INDIANAPOLIS – Sights, sounds and picked-up pieces through a Patriots-like lens at the NFL combine:
1. Former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel surprised some by stating that he would return to the Patriots in a heartbeat despite the way his time in New England ended. Yet Vrabel said his first choice is to remain in Kansas City and it sure sounds like the Chiefs plan on keeping him. “I think the world of Mike,” Chiefs coach Todd Haley said this morning. “I think he’s a heck of a player and a heck of a positive influence for me as a first-year head coach in multiple areas, whether it was leading during practice or in-game situations coming to me to point things out. Just a tremendous football player who is fun to be around.”
2. Ole Miss receiver Dexter McCluster showed a magnetic personality while answering questions from reporters. At 5-foot-8, 172 pounds, he is being looked at by some teams as a receiver and others as a running back. McCluster said that when he spoke with the Patriots at the Senior Bowl, it was with a slot receiver role in mind.
3. As one would expect, veteran receiver David Patten’s contract with the Patriots is a one-year pact at the league minimum for a player with his experience.