Bedard: New Patriots say ... everything you expected them to say, which is a good sign

When someone gives you a lot of money to hire you, you say nice things about that company and the person who pulled the trigger.

When you haven't had one film session when someone's cussing you out, or an on-field practice where you can't run the right routes, you say nice things about your football surroundings.

So it wasn't a surprise on Monday when, as the Patriots showed off their first four additions to the team through press conferences, that they all had good things to say about ...

... playing for Bill Belichick,

... Cam Newton, the only experienced quarterback on the roster at this point,

... the history and success of the Patriots,

... their new teammates.

“They’re going to win again,” receiver Kendrick Bourne said. “That was just a one-year thing, I feel like, so I knew I wanted to be a part of the new era, whatever you want to call it. Just to be picked with a great group of guys by a great organization, it just shows me my potential.”

I sure hope the Patriots are going to win again soon — they've spent over $200 million of Robert Kraft's money (which let us know about in two separate national interviews) — to distance themselves from a 7-9 season as quickly as possible. And I certainly hope the players on the receiving end of money intend to forge a very quick rebuild in Foxborough.

It's easy to roll your eyes at some of this stuff — I'm sure some fans eat it up — but some of the meaningful stuff Bourne, Hunter Henry, Jalen Mills and Henry Anderson had to say actually went somewhat unsaid.

Bourne, who got big thumbs up on his signing from 49ers receivers coach Wes Welker and Jimmy Garoppolo (did he say, 'See you there' maybe?), has an infectious personality. He's the type of guy you want to be around, and others will want to be around. Bourne seems like he never has a bad day, which can be important in a place that is so serious and stressful for six straight months.

He also answered the big question I tried to tell you months ago ... no, the QB doesn't matter when a team offers you more money than anyone else.

“I really didn’t think about the quarterback situation,” Bourne said. “It’s more the organization, who they are. I know they’re thinking about their future also. But I believe in Cam Newton at the end of the day. I didn’t go looking around, who’s the starting quarterback here. The NFL is the NFL. I believe everybody’s good. It just takes that right place, right time, right coaching and stuff like that.

“New England knows what they’re doing. They picked Cam for a reason. They believe in him. One-year deal (for Newton). It is what it is. All it takes is one year to become who you want to be. ... I think he’s going to ball out with the weapons they brought in. ... People may say he (did) not look this good, or he looked bad or whatever it may be. But now he has some help and they know what they’re putting around him, which is awesome."

Henry — the guy who said signing to play with a good QB was part of his equation — seems ready to get down to business with Jonnu Smith, and I'm sure he might be interested in playing for Belichick after suiting up for two fired coaches, Mike McCoy and Anthony Lynn.

“I’m excited for the guys that we got,” Henry said. “It’s going to be a blast to build that connection, to build that camaraderie, to just get out there and work and put the work in. I think that’s a big thing. I trust all the coaches. I trust what we’re building here with the Patriots. A big (part of) my decision ... was just the trust of Coach Belichick and what we’re building there, and I’m just fired up to be a part of it.”

Henry Anderson may not exactly win many standup comedy contests in the Patriots' locker room with his no-nonsense demeanor, but that's exactly what you want when you have to take up two 300-pound blockers in his position.

“Their base is a 3-4, which I’ve been comfortable in and that’s what I’ve played my entire career and all throughout college,” Anderson said. “So, I’m comfortable in a 3-4. I’ve been asked to do a lot of different things across the line of scrimmage. I think I should fit well in the scheme. Coach Belichick is one of the great defensive coaches and defensive minds in the history of the league, so it’s a great chance to play for a coach like that and continue to learn and continue to improve my game.”

And then there was defensive back Jalen Mills. If you were worried the Patriots would be losing a key part of their persona, personality, attitude and swagger on defense with the retirement of Patrick Chung ... you can stop. Mills, who was so astounded at the sight of Belichick in the cafeteria that he swore and didn't throw the coach off stride, will fit right in if you prefer a mouthy Patriots defender who likes to tell the opponent where to stick their next play.

“Me and (former Eagles and new Patriots teammate) Nelson (Agholor), man, we had some battles ... we were going at it with each other. But at the end of the day, that’s what you want,” said Mills. “One day, I get him. The next day, he gets me. And it goes on and on to the point where, you know that saying, ‘Iron sharpens iron.’ That’s what you want because at the end of the day, it’s all about having that guy in front of you getting you ready to then perform at a high level on Sunday.”

Mills should quickly replace Chung as one of Belichick's favorites.

“It was huge,” he said of Belichick's draw. “When we were talking about his defensive mind, how he is able to put guys in the best position to make plays for a team, you can’t ask for anything more. … It was definitely a major key, being able to be coached by that guy, for sure.”

There were a few hiccups.

When asked if he was excited about playing with Newton, Henry said: “I am. I am. ... Very excited.”

That's about the same answer I give my wife when she asks if I'm excited to go to the next school fundraiser.

Then there was Bourne referring to Jarrett Stidham — the man who invited Bourne to the Patriots' passing ... hangout in Southern California— as Jared Steinem.

Hey, who is good at names when they first arrive some place? I'm the worst. I feel you, Kendrick.

There's plenty of time for the receivers to warm to Newton. Bourne will probably be everyone's best friend by the second week of training camp with that smile and fun-loving attitude.

The success of a football team doesn't always have to do with talent. It often is tipped — good or bad — but the personality mix within that team.

Looks like the Patriots got some keepers in that regard, which was no accident.

Lawrence Guy takes visit to Dolphins: Patriots free-agent tackle Lawrence Guy is visiting the Dolphins, according to various reports. A league source also said the Buccaneers have shown interest in Guy and also running back James White.