SeniorVBDStudent
Footballguy
In terms of interpreting your data, do you "throw out" the negatives when the value exceeds $5MM?
Judon 16.5 13.9 -2.6
Wynn 10.4 6.3 -4.1
Henry 15 8.8 -6.2
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Indefinite New England Patriots Thread (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter captain_amazing
- Start date
Judon 16.5 13.9 -2.6
Wynn 10.4 6.3 -4.1
Henry 15 8.8 -6.2
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Using these three players, they paid out $42 million for $29 million of value. Not great. I suppose maybe it's best to go on a case-by-case basis. Judon delivered 84 cents on the dollar. Wynn 60 cents. Henry 58 cents. I am more willing to ignore Judon . . . but if we looked further at his play, he was a DPOY candidate the first half of the season and a JAG the second half. I am guessing he had an injury that we didn't hear about . . . or OC's better schemed to take him out of the game.
As I mentioned the past few days, NE needs to get more production out of the guys they brought in last year and the guys already on the roster. They are going to have to pay them to be on the roster or take a similar cap hit to get them off the roster. They have to figure out how to make those guys perform better. I know it's easy to say move on from someone like Agholor, but they would eat $10 million against the cap to get him off the roster. Brining in another established WR is going to cost them double digit millions, and I can't see them throwing $50 million at a new WR, the ghost of Agholor, and the two TE's. That's 25% of the cap with the likelihood of marginal return.
The problem for these guys (and a few others) is they weren't that productive. The best way to create some additional cap room is to extend them, but who wants to extend someone that didn't do much in the first place? Is it worth adding years to a bad contract and then taking an even bigger cap hit later?
Anarchy99
Footballguy
NE apparently is looking high and low for receiver help and apparently have been linked to Allen Robinson. I don't see how they could afford him given they don't currently have the cap space. But they have been doing their due diligence on the free agents, trade candidates, and draft prospects. I don't have much faith they can land or develop a difference maker, but I'll wait to see who they end up with before I assert that position with more conviction.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
The issue for the Pats is guys going early in free agency are going to go for more than they want to pay. Well, except for last year when they were the ones throwing around crazy money.
For example, the Bengals signed Ted Karras for 3/$18M. NE was in the 3/$13-15M range. Is that a lot for a sometimes starter / sometimes depth piece on the OL?
Boston
Footballguy
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Hard to tell based on what we don't know. We are looking at a single signing in a vacuum. They are looking at trying to fill out a full roster and are in on a ton of players. Just saw that they are in the mix for Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Do they like him more than Berrios? Are there other guys they are poking around on? What about other positions.
Maybe they felt Berrios was only worth $4M a year and not $6M. Maybe they didn't think he was a fit. Too many unknowns to tell much of anything.
Boston
Footballguy
Looking at what they offered Humphries a few years ago and what they paid Agholor that is not a big contract if they like him…obviously if they don’t (and they already have cut him once) it is a moot point.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Boston
Footballguy
Outside of last season and a couple more you have to be patient with what BB does in the off-season but man, there are a lot of holes to fill with limited cap space and not a big war chest of draft picks…LB is a complete mystery, D- line is nothing special, there is no #1 CB and not much depth, the WRs are subpar and there are now questions on the o line…there are some young prospects like Wade, Perkins, Uche, Jennings and now Wilson but none of them can be considered big time big time prospects…right now, I just don’t see a path to being better than last year unless a lot (and I mean a lot) goes right for them with these youngsters and this year’s rookie class and even if that happens I think the ceiling is a a repeat of last year.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Once I did a deeper dive into their cap situation I came to the same conclusion. They spent their bounty of cap money last year, and so far, those guys look like poor selections. Quite simply, they need to get a lot more contributions from that haul from or they will be dead in the water this year.Boston said:
They have ways to create more cap room, but I am not sure they should be doing that (and they are very well aware of this as well). Extending unproductive players is not a great recipe for long term success. You can't go out and burn 25% on your cap on a handful of free agents that don't work out.
That being said, I hear they are still in on pretty much every WR out there and probably guys that could be had by trade. The logic being that they do better with established WR than drafting them. Not sure there is anyone out there that really moves the needle much at WR compared to who they have. Do they really need two versions of Agholor with all that wasted money (assuming the guy they bring in is another guy with limited upside)?
Obviously, they are going to bring in a tackle, whether it be Brown or acquiring someone else. For now, their OL depth looks sketchy. Since they have several spots to fill, I am guessing BB does his usual trade down and pick up more picks along the way on draft day. I would guess their first pick will be a tackle. I know everyone is clamoring over which WR will fall to them in the first, but I just don't see that being an essential need. They need another receiver, but I'm not sure using a first on one would make sense. If a do-it-all LB falls to them, that might be an option. But I would guess they will trade down and add picks.
Defensively, I think they are finally adjusting and will be going with a smaller / faster / younger LB corps. CB is going to be a mixed bag. They have Jonathan Jones coming back, so they will go bargain shopping on the FA, will spent their usual 2nd round pick that won't work out on a DB, and then hit on a Day 3 pick or UDFA. That's been their model.
There are some under the radar CB out there that are decent man corners that are not as well-known as the big names. IMO, they were right to let JC go. I don't really think he is a Top 5ish CB and his contract is too pricey for what he delivers. So far, he's been in the right place at the right time in terms of his impressive INT total. I think the NE scheme helped him, as did playing against some less than stellar QBs. I don't think he will be worth the money in LAC by the time things are said and done. I don't think it would have been worth NE retaining him for what he signed for.
A different issue is the state of the coaching staff. It's a long way to the start of the season, but the media is being relentless in their bashing of the staff as constituted. Hoyer is the same as having a QB coach. I still think they might bring back O'Brien as OC. What some people don't fully grasp is BB only wants to run his system, not someone else's. A guy coming to town with his own playbook is not what Bill is looking for. The media spin is that no coaches want to work in NE, when in reality the staff has been picked over the past couple of years (or guys retired).
bostonfred
Footballguy
The path to them improving is pretty clear. Mac improves in year two. I liked having Josh because he knew Brady so well but I like belichick working directly with mack in year two. I think that will help.Boston said:
They lost a lot of close games early and were still in first in the afc around Thanksgiving so it's not hard to imagine them competing for a top seed again.
They need to replace mason in the draft. That won't be an even replacement but it doesn't have to be a huge loss. This is a deep o line draft.
It would be nice if they added another option besides Bourne Jakobi and Henry. I don't think they should overpay for a top guy but they might be able to get juju or another quality player as the market settles down a bit. Bonus points if Jonnu contributes at all and Rhamondre stays healthy.
The test will be their defense. They lost jc Jackson's turnovers but he was beatable. They lost wino i guess but they'd already lost him, he wasn't getting playing time by the end. Mack Wilson is a Bama guy who seems like he can play consistently if not great and that is an upgrade. Barmore year two could be a step forward.
I've seen speculation that they go guard in round one to replace mason but i think they go linebacker and take a couple o linemen later. They need to improve on defense more than they need to not get worse on o line.
Boston
Footballguy
JC Jackson reminds me of Asante Samuel...like Samuel I am ok letting Jackson go from a business point of view but it is going hurt on the field like Samuel's loss did...Jackson is a real good player/one of the few playmakers on the entire team and he leaves a gaping hole at one of the most important positions in the NFL and if they don't replace him and they have an injury or two their pass D could be absolutely dreadful in a passing league.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
They didn't get a single stop against the Bills in the playoffs and did not force BUF to punt in second regular season game with the Bills. They were incompetent even with Jackson.
Boston
Footballguy
Yes...and as I said I have no problem letting him go due the $ he is getting but there is no way that it makes the team better on the field in 2022...he is a quality CB.
Boston
Footballguy
Good article from Tom Curran:
https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/patriots-need-these-seven-players-make-big-leap-2022
https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/patriots-need-these-seven-players-make-big-leap-2022
Bossman
Footballguy
Wasn't Berrios a Patriot before he was signed off the practice squad to the Jets?
I swear that I watched that kid make a bunch of plays in a Patriots uniform one preseason. I thought for sure he was going to make the team. ... But instead of rostering him, They tried to hide him on the practice squad.
He was a great route runner at UM and when NE drafted him I thought Wes Welker 2.0.
https://youtu.be/zPRZICaTi48
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Boston
Footballguy
Keep Berrios and draft any WR not named Harry and that WR unit looks a lot different...might as well add in two #3's on TE's that have been complete busts so far.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
It remains to be seen, but I think there are a number of players already on the roster that have the potential to play more important roles moving forward. I have been beating the drum that their talent upgrade occurred last off season in free agency, but those guys collectively did not make much of a contribution last year.
Sports talk media types have been bashing them for not spending huge dollars on guys like other teams have, and therefore a number of the talking heads don't feel they are really in playoff contention anymore. I have been tempted to explain to them that spending a ton on a player that aren't productive is way worse than just having an average player put up average numbers.
NE had a lengthy run bringing in low to mid ranged guys and getting above average to excellent production from them on low end contracts. That's what they should be getting back to (and hopefully we see more of in Wave 2 of free agency).
The problem becomes they HAVE to hit on those lesser-known / lesser-paid guys, and then they HAVE to hit on several draft picks again or they quickly can tread water and be a fringe playoff contender.
For a team like NE, every year the same thing applies. They don't play any games in March, and the season is 6 long months away.
On the surface, no they haven't gotten any better this week, but that doesn't mean they will end up 4-13.
Boston
Footballguy
You are missing one big thing…the greatest player in the history of the game is no longer there…also, while I agree there may be more talent on the roster than some believe it remains to be seen how much of it can be high-end talent…I would say Mac, Barmore, Duggar and maybe Stevenson have a chance to turn into legit top-shelf talent…outside of that there will be some solid players but it is a stretch to say any of the others will be real difference-makers…this team needs some top-shelf talent or they are gonna have a stretch of seasons similar to last year where they may be good enough to possibly sneak into the playoffs but are not a serious threat to do anything once they get there…and if certain players don’t develop they could take a solid step backwards.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
I am not suggesting they have a stacked roster filled with elite playmakers, but they aren't getting any new high talent guys anytime soon with the resources / players / money they have to work with. I didn't "miss" that they don't have Brady anymore. Yes, he cured a lot of problems. He also helped bring in new pieces which are now going to other teams instead of NE.
I think they can mold this roster into something similar to the early Brady-led teams (when Brady wasn't the player he evolved into). Those early years did not feature many playmakers on offense. Brady threw for 2,800 yards in 2001, Troy Brown and Antowain Smith were their two go-to, heavy touch offensive players. The other guys were mostly role players. The defense had Law, Seymour, and a bunch of spare parts from other teams.
That being said, whether that type of team can win in the current NFL is an entirely different discussion. I am inclined to say no, but they won in 2018 with a team less talented compared to many of the playoff teams that season. A case could be made that Brady made that team work, especially when they needed it most. They had some decent talent on offense, but they were mostly banged up or had other issues by the end of the year (Gronk, Edelman, Gordon, Michel, etc.). Obviously having Brady made a huge difference, but that team really had no business winning the title (at least based on talent and health at the end of the season).
I know the drum has been beating for NE to find a high-end receiver for Mac, but I don't see who (or how). They weren't going to pay Cooper or Kirk $20M. Guys like JuJu and Gage are ok but probably aren't the type of guys you mean. Maybe OBJ or Julio would help (but neither are likely to come here). I'm not sure Robinson or MVS would be solutions. I could envision a situation where they add a bigger name for $15M+ million a year and have him produce at the same level as Jakobi or Bourne (and thus be a waste of money). Given the other positions they need help with (DB, LB, and OL), I don't see them attempting to draft a WR early in the draft.
They are stuck with guys like Agholor, Smith, Henry, Wynn, and Godchaux . . . all of which carry $10M+ cap hits but haven't come close to playing at that level. Those 5 guys would carry over $70M in dead cap money.
They have finally started taking the dummy year approach to contracts. McCourty's getting $9M this year, but they added 4 fake years to his deal, making his cap hit $5.75M for 2022. He had some leftover cap baggage, so they will have to eat a $12M cap hit after this year unless he comes back on a new deal. That's what happens when you rob Peter to pay Paul and cap hits just don't go away on their own.
Overall, I agree with what you are saying, but the best way for the team to improve at this point is from within. The calvary isn't coming anytime soon.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Pats add RB hybrid Ty Montgomery. NE becomes his 5th team in 5 years on a 2-year deal worth up to a total of $4 million. I guess this is mostly James White insurance. He didn't do much for the Jets or Saints (averaged 12 YFS per game over the last three seasons). Maybe they can turn him into a bigger asset (like 15 yards per game).
Boston
Footballguy
SeniorVBDStudent
Footballguy
So yesterday the Patriots were supposedly the leader in the La'el Collins trade market, but today he's been released by Dallas and rotoworld is talking up the Bengals based on fit and the Dolphins based on Collins' expressed interest. There's an inconsistency in the reporting here.....
Boston
Footballguy
i believe that was going to be a trade…he has now been released so he is a FA.
Bossman
Footballguy
Anarchy99
Footballguy
The general consensus is that NE will not be bringing in any splash players. Any FA that may sign either be low dollar guys they think can fill a role and be coached up. They might be more active on the trade market, particularly if there is a team that ends up with too many guys at the same position (say like WR).
Apparently, the master plan is to take the guys that were new last year and get them to play better and be more cohesive in Year 2. By extension, that means they want to put a lot on Mac's plate. Most people view that as a recipe for mediocrity. But they don't seem to be panicking and it seems like Bill is ready to ride with the core guys he has.
Also, there seems to be an outstanding order that the guys that are free agents are welcome back if they don't find what they want on the open market. Given that the Pats still have some pretty big needs and holes, they clearly need more players for the spots that are open.
Bottom line, don't expect any big FA signings. That was last year, not this year.
Apparently, the master plan is to take the guys that were new last year and get them to play better and be more cohesive in Year 2. By extension, that means they want to put a lot on Mac's plate. Most people view that as a recipe for mediocrity. But they don't seem to be panicking and it seems like Bill is ready to ride with the core guys he has.
Also, there seems to be an outstanding order that the guys that are free agents are welcome back if they don't find what they want on the open market. Given that the Pats still have some pretty big needs and holes, they clearly need more players for the spots that are open.
Bottom line, don't expect any big FA signings. That was last year, not this year.
Boston
Footballguy
Last year they had no choice but to spend because they were drafting so badly they had no choice but to upgrade their roster thru free agency or it would have been a disaster…right now I think they realize they have a long way to go and splash moves are not gonna make a difference and oh, by the way they are somehow not in great cap shape even though they have a starting QB on a rookie deal so they really aren’t in a position to make those type of moves…I like the fact they don’t appear to be moving money around to help this year as I would rather they bite the bullet now to make things better later…looking at the AFC the Pats are not close to the upper-echelon and I can easily name 8 teams better than them and probably a few more depending on what they do this offseason or how a few of their players develop…IMO everything revolves around good drafting and developing Mac and while it is early I don’t like the fact they have made his line weaker and have not added any weapons for him…not putting Mac in the best position to develop is the one thing I will not accept because if he doesn’t develop the way I believe he can they will be in a hole that will take years to get out of…right now I do not see a path to being anything other than average for 2022 but I will be good with that if young players are developing, Mac takes a step forward and they are in good shape with the salary cap next offseason.
***make it 9 teams after the Watson deal.
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Boston
Footballguy
Brown is a big one...the Pats have enough holes already and if they lost Brown that would have been a setback...he is probably not a long-term answer, but he will protect Mac and help in his development.
Malcolm Butler and Fournette? At this point BB is just doing stuff to screw with the fans and the media...RB is one of the few positions they don't need help with and bringing Butler back is like a WWE thing.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
NE was interested when Fournette was available before, so not surprised they are talking to him again. I was mostly joking when I said the economical move for teams would be to sign pass catching RB for 20% of the cost of a WR. Since then, NE brought back White, signed Montgomery, and are talking at Fournette.
I am pretty sure the NE analytics people are looking at who is available at WR, have done the math like the rest of us, and figured out they can't afford an impact WR with the cap room they have available.
Bill being Bill, he may stick with the ground and pound offense to keep the opposition's offense on the sideline as much as possible. The buzz on defense is they are trying to get younger and faster, especially at LB. Many of the mock drafts I see have NE taking a WR at pick #21, as there should be a good option available there. I don't see it, based on them having greater needs, having spent so much on offense last year, and the fact they suck at drafting WR. No one disputes the fact they need a WR1 and someone help out Mac. But IMO there are bigger concerns and holes to fill.
From what I have observed, some talking heads feel there are limited high end prospects in the draft this year, but good depth for potential starters in rounds 2-4. Unless there is a guy that they love at LB / CB / OT at 21, I think they will trade back and try to get more mid-round picks. Given the state of the league and the QBs in the AFC, they need legit CB help. I have heard talk of NE trying to address their offensive needs through free agency, trade, or other team's roster cuts while devoting most of their draft picks on defense. We'll see . . . but I would be shocked at a big move or signing at this point.
Boston
Footballguy
I have no issues going WR at #1 since the greatest need on this team for 2022 is Mac's development...they could also go O line and any position on D except Safety since they have holes everywhere...yet, if they do not surround Mac with better weapons (and I don't care how they do it, just do it) and they hinder his development this season will be a major step backwards...if Mac goes to the next level things will be heading in the right direction...it is that simple for the future of this team.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
With Bill calling the shots, I don't see any way they pour a ton of money or draft capital into the WR position. IMO, the only way they take a WR in the first is if they have looked at all the possibilities and permutations and conclude that they can get CB / OL / LB in the mid to late rounds, and they don't see other decent WR options past the first round.
I have heard several beat guys, analysts, and former players beat the same drum . . . that they get the vibe that the team is looking to draft to fix the defense, getting younger and fast in the process.
The only way they can add an established receiver is if they can find a team to take on Agholor or Smith's contracts to clear out some space. I don't see that happening unless the Pats part with serious draft capital. The only other option is if they get someone to perform far better than expected (like Bourne . . . or Welker back in the day). But for this year, I don't see them throwing money, assets, or top draft picks to address WR.
The only way I see them taking a top receiver in the draft would be to trade down and gain an extra second round pick, and maybe they use the extra pick on a WR. I know a lot of people want them to add an impact receiver, but the defense didn't get a single stop against the Bills in the playoffs.
Many people are just projecting the guys they have ### pass catchers to be incapable or inadequate. What if they can turn Bourne into a more targeted WR on the outside? He had 800 receiving yards on only 70 targets. Bump that up to 105 and he's a 1,200-yard receiver (in theory). He had almost as many receiving yards as Meyers (with 56 fewer targets).
For better or worse, I think we see another season of run first, pass less offensively with Mac still on a leash with training wheels. As of now, they have $83M of cap space available next year. I think they will more seriously look into WR at some point, but they have too many holes to fill this offseason.
Boston
Footballguy
They need more weapons for Mac...short-term it doesn't have to be a first-round pick or a big time FA but they need to add another WR or two that can play at the NFL level as they are already subpar at that position and that is without injuries...add in an injury or two and it could be a complete disaster...just add a Jameson Crowder and/or a Jarvis Landry...it is totally irresponsible not to.
Right now the years of bad drafting have caught up to them...that is very apparent...they did a good job stopping the bleeding last year but they still have a long way to go and it bothers me that they are tight against the cap while Mac is on a rookie deal...hopefully they nail the draft again like the last two years and are in a position to use that $ wisely next season but IMO this year they are gonna be around .500 because they just have too many holes to fill and not enough resources to do so.
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Anarchy99
Footballguy
One WR linked to the Pats has been Alabama slot receiver Slade Bolden. They've already met with him, he played with Mac, and he is expected to either be a last day pick or an UDFA. Basically, a shifty receiver with great hands but without breakaway speed. Said to be in the mold of Edelman or Welker. But who knows if his game translates to the NFL level.
SeniorVBDStudent
Footballguy
Isn't it a little ominous that he couldn't fetch more in free agency?Anarchy99 said:
Boston
Footballguy
Not surprised...very blah offseason (that is being polite) so far after a poor finish last year as well as many AFC teams getting stronger this offseason (at least on paper)...I think we/Pats fans need to except reality that while last season had some good stretches they are in the middle of a rebuild and this season has a good chance to be a step backwards and could be a big step backwards...if Mac develops and they have another strong draft I am OK with that as they will be in a very good spot next offseason with the salary cap...right now my biggest beef is they have done nothing for Mac...the O line has lost two starters, they have not added one weapon to the passing game and they have also lost McDaniels...that should be the most concerning thing for Patriot Nation right now.
Even within the division, the teams got better on paper. The Jets and Dolphins improved their olines significantly, which should help Zach and Tua. Without Brady, without McDaniels, losing their best CB, this will be a big challenge for BB.
Boston
Footballguy
I have always said that when BB the GM gives BB the Coach enough talent the Pats win championships (at least when Brady was here)...I just don't believe BB the GM has given BB the Coach too much to work with this season...there is still time to do some things this offseason, but they have limited cap space and don't have excess picks in this draft, so I just don't see the roster improving too much between now and September...for them to improve upon last season they need so much to break right and cannot have any injuries because they just don't have the depth at many positions.
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Anarchy99
Footballguy
The disconnect for the fan base is this. We look at the roster as constituted and feel they went backwards talentwise this offseason (so far . . . still months away from suiting up for games). BB could be sitting there thinking he has a great roster and lots of players will make a seismic leap and perform better than last year. This year in particular that difference of opinion on the roster between fans and Bill is much greater than prior years. If the team still had Tom, fans would say Bill's gonna Bill and he never does much early in free agency. I get it, they don't have Tom, nor do they have as talented a roster as they normally would at this point (while many other teams do).
Their available salary cap space is always a mercurial thing. They have limited cap space THIS year, but OTC has them with $100M available in 2023 and $184M in 2024. Teams like the Bucs and Saints are already over the projected cap for next year (even projecting the cap going up) and still have half their rosters to fill out in those future seasons. Yes, the Patriots BY CHOICE are up against the cap. They could do any number of things to create more cap space (but they have elected not to go there).
As far as the coaching staff goes, Brian Hoyer is the real QB coach and responsible for Mac's development. Many people are suggesting that losing McDaniels is a gigantic loss. That remains to be seen. The playbook has been the same for decades, and the OC in NE (by title or someone serving that role) is essentially someone that calls plays. Bill doesn't want someone to come in and change the system. I still think there's a chance O'Brien will come back as OC. How many coaches have been poached over the years? The list is pretty extensive. On the surface, it looks daunting. But pull away the curtain, and the puppet master has, and always will be, BB.
It's clear that they played over their heads the middle of last year, and the last month of the season their deficiencies were exposed. I don't think they will end up as the #13 team in the AFC, but they certainly are a long way from being in the top tier of contenders.
Boston
Footballguy
I don't disagree with most of this, but I am just not buying this narrative (it is not yours) that many of the players are gonna take a seismic jump...let's look at the positions:
QB-I love Mac and he should be one that takes that leap...that being said they have done absolutely nothing to help him out so far this offseason...add an injury or two to a Henry, Bourne or Meyer and their weapons could be beyond dreadful...not giving Mac more weapons is easily my #1 gripe because his development is by far the most important thing this year...if he develops, they have a future.
RB-Best unit on the team. just hope the D is good enough to be able to maximize their strengths.
WR-subpar group and while I like Meyer and Bourne it is pushing it to count on them to take a big leap...Agholor could be better, but I don't see it being much better...if they don't add another quality WR (or two) either in the draft or free agency it will be a joke.
TE-I really like Henry but Jonnu did not show me anything last year that says he can take a big leap forward...physical skills are there but he just doesn't seems to get it but with those skills there is still hope...I am not even sure Keene and Asiasi are real people at this point.
O-Line-I thought this group underachieved last season and they have now lost two starters in Karras and Mason...there is some room for growth with Mike O but Wynn appears to be pretty much average and unreliable...if Brown goes down it could get real dicey...without Dante I just don't have faith they can just figure this position out like they used to.
CB-losing Jackson really hurts...after him you have a solid/quality CB in Jones and just an average at best group...if Wade turns into something that would be a huge score...the JoJuan Williams pick really hurts this unit...I don't think the fact the Pats struck gold with Butler and Jackson can be counted on as a smart strategy that they will do it again...just don't see them being in a favorable position playing against legit QBs like Allen.
Safety-Even with McCourty aging they have two good ones in the steady Phillips and Duggar who has a chance to be a real good one.
LB-anyone who has a clue about this group is full of BS...it is a complete unknown outside of Judon...Bentley is serviceable, but Hightower (if he stays) is pretty much done...there are some intriguing youngsters like Uche, Jennings, Wilson, McMillan, McGrone and Perkins but they are all question marks and none were "blue chip" prospects coming into the NFL...this is the area I will be watching closest as it could be anything from a complete disaster to a real nice surprise that pushes the rebuild faster.
D-Line-sneaky not good position...Barmore is a stud but after that it is an average at best group that doesn't have much upside IMO...guys like Wise, Cowart, Guy, Anderson and Godchaux simply are what they are.
Coaching staff-big questions here for the Assistants...great opportunity for some guys to advance their coaching career...I thought there were some real un-Patriot moments last season with regard to penalties, subbing and overall discipline...this group needs to tighten up.
Overall, I just don't see a path to being anything other than solid as the best case scenario (especially with a loaded AFC)...just too much has to go right and if they get some injuries to the wrong guys (ex. Henry, Trent Brown, Bourne, Barmore, Judon, Jonathan Jones) I just don't think they have the depth to recover from that...that being said I am good with that if they have another good draft, develop the youngsters currently on the team and are in a position to use next year's cap space (as well as taking the hit on this year's cap) to move forward and not to bandage holes due to bad drafting which was the case last season.
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