New England Patriots links 6/16/21 - Minicamp recaps; Who’s there, who’s square; ‘Pink Stripes’ forever; More!

TEAM TALK

• Mike Dussault’s Day 2 Minicamp Blogservations: Defense keeps showing up; More.
• Paul Perillo tackles this week’s Patriots Unfiltered Q&A: WR depth, QB competition and more roster talk.
• Erik Scalavino highlights Cam Newton and Dont’a Hightower: Newton impressed by Jones; Hightower happy to be back.
• Press Conferences: Cam Newton - Devin McCourty - Dont’a Hightower.
• Patriots Unfiltered 6/15: Minicamp Day 2 reaction. (2 hours)
• Photos: Patriots Mini-Camp Day 2.

LOCAL LINKS

• Ryan Hannable presents the highlights from Ernie Adams’ first formal media session, including his job description. /Unfortunately, “Pink Stripes” was deemed ‘proprietary information.’
• Zack Cox Minicamp notes: Mac Jones takes center stage as reps increase, not flawless; Cam Newton’s accuracy was spotty; Attendance same as yesterday; Highly productive day for Jalen Mills; More.
• Evan Lazar’s minicamp observations: Mac Jones is setting up a QB competition this summer; More.
• Andy Hart’s minicamp observations: Jonnu Smith was on the field in jersey and helmet but didn’t do much through the session; During a pre-practice segment of punt return work the returners did the classic Patriots drills of holding one ball in their hands while catching a punt. All-Pro Gunner Olszewski took the first rep and did so flawlessly, easily corralling the booming punt from the Jugs machine; More
• CBS Boston’s Patriots minicamp recap: Mac Jones outplays Cam Newton, ‘absolutely has a chance’ to win starting QB job; More.
• Andrew Callahan Minicamp Day 2 observations: Dont’a Hightower intercepts Mac Jones, spoils rookie’s strong day; Player of the day: DB Jalen Mills; Studs & duds; More.
• Andrew Callahan talks attendance for Day 2: The Patriots were down the same five players Tuesday who missed Monday’s practice.
• Clare Cooper (FullPressCoverage) A Clare Perspective: Sitting here playing the ‘what if’ game.
• Alex Barth considers what happens next between the Patriots and Stephon Gilmore.
• Zack Cox hears from Devin McCourty who sounds confident Stephon Gilmore will play for the Patriots. ‘(He’s) obviously still fully part of this team.’
• Tom Hanslin passes along an Ian Rapoport report: Stephon Gilmore not going to play on final year of current deal with Patriots
• Michael Hurley highlights Bill Belichick saying Cam Newton is ‘way ahead of where he was last year’ with the offense and sharing some general observations on the dynamic at play among the four QBs.
• Mike Reiss notes Cam Newton said that there is no extra motivation for him after the team selected Mac Jones in the first round of the NFL draft, 15th overall. “Absolutely not. He was the right pick in my opinion. He was the best player available, and that’s what the NFL draft is for.”
• Karen Guregian finds that Cam Newton still talks a good game. ‘He’s too busy worrying about fixing himself, rather than keeping tabs on Bill Belichick’s ultimate quarterback plan.’
• Karen Guregian explains how Cam worked to fix his mechanics this offseason to help turn back into Superman.
• Justin Leger hears from Cam Newton not hiding the chip on his shoulder entering Year 2 in New England. ‘Newton is well aware he needs to improve’.
• Ryan Hannable relays Bill Belichick’s assessment of Chase Winovich heading into Year 3.
• Doug Kyed reports Dont’a Hightower says he wouldn’t be at minicamp if he planned to retire.
• Phil Perry observes ‘Dont’a Hightower made it clear Tuesday that he’s committed to being around for 2021. ‘He’s been present for both days of his team’s mandatory minicamp this week, and in the second practice of the three-day session he made the play of the day: a leaping interception of Mac Jones over the middle in an 11-on-11 period.’
• Doug Kyed notes Matt Judon is ready to flex his versatility in New England. ‘Judon is primarily known as a defensive end and outside linebacker, but over 10 percent of his NFL snaps have come off the line of scrimmage, per PFF.’
• CBS Boston notes Matt Judon was spotted running hill sprints with the skill players after Tuesday’s practice, and he made it clear to reporters afterwards that he’s willing to challenge anyone on the roster.
• Kevin Tame Jr. (FullPressCoverage) Ranking the five toughest games on the Patriots’ 2021 schedule.
• Matt Dolloff sees the Patriots STILL trolling the Falcons, based on Gillette’s final vaccination number: 610,283.
• Locked On Patriots podcast: Mike D’Abate and Douggie Mac discuss Stephon Gilmore’s holdout, Cam Newton’s play at quarterback and the importance of offseason workouts. (49 min.)
• Patriots Talk podcast: Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry debate whether the door is shut, cracked or wide open for Mac Jones to overtake Cam Newton as New England’s starting QB. (28.25 min. video)

NATIONAL NEWS

• Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Cam Newton: Mac Jones was right pick, best player available.
• Cody Benjamin (CBS Sports) Stephon Gilmore trade rumors: Projected compensation, most logical landing spots for Pro Bowl cornerback.
• Jason La Canfora (CBS Sports) One player from each NFL division set for 2021 breakthrough. No Pats.
• Andrew Brandt (SI) Business of Football Mailbag: Aaron Rodgers, Julio Jones, vaccines and more.
• Jared Dubin and Patrik Walker (CBS Sports) Ranking NFL’s top 10 WRs and top 10 RBs for 2021.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) NFL should let Texans, Deshaun Watson know whether he’ll be on paid leave if cases aren’t settled.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Paul Tagliabue worries about possible point-shaving in the NFL.
• Charean Williams (ProFootballTalk) Report: More than half of NFL players are vaccinated, but four teams lag behind: Colts, Jaguars, Cardinals and Chargers.
• John Wayne Ferguson (Galveston Daily News) Vince Wilfork’s son charged with stealing Super Bowl rings in Friendswood. /Sad.