TEAM TALK
- Patriots 2021 Mock Draft Tracker.
- Mike Dussault’s Top 50 Patriots 2021 draft fits.
- Patriots Unfiltered 4/8: Top prospects that fit with Pats, Jimmy G still an option? (2 hours)
LOCAL LINKS
- Bill Burt believes opportunity knocks for the Pats in the QB draft circus. “By Halloween we’ll have an idea of the truth... Of the QBs chosen, there will be more bums (or backups) than starters. ... The fight for “franchise” quarterbacks will help the Patriots and their draft position at 15.” /Good read.
- Andrew Callahan explains how Isaiah Wynn’s fifth-year option will impact the Patriots draft plans. /Interesting.
- Ian Logue (PatsFans) Report: Patriots inquired on Falcons’ 4th overall pick.
- Nick Goss highlights passing guru Tom House explaining why he expects a better Cam Newton in 2021.
- Andy Hart is starting to feel more and more likely that New England may stick with the QB options it has.
- Jerry Trotta (MusketFire) Patriots’ best-case scenario at QB in 2021
- DJ Bean creates his own “Big Board” to lay out the top 30 prospects and the likelihood that they’ll be around when the Pats pick in the first round.
- Tom E. Curran agrees with Michael Lombardi, who can’t see the team trading up for Justin Fields or Trey Lance.
- Isaiah Houde (PatriotsWire) Patriots showing interest in Kellen Mond and it could be the perfect fit.
- Ryan Hannable relays Chris Simms on why New England could trade up for QB Kellen Mond in the 2nd round.
- David Latham (LastWordOnSports) Rumors: Jerry Jones “infatuated” with Kyle Pitts, Belichick’s unique drafting.
- Noel Powers (PatsPropaganda) Patriots draft primer: Wide receiver.
- Ian Logue (PatsFans) Five Patriots & NFL things to know: 1) Yesterday, one player we mentioned was Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond, who is becoming a name being discussed as a potential QB target who the Patriots might turn to if their top choice is gone by the time they pick later this month.
- Zack Cox addresses this week’s Patriots Mailbag: What’s the Pats’ plan if they don’t draft a first-round QB? Plus: Has Julian Edelman played his final snap as a Patriot?
- Andy Hart profiles potential Patriots target Alabama DT Christian Barmore.
- David Heim profiles Notre Dame DE Daelin Hayes, who could certainly help the Patriots’ front-seven at good value.
- Zack Cox notes the Pats met with super-athletic pass-catcher Jacob Harris, who put on a show at his UCF pro day.
- Jerry Trotta (MusketFire) Pat McAfee’s Bill Belichick conspiracy theory is awesome. /Belichick lives rent free in so many heads.
- Jacob Camenker re-grades the Patriots 2017 NFL Draft, four picks that came in Round 3 or later.
- Michael Hurley talks about crazy Tom Brady, already gunning for Super Bowl No. 8. As if anything less would have been expected.
- Locked On Patriots podcast: Mike D’Abate and Clare Cooper discuss all things tight ends, the additions of Henry and Smith, the departure of Ryan Izzo and the futures of Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene. (45 min.)
NATIONAL NEWS
- Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Lane Kiffin: Bill Belichick is unique among NFL coaches in researching draft prospects.
- Albert Breer (SI) Game Plan: Why the Jets dealt Darnold and the search for their next QB; Plus, the offseason’s five biggest takeaways, lessons from the QBs who did pan out, and more.
- Nate Davis (USA Today) Top 10 remaining NFL free agents: Will any sign before 2021 draft?
- Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports) 2021 NFL Draft: How Trey Lance compares to the other likely first-round QBs in his class.
- Gil Brandt (NFL.com) 2021 NFL Draft: Prospect-pro comparisons for top pass rushers.
- Michael Renner (PFF.com) 2021 draft WR superlatives: Best route-runner, freakiest athlete, safest hands and more.
- Doug Farrar (TouchdownWire) The top 11 interior offensive linemen in the 2021 draft class.
- Mark Schofield (TouchdownWire) The top 11 edge-rushers in the 2021 draft class.
- Cody Benjamin (CBS Sports) Building the perfect QB from 2021 prospects: Trevor Lawrence’s poise, Justin Fields’ speed, Trey Lance’s size.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Will some teams pass on players who opted out?
- Adam Schein (NFL.com) NFL’s make-or-break players in 2021.
- Chauncey Telese (LAFBnetwork) Early power rankings. Patriots 5th: Until Bill Belichick retires to his Thanos-style cabin and gives the reigns to either Josh McDaniels or his son, the Patriots are always a top-five contender. Yes, last year was a down year because several prominent defensive players opted out of the season and Tom Brady did what most people do in their golden years and went to Florida.
- Josh Edwards (CBS Sports) Seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft. Pats pick Penn State LB Micah Parsons at 15.
- Andrew Erickson (PFF) 2021 NFL Mock Draft: 49ers take QB Mac Jones, Dolphins land TE Kyle Pitts and Washington, New England move up for quarterbacks.
- Ryan Hockensmith (ESPN) Inside the legacy of John Madden: On his 85th birthday, 23 tales of the coach, broadcaster, icon and legend.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Judge rules that Deshaun Watson’s accuser must proceed in her name.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Emergency hearings coming Friday in Deshaun Watson cases.