NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS LINKS 5/03/24 - PATS DO THE RIGHT [TACKLE] THING WITH VERSATILE ONWENU
TEAM TALK
- Transaction: Patriots sign Kicker Joey Slye.
- Evan Lazar reports Mike Onwenu discussing re-signing with the Patriots, preparing to play right tackle and more.
- Patriots announce the MBTA will run its special event train service to Gillette Stadium for Tom Brady’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
- Press Conferences: Mike Onwenu (9 min. video) - Ja’Whaun Bentley (11 min. video)
- Patriots Unfiltered: ESPN’s Mike Reiss on Patriots draft class, recent roster moves, evaluating the roster. (2 hours)
LOCAL LINKS
- Clare Cooper’s 2024 Patriots Draftermath: The snack-size analysis of all the rookies.
- Jordy McElroy picks the Patriots winners and losers from the 2024 NFL draft.
- Doug Kyed takes a look at the ways the defense is already starting ahead, despite changes in leadership.
- Mike D’Abate notes Matthew Judon says he is “out for a vendetta” and eager to reclaim his spot among the NFL’s most fearsome defenders this season.
- Mike D’Abate writes how Mike Onwenu fielded offers in free agency but prioritized a return to the Patriots. ‘Acting as his own agent, he was sure to keep the Pats front office in close contact throughout the process. “I think it was always trending in the direction that I would be back. Me and the Patriots, we always kept the communication line open, and we were talking about everything.”
- Mark Daniels points out how in his first four NFL seasons, Mike Onwenu started at right tackle, right guard left guard, and tackle-eligible tight end. After showcasing his versatility, Onwenu was told that this new coaching staff views him only as a tackle.
- Phil Perry details how new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt may implement a new rushing attack in 2024, and Mike Onwenu appears to be on board.
- Justin Leger highlights Albert Breer and Mike Giardi breaking down why it’s unlikely the Patriots will trade for a star receiver this offseason.
- Ian Logue’s Patriots Notebook: New faces, big changes likely ahead; Overall, it feels like QB is going to be critical for this regime to handle properly; More.
- Christopher Price’s Patriots Notebook: Mike Onwenu believes Patriots’ new blocking scheme will fit him well.
- Chris Mason’s Patriots Mailbag: Who will be odd man out in Patriots WR room?
- Chris Mason mentions there’s a new slogan at Gillette Stadium: “Process. Progress. Payoff.”
- Nick Stevens notes Devin McCourty said he turned down an offer to join Jerod Mayo’s coaching staff. “Those hours aren’t meant for my life right now.”
- Jerry Thornton notices that apparently America is all done with picking up the tab for new stadiums for billionaires, proving we’re capable of getting something right.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Mike Onwenu expects to remain at right tackle this season.
- Jordan Dajani (CBS Sports) Patriots rookie Javon Baker is convinced he’s already a top-10 WR in the league.
- Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Kicker Joey Slye agrees to sign with Patriots.
- Austin Gayle (The Ringer) Eight pressing questions for NFL teams after the 2024 draft. 2. Will a big-name wide receiver get traded before the start of the season?
- Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports) Ranking NFL’s top 10 instant impact rookies for 2024. No Pats.
- Josh Edwards (CBS Sports) Most questionable 2024 draft selections made by each team. Patriots: OT Caedan Wallace. “Wallace has his fans in the league but top 100 overall is a stretch. The options at offensive tackle were dwindling and the Patriots had not yet addressed the position. The Nittany Lions’ selection outwardly appears to be the first reach of the new regime.”
- John Keim (ESPN) Why Commanders selected Jayden Daniels No. 2 in NFL draft.
- Bryan DeArdo (CBS Sports) Patrick Mahomes guarantees Chiefs’ Super Bowl three-peat.
- Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) 18 of 32 first-round picks from 2021 had their fifth-year options picked up.
- Lance Zierlein (NFL.com) 2025 NFL Draft: Compensatory pick projections for every team.
EXTRACURRICULAR
- Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Robert Kraft sends strong message about rampant campus protests.