Morning Sports Update
Offensive line could be the position New England decides to address in the first round, but which tackle will it be?
The Patriots’ draft strategy: The NFL draft begins in two weeks, with the Patriots set to pick fourth overall. Exactly who New England will take — or if the pick will be traded — remains up in the air.
ESPN draft expert Matt Miller (along with a plethora of team-specific reporters) recently released predictions for the draft, and what they’re hearing from NFL scouts.
Regarding the Patriots, Miller noted that the team’s draft strategy will likely revolve around taking the best available player, which could be wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter or edge rusher Abdul Carter.
“Scouts have been saying that New England would be happy with either Hunter or Carter should they be available,” Miller explained.
In the scenario where neither players is still on the board at No. 4, another name could appear: Offensive tackle Armand Membou.
“Membou could be in play early,” Miller explained.
Membou, 21, is seen as a high-potential player with an immense amount of talent. Still, he’s regarded as a prospect that still has plenty of work in front of him to reach his projection.
Another recent draft scenario theorized that New England could trade the fourth pick in order to move back to ninth overall (acquiring several additional picks from the Saints in the process). In that version, Membou could also be available to the Patriots with the ninth pick.
Trivia: Going back to the NFL merger in 1970, who is the highest drafted offensive lineman in Patriots history?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: Alabama.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox lost to the Blue Jays 2-1 on Wednesday. The two teams conclude the series this afternoon at Fenway Park with first pitch set for 4:10 p.m.
The Celtics also lost on Wednesday, falling 96-76 to the Magic amid a rest day for Boston’s starters. On Friday, the Celtics will host the Hornets at 7:30 p.m.
Today, the Bruins host the Blackhawks at 7 p.m.
And tonight, the men’s NCAA Frozen Four gets underway. Here’s the schedule:
- Western Michigan vs. Denver, 5 p.m. on ESPN2
- Boston University vs. Penn State, 8:30 p.m. also on ESPN2
More from Boston.com:
A Wednesday Celtics highlight: Neemias Queta threw down a vicious dunk in what ultimately ended up being a loss for the Celtics on Wednesday.
NEEMIAS. QUETA.
😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/XkR2NfcnZG
— NBA (@NBA) April 10, 2025
Bill Belichick, college coach: The former Patriots’ head coach is back on the sidelines for North Carolina spring practice.
.@Belichick_B 🎙️🎙️🎙️ pic.twitter.com/OquvgHpC5B
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) April 9, 2025
On this day: In 1981, Carlton Fisk homered in his at-bat since returning to Fenway Park as a member of the White Sox. Fisk, having left Boston as a free agent after a bizarre series of events culminated with Red Sox management sending him his contract two days late, clapped his hands in a trademark display of happiness, but otherwise kept things all-business (as was his custom).
The White Sox won the season-opener 5-3, with Fisk’s three-run shot proving to be the difference.
Daily highlight: Rory McIlroy’s daughter, Poppy, hit an impressive putt during the Par Three Tournament prior to the start of The Masters (which is now underway).
Poppy McIlroy converts the lengthy putt on No. 9! #themasters pic.twitter.com/6Vfkfxm3v7
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2025
Trivia answer: John Hannah
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