New England Patriots links 2/15/21 - On the defensive: Interior DL, Edge need attention for 2021

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss shares some quick-hit weekend thoughts: Domino effect with Sam Darnold could affect Patriots’ QB plans; Adam Gase’s connection with Belichick could mean a trickle-down effect of the addition of Bo Hardegree to Belichick’s coaching staff this year; More.
• Steve Balestrieri (PatsFans) Sunday Patriots news, AFC East notes: The 2021 draft will be a test of the team’s scouting departments; J.J. Watt, QB talk, Tom Brady; More.
• Zack Cox’s Patriots Offseason Outlook: Breaking down New England’s QB options.
• Luke Ervin (PatsBuzz) State of the Patriots: Assessing defensive needs and how to fill them.
• Phil Perry suggests the Pats’ secondary could look very different in 2021.
• Phil Perry addresses his Patriots Mailbag: Could the Patriots trade down from the 15th pick?
• Jacob Camenker highlights Albert Breer on why Michael Thomas to the Patriots could make sense.
• Doug Kyed profiles ‘hidden Patriots’ on the roster who have fallen under the radar: Veteran receiver Marqise Lee is looking to get his career back on track.
• Logan Mullen says two potential Patriots WR targets are likely to get the franchise tag: Allen Robinson and Kenny Golladay
• Steve Balestrieri (PatsFans) Patriots 2021 draft profile: Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond.
• Phil Perry explores whether a QB with a big cap hit is a recipe for success.
• Conor Roche says Jimmy Garoppolo is reportedly likely to stay with the 49ers if they don’t take a ‘big swing’ at QB.
• Mike Cole thinks this Matthew Stafford quote doesn’t paint the Patriots in a positive light. /I can maybe see the Patriots not as attractive a destination without Tom Brady for veterans looking to “win now”, but Stafford is a QB who doesn’t need Brady. He could see himself as leading the team to a Super Bowl.
• Ryan Hannable discusses Albert Breer’s “understanding” that Brandin Cooks was acquired as a piece for Jimmy Garoppolo, not Tom Brady.
• Robert Alvarez (PatsFans) Best of social media: Highlights from Randy Moss’ career on his birthday.
• Robert Alvarez (PatsFans) Flashback Friday: Ty Law remembers the Patriots first Super Bowl parade and rally “dance off.”
• Kevin Slane posts the SNL clip of “drunk Tom Brady” on ‘Weekend Update’. (3.33 min. video) /Eh...not funny.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Albert Breer (SI) Monday Morning QB: Super Bowles, Watt and Texans mess, Trevor Lawrence; Plus, Wentz trade is imminent, why Carr is likely staying in Vegas, Patriots challenge to lure free agents, Darnold rumors, Russell Wilson and more.
• Peter King (ProFootballTalk) FMIA: Deconstructing Super Bowl LV and the 5 Bucs plays that shaped it.
• Sam Borden (ESPN) The great Super Bowl rings heist: The true story of the Patriots fan who stole the Giants’ Super bowl rings.
• NFL Nation (ESPN) 32 NFL players who need a change of scenery this offseason: Who needs a fresh start for every team. Patriots: Kicker Justin Rohrwasser.
• Brad Spielberger (Pro Football Focus) Franchise tag candidates for all 32 NFL teams. Patriots: None.
• Kevin Cole (Pro Football Focus) Using historical comps to value top 2021 free agents.
• Anthony Treash (Pro Football Focus) Most underrated free agent at every position.
• Matt Miller (TheDraftScout) The Big Board: Top 300 players.
• Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Cal McNair: We expect Deshaun Watson to remain a Texan.
• Staff (TMZ.com) NFL’S Trai Turner: ‘Cam Newton ain’t done yet! ... ‘More left in the tank.’
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Uncertainty of salary cap could impact J.J. Watt’s head start on free agency.
• Charean Williams (ProFootballTalk) Report: Steelers, Browns, Titans, Bills have shown interest in J.J. Watt.
• Myles Simmons (ProFootballTalk) Trevor Lawrence “pretty pleased” with Pro Day, should be ready for training camp.
• Austin Gayle (Pro Football Focus) 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Eagles trade up for Justin Fields, Dolphins give Tua Tagovailoa Ja’Marr Chase. Pats pick Alabama DL Christian Barmore at 15.
• Charean Williams (ProFootballTalk) Byron Leftwich among those amazed at what Tom Brady is doing at his age.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) NFL veteran Chris Hogan going back to lacrosse.
• Darrelle Lincoln (TotalProSports) Lombardi Trophy designer’s daughter wants apology from Tom Brady for his ‘disgrace & disrespect’. /Belichick shows more disrespect towards the Lamar Hunt trophy.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Jason Licht to daughter of Lombardi Trophy designer: “Lighten up, Francis.” /lolz.
• Ben Frederickson (StLToday) Delay and distortion will only work so long for Team Kroenke in Rams relocation lawsuit.