The New England Patriots made a number of interesting moves this past offseason after another winning season and coach Bill Belichick likes the makeup of his roster heading into the summer after signing guard Tyronne Green from the San Diego Chargers.
According to ESPN.com, the team signed Green to help make up for the offseason shoulder surgery on guard Dan Connolly and after playing four seasons with the Chargers he is now in New England. The former fourth round draft pick previously started 13 games last season and has played in 41 in his career and he could end up being a starter depending on how he performs in camp. The 27-year-old was a solid player last season and he has good size for his position and could be one Tom Brady's prime blockers going forward. The news of the signing was announced on Twitter.
Green played at Auburn and now the team has some solid experience on the interior part of the line after he started 28 games during the past four years. The Pats also signed Lavelle Hawkins to contract after he was released by the Tennessee Titans and he could help the team make up for the loss of Wes Welker to the Denver Broncos in free agency. Hawkins previously was drafted in 2008 and over the past five seasons he has caught 71 passes for 771 yards and just five last season for 62 yards.
The Patriots are hoping he can turn things around after a disappointing 2012, as he had a breakout year in 2011 after catching 47 passes for nearly 500 yards and after that he signed a three-year, $7.2 million contract. The Pats are hoping to use him as a speed receiver and there is a chance he could make the team depending on how the rookies play. Hawkins also had chances to sign with the Giants and the Texans, but decided on the Patriots. Hawkins may be used in the same way Deion Branch was and depending on his attitude Bill Belichick could also use him in other sets on offense.
Aaron Dobson was one of the stars of rookie camp and Bill Belichick liked what he saw from the rookie receiver, who previously played at Marshall. Depending on how he plays could tie into Hawkins and he could find himself along with Danny Amendola as the starters next season.
