Some leftovers from media access with some New England Patriots rookies:
Halapio sees links to Florida ‘ 11 offense. Guard Jon Halapio, one of the team’s sixth-round draft choices (179th), said his initial impression of the Patriots’ offense is it’s similar to what he ran as a Florida Gator under Charlie Weis in 2011. Weis, of course, is a former Patriots offensive coordinator. “It’s not as hard as the other players for me to pick it up, but I’m not totally there yet. It’s only Day 2,” he said.
Getting a feel for Beck. Bowling Green tight end Tyler Beck (6-2, 257), who is one of nine undrafted players signed on Monday, described his style of play this way: “I’m more of a tight end/fullback. I think I can do a little bit of everything, but I think I’m definitely more so in the blocking game but I can still compete in the passing game and be a versatile player for us.”
Watson revisits heart surgery. NC State tight end Asa Watson drew one of the largest media crowds, and part of his story was relayed on Tuesday. Watson underwent heart surgery while in college and that topic came up. “It’s been a struggle in the past, but I really learned to look past it and work through it and not let it hinder me from getting the best out of work,” he said, later adding he expected to be a late draft pick or free agent.
Moore keeps the focus on the present. Sixth-round draft choice Zach Moore kept most of his answers short and to the point. One thing that stood out was he doesn’t consider himself an underdog coming from Division II Concordia-St. Paul (Minnesota). “I don’t think it’s going to be a big adjustment,” he said of making the leap from D-II to the NFL. “I think I belong and I’m going to prove that I belong.” Moore repeated multiple times that the rookies have a lot of catching up to do and that is his focus.
