Patriots links 5/26/26: Plenty to watch for at OTAs

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 18: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots celebrates with Kayshon Boutte #9 after his touchdown catch against the Houston Texans during an NFL divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.(Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TEAM TALK

• Evan Lazar spotlights sixstorylines to monitorat this spring's Organized Team Activities. the Patriots will begin OTAs on Wednesday. 1. Where does first-round pick Caleb Lomu fit into the offensive line?

LOCAL LINKS

• Mark Daniels gives us 5 things to watch at Patriots OTAs. Phase 3 is a four-week program where teams are allowed to have their offense and defense compete against one another. There's no contact allowed until training camp, but 11-on-11, 7-on-7, and 9-on-7 drills are permitted. 1. Drake Maye - ...It's this year where he needs to be more of a vocal leader"; More.
• Ethan Hurwitz picks out which Patriots storylines are worth paying attention to at OTAs. 1. Which WRs step up without Kayshon Boutte?
• Alex Barth takes a look at 5 things to watch for during Patriots OTAs and Minicamp. 1. Where are the rookie tackles playing?
• Doug Kyed thumbnails 5 positional battles to watch with Patriots beginning OTA practices. 1. Third running back. 2. Starting wide receiver; More.
• Ethan Hurwitz identifies several Patriots veterans who could use impressive showings at OTAs.
• Cole Shelton relays Dametrious Crownover's former offensive line coach at Texas A&M, Adam Cushing, who has high confidence the sixth-round tackle will have plenty of success in the NFL.
• Matt Legros considers whether the Patriots will go undefeated on the road again in 2026.
• Aaliyan Mohammed highlights Rams head coach Sean McVay on Bussin' With The Boys,"discussing the humbling' loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.
• Patriots Daily podcast: Taylor Kyles and Mike Kadlick look at 5 potential breakout candidates this season: Edge Dremont Jones, OG Alijah Vera-Tucker, FB Reggie Gillliam, DT Cory Durden and RB Rhamondre Stevenson. Plus honorable mention WR Romeo Doubs. (23 min.)
• All 32 NFL Podcast:Mike Giardi and Taylor Kyles discuss Dre'Mont Jones' impact, what's next for Christian Gonzalez, if Christian Barmore is worth the money, plus a surprise in the secondary. (32 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

• Albert Breer (SI) NFL Takeaways: With Joe Schoen, John Harbaugh in lockstep, the Giants are gaining momentum; Plus, thoughts on the Matthew Stafford extension, Chiefs WR Rashee Rice's off-the-field issues, quick-hitters and more.
• Staff (Yahoo! Sports) OTAs Week 1 top storylines, from Aaron Rodgers' final season to Rams' headlines.
• Ryan Gosling (ProFootballNetwork) Upwards of $31, $32, $33 Million' - NFL analyst urges New England to break the bank for Christian Gonzalez before someone else sets the price.
• Matt Verderame (SI) NFL veterans on the hot seat during OTAs. WR A.J. Brown included. No Pats.
• Kristopher Knox (Bleacher Report) 7 NFL teams that should trade for Edge rusher Josh Sweat if Cardinals make him available. Patriots included.
• Nate Davis (USA Today) Mark your calendars: These 7 games are shaping up as the NFL's worst in 2026. Jets, Dolphins included. No Pats.
• Nick Brinkerhoff (USA Today) Jason Kelce worries that NFL schedule is getting away' from Sunday.
• Diante Lee (The Ringer) NFL 2026 offseason power rankings. No 8. Patriots. /Click for commentary.
• Staff (ProFootballNetwork) 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Memorial Day edition. No.13. Patriots. ...The talent is there with the Patriots' roster, but there are plenty of questions still remaining." More.
• Jordan Reid (ESPN) 2027 NFL draft quarterback class: Top prospects to know.