The NFL Draft is now less than two weeks away, and the buzz is building toward the big event in Chicago on April 28-30.
That buzz got a boost last week when the Rams made a deal with the Titans to move up to the No. 1 overall pick in pursuit of a franchise QB.
The Boston Globe's Sunday Notes break down that trade from both perspectives, while also looking at the Patriots starting the offseason program with some players set to earn some nice workout bonuses. The Globe writes that Julian Edelman got a jump on workouts by sweating it up with some fans at a Puma store. Tom Brady sent some love across the pond after finding out that Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was a Patriots fan.
The Boston Herald details exactly how each phase of the offseason program works for NFL teams as the Patriots arrive at Gillette Stadium Monday morning to get back to work. The Herald also looks at what the Patriots might learn from the dubious decision to use a first-round pick Dominque Easley, who was released last week after just two seasons in Foxborough. A series of Herald prospect profiles moves on to Stanford linebacker Blake Martinez.
ESPNBoston.com has a few stories to keep an eye on as the Patriots kick off the offseason program, including Marcus Cannon and the offensive line needing to bounce back from a tough 2015. Leadership is key in the offseason, and ESPNBoston.com observes that in New England that begins with Brady. ESPNBoston.com's Sunday notes also focus on what the team could/should learn from the Easley mistake. The site also notes Bill Belichick celebrating his 64th birthday on Saturday, also the anniversary of his selection of Brady in the draft.
WEEI.com has Belichick thanking fans for their birthday well-wishes via his girlfriend's Instagram account. WEEI.com says that while the offseason program is technically voluntary, unless you have an excuse in New England “attendance is fundamentally mandated.” WEEI.com passes along video of New England safety Nate Ebner’s experiences attempting to make the U.S. Olympic rugby team, which over the weekend included taking a big hit and scoring a couple times.
NFL.com has word that the Texans have released former Patriots backup Brian Hoyer. NFL.com also passes along the dirty story of how the trade between the Titans and Rams was drummed up over secret bathroom trips at the NFL Scouting Combine.
FoxSports.com also notes Ebner’s big weekend as a rugger.
