Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your Friday. Grab your coffee and let’s get to it.
One quick question before we get things started this morning:
Let's say you have three big moves you could make in free agency. What are the three that would constitute a positive free-agent period for the Patriots? From this perspective, if they could sign Golden Tate and Eric Weddle and retain Trey Flowers, that would represent a terrific team-building stretch. Anyway, let me know what you would do in the comments. (And make sure they're realistic.)
--The tampering period runs from Monday to Wednesday, and then, free agency and the new league year starts Wednesday afternoon. It goes without saying, but these last few days before the start of free agency mark a vital stretch for the personnel departments, as they are likely finishing the self-scouting process in hopes of setting their priorities for the start of free agency. In New England's case, that means making assessments on the whole roster, but in particular taking great pains to figure out what some of the younger, unproven players might be capable of in 2019 and beyond.
--The Case Keenum trade to Washington doesn't directly impact the Patriots, but it does take (at least theoretically) another possibility off the board when it comes to Josh Rosen. Not saying New England is going to jump in on Rosen, but it does alter the landscape a bit. And it adds another layer to the mystery that is John Elway's mystifying inability to properly assess the quarterback position.
--Friday's Pro Day slate: Maine and New Mexico.
Now, on with the links...
1. I take a look at a handful of free-agent possibilities for the Patriots, most of which are wide receivers. The group includes Tate, Jermaine Kearse and John Brown. (I'll have a look at the defensive side of the ball coming before noon on Friday.)
2. ESPN writers make predictions for one free agent on each team. Mike Reiss handles the Pats, and he says New England is going to re-sign Flowers.
3. Andy Benoit examines a handful of possible landing spots for Weddle.
4. Jeremy Bergman looks at the biggest needs for each AFC team when it comes to free agency. Bergman says New England is looking at defensive line, pass catcher and special teams. "Bill Belichick and the champs rarely bite too big in free agency, and with precious little cap space, likely won't make any drastic moves," he writes. "But there are needs to be addressed, even on their Super Bowl roster."
5. These splits from Bill Barnwell of ESPN really illustrate the differences when it comes to New England's usage of Sony Michel and James White last year. Here's a look at the ten running backs whose presence on the field indicated a pass most frequently (100 snap minimum), and here's the same metric when it comes to running the ball.
6. Dwayne Allen's free-agent tour continues. Done in Detroit, he's off to South Florida.
7. The guy who has sacked Tom Brady more than any other active player -- 10.5 times, by our count -- is going to be cut. Interested?
8. Our buddy Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus dropped his latest mock on Thursday, and he has the Patriots going for Boston College edge rusher Zach Allen at the end of the first round. "Allen’s power on the edge makes him a nice fit in New England, as he plays the run well and improved greatly as a pass-rusher last season, grading at 90.3," writes Palazzolo.
9. Adam Schein looks at this year's nine riskiest free agents -- Jamie Collins and Flowers make the list. Of the latter, Schein writes: "I have nothing against Trey Flowers. I really like his game. He's been New England's most consistent defensive player over the past few years and carries zero drama. He's the kind of versatile, inside-outside D-lineman the NFL loves right now. But if Bill Belichick is willing to let someone walk, I'm always skeptical."
10. No real Patriots' connections here, but I loved this piece from Wright Thompson about what life is really like at the combine.
Extra Point: Nate Solder remains one of the best.
33 kids are left to be sponsored from the 1,000 we started with @compassion. Check it out now, your heart will be forever changed. @Giants https://t.co/umnWCxcG8I pic.twitter.com/oRvbylIy52
— Nate Solder (@soldernate) March 7, 2019