A few picked-up Patriots pieces:
Updating the roster: Rookie free-agent receivers Wilson Van Hooser and Reese Wiggins, who were signed on Monday, have been assigned their jersey numbers. Van Hooser is No. 81 and Wiggins is No. 16.
Rang likes White's fit for Patriots: CBSSports.com draft analyst Rob Rang continues his "finding the fits" series and he focuses on how fourth-round draft choice James White looks like an ideal pick for the Patriots. "White is competitive enough to want the ball every snap but also possesses the maturity to share it -- traits that could endear him to the coaching staff quickly and result in significant playing time as a rookie and perhaps a starting (and starring) role early in his NFL career," writes Rang, who had previously predicted the club would select Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round of the draft.
Brady or Hannah? Elliot Harrison of NFL.com goes through the exercise of picking the best player in franchise history for each AFC team, and he goes with Tom Brady for the Patriots. "This pick wasn't as easy-peasy as some might've anticipated. John Hannah has been called 'the greatest offensive lineman ever' by many folks, and he played at a Hall of Fame level from stem to stern in his 13-year career with the Pats," he writes.
Highlighting Patriots' division dominance. Will Brinson of CBSSports.com looks at the snapshot of the last decade and highlights the point differential from a division perspective. He notes the "complete utter dominance" by the Patriots.
Gronkowski among top recovery candidates. David Steele of SportingNews.com picks his 10 top candidates around the NFL who will recovery from injury and make a big impact. Tight end Rob Gronkowski is third on the list, while defensive lineman Vince Wilfork, linebacker Jerod Mayo and right tackle Sebastian Vollmer don't make the cut.
