Non-rhetorical question: how much better is Brown than Diggs when both are focused?
Statistically, they were very similar last year, but that doesn't mean a lot. And, Brown has the clear edge going forward due to age. But, I'm curious for this year only how much the Pats will be improved versus if they'd kept Diggs and used the #1 to upgrade elsewhere.
Diggs + Future first or Brown? Fair question. There is risk with both players. The Pats have a legit chance to win a Superbowl I believe. Not the best change but a chance. Brown at his best gives the Pats a better chance than Diggs at his best + a first round pick in 2028. I see that as the thinking. Now, neither player may achieve their best, that is the risk. There is durability risk and Diva turns mal-content risk with both players. But Brown is more likely to give you the kind of season that carries a team to the Superbowl.
This feels like a good point in time to take this risk. You have the QB. The OL with Vera-Tucker and Lomu added should be improved (some risk there too). The defense I feel will be very good. Why not take a swing at this? To me, the OL is a key factor in this. If OL is not stabilized, then you are not going to get the most out of Brown. It does not matter how good the QB and WR are if the QB is running for his life. The OL just needs to be good enough. Consistent across all 5-7 guys. I think the OL can be, we'll see how they hold up.