Patriots links 7/08/26: 2-year roster rebuild, a Mass miracle

TEAM TALK

• Patriots Unfiltered: Training camp storylines, FIFA World Cup, offseason topics. (2 hours)
• Patriots Catch-22: Alex Barth and Evan Lazar answer their training camp mailbag. (45 min.)

LOCAL LINKS

• NESN writes Drake Maye’s stats show how big his Year 2 leap was for the Patriots, and what comes next.
• Hector Longo explains why Josh McDaniels needs more from Drake Maye in 2026 vs. a tougher schedule.
• Michael DeVito is rankled by the disrespect shown to Drake Maye by CBS Sports, ranking him 16th out of the starting QBs, after previously ranking him only the 61st-best player in the NFL – another totally inexplicable ranking.
• Hector Longo notes LB K.J. Britt spent 4 years behind Lavonte David in Tampa and now he has a real shot in New England. The Pats need him to deliver in 2026.
• Graham Wilker thumbnails 3 potential superstars to watch during training camp: TreVeyon Henderson, Jared Wilson and Carlton Davis.
• Ethan Hurwitz explains how the Patriots are already winning the Garrett Bradbury trade, and the season hasn’t even started.
• Arnav Sharma helps us understand what Patriots rookie Gabe Jacas’ medical situation really means.
• Graham Wilker explains how Mike Vrabel could make Patriots history again after stunning first year.
• Patriots On SI ranks the top 25 Patriots of 2026. No. 19: Carlton Davis brings energy to the secondary.
• Jerry Thornton says ESPN’s annual ranking of NFL rosters highlights the miracle Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf have pulled off in just two offseasons.
• Alex Barth reports the NFL made a major change to offseason schedule, getting rid of the two week period between the Combine and the start of free agency and the new league year.
• Susannah Sudborough reports the town of Foxborough files a counterclaim in the Kraft Group lawsuit over event license, security costs.
• Patriots Beat podcast: Alex Barth and Brian Hines break down ESPN’s roster rankings putting the Pats lineup in the top 10 overall. (38 min.)
• Patriots Daily podcast: Taylor Kyles and Mike Kadlick react to the latest ESPN ranking of the top 10 CBs in the NFL. Christian Gonzalez comes in on the list at number 3. (17 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

• Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick (PFF) Quarterback rankings: All 32 starters ahead of 2026. No. 9 Drake Maye. /Click for commentary.
• Eva Geitheim, et al (SI) Ranking the 10 best wide receivers in the NFL for 2026. No. 8 A.J. Brown.
• Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick (PFF) Running back rankings: Assessing all 32 starters ahead of the season. No. 22 Rhamodre Stevenson. Honorable mention: TreVeyon Henderson.
• Gilberto Manzano (SI) Ranking the NFL’s five best tackle duos for 2026. Bills included, No Pats.
• Jeremy Fowler (ESPN) Execs, coaches, scouts rank top NFL edge rushers for 2026. No Pats.
• Ben Solak (ESPN) Picking 2026 breakout candidates for all 32 teams. Patriots: C Jared Wilson.
• Tyler Sullivan (CBS Sports) [Top 25...