The Easy Answer to Revamp the Patriots Offense
Not sure why, but Bill Belicheck never returns my calls. It’s no secret that the Patriots are in really bad shape. The offense has looked terrible and they are far and away the worst team in the AFC. The offense needs to be blown up completely in favor of starting from scratch. This article will mention some names at each position that could help the Patriots right away. Keep in mind, we are not sure if some of these guys will declare for the draft yet. I would normally wait until after the season is over for something like this, but I feel very confident that everyone on this list will chose to go pro. If I’m wrong then so be it, it won’t be the first time and it won’t be the last. You can ask my parents about that. I’m feeling lucky, so let’s break it all down.
Best Quarterback Options
Michael Penix, Washington
Jayden Daniels, LSU
Caleb Williams, USC
JJ McCarthy, Michigan
Bo Nix, Oregon
Inject Michael Penix into my veins. I don’t see any possibility that he does not win the Heisman. The lefty has launched Washington to new heights as they return to the playoffs for the first time in a few years. He has thrown for 33 touchdowns so far to only nine interceptions, and his established himself as the best college quarterback this season. His mobility gives him an edge, but that has also led to some pretty serious injuries. Daniels is another good mover who ran for over 100 yards against Alabama. He has one of the best arms in the draft.
Williams is third on my list due to the fact that I haven’t seen as much from him this season as opposed to the Heisman campaign a year ago, and there are concerns about mental fortitude. Mac Jones is broken, so maybe not the best time to take a chance on another guy with questions there. But, you can’t question his skill. McCarthy and Nix are a good balance of athleticism and throwing ability. Keep in mind at Michigan McCarthy has had a balanced run attack and play action system, and he will need that at the next level. Not to say he can’t throw the ball 50 times a game, but it may not be the best use for him. The Patriots are very close to locking up the third overall pick, and it should be used on Penix. The other guys are good fallback options if they want to wait for a QB.
Best Receiver Options
Marvin Harrsion Jr, Ohio State
Rome Odunze , Washington
Xavier Worthy, Texas
Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Ricky Pearsall, Florida
Harrison is the son of the hall of famer who lit it up with Peyton Manning and the Colts. If the Bears (via the Panthers) hang on to the first overall pick, Harrison is likely the target. If not, then things get interesting. He’s the best pass catcher in this draft class and makes any offense more dangerous. There has been a reoccurring theme lately of college QBs being reunited with their top targets in the NFL, and if the Patriots draft Penix they should also draft Odunze. Odunze has popped off for over 100 yards often this season. The chemistry with he and Penix is something special.
Worthy is the one name here that very well could go back to school, but I am still going to include him. As a freshman we knew he was special. He is a prime outside threat like the first two on this list. Leave him one on one, and he will make you pay. McConkey is a slot receiver and this exactly why he is on this list. New England has been missing a traditional slot for years now. Problem solved with McConkey. His knee is cause for concern though, which could make him a late round steal. Mitchell won championships with McConkey at UGA before going to Texas and his picked up he left off. Meanwhile Pearsall has what the Pats have been lacking, speed. I’m not delusional to think all of them will get drafted by one team, so let’s shoot for two or three. Anything would be better than what they have now.
Best Running Back Options
Blake Corum, Michigan
Audric Estime, Notre Dame
TreyVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Will Shipley, Clemson
Jase McCellan, Alabama
Corum is coming out for real this time and he is the best back in this draft. The Michigan offense has been perfect for him as a downhill power runner. I can see him doing well with pitch plays and wide runs on short yardage at the pro level too. He can do that easily now, but that could change with better competition. Esitime and Henderson have shown good all around ability as runners and pass catchers with the speed to boot. New England likes versatile backs.
Shipley might be the best pure pass catching back in the draft if he comes out. He can run traditionally, but at the pros it may not come as easy. He’ll make his money as a receiver out of the backfield, another element the Patriots have been lacking. McCellan is solid. Maybe not as much of a game breaker as the others, but still a good fundamentally sound player.
Best Tight End Options
Brock Bowers, Georgia
Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
Cade Stover, Ohio State
Jake Briningstool, Clemson
I don’t love the tight end group this year. Not a lot of names jump out at you. Bowers is the top dog this year and probably won’t make it past the second round, so anyone who wants him better move quickly. Everything about Bowers and what he brings is very very good. Sanders has good speed for the position and will make plays when given the chance. Stover is a former defensive lineman so he knows the best way to attack as a blocker, as well as serve as a reliable receiver. Briningstool may opt to add more to his tape for one more year, but he has been reliable from the slot as tight end with good speed and acceleration. The Pats tight end group has been a huge disappointment this season, so I think it’s best to blow it up and start again. Hunter Henry could command some value as a trade piece.
Best Offensive Line Options
This might be a shot in the dark, but let’s give it a try.
JC Latham, Alabama tackle
Patrick Paul, Houston tackle
Zak Zinter, Michigan guard
Tate Ratlledge, Georgia guard
Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia center
Drake Nugent, Michigan center
Okay, offensive line is not my best position here so I have very little confidence about picking a winner with this group. I played it safe looking at guys where the Patriots have taken this position from before, as well as size. Latham is 6’7 and he is from Alabama where there is a relationship between the team and the school. Paul is 6’8, need I say more?
Georgia and Michigan linemen have made it on the roster before. Tackles need to be drafted this year as it has been a huge problem lately. Zinter, Ratlledge, Van Pran, and Nugent I think have the best chances based on draft patterns. David Andrews is from UGA, so replace one Bulldog with another. Andrews is still good, but it’s better to get his replacement ready now - and he will be a good teacher. The guards could either be depth or start quickly, depends on the rest of the season and camp next year. Can’t get the biscuit if you don’t risk it, so we’ll see how I do with the big guys.
There is no way all of these players end up on the squad barring a miracle. But the writing is on the wall that changes need to be made urgently. Any hope of getting back in the mix could very well be on the hands of the incoming draft class and the eyes evaluating them.
Coming up next, we go back to where we began in a full circle moment.