Matthew Slater hasn't even played a real game for the New England Patriots, and already he's revealed his true colors. Blue, white and yellow.
The former UCLA player wears blue when he plays defensive back, white when he's a receiver, and yellow when he's both at the same practice. He's also a kick returner -- he could start there this season -- and outstanding at covering kicks.
Slater, the son of Hall of Fame tackle Jackie Slater, is just the type of player Patriots Coach Bill Belichick loves -- one who can play several positions. "That's something they preach here: The more you can do, the more you can do," Slater said.
In an exhibition game Thursday, Slater made an outstanding play when he stripped New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw of the ball on a third-down run. So as it stands, he appears to be in prime position to make the final roster today, when NFL teams are required to pare down to 53 players.
A look at the other rookies with local connections and their chances of sticking around:
Sure things
* LB Keith Rivers, USC/Cincinnati -- Because of a contract holdout, the ninth overall pick missed the first 10 practices of camp. "He's still adjusting to formations," Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer told the team's website this week. "We've got to go back and get him a few more reps." Regardless, Rivers should be a good pro.
* DE Lawrence Jackson, USC/Seattle -- Against Minnesota, Jackson sacked former teammate John David Booty and forced him to fumble. He also showed his range, running 20 yards downfield to chase down a running back. The Seahawks see him as a guy who'll pick up six or seven sacks as a rookie.
* T Sam Baker, USC/Atlanta -- A fixture on USC's offensive line, Baker is poised to be the same for the Falcons. Atlanta liked him enough to trade up to get him in the first round, and he's already the starting left tackle.
* DT Sedrick Ellis, USC/New Orleans -- An ankle injury has kept him from much game action this summer, but that's been largely precautionary. Ellis, who will start, has been effective in practice against the run and pass and in a game Thursday blasted through Miami's line to strip quarterback Chad Henne of the ball.
* TE Fred Davis, USC/Washington -- Davis is in a prime position, learning behind veteran Chris Cooley. He will compete for the backup job with eight-year pro Todd Yoder. During the exhibition season, Davis was third on the team with 10 receptions for 85 yards.
