Rookies kick off training camp today, with veterans showing up Wednesday. At the start of camp, the Patriots have inked deals with four of their six draft picks - leaving only the top two players unsigned (LB Jerod May and CB Terrence Wheatley).

With the NFL minimum base salary for rookies set at $295,000, the Pats have been seemingly getting great deals with their second-day picks. Here’s how the contracts break down thus far:

WR/S/KR/PR Matthew Slater signed a 4-year contract on June 14th. The deal, which includes a $175,000 signing bonus breaks down as follows:
2008: $295,000 - minimum base salary
2009: $385,000
2010: $475,000
2011: $565,000

The team’s 6th round pick, LB Bo Ruud, signed on July 1st. Ruud’s contract is for 4-years and includes an $84,900 signing bonus and breaks down as follows:
2008: $295,000 - minimum base salary
2009: $385,000
2010: $470,000
2011: $555,000

Fourth round pick CB Jonathan Wilhite signed on July 17th. The deal is of the 4-year nature, and financial information has yet to be released.

To mark the start of training camp, the Patriots announced the signing of third-round draft choices LB Shawn Crable and QB Kevin O'Connell.

First and second-round picks Jerod Mayo and Terrence Wheatley are expected to sign contracts in the near future.

Confused? Check out my Salary Cap Explanation, or read up on Contract Incentives