Patriots 2023 Season

[Goldstar88]

Mayo’s interview with Kraft was something else.. 

Starts at 6:50 mark. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kLqNjXFDuWE&t=377s&pp=ygUbamVyb2QgbWF5byBwcmVzcyBjb25mZXJlbmNl

[TheBig3]

While Robert Kraft played a hand in the star quarterback’s New England exit, the owner reportedly took aim at Bill Belichick after Brady won it all immediately after leaving the Patriots.

“Bill had told me he couldn’t play anymore, and then he goes out and wins the (expletive) Super Bowl,” Kraft said privately, according to ESPN’s Seth Wickersham and Wright Thompson.

After the 2019 season, the Patriots (GM Bill) offered Tom 2 years at $25m per season, but was structured as a one year deal. The offer was BS for the greatest QB of all time. They effectively low-balled him so that he would move on. I'm convinced that Bill thought Tom was done.

Maybe Tom was convinced that Bill was done....

I agree.  I find it entirely believable that Belichick told Kraft that he didn't think Brady could play anymore.  Whether Kraft could have or should have not listened to Belichick is something entirely different.  That is likely what Bill told Kraft and it turned out to be very wrong.  Kraft now is holding that against Belichick, and letting it be known to the world.

Or did Kraft ask Bill if he thought Brady could play at an elite level for the entirety of the contract, as most likely, it would have been negotiated by Brady's agent to be fully guaranteed.

One of Bill's greatest assets was being a shield to Kraft's budget. It makes zero sense that Bill would have a self mandated budget, as it's not his money. As Felger would say, the cap is cr@p, so the budget had nothing to do with the cap.

Either way, Bill was wrong. Tom was good enough to win a SB, as evidenced by the SB he won.

Bill, on the other hand, went 7-9, 10-7, 8-9, and 4-13 without Tom.

Bob would have been better off not listening to (or firing) Bill, even if Brady retired after two years.

It will be interesting for the ultimate argument if BB  goes and wins a SB with a talented team.

If he does, does that mean that Bill the coach had something left, but Bill the GM failed? That's how I would look at it.

[Vermont Green]

I wonder if someone should start a Patriots draft thread.  But lacking that, I can put this here.  This is a mock draft from a writer in CHI.

https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news/bears-trade-down-twice-in-latest-mock-draft/533482/

New England Patriots (via Carolina) (via Chicago): QB - Caleb Williams, USC

It’s possible Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, passes on another highly rated quarterback, trading down to acquire more draft capital and talented prospects.

The Bears could move the first overall pick to the Patriots for a significant haul. Chicago would then acquire New England’s third pick in the first round; 68th pick (3rd); 139th pick (4th); plus 2025’s first and second round picks, too.

I am curious how many people would agree with this type of sell the farm trade to move up for Williams (or Maye).  I think it is a really bad idea.  Top QB draft picks go bust all the time.  In this scenario, not only do you waste this year's pick but also a bunch of other picks too.

If we have to go QB, I would rather just reach and take Daniels at #3.  If Daniels busts, you waste one really good pick but at least you don't waste 5 total picks.  Don't repeat SF's mistake.

[Donoghus]

I wonder if someone should start a Patriots draft thread.  But lacking that, I can put this here.  This is a mock draft from a writer in CHI.

https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news/bears-trade-down-twice-in-latest-mock-draft/533482/

New England Patriots (via Carolina) (via Chicago): QB - Caleb Williams, USC

It’s possible Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, passes on another highly rated quarterback, trading down to acquire more draft capital and talented prospects.

The Bears could move the first overall pick to the Patriots for a significant haul. Chicago would then acquire New England’s third pick in the first round; 68th pick (3rd); 139th pick (4th); plus 2025’s first and second round picks, too.

I am curious how many people would agree with this type of sell the farm trade to move up for Williams (or Maye).  I think it is a really bad idea.  Top QB draft picks go bust all the time.  In this scenario, not only do you waste this year's pick but also a bunch of other picks too.

If we have to go QB, I would rather just reach and take Daniels at #3.  If Daniels busts, you waste one really good pick but at least you don't waste 5 total picks.  Don't repeat SF's mistake.

That'd be an incredible haul for the Bears but there is no way in hell the Pats should do it.

Pats have several pressing needs outside of the QB position.  Gutting your draft capital to move up 2 slots here is way too much of a risk and you're really tying everything to this QB.

[Goldstar88]

I wonder if someone should start a Patriots draft thread.  But lacking that, I can put this here.  This is a mock draft from a writer in CHI.

https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news/bears-trade-down-twice-in-latest-mock-draft/533482/

New England Patriots (via Carolina) (via Chicago): QB - Caleb Williams, USC

It’s possible Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, passes on another highly rated quarterback, trading down to acquire more draft capital and talented prospects.

The Bears could move the first overall pick to the Patriots for a significant haul. Chicago would then acquire New England’s third pick in the first round; 68th pick (3rd); 139th pick (4th); plus 2025’s first and second round picks, too.

I am curious how many people would agree with this type of sell the farm trade to move up for Williams (or Maye).  I think it is a really bad idea.  Top QB draft picks go bust all the time.  In this scenario, not only do you waste this year's pick but also a bunch of other picks too.

If we have to go QB, I would rather just reach and take Daniels at #3.  If Daniels busts, you waste one really good pick but at least you don't waste 5 total picks.  Don't repeat SF's mistake.

I wouldn’t. Worth mentioning that Mac was at Mayo and Krafts press conference today. Jerod mentioned in a separate interview this afternoon, when asked about the QB’s the Pats currently have, said “I’d say that we have hard workers, I said earlier that we want to continue to evaluate every position, coaches included, but what I will say is that I walked in today and Mac Jones was in there working out. We can say whatever we want, but that attitude, that mentality of just changing the page is something that I hold high.”

I think they will give Mac one more shot.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I wonder if someone should start a Patriots draft thread.  But lacking that, I can put this here.  This is a mock draft from a writer in CHI.

https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news/bears-trade-down-twice-in-latest-mock-draft/533482/

New England Patriots (via Carolina) (via Chicago): QB - Caleb Williams, USC

It’s possible Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, passes on another highly rated quarterback, trading down to acquire more draft capital and talented prospects.

The Bears could move the first overall pick to the Patriots for a significant haul. Chicago would then acquire New England’s third pick in the first round; 68th pick (3rd); 139th pick (4th); plus 2025’s first and second round picks, too.

I am curious how many people would agree with this type of sell the farm trade to move up for Williams (or Maye).  I think it is a really bad idea.  Top QB draft picks go bust all the time.  In this scenario, not only do you waste this year's pick but also a bunch of other picks too.

If we have to go QB, I would rather just reach and take Daniels at #3.  If Daniels busts, you waste one really good pick but at least you don't waste 5 total picks.  Don't repeat SF's mistake.

That'd be an incredible haul for the Bears but there is no way in hell the Pats should do it.

Pats have several pressing needs outside of the QB position.  Gutting your draft capital to move up 2 slots here is way too much of a risk and you're really tying everything to this QB.

I agree. As it stands, there are only two players the Pats absolutely couldn't get, so they should be able to draft an impact player at No. 3 and then have their remaining picks to address other needs.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I wonder if someone should start a Patriots draft thread.  But lacking that, I can put this here.  This is a mock draft from a writer in CHI.

https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news/bears-trade-down-twice-in-latest-mock-draft/533482/

New England Patriots (via Carolina) (via Chicago): QB - Caleb Williams, USC

It’s possible Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, passes on another highly rated quarterback, trading down to acquire more draft capital and talented prospects.

The Bears could move the first overall pick to the Patriots for a significant haul. Chicago would then acquire New England’s third pick in the first round; 68th pick (3rd); 139th pick (4th); plus 2025’s first and second round picks, too.

I am curious how many people would agree with this type of sell the farm trade to move up for Williams (or Maye).  I think it is a really bad idea.  Top QB draft picks go bust all the time.  In this scenario, not only do you waste this year's pick but also a bunch of other picks too.

If we have to go QB, I would rather just reach and take Daniels at #3.  If Daniels busts, you waste one really good pick but at least you don't waste 5 total picks.  Don't repeat SF's mistake.

I wouldn’t. Worth mentioning that Mac was at Mayo and Krafts press conference today. Jerod mentioned in a separate interview this afternoon, when asked about the QB’s the Pats currently have, he said “I’d say that we have hard workers, I said earlier that we want to continue to evaluate every position, coaches included, but what I will say is that I walked in today and Mac Jones was in there working out. We can say whatever we want, but that attitude, that mentality of just changing the page is something that I hold high.”

I think they will give Mac one more shot.

Whether it's Mac or someone else, that O-line better be a top priority.

[Neurotic Guy]

I wonder if someone should start a Patriots draft thread.  But lacking that, I can put this here.  This is a mock draft from a writer in CHI.

https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news/bears-trade-down-twice-in-latest-mock-draft/533482/

New England Patriots (via Carolina) (via Chicago): QB - Caleb Williams, USC

It’s possible Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, passes on another highly rated quarterback, trading down to acquire more draft capital and talented prospects.

The Bears could move the first overall pick to the Patriots for a significant haul. Chicago would then acquire New England’s third pick in the first round; 68th pick (3rd); 139th pick (4th); plus 2025’s first and second round picks, too.

I am curious how many people would agree with this type of sell the farm trade to move up for Williams (or Maye).  I think it is a really bad idea.  Top QB draft picks go bust all the time.  In this scenario, not only do you waste this year's pick but also a bunch of other picks too.

If we have to go QB, I would rather just reach and take Daniels at #3.  If Daniels busts, you waste one really good pick but at least you don't waste 5 total picks.  Don't repeat SF's mistake.

That'd be an incredible haul for the Bears but there is no way in hell the Pats should do it.

Pats have several pressing needs outside of the QB position.  Gutting your draft capital to move up 2 slots here is way too much of a risk and you're really tying everything to this QB.

What if you moderated that trade. If the Bears want MHJ, the Pats are the only trade partner. Trade #3, 2024 4th, and next year’s 1st.  Would you do it then?

[Vermont Green]

For me I would rather just take Daniels if you have your heart set on a QB.

[Moranis]

I wonder if someone should start a Patriots draft thread.  But lacking that, I can put this here.  This is a mock draft from a writer in CHI.

https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news/bears-trade-down-twice-in-latest-mock-draft/533482/

New England Patriots (via Carolina) (via Chicago): QB - Caleb Williams, USC

It’s possible Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, passes on another highly rated quarterback, trading down to acquire more draft capital and talented prospects.

The Bears could move the first overall pick to the Patriots for a significant haul. Chicago would then acquire New England’s third pick in the first round; 68th pick (3rd); 139th pick (4th); plus 2025’s first and second round picks, too.

I am curious how many people would agree with this type of sell the farm trade to move up for Williams (or Maye).  I think it is a really bad idea.  Top QB draft picks go bust all the time.  In this scenario, not only do you waste this year's pick but also a bunch of other picks too.

If we have to go QB, I would rather just reach and take Daniels at #3.  If Daniels busts, you waste one really good pick but at least you don't waste 5 total picks.  Don't repeat SF's mistake.

Guys who are projected as the #1 pick years in advance don't bust all of the time.  In fact, I can't recall any such prospect that was a bust in that scenario.  Now they don't all turn into Peyton Manning, but Andrew Luck or Trevor Lawrence isn't bad. 

That is what it takes to get #1 in this type of draft.  It is only 2 1st's because New England has 3.  I mean last year the trade was 9, 61, 2024 1st, 2025 2nd, plus DJ Moore (who the Bears wanted instead of the 25 1st). 

And that was in a draft when there were legit questions about who they should take. This draft is different

[Vermont Green]

I wonder if someone should start a Patriots draft thread.  But lacking that, I can put this here.  This is a mock draft from a writer in CHI.

https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news/bears-trade-down-twice-in-latest-mock-draft/533482/

New England Patriots (via Carolina) (via Chicago): QB - Caleb Williams, USC

It’s possible Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, passes on another highly rated quarterback, trading down to acquire more draft capital and talented prospects.

The Bears could move the first overall pick to the Patriots for a significant haul. Chicago would then acquire New England’s third pick in the first round; 68th pick (3rd); 139th pick (4th); plus 2025’s first and second round picks, too.

I am curious how many people would agree with this type of sell the farm trade to move up for Williams (or Maye).  I think it is a really bad idea.  Top QB draft picks go bust all the time.  In this scenario, not only do you waste this year's pick but also a bunch of other picks too.

If we have to go QB, I would rather just reach and take Daniels at #3.  If Daniels busts, you waste one really good pick but at least you don't waste 5 total picks.  Don't repeat SF's mistake.

Guys who are projected as the #1 pick years in advance don't bust all of the time.  In fact, I can't recall any such prospect that was a bust in that scenario.  Now they don't all turn into Peyton Manning, but Andrew Luck or Trevor Lawrence isn't bad. 

That is what it takes to get #1 in this type of draft.  It is only 2 1st's because New England has 3.  I mean last year the trade was 9, 61, 2024 1st, 2025 2nd, plus DJ Moore (who the Bears wanted instead of the 25 1st). 

And that was in a draft when there were legit questions about who they should take. This draft is different

I am not suggesting that every number one pick quarterback ends up a bust. That of course is not the case. But there is a lot of risk. I would say that generally trades like that do not work out. Some I suppose do.  Quarterback is an important position in football, of course. I am hesitant even to use the third pick on a QB. I definitely don’t want to spend 2 firsts and more just to move up and get a QB that may or may not even be better in the end.  Just too much risk.

[Roy H.]

I wonder if someone should start a Patriots draft thread.  But lacking that, I can put this here.  This is a mock draft from a writer in CHI.

https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news/bears-trade-down-twice-in-latest-mock-draft/533482/

New England Patriots (via Carolina) (via Chicago): QB - Caleb Williams, USC

It’s possible Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, passes on another highly rated quarterback, trading down to acquire more draft capital and talented prospects.

The Bears could move the first overall pick to the Patriots for a significant haul. Chicago would then acquire New England’s third pick in the first round; 68th pick (3rd); 139th pick (4th); plus 2025’s first and second round picks, too.

I am curious how many people would agree with this type of sell the farm trade to move up for Williams (or Maye).  I think it is a really bad idea.  Top QB draft picks go bust all the time.  In this scenario, not only do you waste this year's pick but also a bunch of other picks too.

If we have to go QB, I would rather just reach and take Daniels at #3.  If Daniels busts, you waste one really good pick but at least you don't waste 5 total picks.  Don't repeat SF's mistake.

Guys who are projected as the #1 pick years in advance don't bust all of the time.  In fact, I can't recall any such prospect that was a bust in that scenario.  Now they don't all turn into Peyton Manning, but Andrew Luck or Trevor Lawrence isn't bad. 

That is what it takes to get #1 in this type of draft.  It is only 2 1st's because New England has 3.  I mean last year the trade was 9, 61, 2024 1st, 2025 2nd, plus DJ Moore (who the Bears wanted instead of the 25 1st). 

And that was in a draft when there were legit questions about who they should take. This draft is different

I am not suggesting that every number one pick quarterback ends up a bust. That of course is not the case. But there is a lot of risk. I would say that generally trades like that do not work out. Some I suppose do.  Quarterback is an important position in football, of course. I am hesitant even to use the third pick on a QB. I definitely don’t want to spend 2 firsts and more just to move up and get a QB that may or may not even be better in the end.  Just too much risk.

That said, what if Williams is worth it?  If he's at the level of a Herbert or a Burrow, that's worth several picks, right?  If Carolina had taken C.J. Stroud, they'd probably feel great about last year's move.

I mean, if Williams is "the guy", you're giving up a future #1 and a couple of day three picks to move up.  If you hit on that pick, the team is set at QB for 15 years.

[BitterJim]

I wonder if someone should start a Patriots draft thread.  But lacking that, I can put this here.  This is a mock draft from a writer in CHI.

https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news/bears-trade-down-twice-in-latest-mock-draft/533482/

New England Patriots (via Carolina) (via Chicago): QB - Caleb Williams, USC

It’s possible Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, passes on another highly rated quarterback, trading down to acquire more draft capital and talented prospects.

The Bears could move the first overall pick to the Patriots for a significant haul. Chicago would then acquire New England’s third pick in the first round; 68th pick (3rd); 139th pick (4th); plus 2025’s first and second round picks, too.

I am curious how many people would agree with this type of sell the farm trade to move up for Williams (or Maye).  I think it is a really bad idea.  Top QB draft picks go bust all the time.  In this scenario, not only do you waste this year's pick but also a bunch of other picks too.

If we have to go QB, I would rather just reach and take Daniels at #3.  If Daniels busts, you waste one really good pick but at least you don't waste 5 total picks.  Don't repeat SF's mistake.

That'd be an incredible haul for the Bears but there is no way in hell the Pats should do it.

Pats have several pressing needs outside of the QB position.  Gutting your draft capital to move up 2 slots here is way too much of a risk and you're really tying everything to this QB.

What if you moderated that trade. If the Bears want MHJ, the Pats are the only trade partner. Trade #3, 2024 4th, and next year’s 1st.  Would you do it then?

The future first is really a deal breaker for me. I don't think we'll be a very good team next year, and giving up two top picks like that is too much.

If the team were a QB away then sure. But we need talent all over the offensive side of the ball, and that is gonna require our top picks

[Vermont Green]

I wonder if someone should start a Patriots draft thread.  But lacking that, I can put this here.  This is a mock draft from a writer in CHI.

https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news/bears-trade-down-twice-in-latest-mock-draft/533482/

New England Patriots (via Carolina) (via Chicago): QB - Caleb Williams, USC

It’s possible Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, passes on another highly rated quarterback, trading down to acquire more draft capital and talented prospects.

The Bears could move the first overall pick to the Patriots for a significant haul. Chicago would then acquire New England’s third pick in the first round; 68th pick (3rd); 139th pick (4th); plus 2025’s first and second round picks, too.

I am curious how many people would agree with this type of sell the farm trade to move up for Williams (or Maye).  I think it is a really bad idea.  Top QB draft picks go bust all the time.  In this scenario, not only do you waste this year's pick but also a bunch of other picks too.

If we have to go QB, I would rather just reach and take Daniels at #3.  If Daniels busts, you waste one really good pick but at least you don't waste 5 total picks.  Don't repeat SF's mistake.

Guys who are projected as the #1 pick years in advance don't bust all of the time.  In fact, I can't recall any such prospect that was a bust in that scenario.  Now they don't all turn into Peyton Manning, but Andrew Luck or Trevor Lawrence isn't bad. 

That is what it takes to get #1 in this type of draft.  It is only 2 1st's because New England has 3.  I mean last year the trade was 9, 61, 2024 1st, 2025 2nd, plus DJ Moore (who the Bears wanted instead of the 25 1st). 

And that was in a draft when there were legit questions about who they should take. This draft is different

I am not suggesting that every number one pick quarterback ends up a bust. That of course is not the case. But there is a lot of risk. I would say that generally trades like that do not work out. Some I suppose do.  Quarterback is an important position in football, of course. I am hesitant even to use the third pick on a QB. I definitely don’t want to spend 2 firsts and more just to move up and get a QB that may or may not even be better in the end.  Just too much risk.

That said, what if Williams is worth it?  If he's at the level of a Herbert or a Burrow, that's worth several picks, right?  If Carolina had taken C.J. Stroud, they'd probably feel great about last year's move.

I mean, if Williams is "the guy", you're giving up a future #1 and a couple of day three picks to move up.  If you hit on that pick, the team is set at QB for 15 years.

If you knew that for sure, then of course you do the trade. But the whole point is you don’t know. That is the risk. You might get the guy you might not. I don’t want to risk that much for that much uncertainty.

[Goldstar88]

I wonder if someone should start a Patriots draft thread.  But lacking that, I can put this here.  This is a mock draft from a writer in CHI.

https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/bears-news/bears-trade-down-twice-in-latest-mock-draft/533482/

New England Patriots (via Carolina) (via Chicago): QB - Caleb Williams, USC

It’s possible Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Poles, passes on another highly rated quarterback, trading down to acquire more draft capital and talented prospects.

The Bears could move the first overall pick to the Patriots for a significant haul. Chicago would then acquire New England’s third pick in the first round; 68th pick (3rd); 139th pick (4th); plus 2025’s first and second round picks, too.

I am curious how many people would agree with this type of sell the farm trade to move up for Williams (or Maye).  I think it is a really bad idea.  Top QB draft picks go bust all the time.  In this scenario, not only do you waste this year's pick but also a bunch of other picks too.

If we have to go QB, I would rather just reach and take Daniels at #3.  If Daniels busts, you waste one really good pick but at least you don't waste 5 total picks.  Don't repeat SF's mistake.

I wouldn’t. Worth mentioning that Mac was at Mayo and Krafts press conference today. Jerod mentioned in a separate interview this afternoon, when asked about the QB’s the Pats currently have, he said “I’d say that we have hard workers, I said earlier that we want to continue to evaluate every position, coaches included, but what I will say is that I walked in today and Mac Jones was in there working out. We can say whatever we want, but that attitude, that mentality of just changing the page is something that I hold high.”

I think they will give Mac one more shot.

Whether it's Mac or someone else, that O-line better be a top priority.

Yep. 2 of the top 5 best FA O-Lineman this off-season…: Mike Onwenu and Trent Brown.