New England Patriots links 5/07/21 - Mac Jones will start, Cam ‘entrenched’ as starter; Julio Jones; More!

TEAM TALK

• Patriots sign rookie free agent K Quinn Nordin.
• Mike Dussault gives us the Patriots 2021 OTA and Minicamp schedule.
• Mike Dussault talks about how Patriots DL Deatrich Wise Jr. is emerging as a leader and is back on a four-year deal excited for the 2021 season.
• Mike Dussault down the full scouting report on Patriots second-round pick Christian Barmore.
• Erik Scalavino breaks down the full scouting report on Patriots third-round pick Ronnie Perkins.
• Behind the Scenes with Mac Jones: A look at what the rest of draft night was like for him. (1 min. video)
• Jersey presentation & Mac Jones media availability. (16 min. video)
• Press Conference: Deatrich Wise Jr. (15 min. video)
• Patriots draft picks react to their selections. (1 min. video)
• Patriots Unfiltered 5/6: Setting expectations for the 2021 draft class. (2 hours)

LOCAL LINKS

• Mark Morse (PatsFans) Patriots draft analysis and notes. The Patriots will be having a Rookie Camp probably next weekend. They will be able to sign 7 UDFA and invite 5 UDFA in on a tryout basis, as well as the 8 draft picks.
• Andrew Callahan reports the Pats minicamp and offseason practice dates were announced. “Per league rules, the team can introduce limited on-field work to their OTAs starting May 17. On-field work can ramp up to full speed starting May 24, when typically most Patriots have already reported. All offseason practices must be non-contact.”
• Chris Mason offers his never-too-early 53-man roster projection.
• Anastasios Kilimos (GuyBostonSports) Way-too-early NFL season predictions: AFC East edition.
• Andrew Callahan hears from Deatrich Wise on his decision to re-sign in New England. “Wise weighed a sizeable offer from the Broncos, according to sources, but ultimately chose to commit in New England roughly five hours into free agency.”
• Doug Kyed notes Hunter Henry gets a flattering scouting report from Deatrich Wise.
• Doug Kyed addresses his Friday Patriots Mailbag: Does Julio Jones make sense as wideout addition?
• Adam London relays NFL analyst Gil Brandt on why he believes the Patriots had the league’s 2nd-best offseason.
• DJ Bean looks at what the ‘fifth QB’ draft history can tell us about Mac Jones.
• Andy Hart thinks Mac Jones should start at QB for the Patriots in 2021 and explains why he almost certainly will.
• Alex Reimer talks about how Mac Jones is uniquely built to handle the pressure of following Tom Brady.
• John Anderson explains why he thinks Mac Jones should win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
• Andy Hart passes along an anonymous NFL talent evaluator: ‘Cam [Newton] is going to be entrenched’ with Patriots and may be holding on to the starting job in New England longer than many expect or even hope.
• Jerry Trotta (MusketFire) The speculated plan for Mac Jones is what we were all expecting.
• Alexandra Francisco highlights Devin McCourty sharing his reaction to Jason McCourty joining the Dolphins.
• Dakota Randall reposts Chase Winovich’s latest Instagram as he bids farewell to New Hampshire.
• Adam Weinrib says yes, former Patriot Chris Hogan’s lacrosse career is extremely real, and he’s coming to Gillette!
• Nick O’Malley tells us former Patriots QB Ryan Mallett is playing in The Spring League.
• Locked On Patriots podcast: Mike D’Abate and ‘Douggie Mac’ (co-host, Untitled Patriots Podcast) discuss fan reaction to the Pats’ draft selections, their own thoughts on Mac Jones; and more. (44 min.)
• Untitled Patriots podcast: Doug from Patriots discord and Lee Schecter kick off a long off-season convo about all things Mac, discuss team news and More. (71 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

• Albert Breer (SI) GamePlan: Ron Rivera discusses changes ahead of Year 2 in Washington; Plus, power rankings, a history of when rookie quarterbacks play and the fight over offseason work.
• Staff (NFL.com) NFL offseason workout program dates announced.
• Nick Shook (NFL.com) Top 10 games of the 2021 NFL season. No. 2, Tampa Bay at New England.
• Safid Deen (Sun-Sentinel) Dolphins agree to deal with veteran Jason McCourty, who played under Brian Flores in New England.
• Marcel Louis-Jacques (ESPN) Bills follow draft board, get a glut of edge rushers: What’s the plan?
• John Breech (CBS Sports) Packers apparently offered to make Aaron Rodgers the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback earlier this offseason.
• Tom Van Haaren (ESPN) Football from Tom Brady’s first NFL touchdown pass going up for auction.
• Jason Owens (Yahoo! Sports) NFLPA blasts league memo on Ja’Wuan James injury, salary as ‘gutless,’ ‘scare tactic’.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Longtime NFL referee Ben Dreith dies at 96. /No mention of infamous Pats-Raiders 1976 roughing-the-passer call.