We're on to the OFF-Season

[Ivan]

Agree. 32 MUSD is petty cash, although some new signings can be structured so the 2023 cap hit is spread out over a few years.
Assume they keep 5 million for future in season transactions and emergencies...that leaves about 27 MUSD. Figuring their 2 biggest needs are at OT and CB, that would allow them to sign one or two premium players at most with the rest as second tier players.

Disagree with this. They could play it that way, but it’s much more fluid than that. I wish I could remember which off-season it was but they went into it with around 5 million to spend, went crazy with free agent signings, and still had 10 million available when they were done. There are many factors that come into it, but overall they have the ability to get a lot done this off-season.

 

[p8ryts]

The Patriots could also bring in Siaki Ika DT Baylor, and move Barmore to DE in a 3/4.

Am I the only one who thinks a year 2 Sam Roberts can be a contributor, especially on passing downs? He didn't play a lot but did show pressure when he was in.

 

[DaBruinz]

I'm hoping that Perkins is finally ready to contribute and can stay healthy..
It's going to be interesting to see if Steuber and Hines can stick as well. There is definitely plenty of roster spots..

 

[Ivan]

Am I the only one who thinks a year 2 Sam Roberts can be a contributor, especially on passing downs? He didn't play a lot but did show pressure when he was in.

I don’t know, but if they can get an interior DL who demands two OL on him it frees the rest of their front seven to get after the QB.

 

[venecol]

Am I the only one who thinks a year 2 Sam Roberts can be a contributor, especially on passing downs? He didn't play a lot but did show pressure when he was in.

Yes

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Asiasi has played and played well for Cincinnati.

When I Google "Devin Asiasi stats" it says he had 2 receptions for a yotal of 5 yards for the Bengals in 2022. Does not appear to be a "played well" season. What am I missing?

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I don’t know, but if they can get an interior DL who demands two OL on him it frees the rest of their front seven to get after the QB.

Agreed. That is why I think Payne should be signed as a FA before Jon Jones or Myers.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I could see them signing Payne if he's not tagged by Washington. They could put he Barmore and Godchaux on either side of Payne in addition to Judon and Uche on the outside. Then put Dugger/Peppers out along side Bentley with Phillips playing the High Safety.

Or they could have Godchaux/Payne in the Middle with Judon/Barmore on the edges, playing a 4/3 Under.. You could sup in Wise to spell Barmore on early downs and then use Barmore/Wise on clear passing downs in the inside.
First order of business is improving the Tackle position though. Whether it's Orlando Brown Jr or McGlinchey or Jawaan Taylor or Kalb McGary, or a draft pick, it needs to be improved.
In a perfect world, they'd sign one of those 4 and then use 14 to take Witherspoon or trade down to take Rice, though something tells me that Tank Dell would be an awesome fit here.

Great great post until the Tank Dell part. 5'10" and 163lbs. You have to be kidding about drafting a guy that is 163 lbs. Some websites have him at 5'8" and 155lbs. Welker and Jules were 195 lbs. If anyone thinks Thornton is a twig, wait until you see Dell.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

The Pats basically have the space for at least ONE day one FA pick. Jones would be a GREAT one. Pairing him with Barmore would be IDEAL. Inside push is the best way to defend the modern pass game. Pay him his 18-20MM/yr and let the good times roll. He'd certainly be more impactful than ANY FA WR on the market.

I haven't looked at the FA market closely as yet, but an impact DLman would be HUGE. Guy is getting up there and was just "solid" last season (with WISE having a breakthrough year). Barmore, Jones, Godceaux, (DT/N) Wise (DT/DE, and Ekule would make a great interior DL group. It would mean they could bypass interior DL in the first 5 rounds of the draft and use that capital elsewhere

Besides you can't have too many Jones' on the team.

Maybe Jones is cheaper, but Payne is much more stout.

 

[DaBruinz]

Great great post until the Tank Dell part. 5'10" and 163lbs. You have to be kidding about drafting a guy that is 163 lbs. Some websites have him at 5'8" and 155lbs. Welker and Jules were 195 lbs. If anyone thinks Thornton is a twig, wait until you see Dell.

How many of the 6 WRs chosen in the 1st round last year weighed under 190 lbs? FOUR. Only London and Burks weighed over 200. And 2 were under 180 despite being over 6'.

Marcus Jones was 5'8 and 174. They said he wouldn't be successful either.

Not sure where you read 155 for Dell, but it's bogus. They did weigh-ins at the Senior Bowl. 5'8 - 163 lbs. Guess what? He's got the frame to easily add more.

2023 Senior Bowl Official Weigh-In Measurements -

The Senior Bowl is the most prestigious and the dominant all-star game in the space, attracting the top prospects from across the country to compete in a three-day practice format and a game that is played on Saturday. All 32 NFL teams send scouts, coaches, and many top-level personnel attend...

nfldraftblitz.com

Dell is exciting because he's not just FAST. He's QUICK as well. He's probably just a return specialist in the NFL, but he could take some offensive snaps. Just like Marcus Jones did.