Patriots 2023 Season

[SparzWizard]

My issue is Belichick's scouting when it comes to drafting players. Don't want to trade a #2 for more picks only to end up being disappointed with the players that come out of it. Has a bad track record of it.

I'd say draft the surefire QB stud this summer and worry about the o-line later

[Goldstar88]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next year, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

so are williams and maye and they play a much more important position.  the pats have to take a QB if they get in the top 2 or trade the pick to move back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.  If they don't like williams or maye, then trade the pick to a team that does.

You state that Williams and Maye are generational talents and then suggest that if the Pats don’t like either of them they should trade the pick. That doesn’t make any sense.

From a value standpoint, if they do have top 2 pick and aren’t planning on drafting a QB, then they should trade back. Even if it’s just back a spot to take Harrison. Get the guy you want plus asset or assets for moving back

If you are a team that is likely going to finish the season with 2 wins, you don’t pass on a QB that is a generational talent. Moranis suggesting that both of these guys are such players is a stretch to say the least. Mac Jones was a better prospect coming out of college.

[celticsclay]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next year, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

so are williams and maye and they play a much more important position.  the pats have to take a QB if they get in the top 2 or trade the pick to move back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.  If they don't like williams or maye, then trade the pick to a team that does.

You state that Williams and Maye are generational talents and then suggest that if the Pats don’t like either of them they should trade the pick. That doesn’t make any sense.

From a value standpoint, if they do have top 2 pick and aren’t planning on drafting a QB, then they should trade back. Even if it’s just back a spot to take Harrison. Get the guy you want plus asset or assets for moving back

If you are a team that is likely going to finish the season with 2 wins, you don’t pass on a QB that is a generational talent. Moranis suggesting that both of these guys are such players is a stretch to say the least. Mac Jones was a better prospect coming out of college.

What are you basing this on?

[Moranis]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next year, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

so are williams and maye and they play a much more important position.  the pats have to take a QB if they get in the top 2 or trade the pick to move back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.  If they don't like williams or maye, then trade the pick to a team that does.

You state that Williams and Maye are generational talents and then suggest that if the Pats don’t like either of them they should trade the pick. That doesn’t make any sense.

From a value standpoint, if they do have top 2 pick and aren’t planning on drafting a QB, then they should trade back. Even if it’s just back a spot to take Harrison. Get the guy you want plus asset or assets for moving back

If you are a team that is likely going to finish the season with 2 wins, you don’t pass on a QB that is a generational talent. Moranis suggesting that both of these guys are such players is a stretch to say the least. Mac Jones was a better prospect coming out of college.

a stretch? Here is one of the many articles from before the last draft that said both Williams and Maye would have been 1 and 2 ahead of Young and Stroud last year.

https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-caleb-williams-vs-drake-maye-whos-qb1-in-the-2024-nfl-draft

Ah but that was last year, things change. Well not so much.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/draft2024/insider/story/_/id/38936326/2024-nfl-mock-draft-top-10-picks-debate-predictions

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10098184-caleb-williams-to-bears-drake-maye-to-giants-in-espn-2024-nfl-mock-draft-for-top-10

Harrison is the best player in college, but he is a WR and there are 2 generational talent QB's in this draft.  You take the QB every time in that scenario. You even do it when you just paid Daniel Jones a bunch of money as ESPN suggested.

[Goldstar88]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next year, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

so are williams and maye and they play a much more important position.  the pats have to take a QB if they get in the top 2 or trade the pick to move back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.  If they don't like williams or maye, then trade the pick to a team that does.

You state that Williams and Maye are generational talents and then suggest that if the Pats don’t like either of them they should trade the pick. That doesn’t make any sense.

From a value standpoint, if they do have top 2 pick and aren’t planning on drafting a QB, then they should trade back. Even if it’s just back a spot to take Harrison. Get the guy you want plus asset or assets for moving back

If you are a team that is likely going to finish the season with 2 wins, you don’t pass on a QB that is a generational talent. Moranis suggesting that both of these guys are such players is a stretch to say the least. Mac Jones was a better prospect coming out of college.

What are you basing this on?

A national championship and all of this:

Records set by Mac Jones

From the NCAA: Here are some of the notable records and statistical rankings set by Jones in college:

1st in FBS history in passing efficiency rating in a season: 203.1 (2020)
1st in FBS history in completion percentage in a season (min. 150 attempts): 77.4 percent (2020)
1st in FBS history in yards per attempt in a season (min. 400 attempts): 11.2 yards (2020)
1st in the FBS in passing efficiency rating in 2020: 203.1
1st in Alabama history in passing yards in a season: 4,514 yards (2020)
1st in Alabama history in passing yards per game in a season: 347.2 yards (2020)
1st in Alabama history in yards per play in a game (min. 20 attempts): 14.9 yards (Oct. 3, 2020 vs. Texas A&M)
1st in Alabama history in completions in a game: 36 completions (Jan. 11, 2021 vs. Ohio State)
1st in Alabama history in single-game completion percentage (min. 30 attempts): 80 percent (Jan. 11, 2021 vs. Ohio State)
1st in Alabama history in single-season completion percentage (min. 50 completions): 68.8 percent (2019)
1st in Alabama history in single-season completion percentage (min. 200 completions): 77.4 percent (2020)
1st in Alabama history in consecutive completions: 19 completions
2nd in FBS history in career passing efficiency rating in a career (400-499 completions): 197.6
2nd in Alabama history in passing yards in a game: 475 yards (Jan. 11, 2021 vs. Ohio State)
2nd in Alabama history in passing touchdowns in a season: 42 touchdowns (2020)

[Donoghus]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next year, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

so are williams and maye and they play a much more important position.  the pats have to take a QB if they get in the top 2 or trade the pick to move back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.  If they don't like williams or maye, then trade the pick to a team that does.

You state that Williams and Maye are generational talents and then suggest that if the Pats don’t like either of them they should trade the pick. That doesn’t make any sense.

From a value standpoint, if they do have top 2 pick and aren’t planning on drafting a QB, then they should trade back. Even if it’s just back a spot to take Harrison. Get the guy you want plus asset or assets for moving back

If you are a team that is likely going to finish the season with 2 wins, you don’t pass on a QB that is a generational talent. Moranis suggesting that both of these guys are such players is a stretch to say the least. Mac Jones was a better prospect coming out of college.

If generational talent, then, yes, I tend to agree and draft one. Otherwise, if you’re not sold on taking a QB there, you trade down.

[Moranis]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next year, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

so are williams and maye and they play a much more important position.  the pats have to take a QB if they get in the top 2 or trade the pick to move back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.  If they don't like williams or maye, then trade the pick to a team that does.

You state that Williams and Maye are generational talents and then suggest that if the Pats don’t like either of them they should trade the pick. That doesn’t make any sense.

From a value standpoint, if they do have top 2 pick and aren’t planning on drafting a QB, then they should trade back. Even if it’s just back a spot to take Harrison. Get the guy you want plus asset or assets for moving back

If you are a team that is likely going to finish the season with 2 wins, you don’t pass on a QB that is a generational talent. Moranis suggesting that both of these guys are such players is a stretch to say the least. Mac Jones was a better prospect coming out of college.

What are you basing this on?

A national championship and all of this:

Records set by Mac Jones

From the NCAA: Here are some of the notable records and statistical rankings set by Jones in college:

1st in FBS history in passing efficiency rating in a season: 203.1 (2020)
1st in FBS history in completion percentage in a season (min. 150 attempts): 77.4 percent (2020)
1st in FBS history in yards per attempt in a season (min. 400 attempts): 11.2 yards (2020)
1st in the FBS in passing efficiency rating in 2020: 203.1
1st in Alabama history in passing yards in a season: 4,514 yards (2020)
1st in Alabama history in passing yards per game in a season: 347.2 yards (2020)
1st in Alabama history in yards per play in a game (min. 20 attempts): 14.9 yards (Oct. 3, 2020 vs. Texas A&M)
1st in Alabama history in completions in a game: 36 completions (Jan. 11, 2021 vs. Ohio State)
1st in Alabama history in single-game completion percentage (min. 30 attempts): 80 percent (Jan. 11, 2021 vs. Ohio State)
1st in Alabama history in single-season completion percentage (min. 50 completions): 68.8 percent (2019)
1st in Alabama history in single-season completion percentage (min. 200 completions): 77.4 percent (2020)
1st in Alabama history in consecutive completions: 19 completions
2nd in FBS history in career passing efficiency rating in a career (400-499 completions): 197.6
2nd in Alabama history in passing yards in a game: 475 yards (Jan. 11, 2021 vs. Ohio State)
2nd in Alabama history in passing touchdowns in a season: 42 touchdowns (2020)

that doesn't make him a better prospect. He wasn't. Williams and Maye are both much better prospects than Jones was. It isn't close.

It does make him a more successful college QB, but that often is not an indicator of NFL success.  I mean look at Mahomes, Allen, Herbert, and countless other great NFL QB and how they did in college. Now sure you do have guys like Lawrence who are both, but Lawrence is much more a rarity than the norm for a highly rated QB in the draft.

[Roy H.]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next year, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

so are williams and maye and they play a much more important position.  the pats have to take a QB if they get in the top 2 or trade the pick to move back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.  If they don't like williams or maye, then trade the pick to a team that does.

You state that Williams and Maye are generational talents and then suggest that if the Pats don’t like either of them they should trade the pick. That doesn’t make any sense.

From a value standpoint, if they do have top 2 pick and aren’t planning on drafting a QB, then they should trade back. Even if it’s just back a spot to take Harrison. Get the guy you want plus asset or assets for moving back

If you are a team that is likely going to finish the season with 2 wins, you don’t pass on a QB that is a generational talent. Moranis suggesting that both of these guys are such players is a stretch to say the least. Mac Jones was a better prospect coming out of college.

What are you basing this on?

A national championship and all of this:

Records set by Mac Jones

From the NCAA: Here are some of the notable records and statistical rankings set by Jones in college:

1st in FBS history in passing efficiency rating in a season: 203.1 (2020)
1st in FBS history in completion percentage in a season (min. 150 attempts): 77.4 percent (2020)
1st in FBS history in yards per attempt in a season (min. 400 attempts): 11.2 yards (2020)
1st in the FBS in passing efficiency rating in 2020: 203.1
1st in Alabama history in passing yards in a season: 4,514 yards (2020)
1st in Alabama history in passing yards per game in a season: 347.2 yards (2020)
1st in Alabama history in yards per play in a game (min. 20 attempts): 14.9 yards (Oct. 3, 2020 vs. Texas A&M)
1st in Alabama history in completions in a game: 36 completions (Jan. 11, 2021 vs. Ohio State)
1st in Alabama history in single-game completion percentage (min. 30 attempts): 80 percent (Jan. 11, 2021 vs. Ohio State)
1st in Alabama history in single-season completion percentage (min. 50 completions): 68.8 percent (2019)
1st in Alabama history in single-season completion percentage (min. 200 completions): 77.4 percent (2020)
1st in Alabama history in consecutive completions: 19 completions
2nd in FBS history in career passing efficiency rating in a career (400-499 completions): 197.6
2nd in Alabama history in passing yards in a game: 475 yards (Jan. 11, 2021 vs. Ohio State)
2nd in Alabama history in passing touchdowns in a season: 42 touchdowns (2020)

that doesn't make him a better prospect. He wasn't. Williams and Maye are both much better prospects than Jones was. It isn't close.

It does make him a more successful college QB, but that often is not an indicator of NFL success.  I mean look at Mahomes, Allen, Herbert, and countless other great NFL QB and how they did in college. Now sure you do have guys like Lawrence who are both, but Lawrence is much more a rarity than the norm for a highly rated QB in the draft.

Yeah, a college resume means almost nothing, especially when playing on a team as loaded as Alabama.  Mac Jones was a more successful college player, but Williams in particular is seen as head and shoulders better than him as a prospect.

I think the phrase "generational talent" is probably being overused in this conversation, assuming that means a talent that comes along once or twice per 15 to 20 years.  That's Peyton Manning, or Andrew Luck, a prospect who is seen as can't miss. 

Is Caleb Williams that?  Probably not.  What he is is a legit #1 prospect, a QB who would go #1 in most drafts.

Caleb Williams is good enough that the Bears would legitimately consider taking him over the combination of Justin Fields and Marvin Harrison.

[Phantom255x]

There's 3 realistic paths I can see the Patriots taking

1. Draft Caleb Williams or Maye

2. Draft Marvin Harrison Jr. + take a QB late 1st round or early 2nd (Penix?)

3. Trade down slightly and take Jayden Daniels in the Top-10 somewhere + get 1-2 more picks to use maybe on O-Line or receiver help later in the 1st or 2nd rounds.

It does feel extremely likely that the Pats will have a Top-2 pick though. So they'll have options.

[johnnygreen]

There's 3 realistic paths I can see the Patriots taking

1. Draft Caleb Williams or Maye

2. Draft Marvin Harrison Jr. + take a QB late 1st round or early 2nd (Penix?)

3. Trade down slightly and take Jayden Daniels in the Top-10 somewhere + get 1-2 more picks to use maybe on O-Line or receiver help later in the 1st or 2nd rounds.

It does feel extremely likely that the Pats will have a Top-2 pick though. So they'll have options.

The path has to start with a new head coach and coaching staff, along with front office personnel and GM. If that doesn't happen, we might as well light the paper the draft picks are printed on, on fire.

[Moranis]

The Pats receivers are not fine, but simply by adding a true #1, they'd improve immensely.  They need a guy that can put pressure on the opposing secondary, lessen the role of the other receivers, and serve as a safety net for the QB. They have no one even close to that on the roster, but there are usually a couple of veteran guys available every off season and a couple of future #1's in basically every draft (MHJ may even come immediately this draft and be that guy from the jump).  They should have signed Hopkins.  Not what he once was, but still a back end #1. He'd have helped a lot.

Can they afford to take Harrison?  No doubt he's a game changer, but without a QB how much would he help the Pats?

They’re more than a player away.  I’d take Harrison, continue to suck, and get the QB in 2025 when you’re at the top of the draft again.

Completely agree. Harrison Jr looks to be a “can’t miss” prospect. Pats could use one of those. The QB’s in this draft (and in general) are so unpredictable when it comes to how they will do at the next level. Would prefer going with MHJ.

the Pats have to take a qb if they are top 2 or have to trade back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.

Did you read anything that I or Celtics2021 wrote?
I’m guessing no… 

The Pats are very likely going to be bad again next year, regardless of who they take with their first pick. You can take a QB next year with the top pick. Marvin Harrison Jr looks to be a generational talent.

so are williams and maye and they play a much more important position.  the pats have to take a QB if they get in the top 2 or trade the pick to move back a few spots and pick up a ton of assets.  If they don't like williams or maye, then trade the pick to a team that does.

You state that Williams and Maye are generational talents and then suggest that if the Pats don’t like either of them they should trade the pick. That doesn’t make any sense.

From a value standpoint, if they do have top 2 pick and aren’t planning on drafting a QB, then they should trade back. Even if it’s just back a spot to take Harrison. Get the guy you want plus asset or assets for moving back

If you are a team that is likely going to finish the season with 2 wins, you don’t pass on a QB that is a generational talent. Moranis suggesting that both of these guys are such players is a stretch to say the least. Mac Jones was a better prospect coming out of college.

What are you basing this on?

A national championship and all of this:

Records set by Mac Jones

From the NCAA: Here are some of the notable records and statistical rankings set by Jones in college:

1st in FBS history in passing efficiency rating in a season: 203.1 (2020)
1st in FBS history in completion percentage in a season (min. 150 attempts): 77.4 percent (2020)
1st in FBS history in yards per attempt in a season (min. 400 attempts): 11.2 yards (2020)
1st in the FBS in passing efficiency rating in 2020: 203.1
1st in Alabama history in passing yards in a season: 4,514 yards (2020)
1st in Alabama history in passing yards per game in a season: 347.2 yards (2020)
1st in Alabama history in yards per play in a game (min. 20 attempts): 14.9 yards (Oct. 3, 2020 vs. Texas A&M)
1st in Alabama history in completions in a game: 36 completions (Jan. 11, 2021 vs. Ohio State)
1st in Alabama history in single-game completion percentage (min. 30 attempts): 80 percent (Jan. 11, 2021 vs. Ohio State)
1st in Alabama history in single-season completion percentage (min. 50 completions): 68.8 percent (2019)
1st in Alabama history in single-season completion percentage (min. 200 completions): 77.4 percent (2020)
1st in Alabama history in consecutive completions: 19 completions
2nd in FBS history in career passing efficiency rating in a career (400-499 completions): 197.6
2nd in Alabama history in passing yards in a game: 475 yards (Jan. 11, 2021 vs. Ohio State)
2nd in Alabama history in passing touchdowns in a season: 42 touchdowns (2020)

that doesn't make him a better prospect. He wasn't. Williams and Maye are both much better prospects than Jones was. It isn't close.

It does make him a more successful college QB, but that often is not an indicator of NFL success.  I mean look at Mahomes, Allen, Herbert, and countless other great NFL QB and how they did in college. Now sure you do have guys like Lawrence who are both, but Lawrence is much more a rarity than the norm for a highly rated QB in the draft.

Yeah, a college resume means almost nothing, especially when playing on a team as loaded as Alabama.  Mac Jones was a more successful college player, but Williams in particular is seen as head and shoulders better than him as a prospect.

I think the phrase "generational talent" is probably being overused in this conversation, assuming that means a talent that comes along once or twice per 15 to 20 years.  That's Peyton Manning, or Andrew Luck, a prospect who is seen as can't miss. 

Is Caleb Williams that?  Probably not.  What he is is a legit #1 prospect, a QB who would go #1 in most drafts.

Caleb Williams is good enough that the Bears would legitimately consider taking him over the combination of Justin Fields and Marvin Harrison.

perhaps, but I do know many in the media have been calling Williams a generational talent for over a year. Heck a few prominent fox sports personalities, had Williams as a top 10 QB on their lists of QB's earlier this year (and I mean top 10 in NFL).  I don't think it is a stretch to call Willams a generational talent.  A bit more of one for Maye, but I'm reading more and more reports about how Maye may be even better than Williams.  How scouts are salivating over both of them and that there really haven't been any QB's since Lawrence with this level of hype and there are 2 this year.  Perhaps neither is a true can't miss prospect in the vein of Lawrence, Luck, Manning,  but these are the guys and there won't be in any in the next draft either.  Williams and Maye absolutely should go 1 and 2 in this draft. It is a no brainer. For as good as Harrison is, he isn't a QB.  You have to take the QB or trade the pick for the biggest haul every. Nothing else makes sense.

[Moranis]

There's 3 realistic paths I can see the Patriots taking

1. Draft Caleb Williams or Maye

2. Draft Marvin Harrison Jr. + take a QB late 1st round or early 2nd (Penix?)

3. Trade down slightly and take Jayden Daniels in the Top-10 somewhere + get 1-2 more picks to use maybe on O-Line or receiver help later in the 1st or 2nd rounds.

It does feel extremely likely that the Pats will have a Top-2 pick though. So they'll have options.

2 is how you get fired. That really doesn't seem like a realistic path.

[Phantom255x]

There's 3 realistic paths I can see the Patriots taking

1. Draft Caleb Williams or Maye

2. Draft Marvin Harrison Jr. + take a QB late 1st round or early 2nd (Penix?)

3. Trade down slightly and take Jayden Daniels in the Top-10 somewhere + get 1-2 more picks to use maybe on O-Line or receiver help later in the 1st or 2nd rounds.

It does feel extremely likely that the Pats will have a Top-2 pick though. So they'll have options.

2 is how you get fired. That really doesn't seem like a realistic path.

Belichick may get fired anyways.

But it's not really "unrealistic". If they are that high on MHJ and feel better about any of the other QBs as opposed to Williams/Maye, they'll do that. I'm obviously no scout or talent evaluator so I can't say for sure what's the best move. I would personally go #1. You can still get WRs through other avenues, but it doesn't matter if you don't have the QB.

I'm also not so sold that the Bears take a QB with #1, or that Williams is even the consensus #1. Is it very likely both things happen? Yeah. I doubt it's 100% though, not like it was thought a month ago.

[Moranis]

There's 3 realistic paths I can see the Patriots taking

1. Draft Caleb Williams or Maye

2. Draft Marvin Harrison Jr. + take a QB late 1st round or early 2nd (Penix?)

3. Trade down slightly and take Jayden Daniels in the Top-10 somewhere + get 1-2 more picks to use maybe on O-Line or receiver help later in the 1st or 2nd rounds.

It does feel extremely likely that the Pats will have a Top-2 pick though. So they'll have options.

2 is how you get fired. That really doesn't seem like a realistic path.

Belichick may get fired anyways.

But it's not really "unrealistic". If they are that high on MHJ and feel better about any of the other QBs as opposed to Williams/Maye, they'll do that. I'm obviously no scout or talent evaluator so I can't say for sure what's the best move. I would personally go #1. You can still get WRs through other avenues, but it doesn't matter if you don't have the QB.

I'm also not so sold that the Bears take a QB with #1, or that Williams is even the consensus #1. Is it very likely both things happen? Yeah. I doubt it's 100% though, not like it was thought a month ago.

the draft is after they make a decision on Bill. A long way after. If they have a new group in, they aren't doing 2.

[Roy H.]

The betting over/under total on the "Thursday Night Football" game between the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers is testing a 30-year low, and weather isn't even a factor.

The total on the Patriots-Steelers game dipped to 29.5 earlier this week at ESPN BET before settling at a consensus 30 at sportsbooks as of Thursday morning. That would be the lowest over/under since a 2006 divisional playoff game between the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears (30).

There hasn't been a total under 30 since Dec. 26, 1993, when frigid temperatures contributed to three games having sub-30 totals.

That's wild.  And, I'd probably take the under.