An Independent Patriots Blog
The Patriots announced Monday that three players have been selected as finalists for this year’s induction into the team’s hall of fame. This year’s finalists (listed in alphabetical order) are linebacker Tedy Bruschi, head coach Chuck Fairbanks and offensive tackle Leon Gray.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-patriots-announced-monday-that-three-players/
I certainly would’ve liked to add some explosive speed like Sanders would’ve brought, but really I’m excited to see what the Pats do in the draft now. It’s pretty rare that they enter a draft needing to add a potential starter at a position, especially one that is as high-profile as a wide receiver. Ultimately if Gronk/Hernandez are healthy and there at the end it doesn’t really matter that much who the other receiver is outside of Amendola, the Pats will still be pretty good and tough to defend. But the opportunity is still there to add an exciting playmaker on the outside. I’d be giddy to see a first-round pick starting on the outside.
What are the Patriots options if Rob Gronkowski can’t start Week 1? – Going Deep – Boston.com
Good stuff from Frenz including this pretty chart…
2013 NFL Mock Draft: Draft Day Creeping Near | NEPatriotsDraft.com – 2013 NFL Draft
We’ll try to get as many Pats-centric mocks from those we trust up over the next 10 days. Now that the real need board is set, it’s time to zero in on the prospects.
Here’s the first from James Christensen at NEPatriotsDraft.com..
29. New England Patriots Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee Adding Hunter to Amendola, Jones and Edelman is just what the Patriots need after losing Emmanuel Sanders back to the Steelers. At 6’4″ and running a 4.44 forty, Hunter is the deep threat that the Patriots need, but he is quite raw. I’d like this pick a lot better if the Patriots traded down into the low 30′s – think Philadelphia – and landed a 4th or 5th round pick as well. There are a host of defensive backs available here as well, but I truly think the Patriots might be set at the position as Alfonzo Dennard is good to go. Defensive and offensive line are also in play here.
Per Sanders’ agent, the Steelers have matched the Patriots offer and will retain the wide receiver. This certainly puts the pressure back on the Pats to draft at least one impact wide receiver in the draft, and they should probably take a swing at two just to be safe. There’s no much left on the free agency market, and at this point, it certainly seems possible that Brandon Lloyd could make a return appearance.
Pitt has matched the RFA offer sheet on Emmanuel Sanders. First RFA to get offer in 3 years
— Jordan Woy (@JordanWoy) April 14, 2013
Look, even if the [Rob] Gronkowski arm stuff goes poorly, he’s still going to be there when it matters,” said an NFC executive. “So is [Aaron] Hernandez. Yeah, the injuries are a concern, but they are for all of us. As long as you have the tight ends and Brady down the stretch, I don’t care who else is playing on the perimeter — they’ll win that division and a playoff game. Beyond that, they have to hope the changes put them over the top. But they’ll be there at the end, which is all you want. The rest comes down to luck and health.
Patriots get favorable review – Sports – The Boston Globe
Must read on Sunday as always from Greg Bedard, and sadly this will be one of his final Sunday reads, though hopefully he’ll continue them in some capacity for SI.com, though probably not Patriots-centric.
Good scouting reports on all the Pats free agent acquisitions.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/look-even-if-the-rob-gronkowski-arm-stuff-goes/
