Patriots 2023 Offseason Thread

I remember the uproar when Gronk got hurt blocking on an extra point. A job very similar to his "regular" job. Someone -- many actually -- has to run downfield at full gallup looking for a collision. You'd prefer your offensive/defensive mainstays to handle this? 

Plus some of these guys play, or provide depth, beyond ST. 

I've been wondering what might've been Week 18 if instead of giving up 2 kick return touchdowns, we gave up none while making a play or two of our own in that game. 

Feels too early to be penciling in 53-man rosters. Injuries and transactions have a way of clearing up any perceived logjams.

Even Groh pointed out during the post draft pressers that Andrews played guard and center. There’s low probability they drafted a backup center in the 4th round that has no versatility (in their minds). Unless there’s information people outside the team doesn’t know. Jake Andrews is similar size, slightly bigger than both Thuney and Strange.

www.patspulpit.com/platform/amp/2023/5/5/23709481/patriots-nfl-draft-interior-offensive-linemen-analysis

‘Hence the additions of Andrews, Sow and Mafi. Ideally, they improve the depth behind the starting trio this season — all while offering some flexibility, as Groh pointed out.

“Jake having played guard and center; Atonio, really being more of a guard, and then stretching out to Sidy playing guard and tackle in his career,” he said “Three good guys to bring a real hard-nosed attitude here to the offensive line.”’

Hadn't seen/heard this before:

"There’s some suspicion, like, where is David Andrews going to be in September?" Breer said on “Boston Sports Tonight.” "There’s a feeling like, maybe, is he -- what sort of position is he going to be in at the start of September? And I think that's why they draft(ed) (Jake) Andrews, as sort of insurance against what happens at center."

Jake Andrews played all three interior OL positions, yet he mostly played right guard, not LG. He never started a game at LG, especially if you're going to be comparing him to Thuney and Strange. Onwenu and Wynn recently have shown us some player can't quickly just pick up playing the other side. He's also nothing like our typical RG recently. Then again Mafi is nothing like any LG we've had either and that's were his limited experience is.

One thing is clear, they valued maulers in the run game and that's not surprising. Just a guess, yet I'd be trying some Baltimore formations with a bunch of extra OL. Also why I wanted another physical RB, we just lost our sledge hammer RB. Harris toughness and explosion was the perfect complement to Stevenson. A dominant run game is almost as important to Mac Jones as pass protection.

In his Depth Chart reset for the Offense (https://www.clnsmedia.com/patriots-depth-chart-offense/) Taylor Kyles confirms Groh's comments regarding Jake Andrews' versatility - not that the it was really required given the article RJP posted.

FWIW, in the article, Kyles' opinion (not as important as that of the Patriots, of course) is that he "lacks the length and athleticism to inspire much confidence at guard . . ." so Lazar isn't the only analyst that feels this way.

Again, if the Patriots think he has more versatility, that outweighs what Lazar/Kyles thinks.

Trading Onwenu now would be rather shocking, usually that crap is done during the draft.

There's a difference between saying a player might be limited to X position based on measurables and he can't do it based on tape. I'll always pick the tape! He's one inch shorter than Karras and arm length is about half an inch difference. They are rather close on athletic testing.

Evan Lazar means well, he's trying. Yet he's also learning on the job and is a novice scout at best. Example when asked about the difference between Flowers and Douglas he says it's only competition. This is the guy who was pounding his fist for Flowers in the first, that was his guy. Arguing that 1st round WR were very good in this draft. He's got a long way to go before I'd take any of his opinions or scouting seriously.

The Patriots schedule is brutal

Good, time to see Mac Jones against a bunch of good teams and how he does.

Patriots waiving Cajuste. Saves the full amount of the 2.74M tender he signed.

Edit - less the amount for the guy who replaces him in the Top 51, of course.

If they wanted a work-around, Zappe could be #3 & Cunningham the #2 so he could do his gadget package. 

The rule makes sense, but the impact is somewhat limited. Not too many (any) teams were activating 3 QBs and I don’t think this rule change will make more teams carry a 3rd QB if they weren’t going to otherwise. They probably should have added a 54th roster spot (and subtracted a PS spot it 54th was used) to incentivize teams to carry a 3rd QB. Spot would only be available for teams carrying a 3rd QB and for someone only used as a QB so no Cunningham shenanigans.