1. Over the past few weeks, Bill Belichick, Nick Caserio and a number of Patriots coaches have been spotted at pro days across the country getting a first-hand look at some of the top prospects, but there's been no sign of Josh McDaniels. After McDaniels left the Colts at the altar and returned to the Patriots, it was reported Belichick was going to open his world to McDaniels and many assumed that would include stuff surrounding the draft. Many have wondered why hasn't McDaniels been with Belichick on these trips, or at least at other pro days himself, since the Patriots could potentially be drafting a quarterback. Although he hasn't been seen with other coaches and scouts in front of the cameras, it's a good bet McDaniels has been on the scouting trail meeting with players privately. This goes along with what NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported late last week when he said the Gillette Stadium building was empty, as all the coaches were on the road. It's not a surprise potential draftees meeting with McDaniels hasn't been reported, as historically the Patriots have made sure to tell the some of the prospects they meet with not to let it become public. This seems to make sense as the Patriots seem to be keeping the quarterbacks they are interested in quiet. So, just because McDaniels hasn't been seen like some of the other Patriots coaches, it doesn't mean he hasn't been active in the scouting process.
2. Everyone already knows Nate Solder is one of the good guys in the NFL, but he showed why this past weekend. The former Patriots tackle attended Endicott College's Relay for Life event Friday night. Last fall, multiple organizations at the school posted videos to social media asking Solder to attend the event this year (March 23). In November, Solder agreed and even after signing with the Giants, Solder and his family attended the event at the Beverly, Mass institution Friday night. The event raised nearly $49,000 that will go to cancer research. On a conference call after signing with the Giants recently, Solder said his son Hudson, who is battling kidney cancer, is doing awesome.
3. There were conflicting reports with Duron Harmon's situation in Costa Rica on Friday. One outlet said he was arrested, while another said he was just denied entry to the country after trying to bring marijuana in. Regardless, Harmon is back in the United States and no matter what happened, he'll face the consequences from the NFL. The NFL will likely review the incident for a possible violation of its personal conduct policy, but given how minor it was, it doesn't appear he will face suspension. But, it does seem to violate the NFL's substance of abuse policy, which means if it is his first offense he will be entered into the league's drug program and he would be tested regularly. Players in the program that have four incidents or positive tests automatically get suspended four games. While in the grand scheme of things this isn't a big deal, it's not a good look for a player who just was named team captain for the first time this past season.
4. It is still somewhat surprising Tom Brady's contract hasn't been re-worked this offseason like it has been in the past so he doesn't have a super-high cap hit like he does now at $22 million. It's hard to say exactly how it impacted the Patriots in free agency, but if the team had more room, it only makes sense it could have made stronger efforts to keep players like Danny Amendola and Solder. Also, say he does restructure his contract, the time to use the money on free agents has passed. If he does it in the coming weeks, the extra money could potentially go towards a new Rob Gronkowski contract. It's hard to say exactly why Brady hasn't yet done anything to his contract, but it just furthers the narrative that things are not the same as they once were at One Patriot Place.
5. On Saturday, it was reported by ESPN's Field Yates that Cameron Fleming is expected to sign with the Cowboys. After the Patriots re-signed LaAdrian Waddle late in the week, it's no surprise Fleming isn't returning. With Matt Tobin, Cole Croston, Andrew Jelks and Tony Garcia on the roster, there wasn't enough room for the Stanford product. It would also seem the Patriots valued Waddle more than Fleming, despite Fleming starting at right tackle in the Super Bowl. It should be noted Waddle battled an ankle injury in the second half of the season and re-injured it in the divisional round game against the Titans, a game he started. Even at the end of the season, the Patriots seemed to prefer Waddle over Fleming.
6. Free agent signings in the NFL will likely settle down over the next few weeks, as teams are now shifting towards the draft. The Patriots still need another outside linebacker/defensive end and a middle linebacker, so if they don't draft one in the high rounds, look for them to sign a veteran or two at those positions in the weeks following the draft. Players like Jonathan Casillas and James Harrison seem to be players waiting for teams' needs to become more clear before signing contracts.
7. The NFL owners meetings will take place this week in Orlando. The competition committee will vote on potential rule changes and then there's the annual coaches breakfast. Unlike in years past when the AFC would go one day and the NFC would go another, it's being combined. This will be first thing Tuesday morning. Belichick didn't speak at it last year, as he attended Florida State's pro day. There's been no indication on his plans this year. Also, expect Patriots owner Robert Kraft to address the media at some point Monday or Tuesday.
