It’s been over 30 years since the Patriots have had as high of a draft pick as they have right now. Hopefully it’ll take another 30 years for them to be selecting this high again. The next two months are going to be exciting, informational, and…confusing.
Many, if not most, fans likely have forgotten how it is to root for a team with a high pick and follow all of the rumors and innuendos that get constantly floated. Jeez, many Patriots fans weren’t even alive the last time we all had to go through this.
Well, here’s a reminder: It’s silly season. With teams jockeying for position and having their eyes on certain prospects, agendas get served by supposed point of views being leaked. This has only gotten worse with the advent of social media. You want a hot draft rumor? Just go to ‘X,’ TikTok, Instagram or Threads to find one. It’s a convenient time for equal opportunity leaking with everyone running to their nearest insider, beat writer, and/or draft pundit.
This is what we call ladies & gentlemen: Smokescreens.
If you haven’t noticed, over the last 2-3 weeks it’s been reported that the Patriots are looking long and hard at offensive tackle. Well, that’s unless they are looking to trade the pick. But, why would they trade the pick, when we’ve also read that they’re entertaining sticking and picking the last remaining QB out of Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye?
Here’s the reality: The Patriots are likely leaning towards a certain plan right now in the middle of February. That leaning position is also incredibly fluid. There is a TON of time left before the draft happens for front offices. We have pro days, the combine, interviews, and personal visits. Teams may have an idea of what they’d like to do, but not many actually know what they will do.
In the meantime, we’ll get every possible scenario presented by league and Patriots sources. That’s the job. That’s how this works. Eliot Wolf, Alonzo Highsmith and company are in the process of seeing what the best path is come late April. That path includes the possibility of a trade, picking an OT, WR, or rolling with a QB. While they go through that process, they’ll also continue to leak certain ideas in an effort to gain information from others and evaluate the value of their pick in the trade market.
My advice? Don’t take any of these rumors or reports as football gospel and enjoy the fun of hearing about all the possible paths leading up to April 25th.
The Judgement of Jayson Tatum
We’ve reached the NBA All-Star break and all should be thrilled by the Celtics performance up to this point. If you’re not thrilled, I’m not sure what to tell you. I mean, we just witnessed the best first half of a Celtics season, record-wise, since ‘08-’09.
Here’s how the team currently stands: Best record in the league, a significant lead in the East, the third-best defensive rating, with both the best offensive rating and net rating. They’ve also stayed relatively healthy. Oh, and let’s not forget, they’re still figuring out how to play alongside each other after the October trade for Jrue Holiday. Not sure what more you’d like as a fan.
Meanwhile, the maturation of Jayson Tatum’s game continues. The man is putting together a season. If you want all the fun stats, follow Dick Lipe on ‘X’ or you can just take my word for it. Tatum is doing things as a Celtic this year that we haven’t seen since the original big three.
But, for many, it won’t matter.
Much like his team, Tatum is going to inevitably be judged by one thing: Banner 18. Did he and they get there? Did they get past their past and finally win the whole damn thing.
While some may see that as unfair, I’m looking at it a different way: Tatum has truly arrived.
You don’t get judged by the “Title Police,” unless you deserve to be judged. Players don’t reach this point, until they’re universally recognized as one of the best in the world. The NBA is a superstar league. The best of the best win the championship. It’s always been that way, aside from that pesky Pistons team years ago. The fact that we’ve reached this point with Tatum is a GOOD thing.
Now, of course, the question is: Can Tatum do what some of the others have done before him and seal the deal? We’ll see.
Spring Training Seems Fun…Or, Not.
Spring training brings dreams of warmer weather here in New England and optimism about your baseball team. But, after reading quotes from down in Florida from certain players and members of the Red Sox organization, I don’t know how even the biggest fanatic could be optimistic.
Have you heard or read these quotes?
Here’s Craig Breslow: “We can appreciate that things haven’t come together in maybe a way that I anticipated.”
How about Kenley Jansen? Here’s his response to whether or not the team can make the playoffs: “You never know. … Just got to come out here and compete.”
Boy, can you feel the fever? At least I understand Jansen’s response since the team is outwardly open to trading him for salary purposes. Yes, in Boston.
At least Trevor Story didn’t roll over and die in his Q&A with the media. Here’s what Story had to say according to John Tomase: "I think we could be really competitive and I don't see why we can't take a run at the whole thing. We're a bunch of competitors here, so that's what we feel and that's what we're going to talk about."
More from Story: "I think you're going to see a grittiness and a hunger that really embraces the town. And that starts right here. We've underperformed, there's no doubt about that the last couple of years, and no one's happy about that. And that's what's driven me in the offseason…We don't like to lose and we're tired of it. We have the team that we have and we're going to go out there and compete. We're a very talented group. Everyone has counted us out already, but we don't feel that way."
Even if the Sox and/or Story end up being brutal this season, this is what should be said to the media in February. Let it rip. Give fans hope. Believe in yourself. Fight for respect. All that good stuff. At least Story gets it.
Respect to “The Little Ball of Hate”
Brad Marchand played in his 1,000th game this week for the Boston Bruins. There are only seven others to hit that mark. I remind you, we’re in the middle of a “centennial celebration” for the franchise. That’s a lot of hockey, a lot of games, and a lot of players to wear the “spoked B.” Yet, here is Marchand, one of eight.
Who would have expected this from Marchand when he debuted during the ‘09-’10 season? I’m not even sure Marchand himself or his own family would have. But, there he was rightfully soaking up a standing ovation Tuesday night.
But, this isn’t just about longevity, it’s about being a two-way player. It’s about production. A career that currently has Marchand sitting fifth in points, fifth in goals, and first in shorthanded goals. By ten. He’ll easily end up in the top-5 in assists as well. Marchand, of course, also has a ring on the resume.
There have been some inexplicable moments, but you’ve been a joy to watch, Brad.