Shane Donaldson Profile

Players to watch in the Patriots vs. Colts game on Sunday, September 30, 2001.

Players to watch in the Patriots vs. Bengals game on Sunday, September 9, 2001.

Players to watch in the Patriots vs. Bengals game on Sunday, September 9, 2001.

A look at two key players for the New York Giants.

In order for any team to be successful, the big-money players have to perform as well as they get paid.

A disturbing trend of rookie injuries continued in May when third-round pick Brock Williams suffered an ACL injury during passing camp.

The Patriots have signed seven free agents from AFC East rivals, and all came from either the Dolphins or Bills.

From what Max Lane sees, the Patriots are doing what it takes to move forward. He just wishes he were a part of it.

New England has found a safety net through the University of Washington. Already with Pro Bowler Lawyer Milloy in place, the Patriots could have a Husky backfield down the road with Hakim Akbar joining the secondary.

It was clear early that Myers was a tough kid. That toughness impressed the Patriots, and if Myers can recover from the foot injury that limited him as a senior and stay healthy, he should establish a role for himself.

Each year the staff at South Carolina State conducts a "draft" and asks players to pick the 12 best players on the roster. Last fall, 56 of 60 Bulldogs took tight end Arther Love with the No. 1 pick.

The return of Brock Williams meant the return of Notre Dame as a prominent figure in the ranks of college football.

Despite not having enough players to properly run plays, the Patriots made it through rookie mini-camp April 27-28 feeling pretty good about what the newest players had to offer.

As promised, the Patriots have not made a huge splash in the free agent market. Instead of splurging on one big name, New England added seven average-priced, need-assessing veterans to provide depth and competition when training camp arrives.