Change is part of the NFL offseason.
Fans focus primarily on players, head coaches and coordinators switching teams this time of year. But lower-level assistants also move around the league and can alter the look of a team's staff.
ESPNBoston.com writes that Patriots assistant special teams coach Ray “Bubba” Ventrone is leaving New England to join Frank Reich’s staff with the Colts, a story that was first reported by *The Sporting News*. ESPNBoston.com also looks at some key days upcoming on the NFL calendar.
ESPNBoston.com notes that with the Raiders parting ways with longtime kicker Sebastian Janikowski, Tom Brady is the final player from the 2000 NFL Draft remaining with his orginal team. ESPNBoston.com also says that Devin McCourty’s recent shoulder surgery is a reminder of the physical toll that players endure.
WEEI.com notes the Ventrone departure.
WEEI.com also has Heisman-winning Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield saying he would like to learn from Brady.
NBC Sports Boston declares that the Patriots don’t need to take a quarterback in this year’s draft, and probably shouldn't pick one. NBC Sports Boston's position-by-position breakdowns of the Patriots also looks at the quarterback situation.
NFL.com offers up Mike Mayock’s positional rankings of draft prospects. (As always, Mayock's top-five lists include more than five players!) NFL.com looks at the best fits for top free agents, including Patriots Nate Solder and Malcolm Butler.
NESN.com passes along Peter King saying that Josh McDaniels staying in New England had nothing to do with his family. NESN.com also looks at why Solder is the Patriots most important free agent.
In a story that just won't go away, CBS Boston has Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson clarifying his previous comments about how much fun Patriots players have in New England.
