2018 Patriots/NFL offseason thread

It all depends on how you want to use your RBs. Look at the Superbowl, the offense they ran. That is perfect for players like White, Burkhead, Lewis and now Michel. It's not the type of offense either Gillislee or Hill are going to be good in. Those two aren't going to do well in a spread offense, where your basically using the pass to set up the run and you run when they adjust to the pass. Those guys need old school formations, true running plays to be good. We only do that on third and fourth down, along with goal line plays.

I would love for us to become more of a power running team like the early Patriots teams were. It really helps your D and wears down the other teams D.

Good keep playing but if his play takes a noticeable dip this season, which is likely just due to age, his rep takes a slight hit. Still the best ever no matter what happens the rest of his career but it’s the other narrative stuff to his story. He clearly got way better when Jimmy was here and the second he’s gone Brady’s attitude and attendance changes.

You want to have a nagging wife?

His wife is a beautiful supermodel whose income even dwarfs him.

So yeah - having a nagging wife like that isn't too bad.

Most guys have nagging wives who don't look anywhere near as good or make anywhere near as much money so.....

I wouldn't view a wife who has a real concern for my long term health to be nagging. I'd view her as a good wife.

After a week, this Patriots draft class has really grown on me as have the extra picks they got for next year. I’m glad they are business as usual and not just loading up for Brady and mortgaging the future. I want them to not fall off a cliff when he declines and is gone and the only way to do that is to take this approach (and find the next QB -again).

I wasn’t a fan of Brown trade, but between Brown, Wynn and Cannon I feel confident that the offensive line problem for this year is not only solved but it could be a dominant line that is deep and versatile. That’s worth the 3rd round pick even if we lose Brown after a year. Garcia will be ready by then and if Mason is gone too we are still covered. In that context, it’s great stuff.

Michel is a rookie so you never know but he has stud written all over him and fits the offense so well it’s exciting.

Duke Dawson should immediately upgrade the cornerback position where Gilmore, McCourty and Rowe already formed a great trio. Then add in second year Jonathan Jones and I do love what we have there.

Berrios is exciting to me, I don’t know if he can make the roster but hopefully they can get him on the Practice Squad. His position is so key to what they do that having a guy like him in the pipeline is huge. Yes, they have Riley McCarron too but who cares? The Practice squad is deeper now and doubling up there is smart.

The one scary part on the defense is the reliance on Hightower to be healthy. It would have been nice to add a guy like Evans but he wasn’t there and then there were no linebackers worthy so what can you do? The fact is, we are good to go in the front 7 with a healthy Hightower. The additions of Shelton, Clayborne and Rivers plus Hightower totally remake that unit and I think that’s overlooked.

Hopefully the talent is there. It's great to be smart and be durable enough to play. Bill certainly loves these types, but it doesn't always mean he is taking the most talented players. Jordan Richards probably fits this profile too and he blows.

So the Cordarrelle Patterson addition is coming into focus and proving once again how Belichick is ahead of the curve. The new kickoff rule that’s about to be voted into place could make him a lot more valuable. This from Mike Reiss:

As part of the proposed changes to the kickoff -- designed to make the play safer by eliminating the 5-yard head start for the coverage team, as well as all wedge and two-man double-team blocks -- the expectation among some special-teams coaches is that it will open up the field more.

I left him off the wide receiver list yesterday and that was an error, I left Slater off on purpose. I’m wondering if they keep 7 with Slater and Patterson under the special teams umbrella.

I think it is normal to feel better a week after a draft when you have had the chance to read all the scouting reports and stories about each guy.

We find out that from a performance stand point Wynn was the best O linemen in the SEC last year. That Bentley was a 3 time captain and Sam is a steal and possible 3 down LB. Many are saying Michel will be an impact rookie.

I hope it is all true but we all know we will be lucky if half of it becomes reality.

I'll trust your opinion of him, just wanted to make that point.

I think Jordan Mathews and the running game is going to be very strong this year, Michel and Hill are good additions. With Edelman coming back and a healthy Gronk this could be an impressive O.

And I think the Oline is going to be very good.

The compensatory pick deadline has passed so any free agent signed now won’t count against the formula. Might see a little movement in the guys still available.