Pats Sign Rookie QB O’Connell

The Patriots have signed quarterback Kevin O’Connell after selecting him with the 94th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.  At 6-5, 225 pounds, O’Connell has the ideal size for an NFL signal caller and should challenge for the backup role.  The former San Diego State Aztec was a hot name going into April’s draft, despite playing for a program that isn’t exactly known for churning out pros, save Marshall Faulk.

Current backup Matt Cassel should be a little nervous.  He’s been number two on the depth chart behind Tom Brady for a couple of years, but there’s no reason to think he’s done anything to automatically warrant staying there.  Cassel has had an interesting collegiate career.  He was a backup all four years at USC, but was still drafted.  He backed up Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart though.  Cassel showed some promise early in his pro career, but hasn’t produced much when he’s been on an NFL field.  Though he’s pretty much limited to garbage time playing behind Brady, Cassel has had a few opportunities to play.  Patriots fans might remember a game last season in which Bill Belichick pulled Brady after securing a cozy lead and inserted Cassel, who immediately threw an interception.  Belichick wasted no time in pulling Cassel and reinserting Brady on the next possession.  This position battle should be an interesting storyline in training camp.

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