New England Patriots links 6/12/18 - Opportunity’s knocking for Phillip Dorsett

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss notes Bill Belichick took his team to Fenway Park on Monday for an OTA bonding trip.
• Glen Farley makes some far-too-early judgments as the Pats enter their last week of OTAs: In the “Some Things Never Change” Dept., safety Jordan Richards has been struggling in the Patriots’ secondary; More.
• Ryan Hannable notes Rob Gronkowski’s contract is reportedly not imminent, but likely to happen.
• Rich Garven finds Mike Gillislee is hoping for a second chance. Last season he carried the ball only 104 times for 383 yards and five touchdowns.
• Rich Garven writes Phillip Dorsett has the outside burners to replace Brandin Cooks, and the question is, can he take advantage of the opportunity.
• Mark Daniels profiles undrafted CB J.C. Jackson, who’s well aware he has lots to prove on and off the field. He knew the ‘Patriots were the clear choice’ because he’d be surrounded by the right people.
• Phil Perry assesses the quarterback position as it stands pre-training camp: Will the Patriots stick with Hoyer or keep Etling too?
• Doug Kyed puts together a 53-man roster projection: If the Patriots are willing to get creative with injured players, they could create some additional roster spots in September.
• Zack Cox unveils a foolproof method for telling the McCourty twins apart.
• Tanya Ray Fox (PatriotsWire) Willie McGinest weighs in on Patriots defense without Matt Patricia.
• Kevin Slane notes Tom Brady sends Gisele his love on Brazil’s version of Valentine’s Day via Instagram. /Rocking vibrant fuchsia shorts too (Brady, not Gisele).
• Alex Reimer calls the Gronk rumors too believable to dismiss outright.
• CBS Boston notes Adam Kurkjian defends his reporting of Tom Brady threatening retirement if Rob Gronkowski was traded. /Just because he heard it, doesn’t mean what he heard was true.
• Joy Manning (BostonSportsChick) What will we call the new substance and other thoughts about Edelman’s failed test.
• Rachel Bowers relays a couple more details regarding Julian Edelman’s positive test.
• Henry McKenna (PatriotsWire) Former Patriots LB criticizes NFL for suspending Julian Edelman.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Oliver Thomas (Forbes) Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore’s contract doesn’t look so daunting now.
• Steve Palazzolo (Pro Football Focus) Tom Brady, No. 2 on the PFF 50, once again leads our top NFL QBs.
• Mike Florio (ProFootallTalk) Status of Edelman case underscores importance of confidentiality.
• John Breech (CBS Sports) 2018 NFL schedule rankings, AFC East: Patriots have it easiest, Bills in trouble.
• Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Top 100 NFL Players of 2018: Rodgers tops Brady for No. 1, Jaguars have most on list. /Only surprise from Prisco is that he didn’t give it to Peyton out of habit.
• Highlights (NFL.com) Top 100 Players of 2018: Nos. 30-21. (1.42 min. video) No Pats.
• Tim Rohan (SI) AFC South offseason report cards: Jaguars get stronger, Titans get defensive, Texans need health and Colts need Luck. /Patriots play AFC South division in 2018.
• Danny Kelly (The Ringer) The most underrated position groups in the NFL.
• Gordon McGuinness (Pro Football Focus) Blitz tendencies by down and distance in the NFL.
• Jacob Feldman (SI) Patriot way taking hold under Belichick disciples in Detroit, Tennessee.
• Chelsea Hirsch (NY Post) Bill Belichick spent $60 on pancakes. /Yep, it’s the offseason.