News

Shalise Manza Young of The Boston Globe writes about the passing of Tom Brady's mentor Tom Martinez.  A long-time coach at the College of San Mateo in California, Martinez began coaching Brady when he was 13 years old, and the two shared a familial relationship ever since.  "I always preached as a coach that you never quit, that you battle to the end," stated Martinez, who died Tuesday after a long battle with diabetes at the age of 66.

Ian Rapoport of The Boston Herald speculates about the possible retirement of offensive tackle Matt Light.  Rapoport reports that the three-time Pro Bowler has not stated any intention to retire, nor has the team publicly expressed its views on whether it wants him back.  "I hope Matt comes to (his decision) on his own terms," said Patriots' center Dan Koppen last week.

The Associated Press reports that the Patriots-Rams game in London later this year is officially on after an agreement between the Rams and the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Bureau.  The game will be played at historic Wembley Stadium on Oct. 28.

Jimmy Toscano of CSNNE.com takes a look back at the history of the 27th pick in the NFL Draft since 2001.  The New England Patriots hold the 27th and 31st pick in the first round of this year's draft.  Notable names selected 27th overall include Patriots CB Devin McCourty, Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams, and Falcons WR Roddy White.

Jeff Howe of NESN.com breaks down the free-agent wide receiver class and puts Patriots WR Wes Welker at the top of his rankings.  Howe views free-agent WR Brandon Lloyd as the best fit for New England due to his success working with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.  

Max Tedford of WEEI.com gives his analysis of North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples and discusses why he would be a good fit with the Patriots as they prepare for this year's NFL Draft.  Coples has been mentioned as a "less-agile Julius Peppers," and the Patriots could look to draft him in the first round, likely via a trade to move up.  

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com takes a look at the best free-agent fits for all 32 NFL teams heading into the 2012 season.  Prisco matches up the Patriots with Lions DE Cliff Avril.  He writes, "This is a team that needs to get better at rushing the passer and Avril is a young player who is coming off an 11-sack season. They have to work on fixing that defense."