Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com picks one player from each defensive position that the Patriots would value after seeing their performances at the NFL Combine. Reiss chooses Mississippi State DE Fletcher Cox and Illinois OLB Whitney Mercilus as potential pass rushers that the Patriots would target at the end of the first round. In the secondary, South Carolina CB Stephon Gilmore and Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith are also potential targets after their performances in Indianapolis.
Zuri Berry of The Boston Globe gives an update on Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick as he prepares to play golf at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, FL this week. Belichick will be paired with LPGA star Lexi Thompson, former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann, Grammy-winner Kenny G, and PGA legend Greg Norman. Said Belichick, "I'll just go out there and swing at it and hopefully made contact."
Karen Guregian of The Boston Herald writes that Steelers' free-agent wide receiver Mike Wallace may be back in the picture for the Patriots. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Steelers will place a first-round restricted free agent tender on Wallace instead of the franchise tag, which was previously expected. Guregian believes that this could open the door for the Patriots to sign him to an offer sheet.
Christopher Price of WEEI.com gives his "Free Agent Snapshot" of wide receiver Vincent Jackson and describes why the big wideout would be a good fit for the New England Patriots. According to Price, who appears to be the biggest name available among the free-agent wide receivers, recent reports indicate that Jackson could be on the Patriots' short list.
Jeff Howe of NESN.com shares his most recent NFL Mock Draft. Howe envisions the Patriots selecting Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still at No. 27 and Clemson defensive end Andre Branch at No. 31 in the first round.
