What To Expect From The Draft, If The Patriots Think They Have A Winning Team On Wednesday March 22.

Before week one of the 2022 season, I was telling everyone that the New England Patriots were a wildcard team until someone takes their spot away from them. It took until the end of the season for them to finally be ruled out. Andrew Callahan said on his podcast per his sources, that the Patriots thought they fielded a double digit win team.

Many people will agree that the Patriots two biggest problems in 2022 was a lack of a number one outside boundary corner. And a lack of an offensive coordinator. The team addressed one of those needs by bringing back offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien.

Andrew Callahan said per his sources that the team still believes they have a double digit win team. After this point in free agency. Here's what's happened so far and then I'll tell you what how I think they'll approach the draft if true.

The Patriots acquired Special Teams Linebacker Chris Board, Tight End Mike Gesicki, Running Back James Robinson, Hybrid Slot Receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, Tackle Reilly Reiff and Calvin Anderson.

The Patriots brought back Special Teamers Cody Anderson and Matthew Slater, Defensive Tackles and Carl Davis,  Daniel Ekuale, Long Snapper Joe Cardona, Line Backer Mack Wilson and Raekwon McMillan, Safety Jabrill Peppers, Corner Jonathan Jones, Linemen James Ferentz and Conor McDermott.

But they lost Running Back Damien Harris, Receiver Jakobi Meyers, Tight End Jonnu Smith, Safety Devon McCourty, Punter Jake Bailey and Quarterback Brian Hoyer. And Receiver Nelson Agholor remains a free agent.

If the Patriots believe that the current roster is a double digit win team. They're going to be looking for developmental players that are projected starters in two or three seasons in the draft. And number one corner becomes the top priority. 

Being with how the team is set and with what Callahan said, the Patriots may trade up now for a corner. I did not see that as a realistic option but the odds have to have increased.

To that, the Patriots need to make sure they bring a Tackle, Tight End and Safety all with potential starting talent. All three positions are going to need a starter in 2024. Mills should replace McCourty in 2023. Those four positions would be their most urgent needs, along with Punter. If the Patriots 

If the team is going back to the "Brady" offense, the team does not have a fullback and can easily acquire one. The Patriots also have a huge question for receiving back. Pierre Strong and James Robinson are both question marks as far as their ability. And J.J. Taylor hasn't shown his blocking ability has improved. The Patriots need to be certain who will be the guy. 

Stevenson cannot handle making all those touches, he was burnt-out at the end of the season. The team needs to fix that and being the role needed, that can be a day three selection. Bill Belichick can and will deliver a Belichick draft. Again this is all based on if Callahan's information is legit. 

And if anyone is wondering who Bill's division two guy will be, check out X-Receiver and Kick Returner David Durden from UWF. He's 6'2", 200 pounds and is supposed to run a high 4.37 forty according to seniorbowl.com. He's also supposed to run a 7 second three cone as well if my memory serves me. That would put him in the top 6 for forty times and top eleven for three cone for Receivers. His red flag is he has a baseball contract with the Red Socks and doesn't need football, so his commitment has been called into question.

Gotta love the offseasn, right? So many possibilities, regardless of the probabilities.