Roster And Draft Class Breakdown: New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are entering a critical year with second year quarterback Mac Jones. The AFC East is not the cake walk it used to be. While the other teams in the division have gotten better, New England seems to look worse. Bill Belichick is still at the helm which obviously still gives them a key advantage. However, there is an uphill battle ahead. Can the Patriots compete? Are they still a threat in the NFL? Let’s break it all down.
Offense
As mentioned, Mac Jones is entering his second year. Jones finished second in rookie of the year voting and had the best season of the first round quarterbacks from 2021. That didn’t stop the team from drafting a quarterback. Bailey Zappe was drafted in the fourth round from Western Kentucky. He threw 62 touchdowns which led college football. The run game was an important part of team identity. Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson will be the lead ball carriers again. Harris finished with 929 yards and 15 touchdowns. Stevenson finished his rookie year with 606 yards and five touchdowns. Despite the success in the ground game, the Patriots decided to draft two more running backs. This could send some mixed messages. In round four, Pierre Strong Jr was drafted from South Dakota State. Strong clocked in a 4.37 40 yard dash time which tied for the fastest time among backs. He is viewed as an eventual James White replacement because of his receiving skills. Kevin Harris was also drafted in the sixth round from South Carolina. Harris only fumbled once in college.
Speaking of the run game, the offensive line looks a little different. Isaiah Wynn is still slated as the left tackle even though there has been some talks about trying him at guard. One person who will be definitely be playing guard is Cole Strange. Strange was first round pick from Chattanooga and this pick was viewed as a reach. David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, and Trent Brown make up the rest of the line. Two linemen were added in the draft. Chasen Hines is a guard from LSU picked in round six, and Andrew Stuber is a tackle from Michigan drafted in the seventh round. Additionally, Trent Brown recently received reps at left tackle and Isaiah Wynn recently received reps at right tackle.
Jones has new some weapons to throw to with the trade acquisition of DeVante Parker from the Dolphins. Jakobi Meyers is locked up for at least one more season to play on the slot. Kendrick Bourne did a little bit of everything and looks to be reprising his role in that regard. Tyquan Thornton was drafted in the second round from Baylor. He was the fastest receiver at the combine and becomes the fastest receiver on the team. Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith enter their second year as tight ends in the system, and the hope is that they do more this season - especially Smith. To wrap up the offense, one thing to note is that the trade market for N’Keal Harry is nonexistent, and some feel his only chance to make the roster is to switch to tight end and compete for the third tight end spot.
Defense
The Patriots run a base 4-3 but haven’t been afraid to make some tweaks to their scheme as the season goes on. From left to right, Deatrich Wise Jr, Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, and Lawrence Guy make up the front lines. Barmore is entering his second year out of Alabama and is very disruptive on the inside. New England went off the board and drafted DII defensive tackle Sam Roberts from Northwest Missouri State. He had 47 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks in college, but it may take some time before he becomes a regular player on the roster.
Not a single linebacker was added in the draft which was surprise. Matthew Judon, Ja’Whaun Bentley, and Josh Uche make up the starters there. This is Uche’s time now that Chase Winovich is gone. Judon had a good year but couldn’t keep it up down the stretch. Mack Wilson was added via trade in return for Winovich as he hopes to get back on track.
The secondary leaves more to be desired. Malcom Butler is back with the team and Jalen Mills completes the corner tandem. Kyle Dugger remains the strong safety and that’s right folks, Devin McCourty is back for another run. Jabrill Peppers came over on a one year deal to add to the secondary depth, and gives the team more options in terms of sub packages. Two corners were added in the draft. Marcus Jones from Houston in round three, and Jack Jones in round four from Arizona State. No relation by the way. Marcus is viewed as a elite returner and some call him the next Devin Hester. He will be a sub package contributor right away on defense. Jack Jones has good quickness and ball hawking skills, as well as being good in coverage.
Draft Misses
This draft class was a miss. The Patriots did not due enough to address their biggest needs. In some cases, they waited too long. An upgrade at left tackle was needed and tackle wasn’t even drafted until day three. Why draft two running backs when you needed a more traditional slot weapon? Why not draft a starting corner right away to replace JC Jackson? And the biggest question, why in the name of all things did they draft a quarterback? Naturally, if all of these guys can play there won’t be any complaints. But, is it enough to help them win now? Personally, I feel this is the weakest draft class of all 32 teams.
Projection As Of Right Now
The division is loaded with talent and the Patriots find themselves with the least amount of talent in the east. There is a lot on the shoulders of Mac Jones. There is also still a lot of uncertainty with certain players on the roster. The most likely outcome barring something absolutely crazy is finishing at the bottom of the barrel in the AFC East.
Follow along @announcers_eye on Twitter. Still to come:
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Breakdowns roll on
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