5 Super Bowl wins have been great, majestic, heart-pounding, special. Of course. But as a fan, I look at the roster, at the moves Belichick has made so far this off-season, and truly believe that with just a few more bold moves, the next two seasons (and perhaps even the next 3 or 4 seasons) can eclipse what has already been accomplished.
How so, you ask? First, let's start with 19-0. Of course, New England was within a whisper of accomplishing this goal. It's on the table now and if Belichick makes these few remaining bold moves, it could quite possibly happen. There will always will some luck involved in a perfect season, but it's there and within reach.
Also consider all of New England's Super Bowl wins -- tight, down to the wire. How about domination, a blow out victory that begins the debate about the best team in NFL history? Sure, all this is excessive, greedy, and simply too much to ask or even consider -- except in New England's case, with its roster, its head coach (best ever), and its starting QB (best ever).
Being the best you can be, chasing greatness at its highest level, separating who you are and what you've accomplished, is what elite franchises do.
So, let's begin the chase. Let's play hardball and put together the most talented roster in Patriot history --
You know where it begins. While some want to keep the backup QB, there's a desperate team (Cleveland) with multiple draft picks and a huge need for a QB. They've let it be known they're interested. Belichick has played this perfectly. At one point, getting pick #12 in the first round was thought to be a great deal for NE. Now, most reporters believe Cleveland is willing to give up #12 and another 2nd round pick - and perhaps even more than that. So play hardball with these guys, wait until just before the draft and get the most possible value.
Here is what I think NE will get --
Cleveland's 1st round pick (#12); Cleveland's 2nd round pick (#33) Cleveland's 2nd round pick (#52).
Next, you play hardball with New Orleans. Either they give up their pick (#11 1st round) for Malcolm Butler, or he comes back. Either way, the Patriots are in great shape -- they keep Butler for another year and have two great corners, or they have pick #11 and select an elite CB in the draft.
For discussion sake, let's say NO does agree to give up #11. Here would be New England's haul:
1st round: #11 & #12
2nd round: #33 & #52
3rd round: #72 & #96
4th round: #131
5th round: #163 & #183
6th round: #200
7th round: #239
That's 11 overall picks in a loaded draft. It gives Belichick the ability to move up and down in a way he never has. On defense, you can get a pass rusher, corner, linebacker. On offense, you can get a running back, tight end, tackle, and guard, perhaps even another young QB to develop. With that many picks, you can target someone you don't even need. Example? John Ross, WR with 4.22 speed. Think he and Cooks might be a combo of speed never seen before in the NFL? Who are you favorite players in this year's draft? NE would have the resources to get anyone it wanted. The Patriots would have so much talent. So much young talent. So much young cheap talent under contract for years to come.
I really think Belichick is getting ready to pull this off. He's ready to pounce. If he does, New England would be in a position to exceed its already remarkable, lofty accomplishments.
As a fan, how can you not be dreaming this dream?
