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.
Take a look at that picture. That’s rookie cornerback Joejuan Williams. At 6-foot-4, Williams is the tallest cornerback Bill Belichick has ever drafted. Ever. And he looks it — he’s a long presence back there who reminds a few folks (who know what they’re talking about) of Richard Sherman. He’s going to open a lot of eyes this year.
Looking at this picture also sparks another thought — we’ve spent a lot of time this spring writing about the fact the Patriots have seemingly gone after bigger receivers this offseason, guys like N’Keal Harry, Demaryius Thomas, and Dontrelle Inman, all of whom stand taller than six feet. But the truth of the matter is that going back a year, they’ve also done the same thing when it comes to their defensive backs. Williams is 6-foot-4. Seventh-round pick Ken Webster is 5-foot-11. Obi Melifonwu, who was picked up last season, is also 6-foot-4. Rookie safety Malik Gant is 6-foot-2. Young corner J.C. Jackson is 6-foot-1 (although that’s still up for debate). All big for their position. And all fairly recent acquisitions for New England.
We’ll see how it all plays out this season, but ultimately, the larger point here (no pun intended) from Belichick is that when it comes to the passing game these days, bigger could very well be better.
—This kicks off a big week for the Patriots. Mandatory minicamp runs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on the fields behind Gillette Stadium, and the 2018 team will get their rings in a ceremony Thursday evening.
Now, on with the links…
1. One last shoutout for my weekend notebook, where we take a look at why Joe Thuney is on the verge of the biggest year of his career, and what that means for the veteran offensive lineman — and the Patriots. In addition, we get a glimpse of Harry’s hidden talent, catch up with a former New England coach at his new gig, find out the date for this year’s ring ceremony … and much more.
2. Greg had a Sunday afternoon Q&A that ran the gamut.
3. Rob Gronkowski says he’s saying retired.
4. Tom Brady is a part of PFF’s “All-Clutch” first team. Gronkowski, Stephon Gilmore and Jason McCourty were named to the second team. Ben Linsey says Brady "picked up big chunks late in tight games — 1,073 passing yards on 107 attempts — and those 10.0 yards per attempt led all quarterbacks with 50 or more attempts in clutch time."
5. Belichick spent his Sunday watching some lacrosse.
Video: A smiling Rob Gronkowski answers questions from reporters, saying there will always be a family feel at Gillette Stadium, while touching on his connection with the New England community, how he plans to do more events like this, and how life is good in retirement. pic.twitter.com/74zFGXH1Kk
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 2, 2019