Patriots 2024 Season

[green_bballers13]

Six games left. 2 v. a definite payoff team fighting for top seed (Bills). Two v. Probable playoff teams who will be fighting to stay in (Cards and Chargers). And two v. Bubble teams who need to win (Colts and Dolphins).

Pats should lose all six but probably win one or two.  They end up with 4 or 5 wins and high draft pick.

Huge off-season awaits.

Beating Da Bears last week was a huge mistake. Travis Hunter had his sights set for New England too...when he talked about what number jersey to wear (#12 but don't wanna wear Brady's number), etc.

The one good thing about this year is that players are going to be willing to sign in NE after watching Maye show flashes. There's an opportunity to come in and be a #1 receiver with a talented, young QB.

They nailed the Maye pick. Now it's time to get him an offensive line and a #1.

[Vermont Green]

Is Hunter even for sure going to play WR in the NFL?  At this point, he will likely not be available to us anyway, but he is not who I would take.  I am hoping that we end up high enough that there are still top QBs on the board and then someone overpays to move up.  I am not big on drafting WRs (or CBs) that high in the draft.  I would be fine with signing or trading for a top end WR, but I also don't want to commit $30M or whatever to one player at that position.  Rather spend it on two tackles or a tackle and a WR or something.

[Donoghus]

Is Hunter even for sure going to play WR in the NFL?  At this point, he will likely not be available to us anyway, but he is not who I would take.  I am hoping that we end up high enough that there are still top QBs on the board and then someone overpays to move up.  I am not big on drafting WRs (or CBs) that high in the draft.  I would be fine with signing or trading for a top end WR, but I also don't want to commit $30M or whatever to one player at that position.  Rather spend it on two tackles or a tackle and a WR or something.

I see a lot of mocks saying Will Campbell could be there for the Pats.  Addressing the O Line has to be the #1 priority this offseason.

[byennie]

I don't think I have great NFL draft instincts, but if the choice is between:

(1) sign a top WR for $25M-$30M/year (even Tee Higgins seems to want this, and he might be more of a #2 guy)
(2) draft an OL in the top 10

OR;

(1) draft a WR in the top-10 on the rookie scale - and top WR prospects are increasingly becoming #1s
(2) have $25M-$30M to spend on the OL/DL

Which path is more reliable? Are WRs overpriced on the open market?

[Vermont Green]

Is Hunter even for sure going to play WR in the NFL?  At this point, he will likely not be available to us anyway, but he is not who I would take.  I am hoping that we end up high enough that there are still top QBs on the board and then someone overpays to move up.  I am not big on drafting WRs (or CBs) that high in the draft.  I would be fine with signing or trading for a top end WR, but I also don't want to commit $30M or whatever to one player at that position.  Rather spend it on two tackles or a tackle and a WR or something.

I see a lot of mocks saying Will Campbell could be there for the Pats.  Addressing the O Line has to be the #1 priority this offseason.

Yeah, I see that a lot too.  I would be fine with a stud OT at something in the 6 to 8 range, if that is where we end up.  I would also be happy to trade the pick if someone is willing to overpay, and just take the best available OT a little later.  Totally agree that should be the priority.

As to WRs, you have to take what the draft gives you but we already have a lot of young receivers so I would be reluctant to take another one in the first round.  Probably better to address that need with a FA or trade.

Cole Strange started 17 games his rookie season but you can't always count on rookies being that ready.  I suspect we will be open to vet OTs also.  I think FA period starts in March, the Draft is in April.  Not a whole lot of time before the draft but how that period goes can impact how you draft.

[Roy H.]

I don't think I have great NFL draft instincts, but if the choice is between:

(1) sign a top WR for $25M-$30M/year (even Tee Higgins seems to want this, and he might be more of a #2 guy)
(2) draft an OL in the top 10

OR;

(1) draft a WR in the top-10 on the rookie scale - and top WR prospects are increasingly becoming #1s
(2) have $25M-$30M to spend on the OL/DL

Which path is more reliable? Are WRs overpriced on the open market?

WRs are wildly overpaid.  At the same time, the Patriots may be the worst team in the NFL at drafting WRs.  It's a conundrum. 

[Vermont Green]

I don't think I have great NFL draft instincts, but if the choice is between:

(1) sign a top WR for $25M-$30M/year (even Tee Higgins seems to want this, and he might be more of a #2 guy)
(2) draft an OL in the top 10

OR;

(1) draft a WR in the top-10 on the rookie scale - and top WR prospects are increasingly becoming #1s
(2) have $25M-$30M to spend on the OL/DL

Which path is more reliable? Are WRs overpriced on the open market?

WRs are wildly overpaid.  At the same time, the Patriots may be the worst team in the NFL at drafting WRs.  It's a conundrum.

Not sure who the original post was directed at, but I am hesitant to pay (likely overpay) for 1 big name diva WR in general, and definitely not at this point in time for this team.  Teams like Buffalo and KC have gone the other direction and they are two of the best teams.  Some other good teams have paid for top receivers.  Think what KC did, they traded Hill, got picks and saved money, then invested in OL and defense and won a Superbowl.

Drafting top receivers is not a sure thing either, for any team, not just for the Pats.  For where we are at right now, receiver is clearly a need, just not a diva receiver.  A top top receiver is going to cost >$35M if you can get one to come to NE.  At top 20 or so receiver may cost <$20M.  KC's top receiver is paid $13M. (Kelce make $17.5M)  Buffalo's top receiver is paid $20M.

Solid is fine for right now.  We can't spend all our money on one receiver.  The OL and D are needs too.  Drafting a stud WR would be great, but there simply are no sure things.  Drafting linemen historically is surer, but still not certain.  High pick linemen are generally more certain than skill position high draft picks.  You can take a big swing on a WR early in the first round but you have to accept the risk you may swing and miss.

[Amonkey]

I don't think I have great NFL draft instincts, but if the choice is between:

(1) sign a top WR for $25M-$30M/year (even Tee Higgins seems to want this, and he might be more of a #2 guy)
(2) draft an OL in the top 10

OR;

(1) draft a WR in the top-10 on the rookie scale - and top WR prospects are increasingly becoming #1s
(2) have $25M-$30M to spend on the OL/DL

Which path is more reliable? Are WRs overpriced on the open market?

WRs are wildly overpaid.  At the same time, the Patriots may be the worst team in the NFL at drafting WRs.  It's a conundrum.

Not sure who the original post was directed at, but I am hesitant to pay (likely overpay) for 1 big name diva WR in general, and definitely not at this point in time for this team.  Teams like Buffalo and KC have gone the other direction and they are two of the best teams.  Some other good teams have paid for top receivers.  Think what KC did, they traded Hill, got picks and saved money, then invested in OL and defense and won a Superbowl.

Drafting top receivers is not a sure thing either, for any team, not just for the Pats.  For where we are at right now, receiver is clearly a need, just not a diva receiver.  A top top receiver is going to cost >$35M if you can get one to come to NE.  At top 20 or so receiver may cost <$20M.  KC's top receiver is paid $13M. (Kelce make $17.5M)  Buffalo's top receiver is paid $20M.

Solid is fine for right now.  We can't spend all our money on one receiver.  The OL and D are needs too.  Drafting a stud WR would be great, but there simply are no sure things.  Drafting linemen historically is surer, but still not certain.  High pick linemen are generally more certain than skill position high draft picks.  You can take a big swing on a WR early in the first round but you have to accept the risk you may swing and miss.

I agree with what a lot of what you are saying about WRs, but one little caveat is that I think if you have a great QB, then you can get away with not having to pay big time for WR. However, if you don't have a QB, then these wide receivers becomes that much important.

Example, I think Chiefs and Bills can get away with having subpar receiver when they have Mahomes and Allen as their QB, but Dolphins wouldn't be nearly as effective if their receiver corps was subpar with Tua as the QB.

[Goldstar88]

I don't think I have great NFL draft instincts, but if the choice is between:

(1) sign a top WR for $25M-$30M/year (even Tee Higgins seems to want this, and he might be more of a #2 guy)
(2) draft an OL in the top 10

OR;

(1) draft a WR in the top-10 on the rookie scale - and top WR prospects are increasingly becoming #1s
(2) have $25M-$30M to spend on the OL/DL

Which path is more reliable? Are WRs overpriced on the open market?

WRs are wildly overpaid.  At the same time, the Patriots may be the worst team in the NFL at drafting WRs.  It's a conundrum.

Not sure who the original post was directed at, but I am hesitant to pay (likely overpay) for 1 big name diva WR in general, and definitely not at this point in time for this team.  Teams like Buffalo and KC have gone the other direction and they are two of the best teams.  Some other good teams have paid for top receivers.  Think what KC did, they traded Hill, got picks and saved money, then invested in OL and defense and won a Superbowl.

Drafting top receivers is not a sure thing either, for any team, not just for the Pats.  For where we are at right now, receiver is clearly a need, just not a diva receiver.  A top top receiver is going to cost >$35M if you can get one to come to NE.  At top 20 or so receiver may cost <$20M.  KC's top receiver is paid $13M. (Kelce make $17.5M)  Buffalo's top receiver is paid $20M.

Solid is fine for right now.  We can't spend all our money on one receiver.  The OL and D are needs too.  Drafting a stud WR would be great, but there simply are no sure things.  Drafting linemen historically is surer, but still not certain.  High pick linemen are generally more certain than skill position high draft picks.  You can take a big swing on a WR early in the first round but you have to accept the risk you may swing and miss.

I agree with what a lot of what you are saying about WRs, but one little caveat is that I think if you have a great QB, then you can get away with not having to pay big time for WR. However, if you don't have a QB, then these wide receivers becomes that much important.

Example, I think Chiefs and Bills can get away with having subpar receiver when they have Mahomes and Allen as their QB, but Dolphins wouldn't be nearly as effective if their receiver corps was subpar with Tua as the QB.

I?m not sure that is true as the Chiefs just traded for Hopkins and the Bills added Amari Cooper at the deadline. Hard to win without weapons, even for the best QB?s.

[Goldstar88]

I don't think I have great NFL draft instincts, but if the choice is between:

(1) sign a top WR for $25M-$30M/year (even Tee Higgins seems to want this, and he might be more of a #2 guy)
(2) draft an OL in the top 10

OR;

(1) draft a WR in the top-10 on the rookie scale - and top WR prospects are increasingly becoming #1s
(2) have $25M-$30M to spend on the OL/DL

Which path is more reliable? Are WRs overpriced on the open market?

WRs are wildly overpaid.  At the same time, the Patriots may be the worst team in the NFL at drafting WRs.  It's a conundrum.

Yep. Here?s another example:

Chargers' selection of Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft with the No. 34 overall pick (via a trade with the New England Patriots)

Ladd had 6 rec for 123 yards yesterday. He?s on pace for 1000+yards and 7TD's as a rookie. All the mocks I looked at had McConkey going before Polk.

[Phantom255x]

I don't think I have great NFL draft instincts, but if the choice is between:

(1) sign a top WR for $25M-$30M/year (even Tee Higgins seems to want this, and he might be more of a #2 guy)
(2) draft an OL in the top 10

OR;

(1) draft a WR in the top-10 on the rookie scale - and top WR prospects are increasingly becoming #1s
(2) have $25M-$30M to spend on the OL/DL

Which path is more reliable? Are WRs overpriced on the open market?

I would personally go #1.

That way, you assure yourself a legit #1 WR that is young (Higgins) and then get either Campbell or Banks probably somewhere in the 8-10 range. If you have a Top-6 pick, trade down for more assets and still take the OT with the first round pick.

I love Tet but to me, OT is a legitimate need and like others have said, this team is allergic to selecting talented WRs in the Draft. The 2019 draft literally had all legit prospects and we chose the one bum (N'Keal Harry) lol

Another thing to consider is that there are some legit WRs potentially available this offseason (Higgins in FA, Metcalf via trade, etc.) but the tackle/guard FA market isn't that hot. I would personally draft a tackle in the 1st round, and then sign a solid guard in FA

[celticsclay]

I don't think I have great NFL draft instincts, but if the choice is between:

(1) sign a top WR for $25M-$30M/year (even Tee Higgins seems to want this, and he might be more of a #2 guy)
(2) draft an OL in the top 10

OR;

(1) draft a WR in the top-10 on the rookie scale - and top WR prospects are increasingly becoming #1s
(2) have $25M-$30M to spend on the OL/DL

Which path is more reliable? Are WRs overpriced on the open market?

I would personally go #1.

That way, you assure yourself a legit #1 WR that is young (Higgins) and then get either Campbell or Banks probably somewhere in the 8-10 range. If you have a Top-6 pick, trade down for more assets and still take the OT with the first round pick.

I love Tet but to me, OT is a legitimate need and like others have said, this team is allergic to selecting talented WRs in the Draft. The 2019 draft literally had all legit prospects and we chose the one bum (N'Keal Harry) lol

Another thing to consider is that there are some legit WRs potentially available this offseason (Higgins in FA, Metcalf via trade, etc.) but the tackle/guard FA market isn't that hot. I would personally draft a tackle in the 1st round, and then sign a solid guard in FA

I agree with you, I get we have somewhat new decision makers but the Patriots also have not had any success drafting a wide receiver in like 20 years either. (And polk doesn't look great) Feels like drafting an OL is a little better hit rate for us, although we haven't really done great there either.

[SparzWizard]

I don't think I have great NFL draft instincts, but if the choice is between:

(1) sign a top WR for $25M-$30M/year (even Tee Higgins seems to want this, and he might be more of a #2 guy)
(2) draft an OL in the top 10

OR;

(1) draft a WR in the top-10 on the rookie scale - and top WR prospects are increasingly becoming #1s
(2) have $25M-$30M to spend on the OL/DL

Which path is more reliable? Are WRs overpriced on the open market?

Shore up the OLine. Afterwards, sign a WR. Even a B or C grade receiver will work wonders for Drake Maye if he has 6 seconds to throw the ball. Plus we'll already have a few of our own receivers in place.

Defense may need to be revisited as they've been garbage these days

[byennie]

I don't think I have great NFL draft instincts, but if the choice is between:

(1) sign a top WR for $25M-$30M/year (even Tee Higgins seems to want this, and he might be more of a #2 guy)
(2) draft an OL in the top 10

OR;

(1) draft a WR in the top-10 on the rookie scale - and top WR prospects are increasingly becoming #1s
(2) have $25M-$30M to spend on the OL/DL

Which path is more reliable? Are WRs overpriced on the open market?

I would personally go #1.

That way, you assure yourself a legit #1 WR that is young (Higgins) and then get either Campbell or Banks probably somewhere in the 8-10 range. If you have a Top-6 pick, trade down for more assets and still take the OT with the first round pick.

I love Tet but to me, OT is a legitimate need and like others have said, this team is allergic to selecting talented WRs in the Draft. The 2019 draft literally had all legit prospects and we chose the one bum (N'Keal Harry) lol

Another thing to consider is that there are some legit WRs potentially available this offseason (Higgins in FA, Metcalf via trade, etc.) but the tackle/guard FA market isn't that hot. I would personally draft a tackle in the 1st round, and then sign a solid guard in FA

I agree with you, I get we have somewhat new decision makers but the Patriots also have not had any success drafting a wide receiver in like 20 years either. (And polk doesn't look great) Feels like drafting an OL is a little better hit rate for us, although we haven't really done great there either.

On WRs, I would keep in mind:

Top-10 drafted receivers are drastically different from drafting outside the top-30, with Harry (32) and Polk (37) both being guys who could have easily slipped out of the top-50. Recent picks are: M Harrison / M Nabers / R Odunze / D London / G Wilson / J Waddle / J Chase / D Smith. That's basically 100% hit on 1,000 yard receivers, and someone like Tee Higgins would be middle of the pack today.

That and, Tee Higgins is simply not a top-10 receiver for top-10 money.

Meanwhile, Trey Smith is a free agent who IS a top-10 interior lineman in his prime with 2x Super Bowl rings, and will cost a bit less...

Still scared like everyone else about the Pats drafting a WR, but logically it's tempting... ~$30M/year to steal a starting guard in his prime from the champs + best receiver in the draft, or Tee Higgins and a rookie LT?

[Goldstar88]

 

Robert Kraft, the six-time Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots owner considered a favorite for the 2025 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has been passed over again by the Hall's contributor committee, sources told ESPN.