This is an annual series by me and Luke where we predict, and mock an off-season for certain teams. We start every year with each of our favorite teams and run through realistic off-season moves to improve the team.
My favorite team is the New England Patriots, so here is my take on what the Patriots SHOULD/COULD do this off-season.
Coaching Staff
The coaching staff is critical to improving the team as a whole, so we will start with that as the first pillar of the off-season.
My hope was the Patriots would not only fire Jerod Mayo, but hire Mike Vrabel. Both of those wishes came true. Unfortunately for Mayo, I think he may have a head coaching career in the NFL one day, but as a rookie HC he just looked lost. It seemed like he didn't have a real passion and this is a team that needs a fire under its ass. Which is EXACTLY what Mike Vrabel offers.
As for the coordinators, I ran through a few options on my end for potential suitors. But, ultimately the Patriots hired Josh McDaniels for a 3rd stint with the team. Which I don't hate, but my only issue is his conservative playcalling. He's known for a lot of running and screens. Which works if you have a strong defense like the Patriots have historically had under Bill Belichick. But it'll be interesting to see if he can develop a guy like Drake Maye. This signing could've been worse, so I'm ok with it.
And for defensive coordinator, the Patriots went with former Lions DL coach Terrell Williams who also worked with Vrabel in Tennessee from 2018-2023. Dan Campbell himself called Williams the "best defensive line coach in the league." He also seems like a smashmouth type of couch, and coming from the Lions organization is a good sign. I'm happy with this choice.
Overall
Hired Mike Vrabel as HC
Hired Josh McDaniels as OC
Hired Terrell Williams as DC
Keep/Trade/Walk
Before free agency begins, there's a period where you can re-sign players before them being able to walk. You can also make trades or just flat-out release players as well. In reviewing some of the Patriot's upcoming free agents, here's who staying and who is going. Then after the list, I'll include some reasons why below.
Keep ✅
JaQuae Jackson (WR)
Demontrey Jacobs (OT)
Jeremiah Pharms (DT)
Christian Ellis (EDGE)
Jonathan Jones (CB)
Joey Slye (K)
Brenden Schooler (ST/S)
Let Walk ❌
Jacoby Brissett (QB)
JaMychal Hasty (RB)
Austin Hooper (TE)
Chukwuma Okafor (OT)
Oshane Ximines (EDGE)
Jaylin Hawkins (S)
One big piece for the Patriots last year was their special teams. Which is why they chose to retain special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer. The Patriots had one of the top special teams units in the league, and Schooler was also an all-pro and Pro Bowl special teamer. So worth retaining him and Joey Slye.
The only other notable piece I guess would be letting Jacoby Brissett walk. But given how good Joe Milton III looked in that final game, there isn't a need to keep on someone like Brissett or extend him.
Free Agency
This leads to the next pillar of the off-season, free agency. Similar to the above, I'll list out all the free agent signings I would like to see, and then I'll include some notes below. What's notable here is the Patriots have the MOST cap space in the league with over $112M in active cap spending available.
Free Agent Signings 💸
Case Keenum (QB)
Jeremy McNichols (RB)
Stefon Diggs (WR)
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR)
Jordan Akins (TE)
Trey Smith (OL)
Morgan Moses (OT)
Emmanuel Ogbah (ED)
Shaq Thompson (LB)
Julian Blackmon (S)
Some notable names here include Trey Smith and Stefon Diggs. The Patriots NEED offensive line help badly. They can poach Smith and bump over Onwenu back to tackle if need be. Trey Smith is likely the best offensive lineman available and it makes sense to invest in keeping Drake Maye safe and giving him time in the pocket.
Now we know Diggs is 31 years old, and now coming off a torn ACL. But having a veteran like Diggs for someone like Drake Maye would be a life changer. We know Diggs is committed to making a full comeback and he's already sharing progression videos and photos online. Even if he's not ready Week 1, I think it's a positive move.
Now I know what everyone is thinking. Why not go after Tee Higgins? If Diggs isn't ready then the Patriots offense hasn't really changed much. Well, on top of this being a realistic prediction, I really don't see Higgins leaving the Bengals. The Patriots aren't historically known for being a hot destination for players to sign to. Even during the Tom Brady era. As a Patriots fan, I can't remember the last big-ticket free-agency signing the Patriots actually got.
Instead, the Patriots in this scenario bulk up some parts of their defense while making huge additions to their offensive line and adding some weapons at WR. But don't worry, we still have the NFL draft...
NFL Draft
The Patriots currently have 9 draft picks, including 4 on the first two days, and a Top 5 overall pick in the first round. Here is what I have the Patriots doing with the picks in their first two days.
Draft Picks
Will Campbell (OT) in Round 1
Tre Harris (WR) in Round 2
Cobee Bryant (CB) in Round 3
Jared Ivey (EDGE) in Round 3
I also don't mind Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter if either fall, but personally, I'm ok with overcommitting to the offensive line and building one of the best units in the league. Campbell allows the Patriots to do that can shift into LT. Tre Harris is also one of my favorite receivers in this draft that you can get on Day 2. He's 6'3" and can be a strong possession receiver, which is something this offense needs. Additionally, Bryant and Ivey are good defensive depth additions.
New-Look Patriots
You have Maye at QB, Stevenson and Gibson at RB, a combination of Douglas, Diggs, Harris, and others at WR, and you still have Hunter Henry at TE. The offensive line gets a huge boost, and the Patriots defensively add enough pieces to improve on the previous year.
This is realistically a 8-9 win team, which would be a positive step and potentially put them in the running for a wild card spot. But, what it really does is act as a first step into building year after year. Another off-season with another draft could put the Patriots back to their winning ways...
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