Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman and defensive back Devin McCourty spent part of Tuesday afternoon at the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, sharing stories and taking pictures with donors and patients.

The visit was part of the Patriots “Celebrate Volunteerism” campaign, and the players expressed their appreciation by handing out autographed photos.

One donor had a special request to sign a plastic brace/walking boot on her left foot and ankle. Edelman and McCourty were more than happy to oblige, and the donor stated that her grandson would be thrilled to take the boot from her when she was back to full health and no longer in need of it.

It was evident that mutual appreciation was shared by the players and those involved with the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center, as Edelman and McCourty went from patient to patient, spending time with each.

Neither can recall giving blood of their own, and Edelman noted with a light-hearted tone, “needles scared me.”

The Kraft Family Blood Donor Center teams up with the Brigham’s and Women’s Hospital Blood Donor Center to collect platelets and perform more than 60,000 transfusions annually.

The two players fielded questions from reporters after meeting with a group of donors, and each talked about what being at the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center meant to them.

“Any time you can go out and donate some time, especially with people that are donating their blood platelets, it just definitely humbles you and puts life in perspective.” Edelman said. “These people are real heroes, they’re saving people every day, and I’m honored that they allowed us to come and meet these people.”

“Just to take time out of our day and come to do something that actually really matters. Sometimes we get caught up in everything we’re trying to do, getting better [as] football players, but you step outside of that, you get to the see real life and see things that really matter.” McCourty told reporters. “These donors, and getting to see some patients, if we can just put a smile on somebody’s face and be some type of difference and help them out, it’s a pleasure being here.”

The tandem acknowledged that the visit carried even more of a special meaning because of the connection to the late Myra Kraft.

“Definitely. That goes with anybody. When you’re directly a part of something and you can actually see things in movement, and for us to come here, it definitely hits home,” McCourty stated, “It’s a great cause no matter what, but for it to hit home I think makes it even more important to us and players on our team.”

“I personally got to know a little bit of Mrs. Kraft and the time that she donated to everything, you feel like you have nothing else to do but go out here and give some time,” Edelman added. “It’s definitely for a great cause.”

The Patriots signed seven rookie free agents after the draft, and looking at the signing bonus/guaranteed money each player received is a good reflection of how they were valued and what type of competition the club faced from others to sign them.

Here is the rundown:

OL Jeremiah Warren (So. Florida) -- $28,000 ($18k to sign, $10k of guaranteed salary)*
RB Brandon Bolden (Mississippi) -- $15,000
OL Markus Zusevics (Iowa)- $13,000
DL Marcus Forston (Miami) -- $10,000
DE Justin Francis (Rutgers) -- $10,000 ($7k to sign, $3k of guaranteed salary)
TE Brad Herman (Iowa) -- $2,500
WR Matt Roark (Kentucky) -- $2,500

* Figures have been adjusted and increased after an initial error.

ANALYSIS: Patriots coach Bill Belichick attended South Florida's Pro Day and spent time with Warren, who began his career at left tackle before moving inside to guard. Based on this investment, it wouldn't be surprising to learn the Patriots probably considered drafting him in the seventh round. Furthermore, the Patriots didn't draft an offensive lineman, so it makes sense that two of their three biggest investments were on the line. Meanwhile, Bolden was arguably the top running back available after the draft, so it's likely the Patriots were bidding against others, which drove up the price. All deals for rookie free agents were three years.

Just minutes after Wes Welker confirmed he was signing his franchise tender, ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss was on ESPN Boston Radio with Adam Jones to talk about it (listen to the podcast HERE).

"What I make of it is that it's an acknowledgement that Wes Welker doesn't have any leverage in this situation and that waiting any longer wasn't going to get him where he needed to go," Reiss said. "So it's time to shift your strategy in the negotiation because what you were hoping would happen hasn't happened at this point. So you now shift and say 'OK, at the least I can accept the fact that I can have $9.5 million guaranteed' and you hope that your act of doing this maybe leads the Patriots back to the negotiating table (on a long-term extension). ...

"To me this is a good sign here for the sides to possibly make something work for about a three-year deal."

Patriots receiver Wes Welker signed his franchise-tag tender today, according to a source close to the negotiation.

Welker confirmed the signing on his Twitter account, writing: "I signed my tender today. I love the game and I love my teammates! Hopefully doing the right thing gets the right results. #leapoffaith"

After his interview on sports radio WEEI on Monday, it was clear that Welker's approach to the negotiation had been shifting.

In April, he talked about possibly staying away from mandatory minicamp. But on Monday, he struck a different tone, and also said he didn't plan to miss any regular-season games.

"There are 9.5 million reasons why I wouldn't miss any regular-season games," he said.

As for talks on a long-term extension, Welker added: "I think we're all on the same page and we're all trying to collectively come together and make something happen."

Taking a closer look at the one-year contract signed by running back Joseph Addai, and what it might mean for the Patriots:

Base salary: $725,000
Signing bonus: $75,000
Workout bonus: $50,000
Roster bonus: $218,750
Incentives: $300,000
Salary cap charge: $1.36 million

ANALYSIS: At this time of year, many of the deals signed by veterans are for the minimum. This deal isn't, which could reflect how the Patriots plan for Addai to be on their roster. From the team side, this type of contract is consistent with the offseason approach of offering a modest bonus to attract proven players who can help build better depth. Addai gets $125,000 up front (signing/workout bonuses) whether he makes the team or not. Meanwhile, a more significant part of the deal is the roster bonus ($218,750), which sets up a situation where Addai can earn more if he's on the roster and contributing. From the Patriots side, the roster bonus is money they can feel more comfortable paying when knowing for certain that he's on the club. The feeling here is that Addai will ultimately make the club, and this will turn out to be a good deal for him, but this contract reflects there is a minor level of uncertainty about him making the cut.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Last season, wide receiver Donte' Stallworth was on his fourth team in five years, failing to make the playoffs with the Washington Redskins. This offseason, the 31-year old Stallworth returned to New England, looking for a shot at what eluded him and his Patriots teammates in 2007, when they lost to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

"Just wanting to have an opportunity to put a championship at the end of my name," Stallworth said. "I think we're one of many teams that has an opportunity to do that this year."

Signing a one-year deal on Mar. 23, Stallworth re-joined former teammates Tom Brady and Wes Welker, as well as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, while the team has since brought back Jabar Gaffney, another of Brady's options on that 2007 squad.

"Josh, with him coming back, I think he'll obviously incorporate some of the stuff he's picked up over the past few years," Stallworth told reporters on Tuesday at Gillette Stadium. "You just have to get familiar with it again. That's one thing I've been doing right now, really trying to keep my head in the playbook. Once you're comfortable with the offense, that's the easy part."

For Stallworth, much has changed in the past five years. After one season in New England, he played in Cleveland in 2008 before a DUI manslaughter conviction in 2009 led to a season-long suspension. He returned in 2010 for the Ravens before joining the Redskins last season.

"I'm a lot more mature now than I was then. I feel like I'm playing better. I'm in a better place mentally, physically and I just felt like at that time I was still trying to mature and grow into a professional athlete," Stallworth said. "I feel like I'm a lot further down the road than I was last time.

"I think, back then, I was really more relying on my talent. Now that I'm going into my tenth year, I think I run better routes now and understand different coverages and what teams are trying to do," he continued. "That's a big thing because you always hear people say this game is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical."

Stallworth joins a crowded position that includes Welker, Gaffney, offseason additions Brandon Lloyd and Anthony Gonzalez, and holdovers Deion Branch, Chad Ochocinco, and Julian Edelman, among others.

"It's going to be good competition; we're all friends, we all have known each other for a while and respected each other's games, so we're going to make each other better," Stallworth said. "We've been doing that now, with the workouts and really having fun, and the real fun gets to start on Monday when we start practicing. Who knows how it will play out, but I'm feeling good; I'm feeling healthy."

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

1. How the Patriots' receiver group is making history already.

2. Offensive lineman Brian Waters and his future with the club.

3. New defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and his philosophy.

4. Getting a feel for rookie safety Tavon Wilson.

5. Closer look at the addition of fullbacks and what it might mean.

The Patriots on Tuesday announced the release of quarterback Mike Hartline, while confirming the previously reported signing of second-round draft choice Tavon Wilson.

Hartline was signed by the Patriots on Jan. 12 to a future contract, and was the fourth quarterback on the depth chart. The Colts signed the Kentucky product last summer as an undrafted free agent.

Wilson is the first of the team's seven draft choices to sign a contract.

In the video above, Michael Smith, Israel Gutierrez and Jemele Hill discuss Wes Welker's comment about not missing regular season games.

Last Tuesday, CBSSports.com’s Bruce Feldman published his annual Freak List, which highlights the “10 craziest athletes in all of college football.” Feldman describes the list as “A top 10 that spotlights the top workout warriors or players who amaze their teammates and coaches with what they can do in the weight room, on the track or in some other ‘wow’ aspect of athleticism.”

Notable inclusions to previous editions of the Freak List include Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson and Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, each of whom has successfully translated his athleticism into on-field success in the NFL.

Feldman has been compiling the list for nearly a decade, and it’s no surprise that a handful of current Patriots once appeared on the list during their college careers.

Most recently, linebacker Dont’a Hightower (a Patriots 2012 first-round pick), checked in on the "Freak List" in both 2010 and 2011 amongst those who “Just Missed the Cut.” (With so many players to choose from, Feldman supplements his top 10 by pointing out several close calls).

Hightower was joined in 2010 by a pair of current Patriots teammates, offensive tackle Nate Solder (No. 5) and quarterback Ryan Mallett (just missed the cut).

(Read full post)

Foxsports.com NFL reporter Alex Marvez picks one player from each team that is primed for a breakout season, with his work presented in slideshow format. His pick for the Patriots: linebacker Brandon Spikes.

"After being sidelined for seven games last season with a sprained knee, Spikes began to blossom in the playoffs," Marvez writes. "He had 26 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in three playoff games, including 11 stops in Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants. Spikes should be even more effective in his third NFL season. He also will receive additional help with the Patriots augmenting their front seven with the first-round selections of end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower."

It's hard to argue with Marvez's choice, simply based on Super Bowl XLVI. Spikes was arguably the team's best defender in that game.

Here are two thoughts on Spikes:

Staying on the field. Spikes has played in 20 of a possible 32 regular-season games over his first two seasons, missing time because of a 2010 suspension and 2011 knee injury. He also missed most of training camp last year, and one sensed some frustration with his situation. When Bill Belichick was asked about Spikes' work later in the season, when it looked like Spikes was coming on, he referenced how it was just good that Spikes was back on the field working with the club. To take the next step in his career, Spikes needs some good fortune to avoid injuries, while also fully committing himself to put him in the best position to succeed. Belichick values consistency and Spikes has been a bit up and down to this point.

Sub packages. One aspect of Spikes' game that bears watching is his presence in sub packages. When utilized in that role earlier in the 2011 season, such as the Oct. 30 game against the Steelers, the Patriots were hurt in the short- to intermediate passing game in the middle of the field. The Steelers seemed to be targeting Spikes at times. But when Spikes returned from injury late in the season, and he stayed on the field in sub, the results seemed to be a bit better. Some might view Spikes as a Ted Johnson-type early-down run-stuffer, but Spikes has shown flashes he can be more.