Bill Belichick is many months away from having to assess his roster and make any cuts.
Between now and then his decisions will be based the work of players in the offseason program, OTAs, mini-camp, training camp and the preseason.
The media, though, is always looking to jump the gun on roster evaluations and potential competitive positional battles.
In preparation, ESPNBoston.com takes a look at the current state of the Patriots roster, which is weighted toward the offensive side of the ball at this point in the process. ESPNBoston.com's always-informative Sunday notes column looks at how Patriots draft picks are viewed across the NFL.
New England remains entrenched atop ESPN's post-Draft NFL power rankings. ESPN also has the photos from Tom Brady and many other New England sports heroes in attendance at Saturday's Kentucky Derby.
The Boston Globe's Sunday notes looks at some NFL veterans who were put on notice based on teams' draft selections.
The Boston Herald says that Patriots third-round tackle prospect Tony Garcia brings a “nasty” style of play to his work on the offensive line.
WEEI.com passes along word that the Patriots will apparently receive their Super Bowl rings on June 9 at a ceremony at the home of owner Robert Kraft. WEEI.com's Sunday 7 includes a warning that the situation between the Patriots and Pro Bowl cornerback Malcolm Butler is “worth watching.”
CSNNE.com notes that Patriots free agent receiver Michael Floyd is reportedly in contract talks with the Vikings.
NFL.com looks at the best and most questionable draft picks by AFC East teams, with Deatrich Wise and Conor McDermott getting the nod for each, respectively, in New England.
*Men's Journal *has an article on Brady's trusted trainer, Alex Guerrero, and the TB12 training facility.
NESN.com breaks down how the roster battles for the Patriots could play out at wide receiver. NESN.com also looks at the battles in the backfield at running back.
