Friday's New England Patriots Links 4/27
Last night's first round was an exciting one for Patriots fans who have been waiting to see New England finally make a big splash, and there is plenty of analysis from all the various media outlets. Here are today's top stories:
Boston Herald:
Pats move up, take defenders Chandler Jones, Dont’a Hightower - Dan Duggan
Duggan notes that the normally reserved Bill Belichick opted to be proactive rather than stand pat during last night's draft, and went after two defensive standouts.
Swift moves by Bill Belichick - Ron Borges
Borgest has his reaction to last night's selections, and writes that "sometimes even Bill Belichick does the obvious" as he made two big selections to shore up New England's defense.
Vince Wilfork can't forget '04 snub - Karen Guregian
Guregian has a good article this morning on Vince Wilfork, who talked about his own draft day experience in what is a pretty interesting story.
Players, fans excited by Day 1 picks - Karen Guregian
Guregian spent last night at Vince Wilfork's annual draft party, and has some reactions from players and fans on the Patriots two newest defensive additions.
Patriots draft capsule: Chandler Jones - Rich Thompson
Thompson offers up some quick bits of information on the standout defensive end out of Syracuse.
Patriots draft capsule: Dont'a Hightower - Rich Thompson
Thompson does the same with New England's second pick out of Alabama in this entry.
BOSTON GLOBE
Draft starts with D - Shalise Manza Young
Young writes that as soon as you think you have Belichick figured out, he does just the opposite of what you expect and it was reinforced by what went down Thursday night.
ON FOOTBALL: Belichick Chooses Sides on Day 1 - Greg Bedard
Bedard has a great article this morning and writes that last night's moves provides help for New England's defense, and don't be surprised if we see them select a cornerback or two today.
Still Value on board for Patriots - Zuri Berry
Berry takes a look at potential options who are still available for New England heading into day two of the draft.
Analyzing the pick of LB Dont'a Hightower - Greg Bedard
Bedard takes a look at the selection of Hightower, and how it affects the front seven depth chart.
Analyzing the pick of DE/OLB Chandler Jones - Greg Bedard
Bedard does the same in this entry, and also has some comments from an AFC Personnel executive who felt he was 'more of a second round talent'.
ESPNBOSTON.COM
For a change, quality over quantity - Mike Reiss
Mike Reiss writes that Belichick acted decisively last night in moving up for two potential difference makers.
Patriots 2012 Draft Grades - Mike Reiss
Reiss offers his analysis and grades from last night's selections.
Jones: 'Belichick picked me for a reason' - Mike Rodak
Rodak has comments from Jones, who told reporters that he's excited to be a part of the organization.
Q&A with Dont'a Hightower - Field Yates
Yates provides some transcripts with comments from Hightower during the media's conference call last night after he was selected.
Belichick Wraps Up Day 1 - Mike Rodak
Rodak has the full Q&A from Bill Belichick from his post draft press conference.
CSNNE.COM
Pats Go On The Attack with Jones, Hightower - Tom E. Curran
Curran notes that New England has 19 draftees since 2009 on the roster, and that coupled with the 14 free agents left them with few job openings - which explains why they went on a tear and grabbed two solid front seven guys.
Kraft to Hightower: 'We Don't trade up too often' - Jimmy Toscano
Toscano provides some great highlights from last night's call from Robert Kraft to Dont'a Hightower, and told him that he loved reading reports about how respectful Hightower is of his mother and that 'it really means a lot'.
Patriots Only have Second Rounders to Move - Tom E. Curran
Curran notes that the Patriots only have two second round picks with rounds 2-7 still ahead, and wonders if things will stay that way.
NESN.COM
Dont'a Hightower's Elite Skillset Gives Patriots Instant Upgrade - Jeff Howe
Howe takes a look at the selection of Hightower, and notes that he gives the team instant flexibility at the linebacker position. He also takes a look at the potential roster impact, along with other interesting tidbits in this entry.
Patriots Have Options in Second Round - Jeff Howe
Howe explores some of the potential options for New England heading into the second round, including the potential to target Janoris Jenkins, Courtney Upshaw, or trading down to add more picks.
Dont'a Hightower Joins Mayo, Spikes to form Extremely Talented Group of Linebackers - Jeff Howe
Howe writes that the addition of Hightower has now allowed the Patriots to assemble one of the best groups of young linebackers in the NFL.
Chandler Jones Supports Jon 'Bones' Jones, But Laughs Off Thought of Ever Fighting His Brother - Jeff Howe
Howe has comments from Jones who laughed about the prospect of taking on his brother Jon, who is a UFC light heavyweight champion.
Brandon Meriweather Arrested For Drunk Driving After Forgetting Name of Club He's Driving Home From - Luke Hughes
Some bad news for former Patriot Brandon Meriweather, who was arrested for drunk driving Wednesday night.
WEEI.COM
Patriots Get Defensive With Chandler Jones, Dont'a Hightower - Christopher Price
Price has a great read on what went down last night, and looks at how both players will fit into the Patriots defensive puzzle next season.
Second-Round Mock Draft - DJ Bean
Bean provides his day two mock, and ponders who the Patriots may select today.
OTHER SOURCES:
Video: Jones and Family react to being selected - Syracuse.com
Vince Wilfork Brings Star Power to PiNZ - Patch.com
Pats trade up for two defensive intimidators - Eagle Tribune
Not much safety in numbers for Patriots - Attleboro Sun Chronicle
