Welcome to first and 10, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related news you need to start your Monday. Grab your coffee and let’s get to it.
--We're going to be writing an awful lot about the Patriots' 2019 draft class in the coming days, but after spending a large part of the weekend watching and rewatching film of their college performances and talking to some folks around the league, I'm ready to say that at first glance -- from a big-picture perspective -- it's a good group. They filled some specific areas of need, gave themselves some leverage when it came to some potential contract issues down the road, and took a chance or two on some players who have a (potentially) high ceiling. While you like N'Keal Harry's chances of being an impact player as a rookie, the two most compelling guys in my mind are are Joejuan Williams and Jarrett Stidham, a pair of players who have an opportunity to have a sizable impact on the direction of this franchise in the coming years. Ultimately, I was told once by a very smart person that if you can get at least three long-term starters out of a draft, then it can be deemed a success. I think this group will be able to (at least) hit that mark.
--The Patriots start Phase 2 of their offseason program on Monday. For the first time this offseason, all coaches are allowed on the field. In addition, what the CBA refers to as individual and “perfect play” drills are allowed. However, there’s no offense vs. defense, no one-on-one drills, and no helmets.
Now, on with the links…
1. My weekend notebook is chock full of draft review stuff, including a look at Stidham and what he might be able to learn from Jimmy Garoppolo and his evolution while in New England. In addition, there’s a breakdown of which guys on the Patriots’ roster made out best when things wrapped up on Saturday, how New England used this draft to try and create some leverage with some looming contracts, a few potential positional battles this spring and summer … and much more.
2. Team-building didn’t end with the draft. The Patriots signed a mess of undrafted free agents, including one offensive lineman who said he once got a haircut from a bald eagle.
Asked #Canes Tyler Gauthier about his mullet “A bald eagle came down and cut it with his talons” ? #USA @NBC6Sports pic.twitter.com/A6YFgEFT06
— Chris Fischer NBC6 (@FischerNBC6) August 28, 2018
With this news, Tom Brady is now the last remaining active player from the 2000 NFL Draft. 41 and going strong. https://t.co/mQcjW9ygsM
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 28, 2019
