* Say this: TE Aaron Hernandez looks like he's ticketed for a significant role as a rookie. We all know why he fell to the fourth round, and if the kid has his act together -- as I've said in the past -- he could be a big-time steal. The offense rotated a bunch too, but Hernandez was with Brady's group a lot, and seems to be getting a lot of personal attention from the coaches. His fellow rookie TE, Rob Gronkowski, is working behind Alge Crumpler as the in-line tight end for now. Hernandez looks aware in recognizing coverage, sitting down in zones, and smooth running routes and catching the ball.

* LB Brandon Spikes is being coached pretty hard too, and with a purpose. Coaches seemed to be working on him as a signal caller. Told you back at the rookie minicamp that this guy's ability to diagnose plays and react was uncanny. Well, this is another encouraging piece to the puzzle -- The coaches feel comfortable enough with him, and his progress, to drill him on setting the defensive front. Not earth-shattering or anything. But worth mentioning, at least.