Day One of the 2009 NFL free agency period was perhaps one of the busiest in memory — both league-wide and at Gillette Stadium, if several media reports prove accurate.

The Patriots confirmed one player transaction on Friday with the official signing of veteran running back Fred Taylor of Jacksonville. In addition, media reports claimed that the team agreed to terms with former Jets tight end Chris Baker and were hosting Detroit cornerback Leigh Bodden for a free agent visit.

But the surprise of the day came when several broadcast and published reports began to emerge suggesting that New England was working out a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to those various reports, veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel would be shipped to KC for an undisclosed number of draft choices. As of 10 a.m. Saturday, there was still no official word from the Patriots about Vrabel.

Meanwhile, other reports indicated that long snapper Lonie Paxton (he of snow-angel fame) and wide receiver Jabar Gaffney had both decided to follow Josh McDaniels out west by signing with the Denver Broncos.

Again, no official word so far from the Patriots other than on the Taylor signing, but the PFW crew will be monitoring events throughout this first weekend of free agency to offer analysis of what takes place (or is rumored to be taking place).

If the first day is any indication, it’s going to be an exciting ride …

Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick just left the podium at Lucas Oil Stadium where he met with the media for just over 20 minutes. He opened with statement that lasted just more than 10 minutes and touched on a variety of topics relating to the team and the league. Since we have to leave for the airport in less than five minutes I’m going to summarize some of his comments below. Please check Patriots.com later today for the full audio from Bill’s session with the media as well as a full, written transcript.

–Bill briefly discussed all the changes to his staff including all the departures, hires and in-house promotions. He also said that the offensive staff is still a work in progress. That could mean the team is still looking to fill the opening that remains at wide receivers coach.

–A number of times Bill lamented the fact that such big-name, successful coaches like Mike Shanahan, Brian Billick, Mike Martz, Jim Fassel and Steve Mariucci aren’t currently employed by the league.

–He talked about the growth of the Combine, recalling watching William Perry do his vertical jump in the old days at Arizona State University.

–He said it was good to “see the college players. Unfortunatley I’ve seen more of them than in previous years.” Of course that’s a reference to his team’s early offseason thanks to not making the playoffs.

–He once again raved about Scott Pioli, Josh McDaniels, Jim Schwartz and George Kokinis. He joked about almost firing Kokinis in Cleveland when the low level assistant got into a car accident while making a run to the airport.

–He closed his opening comments by say the team would get ready for free agency and look to improve just the way it always does. He then said he’d take questions on the Combine and the draft. For the most part, the media in the room followed that edict. No news came out of the press conference in regards to Matt Cassel’s status or future.

Illinois corner Vontae Davis (5-11, 205) is wrapping up his media interview at Podium 1. Earlier, I asked him to name some of his favorite NFL players, besides his brother (49ers TE Vernon Davis).

The first name he mentioned: Randy Moss.

I then asked him if he could picture himself being drafted by New England and lining up against Moss in practice. He said he certainly could, and would be in shock initially at seeing Moss on the other side of the line of scrimmage, but that eventually, the novelty would wear off and he would take full advantage of the opportunity to learn from Moss.

Davis, an underclassman, appears to be enjoying the whole Combine experience. Either that, or he’s just a naturally happy person. Got a good vibe from Davis, who answered every question with a glowing grin.

One player who’s making a name for himself off the field is helping his reputation on it. San Jose State’s Jarron Gilbert, a defensive tackle, became a You Tube sensation recently for his superhero-like workouts, including one where he leaps out of the shallow end of an in-ground pool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXDSPbZ_OUw

This past fall, the Patriots practiced at San Jose State’s facilities during their two West Coast trips. The team was, of course, focused on winning their games those weeks and there was little opportunity for Gilbert to have any direct contact with Pats coaches or scouts. 

But when I asked him yesterday about the Patriots being at SJSU, Gilbert told me he did mingle with some of the players in the weight room during both visits.  So, chances are, Gilbert is someone who’s been on New England’s radar ever since.

Word right now in the media workroom here at Lucas is that Bill Belichick is going to hold a press conference in this room in very near future. I’m stunned. I’ve never seen Bill do a Combine press conference. If/when it happens we’ll bring you everything the hooded one has to say.