by Jennifer Toland, Telegram & Gazette Staff , TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

Otherwise, during this week's minicamp at Gillette Stadium, Smith blended in quite nicely with a crowded group of tight ends - five, to be exact - that the Patriots likely will whittle to three by the time the season begins.

The Patriots sent a fifth-round pick in next year's draft to Tampa Bay to acquire the 6-foot-4, 258-pound Smith, who adds both depth and competition to the tight end mix.

"I feel like a rookie all over again," the 27-year-old said, "trying to get used to a new place and new people, but the transition has been pretty easy so far. A lot of my teammates have helped me out, and I've felt very welcome."

Smith, who played at Stanford and was a third-round pick of the Buccaneers in 2005, totaled 129 receptions for 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns in 58 games over four seasons in Tampa.

After acquiring Kellen Winslow in the offseason, the Bucs looked to move Smith. Tampa Bay also has TEs Jerramy Stevens and John Gilmore. Smith was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2009 season.

He said being traded didn't come as much of a surprise.

"It looked like the team was going in a different direction," he said, "and I think we both needed a change of scenery. It really wasn't much of a shock, but just to find out where you're going is more of what you're anticipating. But I'm happy to be here and ready to get to work."

Smith's father, Ed, who played for the Broncos, was the first Bahamian player in the NFL. Smith runs a youth Football camp every year in Nassau.

Smith, as well as David Thomas, lined up for a few plays at fullback this week. Smith said he got used to "moving around" in Jon Gruden's offense in Tampa.

"I've ventured out," he said. "I've pretty much done everything. Whatever (the Patriots ) ask, I'm just trying to get it done - whether it's tight end, split out, in the backfield. I'm just trying to learn as many positions as I can right now and just go out and do what they ask."

Smith led all rookie tight ends with 41 receptions in 2005. His catch total dipped to 21 last year, and he has missed time with leg and ankle injuries the last three seasons. Smith played with six different quarterbacks in his four seasons in Tampa. Knowing there is only one - the one and only Tom Brady - in New England already has been comforting for Smith.

"It's a very different feeling," he said. "I'm still trying to learn these plays and hopefully get some timing down with Tom, but just to know who that guy is going to be and be able to build that chemistry with him and get on the same page."

The Patriots also acquired former New York Jets tight end Chris Baker via free agency in the offseason. Smith and Baker are fighting for roster spots with Benjamin Watson, Thomas and Tyson DeVree.

Watson's five seasons with the Patriots have included the unbelievable (the 63-yard TD against Jacksonville in the 2005 playoffs) and the underachieving (all those drops). He also has been bothered by injuries. Thomas missed all but two games in 2007 with a foot injury, and his three years in New England have been unremarkable. Last year, Watson and Thomas combined for 31 receptions, 302 yards and two TDs (both by Watson). DeVree spent time on and off the Pats' practice squad last season.

Watson and Thomas are in the final years of their contracts.

"We're all out there doing our best to work hard every day and get better," Thomas said. "I think we're definitely pushing each other to get better and try and help each other a little bit when we can. It's a lot of great guys in there, so I think it's been a good competition so far."

It probably will get even better when training camp opens July 30.

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