There is a lot to think about concerning the Patriots during the week before the Super Bowl. So it took some time to get my thoughts out. I'm still surprised
Kraft admitted to getting his hands dirty. We knew it with the Jimmy G. trade, but still. Anyway, here are some takeaways from what's going on in Patriots circles.
As far as the roster goes, take Daniels, keep Mac, and trade Zappe, or trade down, keep Mac, and wait until rounds three or four to draft a developmental quarterback that could possibly compete for the job and hang on to both Mac and Zappe.
I've been listening, and there seems to be a consensus that the Patriots can repair Mac if they choose. It's about getting his confidence up. The West Coast System is a great system for that, but again, the team has to want Mac back. If it were me, I'd be drafting a middle-round quarterback and telling Mac that either his backup or replacement is now on the roster. The job is his to lose, and the team is going to do everything to help him, but he's got to do it.
I believe it was Dan Orlovsky who said that if the Patriots don't love the quarterback at three, they should trade down, build the team, and run with Mac because either he's going to play badly to where they're in position to get a quarterback next draft or he plays well and the Patriots either have their quarterback or they have to trade bait to get their quarterback.
If Mac plays well enough, the Patriots could get either a late first or a second for Mac. Combine that with their 2025 first-round pick, and the Patriots could move up significantly in round one if Mac plays well in 2024 if they want to draft a quarterback. For me again, I think Daniels is the best passer in the 2024 draft, and if the Patriots don't love him, don't take a quarterback until the midway point.
Resign, Judon, and show you're willing to pay top talent. Draft a big body burner for the X because I don't see them getting the type of X they need in free agency.
The Patriots front office appears set; it just comes down to figuring out what people are doing, as far as those of us not in the building are concerned. I still wish they had a football operations guy that let the staff vote on things and was just there to be the tiebreaker vote, as like the VP is in the U.S. Senate.
The Patriots defensive coaching staff appears set. While they can still bring in assistant coaches, this is the staff. Defensive coordinator: DeMarcus Covington; defensive line: Jerry Montgomery; Linebackers: Dont'a Hightower; cornerbacks: Mike Pellegrino; and safety: Brian Belichick.
Now there's talk about splitting the linebackers again. If you're going to do that, just make the position the edge coach. I mean, when you read scouting reports and draft boards, so few respect defensive ends and outside linebackers anymore. They just label them edge guys, so create that on the staff.
On offense, there's still three positions to be filled, but they're getting guys that know each other. I see a conflict between MacAdoo and AVP coming, but the staff is coming together.
The staff so far is Offensive coordinator: Alex Van Pelt; Quarterbacks: T.C. McCartney; Offensive Line: Scott Peters; and Senior offensive assistant: Ben McAdoo. Three spots are still undecided. Running backs: TBD; wide receivers: TBD; tight ends: TBD.
Another thing to remember is that McVeigh runs a version of the West Coast. Even if AVP and McAdoo are used to an older version of the west coast, if Mayo says he wants a version closer to what the Rams run, while it won't be perfect, those two should be able to come close.
At the moment, Troy Brown is the acting receivers coach and could be retained. Kevin Faulk would be nice to see back if he could coach the way he played. And while Edgar Bennett's name is being thrown out for the receiver position, I'd like to see Tony Sorrentino interviewed for the job.
Jeremy Springer is the special teams coordinator, but it's likely that they will bring in an assistant. If he retires, I would like Matthew Slater to be offered the role. The team is likely to devote fewer players to special teams, so having a specialist come back and coach would be huge for developing the depth chart that has to do double duty.
Again, lots more are still too tall about the draft. Speaking of the draft, I have my draft board for those who are interested. I'm revising it as needed, but I have prospects for pretty much every position that could work with the Patriots. Some of the offensive players will be coming off, as I started compiling the list when the college deadline ended for people to declare. If you're interested,
here's the link.
I guess it's now, "In Mayo, We Trust!"
