Brandon Meriweather News

Just like rogue dandelions spotting their lawn, the rookie free agents are methodically being weeded off the Patriots' roster.

Imagine asking a high school freshman to take AP calculus and that should provide context for the challenge that faced Brandon Meriweather last year.

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“Ed came back and helped Brandon and me. Brandon helped me when I was there. It's like we try to keep it going. It was like a brotherhood. You always have a big brother with the Miami safety tradition.”

Before Kenny Phillips' final season at Miami, Ed Reed and Brandon Meriweather provided him with a message of encouragement. via NJ.com

Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey , quoted Sunday on ajc.com about rookie QB Matt Ryan, following the conclusion of Atlanta's first minicamp weekend: "I've been really pleased. via Pro Football Weekly

He's big for a safety. He's 6-foot-2, 213 pounds. He's confident, not cocky. He has the talent to be a starter for Big Blue. via WNBC New York Channel 4

“The first thing you are trying to do is bring the guys in and take a look at them, put them on the field and just assess where you think they will fit in”

The comparisons are inevitable. They grew up in the same area, went to the same college, played the same position. via AMNY

“But MG, I saw this last week. Are you flip-flopping on us??? How dare you???”

Phillips will battle for the ball. ... Kenny Phillips, safety, University of Miami . via NJ.com

“And when (vice president of medical services) Ronnie Barnes says a guy is okay, I trust him 100 percent. ... I don't even think twice about it.”

In the first round yesterday, the Giants drafted a safety that began his college career as a cornerback. via NJ.com

“In terms of Jeremy's feelings as relating to the Giants, that's something that we've communicated to the Giants and the ball's going to be in their court”

There is "a good chance" that Jeremy Shockey will be part of a trade that ends his tenure with the Giants on Saturday, according to a league source familiar with the team's situation. via Newsday.com

Phillips sizes up NC State QB Daniel Evans. In a move anticipated by many, the Giants have selected Miami S Kenny Phillips with the 31st pick in the NFL Draft. via The Jersey Journal

“They pretty much have their team set in stone”

Jerod Mayo figures his immediate impact will be limited on a New England Patriots team that came within one minute of an unbeaten season. via Slam Sports

“I never got a chance to meet him”

Phillips May be Miami's Best Chance to Continue First-Round Streak INDIANAPOLIS - ' He achieved plenty of goals at the college level, if not all. via Colts.com Football News

Phillips won't come out with the same hype, or grade as Sean Taylor, Ed Reed, Bennie Blades or even Brandon Meriweather. via FloridaToday

The next in a long line of Hurricanes safeties, he hops to follow Ed Reed, Sean Taylor and Brandon Meriweather into the first round of the draft. via New Orleans Times-Picayune

“But I still have him going in the second round.”

Kenny Phillips tries to stay away from watching the NFL Network these days. He has no desire to watch ESPN or read anything on the Internet about the NFL draft. via The Orlando Sentinel

“We have great coaches, the guys are willing to work hard and they perform well.”

The University of Miami would have preferred that All-ACC safety Kenny Phillips return to school for his senior season. via WFAA-TV Dallas

“Not really, to be honest with you”

There was cake on hand at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday. Hey, finally something to celebrate since that awful unmentionable day in early February. via Nashua Telegraph

“The incident wasn't an issue for me or the team. It was a non-violent thing that happened when he was trying to break up a fight, trying to help out a teammate. I guess he just didn't move out fast enough for the police.”

USA TODAY analyzes the cornerbacks available in the April 26-27 NFL draft. Also in this article: Teams in need and the cream of the crop at cornerback: By all accounts, South Florida's Mike Jenkins is a ... via USA Today

We're closing in on two months since the Cowboys slapped the franchise tag on Ken Hamlin. via SportsDay