Patriots 2023 Season

[SparzWizard]

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.

It would be the first biggest mistake Jerod Mayo will make as a Patriots head coach- giving Mac another shot. That guy is shot already, two legs down the grave

[Celtics2021]

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.

It would be the first biggest mistake Jerod Mayo will make as a Patriots head coach- giving Mac another shot. That guy is shot already, two legs down the grave

I think they draft a QB but give Mac a shot to win the job in camp.  There will be a time when the switch is made, but long-term they’re better off having their QB of the future step in when he’s ready (and the OL and receiving corps are ready) rather than thrusting him in there on Day 1. Most rookie QBs are not CJ Stroud.

But they do need to get him a different OC and QB coach.  He needs to be rebuilt.

[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.

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.

It would be the first biggest mistake Jerod Mayo will make as a Patriots head coach- giving Mac another shot. That guy is shot already, two legs down the grave

I think they draft a QB but give Mac a shot to win the job in camp.  There will be a time when the switch is made, but long-term they’re better off having their QB of the future step in when he’s ready (and the OL and receiving corps are ready) rather than thrusting him in there on Day 1. Most rookie QBs are not CJ Stroud.

But they do need to get him a different OC and QB coach.  He needs to be rebuilt.

If the Pats draft a QB in the 1st round and he can't beat out Mac Jones, then they might as well throw in the towel on the player before he plays a game.  Even a 2nd or 3rd round QB should be able to beat out Jones, but at least that is closer.

[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.

It would be the first biggest mistake Jerod Mayo will make as a Patriots head coach- giving Mac another shot. That guy is shot already, two legs down the grave

I think they draft a QB but give Mac a shot to win the job in camp.  There will be a time when the switch is made, but long-term they’re better off having their QB of the future step in when he’s ready (and the OL and receiving corps are ready) rather than thrusting him in there on Day 1. Most rookie QBs are not CJ Stroud.

But they do need to get him a different OC and QB coach.  He needs to be rebuilt.

If the Pats draft a QB in the 1st round and he can't beat out Mac Jones, then they might as well throw in the towel on the player before he plays a game.  Even a 2nd or 3rd round QB should be able to beat out Jones, but at least that is closer.

You think the Rookie QB will come in and have 22TD’s and 3800 yards passing like Mac did? Oh, right. That never happened. 

[green_bballers13]

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 don't think you trade many assets to move up to pick Andrew Luck or Trevor Lawrence.

All pro players are drafted all over the place. The Patriots are most likely going to suck next year- look how painful it is for Carolina to give up their #1 pick this year because of last year's trade for a QB that didn't meet expectations.

This isn't the NBA draft where you know there's a guy like Wemby or Lebron.

[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.

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.

It would be the first biggest mistake Jerod Mayo will make as a Patriots head coach- giving Mac another shot. That guy is shot already, two legs down the grave

I think they draft a QB but give Mac a shot to win the job in camp.  There will be a time when the switch is made, but long-term they’re better off having their QB of the future step in when he’s ready (and the OL and receiving corps are ready) rather than thrusting him in there on Day 1. Most rookie QBs are not CJ Stroud.

But they do need to get him a different OC and QB coach.  He needs to be rebuilt.

If the Pats draft a QB in the 1st round and he can't beat out Mac Jones, then they might as well throw in the towel on the player before he plays a game.  Even a 2nd or 3rd round QB should be able to beat out Jones, but at least that is closer.

You think the Rookie QB will come in and have 22TD’s and 3800 yards passing like Mac did? Oh, right. That never happened. 

It was 3 years ago man. That isn't who Jones is now. Jones, right now, is a guy that got benched for Bailey Zappe

[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

I don't think you trade many assets to move up to pick Andrew Luck or Trevor Lawrence.

All pro players are drafted all over the place. The Patriots are most likely going to suck next year- look how painful it is for Carolina to give up their #1 pick this year because of last year's trade for a QB that didn't meet expectations.

This isn't the NBA draft where you know there's a guy like Wemby or Lebron.

except those guys do exist and when you are position to draft one you should. 

The Colts were 2-14, drafted Luck and went 11-5.  Sure sometimes the team struggles the first year, like the Colts did with Manning, but you trade up for those players.

The Pats have a solid defense.  They have solid RB's (no game breaker but solid).  They need an OL or two, a #1 WR, and a QB.  The Pats have a ton of cap room.  They should be able to shore up the holes in free agency and can then use the draft capital to get the 1 position they will be unlikely to fill in free agency i.e. 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.

It would be the first biggest mistake Jerod Mayo will make as a Patriots head coach- giving Mac another shot. That guy is shot already, two legs down the grave

I think they draft a QB but give Mac a shot to win the job in camp.  There will be a time when the switch is made, but long-term they’re better off having their QB of the future step in when he’s ready (and the OL and receiving corps are ready) rather than thrusting him in there on Day 1. Most rookie QBs are not CJ Stroud.

But they do need to get him a different OC and QB coach.  He needs to be rebuilt.

If the Pats draft a QB in the 1st round and he can't beat out Mac Jones, then they might as well throw in the towel on the player before he plays a game.  Even a 2nd or 3rd round QB should be able to beat out Jones, but at least that is closer.

You think the Rookie QB will come in and have 22TD’s and 3800 yards passing like Mac did? Oh, right. That never happened. 

It was 3 years ago man. That isn't who Jones is now. Jones, right now, is a guy that got benched for Bailey Zappe

Right, and Bailey Zappe went in and played just as bad. I wonder why… Bet you didn’t watch a minute of one Pats game this whole year. Not that I blame you for that. They were awful. 

[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.

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.

It would be the first biggest mistake Jerod Mayo will make as a Patriots head coach- giving Mac another shot. That guy is shot already, two legs down the grave

I think they draft a QB but give Mac a shot to win the job in camp.  There will be a time when the switch is made, but long-term they’re better off having their QB of the future step in when he’s ready (and the OL and receiving corps are ready) rather than thrusting him in there on Day 1. Most rookie QBs are not CJ Stroud.

But they do need to get him a different OC and QB coach.  He needs to be rebuilt.

If the Pats draft a QB in the 1st round and he can't beat out Mac Jones, then they might as well throw in the towel on the player before he plays a game.  Even a 2nd or 3rd round QB should be able to beat out Jones, but at least that is closer.

You think the Rookie QB will come in and have 22TD’s and 3800 yards passing like Mac did? Oh, right. That never happened. 

It was 3 years ago man. That isn't who Jones is now. Jones, right now, is a guy that got benched for Bailey Zappe

Right, and Bailey Zappe went in and played just as bad. I wonder why… Bet you didn’t watch a minute of one Pats game this whole year. Not that I blame you for that. They were awful. 

Bailey Zappe isn't a NFL starter either, which is the point. Mac Jones is so bad that he got benched for a terrible QB because that was the better option. I watched a few games. Certainly not as many as most on here, but not zero either

[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.

It would be the first biggest mistake Jerod Mayo will make as a Patriots head coach- giving Mac another shot. That guy is shot already, two legs down the grave

I think they draft a QB but give Mac a shot to win the job in camp.  There will be a time when the switch is made, but long-term they’re better off having their QB of the future step in when he’s ready (and the OL and receiving corps are ready) rather than thrusting him in there on Day 1. Most rookie QBs are not CJ Stroud.

But they do need to get him a different OC and QB coach.  He needs to be rebuilt.

If the Pats draft a QB in the 1st round and he can't beat out Mac Jones, then they might as well throw in the towel on the player before he plays a game.  Even a 2nd or 3rd round QB should be able to beat out Jones, but at least that is closer.

You think the Rookie QB will come in and have 22TD’s and 3800 yards passing like Mac did? Oh, right. That never happened. 

It was 3 years ago man. That isn't who Jones is now. Jones, right now, is a guy that got benched for Bailey Zappe

Right, and Bailey Zappe went in and played just as bad. I wonder why… Bet you didn’t watch a minute of one Pats game this whole year. Not that I blame you for that. They were awful. 

Bailey Zappe isn't a NFL starter either, which is the point. Mac Jones is so bad that he got benched for a terrible QB because that was the better option. I watched a few games. Certainly not as many as most on here, but not zero either

So Mac was fine as a starter his Rookie season, out performing Lawrence, Wilson, Fields, Lance, but now at the ripe old age of 25 he can’t play football anymore and isn’t an NFL QB. Yes, I’m sure that is all on him and has nothing to do with what has been going on in Foxboro over the last few years. That makes sense.

[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 don't think you trade many assets to move up to pick Andrew Luck or Trevor Lawrence.

All pro players are drafted all over the place. The Patriots are most likely going to suck next year- look how painful it is for Carolina to give up their #1 pick this year because of last year's trade for a QB that didn't meet expectations.

This isn't the NBA draft where you know there's a guy like Wemby or Lebron.

except those guys do exist and when you are position to draft one you should. 

The Colts were 2-14, drafted Luck and went 11-5.  Sure sometimes the team struggles the first year, like the Colts did with Manning, but you trade up for those players.

The Pats have a solid defense.  They have solid RB's (no game breaker but solid).  They need an OL or two, a #1 WR, and a QB.  The Pats have a ton of cap room.  They should be able to shore up the holes in free agency and can then use the draft capital to get the 1 position they will be unlikely to fill in free agency i.e. QB.

Yeah, Andrew Luck is easily worth an extra #1 and #2, at least.  If healthy, he'd conservatively be a top-3 QB right now, and maybe #1.  Those guys you pay through the nose for.

I don't have the qualifications to determine how good Caleb Williams is, but he's at least as good as Jordan Love, right?  That's a guy you can feel good about.  And, Williams' upside is allegedly much higher.

[Roy H.]

That Bears writer reminds me of one of those fan mocks you see online that are totally lopsided:

3. Atlanta Falcons (via New England) (via Chicago): QB - Jayden Daniels, LSU

Arguably, many pundits believe the Falcons lacked competent and consistent quarterback play last season. Atlanta may seize an opportunity to move up in the draft and possibly take Daniels, an extremely athletic and dynamic signal caller.

In order to select Daniels, Atlanta might offer Chicago its eighth overall pick (1st), followed by its 74th (3rd) and 145th (5th). The Falcons finalize this potential trade by including their 2025 first and third-round spots. Pairing Daniels with Atlanta’s explosive skill players (Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London) could make them immediately dangerous in a wide-open NFC South division.

So, effectively, by trading #1, they end up with #8, two 3rds, a 4th, and a 5th this year, two 2025 #1s and a 2025 #2.  Let's get it done.

Although, truth be told, I'd be sad to lose Marvin Harrison Jr.  At that point the Bears need to trade back up to #4, right?  Haha.  Silly season.

[johnnygreen]

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.

It would be the first biggest mistake Jerod Mayo will make as a Patriots head coach- giving Mac another shot. That guy is shot already, two legs down the grave

I think they draft a QB but give Mac a shot to win the job in camp.  There will be a time when the switch is made, but long-term they’re better off having their QB of the future step in when he’s ready (and the OL and receiving corps are ready) rather than thrusting him in there on Day 1. Most rookie QBs are not CJ Stroud.

But they do need to get him a different OC and QB coach.  He needs to be rebuilt.

If the Pats draft a QB in the 1st round and he can't beat out Mac Jones, then they might as well throw in the towel on the player before he plays a game.  Even a 2nd or 3rd round QB should be able to beat out Jones, but at least that is closer.

You think the Rookie QB will come in and have 22TD’s and 3800 yards passing like Mac did? Oh, right. That never happened. 

It was 3 years ago man. That isn't who Jones is now. Jones, right now, is a guy that got benched for Bailey Zappe

Right, and Bailey Zappe went in and played just as bad. I wonder why… Bet you didn’t watch a minute of one Pats game this whole year. Not that I blame you for that. They were awful. 

Bailey Zappe isn't a NFL starter either, which is the point. Mac Jones is so bad that he got benched for a terrible QB because that was the better option. I watched a few games. Certainly not as many as most on here, but not zero either

So Mac was fine as a starter his Rookie season, out performing Lawrence, Wilson, Fields, Lance, but now at the ripe old age of 25 he can’t play football anymore and isn’t an NFL QB. Yes, I’m sure that is all on him and has nothing to do with what has been going on in Foxboro over the last few years. That makes sense.

Obviously you weren't paying attention either. Don't you realize Mac's downside started in Buffalo, when he only threw 3 passes? 

[Phantom255x]

Starting to kind of get the eerie feeling that they're sticking with Mac Jones and will either draft MHJ with #3 or trade down for an OT between picks 5-8 (Fashanu, Alt, etc.). Kraft loves Mac, played a huge part in nabbing him and is still on a rookie contract. Maybe they aren't high on Maye/Daniels either.

I personally would much rather move on from Mac and take Maye or Daniels (or trade up for Caleb if possible).

But regardless, they absolutely have the draft capital AND cap space to add at least a legit WR1 and 1-2 tackles (preferably with 1 being an Onwenu re-signing). The next QB needs to be great but also needs to have a great supporting cast. Stroud and Jordan Love are fantastic but lets also not act like they don't have good coaching AND a solid cast around them with good weapons. That does matter too.

[BitterJim]

Starting to kind of get the eerie feeling that they're sticking with Mac Jones and will either draft MHJ with #3 or trade down for an OT between picks 5-8 (Fashanu, Alt, etc.). Kraft loves Mac, played a huge part in nabbing him and is still on a rookie contract. Maybe they aren't high on Maye/Daniels either.

I personally would much rather move on from Mac and take Maye or Daniels (or trade up for Caleb if possible).

But regardless, they absolutely have the draft capital AND cap space to add at least a legit WR1 and 1-2 tackles (preferably with 1 being an Onwenu re-signing). The next QB needs to be great but also needs to have a great supporting cast. Stroud and Jordan Love are fantastic but lets also not act like they don't have good coaching AND a solid cast around them with good weapons. That does matter too.

I don't think keeping Mac means we aren't taking a QB. Take a QB, have him sit out this year and learn while Mac gets beat up and earns us another top pick