Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your day:
A few random thoughts thoughts to get your Tuesday morning started...
--In our weekend notebook, we wrote that Bill Belichick will get the chance to hit a new coaching milestone this coming season when he goes head-to-head against a former player for the first time in Mike Vrabel. While it's the first time for Belichick, it's become a rite of passage for many NFL coaches. With some help from the Patriots' PR staff, we found a bunch of coaches who faced off against a former player. In no particular order, here's the list (the former player is first, followed by the coach): Art Shell/Tom Flores, Jeff Fisher/Mike Ditka, Mike Tice/Joe Gibbs, Herman Edwards/Dick Vermeil, Jack Del Rio/Dennis Green, Ken Whisenhunt/Joe Gibbs, Jack Del Rio/Wade Phillips, Jason Garrett/Chan Gailey and Doug Pederson/Andy Reid.
--The Patriots Hall of Fame nomination committee -- one of the single coolest things I get to be a part of every year -- is set to meet Wednesday at Gillette Stadium. Once again, here's a quick look at how things work: A candidate must be four years removed from his playing/coaching career to be eligible. Committee members can nominate a candidate, and at the end of the process, each committee member votes for their top three choices with 5 points for the first choice, 3 for the second and 1 for the third. Those finishing in the top three in points are then placed on the final ballot, which is announced and then voted on by fans via www.patriots.com. Here are a few of the more notable members in franchise history who are eligible who will undoubtedly be discussed: Vrabel, Richard Seymour, Rodney Harrison, Lawyer Milloy, Matt Light, Leon Gray, Julius Adams, Mosi Tatupu, Fred Marion, Ray Berry, Bill Parcells and Chuck Fairbanks.
--Tuesday's Pro Day slate: Boise State (and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch), Duke, North Carolina.
--Going to have a really cool feature coming later on Tuesday I think you guys will really like.
Now, on to the Gronkowski-dominated links...
1. The Patriots took a look at wide receiver Jordan Matthews and tight end Troy Niklas on Monday.
2. We've got the dates for OTAs and mandatory minicamp here.
3. I'm going to have a Tuesday afternoon Q&A that'll kick off at 3 p.m. Get your questions in now, because it's going to be epic.
4. Our buddy Rap Sheet weighs in on "the Rob Gronkowski situation."
The Rob Gronkowski situation remains unchanged: The #Patriots TE is expected to return following what was a challenging season. pic.twitter.com/ztrFOpB6rT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 2, 2018
GRONK!#Patriots TE @RobGronkowski granted Lauren Mezio's wish today by visiting her @BrighamWomens for 45 minutes.
Mezio is awaiting a second heart transplant and a new kidney. #WBZ #Gronkowski @Patriots pic.twitter.com/jugW9UMmww
— Scott Sullivan (@SullyBunz) April 2, 2018
Uh, is @AaronDonald97 the best defensive player in the league because he trains against actual knives? ? (via @2_10ths) pic.twitter.com/3PgJAjqBUk
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) April 1, 2018