1.   But thanks to gumshoe work plus tight lips, New England has a rookie defensive lineman in camp that Parcells has raved about.

2.   Cardinals rookie defensive lineman Chad Eaton, who was released earlier this month, also has been cut by the New York Giants.

3.   Fox also devised the unusual plan to use the rookie defensive lineman Cornelius Griffin to shadow Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb in the divisional round of the playoffs.

4.   Harrison secured his return in practice last week, when the coaches sent him against rookie offensive linemen Jeff Kysar and Tom Robsock in one-on-one drills.

5.   He was living the anonymous life of a free-agent rookie lineman trying to make it in the NFL.

6.   Milem is in more natural surroundings on the practice fields of the University of the Pacific, where he is just one more oversized NFL rookie defensive lineman.

7.   Of the rookie linemen, Brymer has been the most impressive.

8.   Patriots fans may also see more of Matt Light, the rookie offensive lineman from Purdue who saw brief action against Cincinnati before spraining his ankle.

9.   Other young players who are expected to compete on defense are rookie lineman Michael Myers, rookie linebacker Darren Hambrick and fifth-year defensive end Hurvin McCormack.

10.   Rookie defensive lineman Mike Ulufale, a tight end in college, has volunteered to practice at tight end this week, Switzer said.