Daily news and links for Thursday
TEAM TALK
- Mike Dussault’s Training Camp Preview: Cornerbacks. This may be the most top-heavy unit on the team. Christian Gonzalez is coming off a Second-Team All-Pro season, and the addition of Carlton Davis gives the Pats a formidable pair of starting cornerbacks. More.
- Mike Dussault’s Training Camp Preview: Linebackers. Robert Spillane will take the lead not only as a play-caller but likely as the emotional tone-setter for the remade Patriots defense. More.
LOCAL LINKS
- Mike D’Abate’s Patriots’ training camp preview: Safeties. In addition to presumed starters Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger, New England’s safeties group consists of Jaylinn Hawkins, Brendan Schooler, Marcus Epps, Dell Pettus and rookie Craig Woodson.
- Mark Morse continues his positional analysis of the 90-man camp roster: Defensive Backs.
- Alex Barth notes Christian Gonzalez received high praise from NFL executives.
- Jordy McElroy lists one burning question at each position on offense. QB: Will Drake Maye make a Year 2 leap?
- Ian Logue notes the latest QB rankings show Drake Maye flying under the radar heading into his second season.
- Sara Marshall suggests Stefon Diggs’ injury setback might force Patriots into WR panic mode
- Matthew Schmidt relays Chad Graff (The Athletic) saying Stefon Diggs will likely begin the season on the PUP list, meaning he will miss the first four games of the regular season — Should the Pats add another WR?
- Mark Daniels thumbnails five rookies who should make an impact immediately.
- Matthew Schmidt points out how once-promising weapon TE Jaheim Bell is now a depressing afterthought.
- Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry discuss what the Pats should do with their remaining cap space. “There should be real pressure on this team to add talent around its quarterback.”
- Ian Logue’s Patriots News: Belichick lashes back at Kraft’s comments; New Patriots trailer dropped. /”lashes back”?? How about, “responds”? Insert eye-roll emoji here.
- A Clare Perspective podcast: Clare welcomes Mike Dussault to talk all things Patriots. (31 min.)
NATIONAL NEWS
- Analysts (PFF) NFL position rankings: Grading all 32 teams at every unit.
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Second-rounder Alfred Collins (43rd overall pick) agrees to terms. ‘Of the slotted $10.3 million deal, $9 million was reportedly guaranteed. That’s 87.37 of the contract. Last year, the 43rd pick had 77.98 percent of his contract fully guaranteed.’ /Maybe there’s hope the dominos will start to fall.
- Eric Edholm (NFL.com) One MVP candidate from each AFC team. Patriots: Drake Maye. /Click for commentary.
- Jeremy Fowler (ESPN) Execs, coaches, scouts rank NFL’s top 10 CBs for 2025. No. 6 Christian Gonzalez. “I think Gonzo is the next great one,” a veteran NFL assistant said. “Skills, patience, length. He’s the closest thing to Pat [Surtain II]. Smooth, big athlete, travels a lot, can matchup against the best guy.” More.
- Staff (ESPN) Who fell out of the top 10 player rankings in 2025? WR: Stefon Diggs. Safety: Kyle Dugger.
- NFL Live (ESPN) Why Booger sees the Patriots improving under Mike Vrabel. (1 min. video)
- Matt Verderame (SI) The biggest current rival for every AFC team. Patriots: Jets. /Not sure I agree with AFC East commentary.
- Conor Orr (SI) The 12 teams that can win Super Bowl LX. No Pats.
- Karl Rasmussen (SI) The biggest concern for every 2024 NFL playoff team heading into 2025 season. Patriots: …
- Frank Schwab (Yahoo! Sports) NFL offseason power rankings: No. 11 Denver Broncos finally found a QB in Bo Nix.
- Myles Simmons (ProFootballTalk) Randy Moss: Tyreek Hill is “nowhere” all-time, top five in today’s game.
- Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Chargers unveil alternate uniforms for the 2025 season. /My EYES...
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) NFL, NFLPA concealed another grievance ruling.
- Charles McDonald (Yahoo! Sports) NFLPA shrouded in secrets and competing interests needs to get its act together before next CBA negotiation.
- Andrew Peters (Bleacher Report) ESPY 2025 winners, awards results, recap, top moments and Twitter reaction.