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.
We're now two-plus months from the start of training camp. There still might be a move two two left -- team-building is a year-round activity, after all -- but most of the personnel moves they're going to make have been made. So we've got one question for you guys.
How do you feel about this Patriots' offseason? I'll say that most of the interaction I've had with readers (both in the weekly Q&A's with readers and in other places) have left me thinking people are relatively optimistic about where things are. Sure, there's some trepidation about the post-Rob Gronkowski Era, as well as the depth at wide receiver. While we're going to get a chance to see where they stand a few times over the next month with mandatory minicamp and some other workouts, for the most part, people sound ready for camp to begin. Anyway, let me know what you think in the comments below, or in Monday's Q&A.
Now, on with the links…
1. I went deep with this profile on third-round pick Damien Harris, an Alabama back who seems uniquely suited to work as a complementary part of New England’s running game. Ivan Fears says that even though the Patriots have a wide array of backs, they’ll still find a way to use him. “We needed to make sure we got an extra guy — we really needed another guy, because we like to use those guys, and they’re all pretty good,” he said of Harris. “Plus, he was too good to pass up. Sitting there in the third round? Why not? Shit, who knows what it’s all going to be like. But we’ll find a way to use him. Even if everybody is healthy, we’ll find a way.”
2. Duron Harmon talked about getting back to work, advice for rookies, and predictions for the “Game of Thrones” finale.
3. Joe Thuney also chatted with the media Thursday, saying that when it comes to him going into the last year of his deal, he can only control what he can control.
4. The team made the Jamie Collins signing official.
#TB2K pic.twitter.com/2PhSpREnkT
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) May 16, 2019