Patriots links 7/06/26: Summer spotlight: QB, TE, RB, LB

LOCAL LINKS

• Steve Balestrieri’s Sunday Patriots News: Examining critical positional needs before training camp.
• Mike Reiss shares some quick-hit weekend thoughts: Predicting the next Ninkovich and why these Pats have chance to surprise, Mike Vrabel’s weekend, update on rookie OLB Quintayvious Hutchins; More.
• Mark Morse’s Patriots position breakdown, QBs and Tight Ends. Drake Maye’s expected leap; More.
• Jordy McElroy’s training camp preview: Where New England stands at Tight end and Running back.
• Ethan Hurwitz previews the linebacker position: Slim pickings in the middle.
• Sara Marshall notes unsigned rookie DL Gabe Jacas resurfaced on social media, presumably addressing concerns about his injury. Jacas attended rookie mini camp, but beyond that, he has been MIA.
• Hector Longo looks at what the offense will look like if Josh McDaniels brings back the fullback. With Reggie Gilliam rated No. 1 by PFF, New England could return to a 2-back offense.
• Hector Longo points out how Mike Vrabel unlocked K’Lavon Chaisson, and now now Elijah Ponder is next in New England’s development pipeline.
• Hector Longo says LB Robert Spillane was a shadow of himself in the Super Bowl and explains why the Patriots need him fully healthy now.
• Michael DeVito talks up Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III as a solid duo at corner.
• Ethan Hurwitz ranks the Patriots under-25 stars: Where do Drake Maye, TreVeyon Henderson land?
• Hector Longo suggests the Patriots could cut 4 veterans worth over $50M combined in training camp: Davis, Barmore, Landry and Moses all face real pressure when camp opens in late July.
• Graham Wilker identifies three potential difference makers the Patriots could still add to the roster as reclamation projects.
• Patriots On SI ranks the top 25 Patriots of 2026. No. 22, Hard-hitting Christian Elliss continues to improve. and No. 21, Morgan Moses remains sturdy at RT.
• Ethan Hurwitz looks back on Raekwon McMillan‘s up-and-down Patriots career after the linebacker announced his retirement this week.
• All 32 NFL podcast: Mike Giardi wraps up his three-part QB rankings series for the 2026 season. Where does Drake Maye rank among best QBs in NFL? (43 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

• Mike Clay, et al (ESPN) Ranking 2026 NFL rosters: Best projected starting lineups. Patriots 7th.
• Nate Tice (Yahoo! Sports) X-factor NFL players who can swing the season for Super Bowl contenders: From Rams TE to DBs in New England.
• Jeremy Fowler (ESPN) Execs, coaches, scouts rank top running backs for 2026. TreVeyon Henderson received votes but not included in top 10 or honorable mentions.
• Gilberto Manzano (SI) Ranking the NFL’s five best cornerback duos for 2026. No Pats, but “New England’s duo of Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III was also strongly considered…”
• Rich Cimini (ESPN) Jets’ secondary prepares for season without Sauce Gardner.
• Around the NFL (NFL.com) NFL community celebrates America 250 on Fourth of July.
• Top 100 players of 2026 (NFL.com) 100-91, 90-81. No Pats.

EXTRACURRICULAR

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