Mike Reiss gets Draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki to offer his opinion about the Patriots as it relates to this year's draft.
"The one position that really stands out is the outside linebacker position. I think the Patriots have had a difficult time filling that, both in free agency and the draft," he said. "You look at Adalius Thomas and how he performed there. I think that's an area they've tended to stay away from early on [in the draft], and I think they'd like to find someone to plug in, someone young. They had Andre Carter and they just lost Mark Anderson and I think they have a big need there. There are a number of players they could plug in and would fit in very well at that position.
"You look at this year's draft, I think [Clemson's] Andre Branch has the prototype. I'm not sure he has the instincts you'd like at that position, but obviously he has all the physical tools. They really prefer length at that outside linebacker position in New England, and he has it. [Alabama's] Courtney Upshaw likely will be off the board by then; he's another outside linebacker and he brings more power to the edges, more of a leverage rusher. He's definitely another one that will receive early interest as an outside 'backer. I would expect them to put a lot of attention on that position and try to get better defensively, also on the back end."
Greg A. Bedard notes new Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano offered some insight on what he and Bill Belichick used to talk about, and what really impressed Schiano about him.
"Schematically we’re different... just the game, in general, the approach, the thinking, your perspective of it. Dealing with players," Schiano said.
"He knows every player in the National Football League. I mean, he has it up here (tapping his head). I have books right now that I’m checking and reading. He’s got it in one book (tapping his head). That’s neat to just talk about players -- and he’s been doing it for so long -- because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about, the players."
TEAM TALK
- Erik Scalavino describes the good-natured chatting and ribbing among Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Giants owner John Mara and Jets owner Woody Johnson.
- Erik Scalavino notes the Annual Meeting concluded with voting on the proposed rule changes and the decision to table several proposed bylaws.
- Erik Scalavino gives his take on Bill Belichick's breakfast with the media earlier this week.
- Bill Belichick at AFC Coaches Breakfast, Part 1 (14.46 min. video) and Part 2 (31.11 min. video)
- Patriots Today - Kraft chats with Mara, Johnson. (5.18 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Ian Rapoport shares his notes from the owners meetings, including Jim Harbaugh on Randy Moss and the rules changes for 2012.
- Greg A. Bedard details the rule change proposals and which ones will now be in effect in 2012.
- Ian Rapoport posts a picture of the NFL coaches who posed for a photo at the league meetings. Can you guess the two head coaches who opted out?
- Karen Guregian points out Brian Hoyer used to throw touchdown passes to Anthony Gonzales back when they attended the same high school.
- Paul Kenyon feels that so far the Patriots have added a lot more than they've lost in free agency.
- The Boston Globe helps us get to know the new Patriots for 2012, with profiles and pictures.
- Ian Rapoport notes plenty of coaches were willing to weigh in on how the newest Patriots would fit in New England, even if Bill Belichick wasn't.
- Tom E. Curran reports on Bill Belichick detailing the different systems and schemes that backlight his own career.
- WEEI profiles potential Patriots in the Draft: CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Alabama) and LB Keenan Robinson (Texas).
- Jeff Howe mocks the draft for the 6th time. Patriots select DE Whitney Mercilus (Illinois) and CB Stephon Gilmore (South Carolina).
- Mike Reiss offers his take on Todd McShay's latest mock draft. McShay selects DE/OLB and Chandler Jones (Syracuse), DL Kendall Reyes (UConn).
- Tom E. Curran notes former top-10 pick DT Amobi Okoye has popped up on New England's radar.
- Christopher Price reports the loss in the AFC Title game to the Patriots still eats at the Ravens.
- ESPNBoston reports Rob Gronkowski and Darrelle Revis hit the SportsCenter set to lobby for Madden '13 votes, and Gronk showed he has something Revis lacks: Class.
- The AP reports Rob Gronkowski will be speaking at URI on April 12th on the South Kingstown campus.
- Ian Rapoport hears from Washington coach Mike Shanahan on what the Redskins are expecting from ex-Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather.
- Ron Borges explains why Bill Parcells should turn down the Saints interim coaching job, if he's asked to take it.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Will Brinson (CBS Sports) Report: 'Almost zero chance' Wes Welker holds out in 2012.
- Tony Monkovic (NY Times) Belichick and Jets' Ryan running in opposite directions.
- Jane McManus (ESPNNY) Revis: Locker room in 'disarray right now'. (8.29 video clip of Revis and Rob Gronkowski)
- Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Seeing change: Coaches say air game places import on bigger WRs, CBs.
- Wes Bunting (Nat'l Football Post) NFL Draft: Ranking the DT class by tiers.
- Michael Lombardi (NFL.com) Market conclusions: Thoughts as free agency winds down.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Overtime change could cause problems.
- Jack Bechta (Nat't Football Post) Say goodbye to the Junior Rule.
- Jason Smith (NFL.com) Free-agency losers: Matt Forte, Stephen Ross headline group.
- Evan Silva (ProFootballTalk) Keeping up with the top ten unrestricted free agents left.
- Pat Kirwan (CBS Sports) Salary cap casualties mean different things to different teams, players.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Goodell says 18-game season hasn't been discussed "in a while."
- Dave Birkett (Detroit Free Press) Lions' JIm Schwartz says he used small-scale rewards instead of bounties.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) HGH testing issue still lingers.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Did NFLPA borrow against future salary caps to get to $120.6 million in 2012?
- Omar Kelly (Sun-Sentinel) Miami Dolphins not ready to play it safe at safety?