New England Patriots links 4/17/17 - Patriots open offseason program today

TEAM TALK

• Player Spotlight: Trey Flowers.
• Angelique Fiske mentions how a 'Wheel of Fortune' contestant blanks on Patriots answer.
• PFW Staff posts a roundup of what several draft experts are predicting the Patriots may do with their two picks in round 3.

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss shares some quick-hit weekend thoughts: Bill Belichick, Tom Coughlin talking possible Pats-Jags practices; Door may be closing for Blount to return; More.
• Ben Volin Sunday Football Notes: Dan Rooney and the lessons he taught Robert Kraft.
  
• Ryan Hannable Sunday 7: Last week offered fascinating insight into the mind of Bill Belichick.
• Kevin Duffy looks at the important dates and unofficial deadlines ahead in the Patriots offseason.
• Steve Buckley writes a column to celebrate the longevity, sticktoitiveness and continued good health of Bill Belichick, who turned 65 yesterday.
• Karen Guregian hears from Bill Parcells that coaching after 65 isn't easy.
• Mike Reiss highlights Bill Belichick speaking at Ohio State's annual coaches clinic: Every coach on Patriots staff is a head coach.
• Mike Reiss relays a life lesson Ohio State's Urban Meyer learned from Bill Belichick: 'At this point in my career, I want to coach guys I like. I want to coach guys I want to be around and that's it and 'I'm not going to coach anybody else.'"
• Tom E. Curran discusses the news that Urban Meyer has stated that Bill Belichick told him he only wants players he likes. (5.02 min. video)
• Mike Reiss looks at whether Bill Belichick would consider a GM-type role with the Patriots after retirement.
• WEEI tells us Bill Belichick celebrated his 65th birthday in Jupiter, Florida with girlfriend Linda Holliday.
• Jim McBride explores the Patriots roster depth in the secondary: Strong, but big question is Malcolm Butler.
• Karen Guregian finds that since the Titans released CB Jason McCourty on Thursday, his twin brother Devin is hoping the Patriots are 'interested in him.'
• Ryan Hannable doesn't think it's likely the Patriots sign CB Jason McCourty.
• Mike Reiss focuses on positions of need to ID players in the draft who could help the Patriots in the third round and beyond: DE/OLB.
• Phil Perry profiles prototypical Patriots: Linebackers - Safeties - Outside Cornerbacks.
• Jim McBride sees little to worry about on the special teams roster.
• Jeff Howe Patriots draft series: Sidney Jones would be a steal if he tumbles to No. 72.
• Adam Kurkjian Patriots draft series: Iowa's Desmond King could provide help at slot corner.
• Nik DeCosta-Klipa reports Tom Brady is expected to be at the White House when the Patriots visit this week.
• Tom Brady uses Instagram to remind us how he and the Patriots have won 5 Super Bowl championships.
• Meagan McGinnes catches up with Rob Gronkowski about how much he loves the spirit of the Boston Marathon and whether he could run 26.2 miles.
• Hayden Bird notes Rob Gronkowski posted a photo on his social media of a giant Easter bunny wearing a Gronkowski jersey spiking an enormous Easter egg.
• Michael Hurley points out how Robert Kraft was angry with Jerry Jones over the Raiders' move to Las Vegas.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Christian D'Andrea (SB Natioin) How many NFL draft trades have the Patriots actually won? A look at every move the Patritos have made during the NFL draft under Belichick.
• Cameron DaSilva (Fox Sports) 5 Prospects the New England Patriots should target in the NFL Draft.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) If LeGarrette Blount doesn’t sign soon, Patriots may move on.
• Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Patriots-Chiefs expected to open season, Falcons at home on SNF.
• Chris D'Amico (USA Today) Jimmy Garoppolo, Malcolm Butler are reasons Patriots could be a Round 1 force in NFL draft.
• Q&A (NFLPA) Why continue your education? A talk with Stephen Gostkowski.
• Dan Hanzus (NFL.com) Will Tom Brady outlast this run of 'Star Wars' sequels?
• Jen Juneau (People) ‘Grandma + Vivi!’ Tom Brady shares heartwarming snap of his mom and 4-year-old daughter cuddling.
• Sean Wagner-McGough (CBS Sports) 'Wheel of Fortune' contestant flubs easy answer, but the Patriots don't mind.
• Darin Gantt (ProFootballTalk) Total of 23 teams start offseason programs today.
• Peter King (The MMQB) MMQB: On Dan Rooney, Dean Blandino and the Draft.
• Albert Breer (The MMQB) Dean Blandino leaves. Who wants to step into the fire?
• Tom Pelissero (USA Today) Union: Dean Blandino should be replaced by someone who has 'been on the field'.
• Gregg Rosenthal (NFL.com) AFC Offseason Overhaul: Current conference hierarchy.
• Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr. (ESPN Magaziine) Sin City or Bust: The inside story of how owner Mark Davis moved the Raiders to Las Vegas.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) NFLRA looking for clarity on full-time officials.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Referees want NFL to eliminate celebration penalties.
• Lance Zierlein (NFL.com) 2015 NFL Draft do-over: Pats take Boise State DE Frank Clark at 32 (Instead of Malcom Brown).
• Chad Reuter (NFL.com) 6-Round Mock Draft.

DUMPSTER DIVE

• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Has Giants memorabilia case triggered criminal probe?
• Michael McCann (SI) Aaron Hernandez found not guilty of Boston double murder: Breaking down jury's decision.