FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Dean a Patriots fit? Last year, ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay hit the bull's-eye in his final mock draft, projecting quarterback Mac Jones to the Patriots at No. 15. McShay correctly paired Jones' skill set -- specifically a knack for accuracy and decision-making -- with what the Patriots valued at a significant position of need.
This year, inside linebacker is one of the Patriots' top needs, and McShay has isolated one player who intrigues him most for Bill Belichick's team in the 2022 NFL draft, which starts April 28 on ESPN.