First and 10: Patriots reportedly take a look at Lamar Jackson

Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your day. Grab your coffee and let’s get to it.



So, Lamar Jackson, huh?

According to our buddy Ian Rapoport of NFL Media on Monday, the Patriots took a good look at the Louisville quarterback recently, having him at Gillette and were apparently "intrigued and impressed" by him following the visit. The former Heisman winner is expected to be taken somewhere near the middle to the end of the first round -- that could mean New England at No. 23.

Jackson is easily one of the most polarizing talents of the draft, but there are a few reasons to draw a line between him and the Patriots: one, New England needs a backup quarterback. Two, former Bill Belichick consigliere Mike Lombardi is high on him -- Lombardi's son Matt was an offensive assistant for Louisville from 2014-16 and saw him up close. And three, if things click, Jackson seems capable of being the sort of electric, game-changing performer capable of carrying the Patriots in the post-Tom Brady era.



None of those three things alone are enough for Belichick and the Patriots to go all in for Jackson, especially when you consider some of the other priorities they might have when it comes to this weekend. It all comes down to how the coach feels about him. But combined, it could be enough to push New England toward the former Heisman winner somewhere in the middle to the bottom half of the first round.

Friend of Belichick and NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock brought up Jackson-to-the-Patriots in a conference call with reporters last week.

“I think the first guy they’ve got to evaluate is Lamar Jackson: Does he or does he not fit for what they could do down the road? Belichick is an outside-the-box guy, and I think that’s the first thing you’ve got to think of is it’s a contrarian move. Can you go from Tom Brady to Lamar Jackson?” Mayock asked.

Now, it's important to note this could all be a smokescreen, a ruse designed to get the rest of the league wondering about what New England might be interested in doing. Would the Patriots sit and wait for him at No. 23? Are they intrigued enough to try and trade up? Are they trying to throw other teams off the scent while they pursue someone else? All worthwhile questions to ponder between now and Thursday night when things kick off.

Now, on to the links...

1. My NFL Notebook from the weekend looks at how the Alex Guerrero situation in New England could lead to a league-wide discussion on the use and credentialing of “body coaches” for star players, five games the Patriots aren’t involved in that will draw the attention of New England fans, pre-draft updates, a final farewell to Gil Santos, and much more.

2. Rob Gronkowski was at Gillette Stadium on Saturday ... to promote motocross.

3. Greg has a great wrapup of a wild Saturday in Boston sports that included Gronk's press conference. He has a point here in noting that the last guy to hold such an ill-timed presser was Randy Moss in 2010 -- and he was traded a month or two later.

4. Our guy Mike Loyko looks at a pair of positions when it comes to the Patriots and the draft: interior of the offensive line and offensive tackle. Opposite ends of the spectrum here -- per usual, Mike does a great job breaking down each of the prospects.

5. Greg did a Saturday Q&A that has some terrific info. It included one of my favorite Belichick pictures ever.

6. I'm doing a Monday afternoon Q&A that'll kick off at 3. Get your questions in now.

7. Mike Reiss led his Sunday notes with a question: Did Gronkowski cross the line when it came to his Saturday press conference?

8. Mike also looks at some quarterbacking options who might be available in this year's draft.

9. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk says the Patriots expect Brady and Gronkowski will both play in 2018.

10. Phil Perry looks at what linebackers might fit in Foxborough.

Extra Point: Thought about holding on to this one until we get closer to Thursday night, but I couldn't resist. This is one of the best draft weekend videos you'll ever see.