New England Patriots links 2/23/21 - Pats 2020 rookie class revisited: Hit on some, jury out on others

TEAM TALK

• Mike Dussault takes a look back at the Patriots 2020 rookie class and how they will project into the future.
• Angelique Fiske talks about how Ron Burton Sr. built a ‘utopia’ of love and faith, leaving a legacy greater than football.
• Black History Month: Andre Tippett, Devin McCourty and Matthew Slater reflect on social justice initiatives. (28.33 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Ryan Hannable looks at where the 2020 Patriots rookie class ranked among rest of the NFL.
• Conor Roche tells us 10 things we learned from Cam Newton’s appearance on the ‘I Am Athlete’ podcast. Newton says ‘hell yes’ to a possible New England return, but was honest about what it’s like playing for Bill Belichick.
• Tom E. Curran wonders if Cam’s pitch to return will persuade the Patriots.
• Ryan Hannable explains why it could be in the Patriots’ best interest to bring back Cam Newton.
• Sean T. McGuire relays Cam Newton on adjusting to the ‘Patriot Way’, “My work ethic was always high. It’s still high.”
• Phil Perry considers how much sense does Ryan Fitzpatrick make for the Patriots as possibly ‘the guy to get you to the next guy’.
• Adam London highlights Willie McGinest sharing his ‘deep, deep’ dream offseason scenario for the Patriots: Bringing Russell Wilson over in a trade.
• Conor Roche highlights Charlie Weis giving a ringing endorsement of QB Mac Jones.
• Dakota Randall explains why the Patriots have nothing to show for their reportedly aggressive QB pursuit: Prices for quarterbacks are justout of whack this offseason.
• Evan Lazar and Alex Barth discuss the possibility of the Pats trading up in the draft to take North Dakota State’s Trey Lance. (10 min. video)
• Zack Cox Patriots Draft Rumors: Pats have had ‘consistent’ contact with Mimi TE Brevin Jordan.
• Kevin Tame Jr. (FullPressCoverage) Patriots Free Agency: Is James White as good as gone? The Patriots have depth at running back, so Bill Belichick has a decision to make.
• Conor Roche notes David Andrews says he would ‘love to’ stay with the Pats but is keeping options open.
• Zack Cox catches up with DT Adam Butler, weighing his options as he prepares to hit free agency for the first time.
• Ryan Hannable notes Pro Football Focus doesn’t think any of the top 50 free agents will sign with the Patriots.
• Tom E. Curran scouts potential salary cap casualties in the NFC for the Patriots to consider.
• Mark Daniels examines the Patriots’ cornerbacks and doesn’t see much depth at the position.
• CBS Boston passes along a report that the NFL is pushing closer to a 17-game regular season, starting in 2021. /Nothing says ‘player safety is the number one priority’ than adding more games.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Albert Breer (SI) Monday Afternoon QB: How the salary cap will affect the franchise tag numbers; Plus, Cam Newton’s possible return to Foxboro, the origin of the Wildcat package and more.
• Gennaro Filice and Nick Shook (NFL.com) 2020 NFL rookie report card: Ranking each team’s class. Pats 13th ‘B’
• Jenna West (SI) Cam Newton remains confident ahead of free agency: ‘There aren’t 32 guys better than me.’
• Charles Curtis (ForTheWin) Young football player who heckled Cam Newton apologizes, hopes he ‘can be forgiven’.
• Ben Shpigel (NY Times) NFL Quarterbacks on the move: a Guide.
• Nate Davis (USA Today) Record-setting quarterback turnover a strong possibility for 2021 NFL season.
• Brandon Scott (Radio.com) Texans GM Nick Caserio reportedly categorically opposed to trading Deshaun Watson, ‘ever’.
• Jori Epstein (USA Today) Some NFL players are learning to chase their interests beyond football. Comments from Chase Winovich included.
• Frank Schwab (Yahoo! Sports) Salary cap moves begin: DeSean Jackson says Eagles have cut him, Packers cut two starters.
• Gentry Estes (Tennessean) Titans 2020 first-round pick Isaiah Wilson posts on Twitter that he’s done with team. /File under ‘coincidence?’: Team says he needs to do more work and his twitter handle is @_LayZay_.
• Nat Newell (Indy Star) Michael Pittman Jr. says Carson Wentz won’t be wearing No. 11 for the Indianapolis Colts. /How you know you’re not Tom Brady.
• Mike Jones (USA Today) Despite noncommittal tone, Steelers find themselves at Ben Roethlisberger’s mercy.
• Allison Koehler (Yahoo! Sports) ‘Very, very strong feeling’ in Pittsburgh it’s time to move forward without Big Ben.
• Nate Davis (USA Today) NFL mock draft 2021: What could unfold if New York Jets acquire Deshaun Watson from Houston Texans. Pats pick Alabama WR DeVonta Smith at 15.
• Levi Damien (Yahoo! Sports) In shocking move CBS will not bring back analyst Rich Gannon