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Patriots 2022 Offseason Thread
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Post by philarhody on Jan 23, 2022 15:15:59 GMT -5
Watching the highlights of the Bengals/Titans game…wow. Joe Burrow is so freaking tough.
Honestly? Burrow might be the best qb left in the AFC. He is so cool under pressure. I love it.
I feel like Mac is a very similar archetype. Elite processing and intangibles. Tough tough kid who hasn’t had anything handed to him.
My biggest concern with Mac are reports that he was working 18 hour days. That’s too much. I can see why he got a little burnt out towards the end of the season. Someone needs to help him see that having 6 12-hour workdays with 8 hours of sleep is far superior than 7 18-hour workdays with not enough sleep/recovery.
The greatest athletes of this era are Tom Brady and Lebron James. They are excelling at advanced ages because they have learned to value rest and recovery as much as gym time and practice.
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Post by jmei on Jan 23, 2022 15:31:43 GMT -5
Meyers led the team in targets last year by a country mile. The odds that you could replace him with a rookie receiver who outperforms him right away are pretty low.
The guys you really need to upgrade are Agholor and Smith. But because of the way their contracts are structured, they’re basically guaranteed spots on the roster. So all they can really do is see how the draft shakes out and hope the existing pieces learn to fit together better.
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cdj
Veteran
Posts: 14,104
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Post by cdj on Jan 23, 2022 15:56:56 GMT -5
Mac’s gonna improve over the off-season. Don’t move any of the current targets, just draft a WR in the first couple of rounds that can come in and grow with Mac and I think that will be more than good enough. Offense has always liked to spread things around anyway.
They need to figure out a way to use Jonnu better. Maybe have him actually run routes, novel concept I know
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Jan 24, 2022 3:02:35 GMT -5
I think the offense is fine. Its middle of the pack and no thrills, but you can get by with that. The defense needs to be re-done top to bottom. And, I'm probably in the minority, but I say let Jackson go, or tag and trade him. People will point to his 8 INT and say he's an elite corner. But to me, that shows he's not, since QB's keep throwing it at him. An example I'll use is Darrelle Revis. His career high in INT was 6, and in 8 of 11 years had 4 or fewer. QB's were afraid to throw at him and he was a true elite corner. No QB is afraid of Jackson. I really hate that comparison, a lot of teams use CBs on one side of the field. So teams just stay away from that side and adjust. Bill asks his #1 CB to play all over matching up man to man against the other teams #1 WR. In that role you will be targeted. Nevermind teams that play mostly zone. Gilmore defensive player of the year season 50.5% completion percentage and 44.1 QB rating, Jackson this year 49.1% and 46.8 QB rating. Jackson is one of the best CB in football. If you wanted to highlight his weaknesses, he's not the best tackler against the run. You don't want to see what our secondary looks like without Jackson. I'm cheap and would let a lot of guys go rather than pay them huge money. Yet in today's NFL Jackson if worth a ton of money. The fact he has those numbers and the interceptions is just amazing as a #1 CB given his role.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Jan 24, 2022 3:35:51 GMT -5
Mac’s gonna improve over the off-season. Don’t move any of the current targets, just draft a WR in the first couple of rounds that can come in and grow with Mac and I think that will be more than good enough. Offense has always liked to spread things around anyway. They need to figure out a way to use Jonnu better. Maybe have him actually run routes, novel concept I know How do you run an offense with that group, get enough targets, while adding a guy? Meyers, Bourne, Jonnu and Henry work the same part of the field, none of them are great at getting separation. The way the Titans used Jonnu was a lot like the Patriots use Meyers. Jonnu is basically a big possession TE. I love Meyers, there's just nothing elite about him. He's not even an elite possession receiver in my book. The fact he had so many targets is an issue for me. It was fine for Mac Jones as a rookie, not what I want going forward. Now if what RJP says is true, there's no point. Yet there are a lot of teams that don’t have Bourne, Henry and Jonnu also, where Meyers could really help a team. I actually think a 3rd is very realistic and could really help balance the team. I'm just looking at this team and adding a Dotson type WR and looking long-term. I want a lot of weapons, yet they need to fit in a way you can use them. I picked Meyers because he looks like a good sell high guy and I don't want to pay him at what his market rate likely is. Just trying to balance the team. This wasn't all meant for you, I just didn't want to reply to 5 posts.
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Post by jmei on Jan 24, 2022 7:20:52 GMT -5
I actually think that group complements itself (and Jones) well. Meyers is your classic possession receiver who runs good routes and has good hands but can’t get separation deep and isn’t that good with the ball in his hands. Bourne is a little more dynamic and can run the full route tree and be effective on jet sweeps and the like. Henry is good on intermediate routes and Smith is a good blocker and dynamic with the ball in his hands.
All of those guys play to Jones’ strengths, which are reading matchups and using the short and intermediate parts of the field, especially between the numbers. Do I wish one of the TEs was a little more of a seam route threat and Meyers was more athletic? Of course, but that isn’t the first place I’d look to devote limited resources. If you trade Meyers, you’re really relying on that rookie WR from day one to play major reps and fill an important role, which seems like a bad idea.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Jan 24, 2022 11:05:16 GMT -5
I don't know what to say when someone calls Smith a good blocker and the pieces fit when our QB passes 38 times with Smith getting zero targets. Last grading on Smiths blocking had him one of the worst on the team and he's been playing less and less as the season went on. He had one target in his last four games combined.
If I'm taking a WR in the first he absolutely will be a big part of my offense. I'm not taking a WR in the first unless he can and let's not act like many recent WR haven't had big impacts as rookies.
I also don't get acting like Mac Jones isn't good vertically. His College tape was a clinic on vertical passing and I certainly didn't see anything this year to change that. They played conservatively because he was a rookie, I expected things to be different next year and it's why I want a WR to help him achieve that.
Look at Joe Burrows, a big part of that is getting him Chase and Higgins. We have our franchise QB, go get him weapons, don't do what you did to Brady for years. Look at the Bills and Chiefs, you need firepower.
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Post by texs31 on Jan 24, 2022 11:39:03 GMT -5
Would definitely recommend following Evan Lazar on Twitter. Even if you don't agree with his conclusions, he provides some good film breakdown of draft picks at this time of year. Has some film right now on Dotson.
Again, not everyone will agree with the conclusions he will draw but I still think there is value (especially to those who, like me, don't break down film).
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cdj
Veteran
Posts: 14,104
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Post by cdj on Jan 24, 2022 12:40:08 GMT -5
I’d draft Dotson with the expectation he’d be a 50 catch/800 yard guy as a rookie and then grow from there
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Post by rjp313jr on Jan 24, 2022 14:23:13 GMT -5
Would definitely recommend following Evan Lazar on Twitter. Even if you don't agree with his conclusions, he provides some good film breakdown of draft picks at this time of year. Has some film right now on Dotson. Again, not everyone will agree with the conclusions he will draw but I still think there is value (especially to those who, like me, don't break down film). As long as you can look past how sensitive he is.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Jan 25, 2022 5:33:37 GMT -5
Well if you value Lazar he's saying 8-9 guys in the top two rounds at WR and that's nothing shocking. His points about right fit is key.
They hard part about scouting at the College level is taking into account the talent they play with and play against.
First game I watched Dotson was 2020 versus Ohio State, was watching to scout Justin Fields. Went right to this board and said I want Dotson. Makes two straight catches that are maybe the best two back to back catches I've ever seen live watching a college game.
If Dotson worst game struggling versus press coverage is 11 catches 127 yards I'm not very worried.
I'm going to scout the WR class this year, yet I'm waiting till after the senior bowl and the combine, plus the draft magazines. I want as much information as possible. Yet right now Dotson and Olave top my rankings. It's all about versatility and great route running. The hard part about those two is Olave played with two really good QBs and a lot more talent. He makes catches on throws Dotson QB can't make.
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cdj
Veteran
Posts: 14,104
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Post by cdj on Jan 25, 2022 8:29:45 GMT -5
The thing that interests me about Dotson is that he put up those numbers moving all around the formation while playing with a terrible QB
the QB’s lack of ability almost stood out as much as Dotson’s ability on some of the Dotson film out there- and Dotson’s ability is very apparent lol
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Post by rjp313jr on Jan 25, 2022 9:23:13 GMT -5
My first mock - worthless but this is what I’ll say about it…. The players below are less important than what they represent. 1. They desperately need a playmaking pass catcher for Mac… 2. They need to be able to stop the run a lot better… a guy like Jones is a big boy inside that can do that. 3. They need more speed, especially at LB… McGrone theoretically should help, but there are a few LBs like Tindall to be had in that 2/3 rd range that can help also. 4. Sure they seem set at RB, but Harris has one year left, they won’t want to pay a RB, rightfully, so if you can keep the pipeline moving using 4th rd picks then you do it. Pierce has low mileage and is too talented not to take here. Like Stevenson last year. 5. Offensive line - Is the key to Mac’s success. He needs to be protected. Their depth is very suspect. Need to hit on at least one this draft.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Jan 25, 2022 12:00:39 GMT -5
So I just tried two, one at PFF and one at PFN. I like how PFN proposes trades, I feel like PFF gave we way too much. I'm not close to being ready to do this and this was just a crazy find Mac Jones weapon draft. I have serious questions about value after drafting a few of these guys.
33. Jahan Dotson WR
54. Roger McCready CB
65. John Metchie WR
85. Alec Linstrom OC
124. James Cook RB
173. Kevin Austin Jr. WR
210. Josh Blackwell CB
2023 Jax 3rd round
I have doubts right now if any of the three WRs I took would be there at those picks. Yet they were and I couldn't help myselve. All three are different and in time they could play together. Seen Cook might be the best receiving back in the draft. Second thinking my Linstrom pick after ready one report on him, then CB both with a lot of experience.
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Post by rjp313jr on Jan 25, 2022 13:06:57 GMT -5
Right now these mocks have more to do with the type of guys you want to see. They clearly won’t draft 3 WRs… we should be happy with one.
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Post by jodyreidnichols on Jan 25, 2022 13:20:10 GMT -5
Meyers led the team in targets last year by a country mile. The odds that you could replace him with a rookie receiver who outperforms him right away are pretty low. The guys you really need to upgrade are Agholor and Smith. But because of the way their contracts are structured, they’re basically guaranteed spots on the roster. So all they can really do is see how the draft shakes out and hope the existing pieces learn to fit together better. How likely would it be to trade one of those two?
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Post by rjw on Jan 25, 2022 13:20:31 GMT -5
With my top 4 picks I would try to get a #1 WR, a CB, a speedy linebacker and a quick-twitch slot receiver. But that's just me...
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mobaz
Veteran
Posts: 2,784
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Post by mobaz on Jan 25, 2022 13:39:08 GMT -5
With my top 4 picks I would try to get a #1 WR, a CB, a speedy linebacker and a quick-twitch slot receiver. But that's just me... O-line could use some refreshing, but otherwise I'm with you. BB has had some luck later in the draft there, but definitely need to refill the pipeline some.
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cdj
Veteran
Posts: 14,104
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Post by cdj on Jan 25, 2022 13:42:49 GMT -5
Wouldn’t shock me if they go OT in the 1st round if the right prospect is there
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Post by rjw on Jan 25, 2022 15:46:01 GMT -5
With my top 4 picks I would try to get a #1 WR, a CB, a speedy linebacker and a quick-twitch slot receiver. But that's just me... O-line could use some refreshing, but otherwise I'm with you. BB has had some luck later in the draft there, but definitely need to refill the pipeline some. HA!! I was going to say they should use their late round picks to get a couple of O Lineman! Great minds think alike!
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Jan 26, 2022 5:46:52 GMT -5
Right now these mocks have more to do with the type of guys you want to see. They clearly won’t draft 3 WRs… we should be happy with one. Who do you have signed after next year at WR? Bourne? It's a huge long-term need and you should take them a year early. Late round I simply went best player available. It's a mute point anyway, as all three likely rise after the combine. Kevin Austin Jr. Is not a 7th round type player like he's currently ranked. Nevermind it's the right thing to do with a young QB, it's also a huge long-term need. Two WRs should almost be the minimum.
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Post by rjp313jr on Jan 26, 2022 5:50:19 GMT -5
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Post by voiceofreason on Jan 26, 2022 7:41:57 GMT -5
I have refrained from commenting on the draft so far as I know from experience that guessing what BB is going to do is impossible.
That being said I think they go defense with rd 1, either CB, edge or LB. Then Metchie or another WR in the 2nd. Back to D in the 3rd with the position that wasn't taken in the 1st. I have to wonder about the CB position as BB has had so much success getting them later and even as UFA in the past. So maybe that points to edge, LB in the first. The thing about WR is with such a deep class someone will be there in the 2nd.
I think with Mac and Metchie playing together at Bama and with BBs history of drafting Bama guys it looks like a good chance. If Metchie isn't a great fit then maybe Mac has thoughts on that also. And Metchie being injured in a deep WR class they will get lucky and he will fall to them after he was previously considered a 1st rd pick. As they did with Barmore, maybe they will need to move up but maybe not. Given the depth of the position in the draft there is a chance that teams will gamble on getting one a little later than the 1st and their won't be a run on them til the late 1st early 2nd and even into the 3rd. Just when the run on the position starts will be something for the Pats to keep an eye on.
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Post by rjp313jr on Jan 26, 2022 12:24:02 GMT -5
Right now these mocks have more to do with the type of guys you want to see. They clearly won’t draft 3 WRs… we should be happy with one. Who do you have signed after next year at WR? Bourne? It's a huge long-term need and you should take them a year early. Late round I simply went best player available. It's a mute point anyway, as all three likely rise after the combine. Kevin Austin Jr. Is not a 7th round type player like he's currently ranked. Nevermind it's the right thing to do with a young QB, it's also a huge long-term need. Two WRs should almost be the minimum. It’s irrelevant really. You’re not going to have 3 rookie wide receivers on the roster next year and we both know this is true.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Jan 26, 2022 13:17:39 GMT -5
Who do you have signed after next year at WR? Bourne? It's a huge long-term need and you should take them a year early. Late round I simply went best player available. It's a mute point anyway, as all three likely rise after the combine. Kevin Austin Jr. Is not a 7th round type player like he's currently ranked. Nevermind it's the right thing to do with a young QB, it's also a huge long-term need. Two WRs should almost be the minimum. It’s irrelevant really. You’re not going to have 3 rookie wide receivers on the roster next year and we both know this is true. You wouldn't in my book. Metchie tore his ACL, good chance he starts on the PUP list, I forgot about that and it might make him drop. Kevin Austin Jr. Is a raw physical monster, I'd likely stash him on the IR for a year. I love him, yet he needs a year to learn our offense. Should have went back to school, yet the maybe starter is a great runner that can't throw, so he came out.
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