PHOENIX -- A few additional notes on the New England Patriots and their draft picks, and some picked-up pieces from the NFL's annual meeting:
1. After being awarded two compensatory selections on Monday, the Patriots have now been awarded 29 compensatory picks from 1994-2015. That ranks as the eighth-highest total in the NFL over that span, behind the Ravens (44), Packers (35), Cowboys (33), Rams (31), Eagles (30), Steelers (30) and Titans/Oilers (30).
2. The Patriots currently have five of the first 101 picks of the draft, with a cluster at 96, 97 and 101. That's a nice haul, but it isn't uncommon for the team. It is a similar set-up to 2013 when the team had five of the first 102 picks in the draft and landed linebacker Jamie Collins (52), receiver Aaron Dobson (59), cornerback Logan Ryan (83), safety Duron Harmon (91) and receiver Josh Boyce (102). In 2011, the Patriots had five of the first 74 picks -- left tackle Nate Solder (17), cornerback Ras-I Dowling (33), running backs Shane Vereen (56) and Stevan Ridley (73) and quarterback Ryan Mallett (74). In 2010, it was five of the first 90 picks -- safety Devin McCourty (27), tight end Rob Gronkowski (42), outside linebacker Jermaine Cunningham (53), linebacker Brandon Spikes (62) and receiver Taylor Price (90). And in 2009, it was six of the first 97 picks. Draft picks are currency and this is the way coach Bill Belichick likes it.
3. Random observation from the NFL's annual meeting: We haven't spotted Michael Lombardi, assistant to the coaching staff here. The Patriots' contingent is owner Robert Kraft, president Jonathan Kraft, Belichick and director of player personnel Nick Caserio.
4. With 75 players on the current roster, and nine draft picks (assuming they make them all), the Patriots will be in position to fill out their 90-man roster with a six-man undrafted free-agent class.
5. The AFC coaches breakfast is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. ET. Looking forward to hearing from Belichick.
