Patriots 2024 Offseason Thread

I try not to put much credence in the anonymous musings of "league execs" but it would seem a league-wide backlash over Kraft is starting to really boil over. "It’s like Kraft can’t live in a world where he is looked at as the problem," is a pretty damning assessment to have circulating.

Instead of people opinions, why doesn't a reporter reach out to Ridley to confirm or deny what Kraft said?

I just don't see why he'd lie when the player, his wife or his reps could out him with one tweet if it wasn't true.

He has lived and played his whole career in the south, that's a fact.

Bills trading Stefon Diggs to Houston.

I know they're low picks, but I'd be annoyed as a Bills fan for giving up a star player like Diggs and having to give up 2 additional draft picks just to get the Vikings 2nd rounder.

I guess this means the Bills window has closed.

Problem is though that Mahomes was able to do just that. Allen has yet to get to a Superbowl with a star wide out. The road just got a lot tougher for him.

This is the way.

Last year, Texans were viewed in less flattering terms than the current sentiment surrounding the Pats. Then they nailed the Stroud pick, made some savvy moves and other picks, exceeded expectations and now they're adding the pieces they need to truly contend. In this league, you're really only a good draft away from changing your trajectory.

Get the QB, nail the other picks and roll with it. We've already got a baller defense. And frankly speaking, we're well-positioned to make a deadline trade or 3 that could really reshape this roster.

Well if you trade down that's saying there isn't a QB there you really want. I know you are 100% QB no matter what. A good GM should only be taking guys he loves and feels is worth the pick.

Flip side is if you miss on this QB, that's another 2-3 years gone. After 3 years with Mac Jones.

It's funny because I don't like Daniels this high because I see his ceiling as a passer as lowest among the top 7 players. His arm isn't anything special and no creative plays running to throw. I'm not alone with other actual draft experts saying his ceiling is a lesser Jalen Hurts.

But that's the thing, you miss on this one it's 2-3 years gone. If there's no good QBs in next year's draft, that's 2 years gone anyway. The only difference is you might have missed out on a pretty good WR and/or tackle. It's not like the Patriots haven't whiffed on those positions in the past either.

I think Jalen Hurts is a good comp, probably less than. I'm liking JJ more and more as the 3rd guy, but he is probably way too raw to start this year and probably next year.

Would HAVE to think they are taking a QB at some point in the 1st or 2nd rd. Whether it be:

- 3rd pick
- a later 1st rd pick (either by trading back from 3 OR taking another position at 3 and moving up from 34)
- their 2nd rd pick.

I'd be STUNNED if they don't pick someone by pick 34.

And, AGAIN, they would NOT be "trading back for their guy" If they are trading back, they don't have "a guy" (or, at least, not 1 they want to take without hedging their bets without additional assets to offset the risk).

"... Assuming those guys hit and Brisett is fine then you're like a 6-7 win team ..."

I see this type of claim frequently, all basically drawing on an assumption that the current roster is "bad."

Many acknowledge the defense is good, or pretty good, without also acknowledging in 2023 they were a top 5-8 defense that played without its two best players for the majority of the year (Gonzo & Judon both injured in Week 4). They will return most of this strong unit.

Also, in 2023 the Patriots led the league in 1-score losses. They were competitive in most every game. They had two major issues: poor QB play, compounded by erratic OL play.

I don't think this is some huge rebuild operation. A healthy functional OL plus a competent (or better) QB and this team is competitive right now.

KC scored 371 points in 2023 and won a Super Bowl. By comparison, Mac Jones-led 2021 Patriots scored 462 points.

The "modern offense" needed to compete and the necessary "weapons to keep up" are silly notions in my eyes. Perhaps the NFL's biggest weapon, Tyreek Hill, was dumped by KC and they've since won two SBs. Buffalo just dumped Diggs, their weapon WR, who local media said was the sort of player we couldn't compete without.

Offense, defense, ST -- they all have value. IMO.

So wouldn't the argument that they're better than most expect/predict be more of a reason to go after the QB now?

QB rankings for next year are all over the place, I've seen at least 3 different players ranked #1. What you're missing is all five guys I call tier two in this draft, were ranked much lower this time last year. Daniels was likely a late round draft pick! Yeah anything can happen, but that's the point. The truly elite guys are the ones that are ranked high for years or guys like Burrows who comes out of no where to have one of the best seasons for a QB ever.

There's a huge difference in how you rank someone and where they get drafted. Go back to 2021 draft, I had Lawrence #1 and then Fields. Zach Wilson one year wonder didn't impress me against so so teams and neither did the crazy raw Trey Lance who played at a small school. Just like this year they get hyped up, Chris Simms thinking Wilson is #1 QB, he sees Aaron Rodgers. Why I do my own rankings and let the game tape speak.

McCarthy might have good upside, he certainly doesn't have elite upside unless it's crap like Tom Brady. Yeah I like him more than Daniels throwing, not saying much. Love his throwing on the run, I just don't see enough, not even close for top 3 grade. I'm risk adverse at #3 with the talent available. I'll take Maye #3 and support that pick no matter what happens. Mac Jones, Cole Strange, Thornton, just some recent guys drafted too high because of need. Draft needs to be about value, which is why I wanted them to fill more holes. Some of the biggest draft busts ever were need picks. You'll never convince me need should trump value. I liked Cole Strange, as a 3rd round pick!

They draft JJ McCarthy #3 I hope they know what they are doing.

As Texas pointed out, you are so focused on QB at pick #3, that you won't even consider other options. Example Will Levis who I liked last year after reports Bill really liked him. Projected high pick right before draft, drops to 2nd round. You really need to look at all options, I guarantee you the Patriots are. For all we know they love Specer Rattler who similar somewhat to Baker Mayfield who played under Pelt. The Mac Jones draft was they liked Jones and Mills, which is interesting no?

Something is up, the crap coming out about the Patriots doesn't stop. Now it's Wolf loves JJ McCarthy, it makes zero sense. You don't hype up a player you want to draft. They are either playing games or they need to get their crap in order. The draft needs to get here ASAP.