New England Patriots links 7/17/25 - Diggs PUP or ready to play?
Pats Pulpit
Daily news and links for Thursday
TEAM TALK
Mike Dussault’s Training Camp Preview: Cornerbacks. This may be the most top-heavy unit on the team. Christian Gonzalez is coming off a Second-Team All-Pro season, and the addition of Carlton Davis gives the Pats a formidable pair of starting cornerbacks. More.
Mike Dussault’s Training Camp Preview: Linebackers. Robert Spillane will take the lead not only as a play-caller but likely as the emotional tone-setter for the remade Patriots defense. More.
LOCAL LINKS
Mike D’Abate’s Patriots’ training camp preview: Safeties. In addition to presumed starters Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger, New England’s safeties group consists of Jaylinn Hawkins, Brendan Schooler, Marcus Epps, Dell Pettus and rookie Craig Woodson.
Mark Morse continues his positional analysis of the 90-man camp roster: Defensive Backs.
Matthew Schmidt relays Chad Graff (The Athletic) saying Stefon Diggs will likely begin the season on the PUP list, meaning he will miss the first four games of the regular season — Should the Pats add another WR?
Mark Daniels thumbnails five rookies who should make an impact immediately.
Matthew Schmidt points out how once-promising weapon TE Jaheim Bell is now a depressing afterthought.
Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry discuss what the Pats should do with their remaining cap space. “There should be real pressure on this team to add talent around its quarterback.”
Ian Logue’s Patriots News: Belichick lashes back at Kraft’s comments; New Patriots trailer dropped. /”lashes back”?? How about, “responds”? Insert eye-roll emoji here.
Analysts (PFF) NFL position rankings: Grading all 32 teams at every unit.
Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Second-rounder Alfred Collins (43rd overall pick) agrees to terms. ‘Of the slotted $10.3 million deal, $9 million was reportedly guaranteed. That’s 87.37 of the contract. Last year, the 43rd pick had 77.98 percent of his contract fully guaranteed.’ /Maybe there’s hope the dominos will start to fall.
Eric Edholm (NFL.com) One MVP candidate from each AFC team. Patriots: Drake Maye. /Click for commentary.
Jeremy Fowler (ESPN) Execs, coaches, scouts rank NFL’s top 10 CBs for 2025. No. 6 Christian Gonzalez. “I think Gonzo is the next great one,” a veteran NFL assistant said. “Skills, patience, length. He’s the closest thing to Pat [Surtain II]. Smooth, big athlete, travels a lot, can matchup against the best guy.” More.
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