Class of '05 is only so-so; Pats' Thomas gets a chance.

Byline: Rich Garven

FOXBORO - The grades are in for the class of 2005, and it's a wide-ranging report card for these young Patriots.

Making the dean's list with an A is kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Chad Jackson and defensive back Willie Andrews both got an F - Jackson for what he didn't do on the field and Andrews for what he did off it.

Running back Laurence Maroney, the first pick of the group, comes in with a B. Same goes for defensive lineman Le Kevin Smith - not so much for his play, but the fact he has managed to make the team three years running after being the 206th selection overall.

Tackle Ryan O'Callaghan generally has been a disappointment, which grades out to D-plus. Tight end Garrett Mills, linebacker Jeremy Mincey and guard Dan Stevenson ended up dropouts.

That leaves tight end David Thomas, who's looking at an incomplete. It's been two seasons with some good play, but too many bad breaks, lots of frustration and not enough football.

But Thomas made it through training camp and the preseason in one piece. He, as much as anyone, is looking forward to tomorrow's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium.

"When you miss extended time like I did last year, you're (especially) excited to get out there and get into some game action," Thomas said. "I'm looking forward to improving upon the things I need to improve upon from the preseason and get this thing started."

Thomas was taken in the third round after a stellar career at Texas that concluded with 10 catches in the Rose Bowl as the Longhorns won the national title. He got off to a slow start in New England, but had a breakout performance late in his rookie season with five catches for 83 yards and a touchdown in a 24-21 win over Jacksonville.

Much was expected of Thomas last year, particularly after the Patriots bid adieu to free agent Daniel Graham. Thomas failed to put his best foot forward, namely because he couldn't stand on it. He broke a bone in his foot while training in the offseason. He returned to play in two games, making one catch, before shutting it down for good after suffering a relapse.

There would be no more games, which isn't the same as saying Thomas shut it down.

"When you're injured, you have to do what you can to still try to improve," he said. "I tried to put in work in the weight room and paying attention, staying a part of the team and staying on the game plan and on my Xs and Os. Hopefully, that's paid off some."

Thomas is listed at 6-foot-3 and 248 pounds, same as last year, but he looks bigger through the chest and shoulder, an assessment he didn't disagree with.

"I've just tried to get bigger and faster and stronger," Thomas said before applauding the efforts of the Patriots' strength and conditioning coaches. "I think Mike (Woicik) and Harold (Nash) and Don (Davis), when he was here, did a really good job of working with me and working around my injuries and doing their best to help me any way they could."

That added size and strength figure to come in handy this season.

Other than Stephen Spach, who is unlikely to see extensive action, the Patriots don't have a big-time blocking tight end as in past years with the likes of Graham and Kyle Brady. That means Thomas and starter Benjamin Watson, both of whom are better known for their receiving skills, are going to have to pick it up in that area.

"As a tight end, you have to be able to do a lot of different things, especially in this offense," said Thomas, who figures to be particularly active tomorrow because Watson is doubtful with a knee injury.

Thomas had three catches for 36 yards in the preseason, playing in all four games. He welcomed the work.

"There is no substitution for game reps and practice reps and that's what you miss when you're not out there," Thomas said. "So it's important to take advantage of every one you can get, whether it's in practice or the games."

Thomas currently has an incomplete grade, but the Patriots are hoping after two uneven seasons, he finally develops into the complete player they envisioned on draft day.

ART: PHOTOS

PHOTOG: ASSOCIATED PRESS File Photo

CUTLINE: (1) Thomas. (2) Some more touchdowns this season would suit Patriots tight end David Thomas just fine.