Bill Belichick made it quite clear at the NFL's annual meetings last month that it was March, the implication that it was still crazy early in the process of preparing for the 2019 season.
In past offseasons and roster-building discussions the New England boss has accurately noted that NFL games aren't played until September.
That's all true, but it's also true that the defending champions have lost plenty of talent – on the field and on the coaching staff this offseason.
NBC Sports Boston writes that the Patriots "are running a major trade deficit so far in the 2019 offseason" and that they “are greatly diminished from team that beat the Rams” back in February.
The Providence Journal continues its pre-draft positional look at the Patriots roster, writing about an aging but “well-stocked” safety spot.
WEEI.com notes that both of ESPN's draft analysts, Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, project the team to take Alabama tight end Irv Smith with the final pick of the first round later this month. WEEI.com also looks at five quarterbacks in the draft to keep an eye on for the Patriots.
NESN.com has word that the Patriots are hosting versatile defensive lineman Kingsley Keke on a pre-draft visit in Foxborough.
CBSSports.com has a mock draft that includes the Patriots trading up to No. 21 in the first round to take Iowa tight end Noah Fant.
