Share this: The 2017 NFL Draft has come and gone, and the New England Patriots added over 20 rookies to their squad. Unsurprisingly, Patriot Nation has many questions about its new players. Let’s dive into this week’s mailbag for the answers. Doug! Super-excited about the Pats draft and their off-season in general. I know the draft feedback says 1st round pick Derek Rivers is more of a DE/OLB EDGE player, but after watching video of him at the combine, looks like he moves really well. Can he possibly fill Jaime Collins old role as an inside/outside linebacker? — Steve (Boston)Steve! Thanks for the email (feel free to send questions to dkyed@nesn.com if you don’t have Twitter). I assume Rivers mostly will play defensive end
Tag: defensive
T.J. Watt Drafted By Steelers, Who Will Play Brother J.J.’s Texans On Christmas
Share this: The Watt family should have a very special Christmas this year, after the Pittsburgh Steelers picked linebacker T.J. Watt 30th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft on Thursday night. T.J.’s brother J.J., of course, is a star defensive end for the Houston Texans, who are scheduled to host the Steelers in Week 16 on “Monday Night Football,” which happens to fall on Dec. 25. The Texans also made a splash during Round 1, as they traded up to pick Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson No. 12 overall. Whether Watson plays or not, the Christmas Night battle between the Watt brothers should be a fun one. Too bad the Steelers and Texans don’t play the Los Angeles Chargers anytime next season — the other Watt brother,
Celtics Notes: Isaiah Thomas Can’t Handle Avery Bradley Praising His Defense
Share this: BOSTON — That Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley both played key roles in the Celtics’ Game 5 win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday is no surprise. But Bradley shining on offense and Thomas stepping up on defense? Now that’s a little more eye-opening. Bradley, usually known for his smothering defense, went off for a playoff career high 24 points, hitting 11 of 19 shots while grabbing six rebounds. And the 5-foot-9 (on paper) Thomas, often labeled a defensive liability, held his own on defense down the stretch, even snatching a clutch defensive rebound in traffic in the fourth quarter. In fact, the All-Star point guard’s defensive effort was good enough to prompt this humorous exchange between he and Bradley in their postgame
Dontari Poe, Falcons Agree To Terms On Reported One-Year, $8M Contract
Share this: The defending NFC champions are doing everything in their power to get back to the Super Bowl. The Atlanta Falcons announced Thursday they have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Dontari Poe. Poe’s contract is worth $8 million for one year but could increase to $10 million with incentives, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, citing sources. A two-time Pro Bowler, Poe arguably was the top defensive lineman on the free agent market. The 6-foot-3, 346-pound nose tackle is an excellent run stopper and should improve an exciting defensive line that includes 2016 NFL sack leader Vic Beasley and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Poe also made headlines last season by throwing a perfect jump-pass for a touchdown — a highlight the Falcons
NFL Rumors: Patriots, Jets ‘Leading The Pack’ Of Dont’a Hightower Suitors
Share this: A classic AFC East rivalry might spill over into free agency. The New England Patriots and New York Jets are the front-runners to sign linebacker Dont’a Hightower in free agency, CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora reported Sunday. Jets and Pats appear to be leading the pack to sign LB Dont'a Hightower but several others monitoring closely as well — Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 12, 2017 The Patriots have remained in the mix to re-sign their 2016 defensive captain — a report surfaced Saturday that one NFL team is “convinced” Hightower will return to New England, and Hightower reportedly is open to staying with the Pats. But the Pro Bowl linebacker, who turned 27 on Sunday, has plenty of other suitors, including the Tennessee Titans and
Lawrence Guy Reported Signing Isn’t Flashy, But He Could Help Patriots
Share this: As far as the New England Patriots official and reported moves so far this offseason go, the reported signing of defensive lineman Lawrence Guy won’t make the headlines that the Brandin Cooks trade made. But he still could play an important role on the 2017 Pats. Guy, who reportedly signed a four-year, $20 million contract to join New England, should give the Patriots some nice depth on their interior defensive line. Hear NESN.com Patriots beat writer Doug Kyed and NESN’s Jahmai Webster break down the Patriots’ latest moves in the video from “NESN Sports Today,” presented by People’s United Bank, above. More Stories Source link
Celtics Wrap: Celtics Use Strong Defensive Effort To Down Warriors
The Boston Celtics snapped out of their recent funk with a marquee win Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. Boston held the Warriors to a season-low 86 points in a 99-86 victory that showcased the Celtics’ defensive grit. The game was tight until midway through the fourth quarter when the Celtics’ defense sparked a 15-0 run to blow the game open. All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas led the C’s with 25 points, while Kelly Olynyk added 17 off the bench. Klay Thompson scored 25 points for the Warriors and Stephen Curry chipped in with 23, but the electric backcourt didn’t get enough help to overcome Boston’s s... NESN.com