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Ochocinco legally changed his name from Johnson before the 2008 season. On Friday, he had the number worn last year by rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez, who hasn’t practiced following hip surgery in February. Hernandez was on the field wearing shorts with the number 81.

Fans cheered when Ochocinco took the field for the afternoon session. Tom Brady connected on passes to him. Teammates went over play charts with him.

“I’ve watched him for a long time,” Brady said. “He brings a lot of energy to the team.”

Ochocinco didn’t speak with reporters, although the Patriots officially announced the trade for undisclosed draft considerations on Friday.

So what can Fantasy Football owners expect with Ochocinco joining Wes Welker and Deion Branch in a strong, experienced receiving corps?

“He’s been a very prolific receiver. I think he’s had a bunch of production over the years,” Brady said. “Hopefully, he can come in here and find a role on this team, as we’re all trying to do.”

During the walkthrough, a serious-looking Ochocinco spent considerable time talking with Brady and Branch as teammates ran through plays. “I know he’s excited,” Brady said. “He’s excited to be out here and I think he’s excited to be a part of a new team.

“Everyone’s really searching for a role for themselves. We’re all trying to establish a role for ourselves, Chad, myself, Wes, Deion and all of us are trying to figure out what we can do to help this team win.”

But what can the Ocho do in New England?

As CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco asked, "Why do the Patriots want Ochocinco? They need speed. Not a guy who is slowing down. ..."

Of course, Ochocinco is still capable of running precise routes (even if he didn't bother doing so in Cincinnati last season). Perhaps a possession-type role is in his future? Could he regain past form and put up a 90-catch season playing such a role?

That seems unlikely. It's not that the Ocho can't get it done. It's just that New England has plenty of options in the passing attack.

In addition to Welker and Branch, Brady and the Patriots will continue to make extensive use of tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Hernandez along with Danny Woodhead (and perhaps others) out of the backfield.

And of all those weapons, only one -- Welker -- had more than 80 catches (86) last season. Nobody else hit the 50-catch mark.

The year before? Only two -- Welker (123) and Randy Moss (83) -- went over 80 (with nobody else hitting the 40-catch mark).

Given the array of weapons Brady has to choose from, it's hard to imagine Ochocinco outperforming last year's 67-catch, 831-yard effort in Cincinnati.

He might surprise us -- again, I believe he's capable of more; but to expect more might be setting yourself up for disappointment.

I also suspect his high-profile move to a high-profile team with a potent offense is going to lead to more than a little "irrational exuberance," something that's sure to skew his value in the wrong direction.