AFC East Notes: Rob Gronkowski, Patriots, Jets

Rob Gronkowski

On Saturday, Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski held a press conference but largely avoided any questions about his football.

• When asked if he plans on participating in the Patriots’ voluntary workouts, Gronkowski said: “No…I’ve got dirt-biking skills to work on.” (Phil Perry)
• As for why he wasn’t in attendance for the start of offseason workouts this past week, Gronkowski said he was: “Training for this dirt-biking.” (Phil Perry)
• A reporter said Gronkowski: “What do you have to say to fans who are wondering about your future?” Gronkowski replied: “They’re going to see a freak-a-leak when I come back.” (Rachel Holt)

Patriots

• Mike Reiss mentions that if Alabama LB Rashaan Evans and Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch are still on the board for the Patriots at No. 23 overall, he thinks Evans would be their guy, given that he’s safer from a medical perspective.
• Reiss adds that if the Patriots could get a linebacker like Evans to start then follow that up with an offensive tackle, it would be a great start the draft for them.
• According to Reiss, the Patriots have done “extensive” work on this year’s quarterback class and have a good feel for the entire quarterback class.
• Reiss mentions that if the Patriots are interested in Louisville QB Lamar Jackson, it’s possible they could consider trading up with a team such as the Packers at No. 14 overall. Reiss adds that whoever takes Jackson will need to think outside the traditional box, which is something that Bill Belichick has been great at over the years.

Jets

Jets GM Mike Maccagnan and HC Todd Bowles both mentioned that they really like their options at No. 3 overall. However, Maccagnan didn’t rule out the possibility of a potential trade, depending on what happens next Thursday.

“Even at three, again it’s not as if we’re totally locked in there, too,” Maccagnan said, via Newsday. “You never know how the draft unfolds. Not to read into, ‘Oh, the Jets are looking to move again?’ Three is a very good position to be in, we felt.”

As for the trade up to No. 3, Maccagnan explained that after spending time scouting player, it became clear that they felt good about making the deal with the Colts.

“We were sitting at six, and with the players on the board, we invest quite a bit of time in scouting, we felt the third spot was a good spot to be in from where we were,” Maccagnan said. “As we went through free agency, we had different scenarios and plans in place to do certain things. One of those scenarios or most of those scenarios involved, to a degree, potentially moving up in the draft.”