Instant Reaction: Your Patriots 2023 Draft Grade

[archstanton543]

But, yes, I also expect Reiff to start.

Great. An old guy who was part of one of the worst offenses last year (outside of the Pats).

 

[mgteich]

Great. An old guy who was part of one of the worst offenses last year (outside of the Pats).

1) the patriots had an average Offense in 2022. Please show stats that show how we were anywhere near the worst.

2) Reiff is an upgrade over those who started opposite Brown.

3) Even Anderson (or other addition) is an upgrade over whoever started opposite Brown.

 

[jdlboot14]

I dont know if this was more Groh or BB, but this was the worst draft in a while - from the perspective that even in past poor drafts, you have a few picks that at least provide hope and fit the team dynamic. But, basically they picked all IOL and CB's. And of course PK and P in the middle rounds. In the deepest WR draft, they don't try for any legit help (knowing all of our WR's are older FAs). Same for TE.
It was so odd, and really seems like BB is on self-destruct mode related to his ego in team-building. I don't know...

I like the Gonzales and Mapu pick. And HOPE maybe Boutte can turn into Meyers-like. But after Folk's standout season, we're going to turn to a rookie 4th rounder! And after Marcus Jones, we draft a carbon copy Douglas? And after Strange, Hines, Russey - we draft THREE more IOL? While no DT's or FS's. Just weird.

 

[n1997y]

I believe that both Reiff and Anderson were guaranteed $4M. He should be our swing OT, but I could see Reiff in that role. The bottom line is that Belichick used free agency to get his OT rotation. He even brought back McDermott to compete with Cajuste to compete for the 4th OT spot.

But, yes, I also expect Reiff to start.

My concern with Reiff is that he was a first round pick in 2012, so he’s been in the league 11 seasons and he’s 34. I hope he’s still got gas left in the tank, but he is definitely high mileage. Means he might get dinged up easier and heal more slowly. Hoping for the best but expecting less.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Ok. For example I hated drafting the K in the 4th. What a cluster duck that was. But the bottom line is we need a K badly as Folk is 38/39. So I gave that score an A because I’m not weighing picks with algorithms and he’s very good. Getting a K served a big need.

I do understand your point.

And the 49ers taking a kicker in the late 3rd round forced us to take a kicker early in the 4th since there were only two good kickers.

 

[n1997y]

… But after Folk's standout season, we're going to turn to a rookie 4th rounder!

In what alternative reality was Folk’s 2022 season a “standout”?

He was mediocre. FG success was 86.5% when league leaders were around 95%. Missed several PATs. Couldn’t kick a touchback if his life depended on it, even with a strong tailwind. And he’s 38, his best years are behind him.

 

[archstanton543]

1) the patriots had an average Offense in 2022. Please show stats that show how we were anywhere near the worst.

2) Reiff is an upgrade over those who started opposite Brown.

3) Even Anderson (or other addition) is an upgrade over whoever started opposite Brown.

Yards per game: 26th, 314.6
Rush yards/game: 24th, 106.6
Rush yards/play: 21st, 4.24
Pass yards/game: 20th, 206.4
Pass yards/play: 15th, 6.60
First downs/game: 28th, 16.9

Points per game*: 17th, 21.4
Pass touchdowns: tied-19th, 19
Rush touchdowns: tied-22nd, 12
Passer rating: 17th, 87.7

Third down: 27th, 34.88%
Fourth down: 29th, 38.46%
Red zone: 32nd, 42.22%
Goal to go: 28th, 62.50%

Average time of possession: 28th, 28:54

Average plays per drive: 29th
Average yards per drive: 27th
Average points per drive: 25th
Percentage of drives ending in score: 25th
Yards per game: 26th, 314.6
Rush yards/game: 24th, 106.6
Rush yards/play: 21st, 4.24
Pass yards/game: 20th, 206.4
Pass yards/play: 15th, 6.60
First downs/game: 28th, 16.9

Points per game*: 17th, 21.4
Pass touchdowns: tied-19th, 19
Rush touchdowns: tied-22nd, 12
Passer rating: 17th, 87.7

Third down: 27th, 34.88%
Fourth down: 29th, 38.46%
Red zone: 32nd, 42.22%
Goal to go: 28th, 62.50%

Average time of possession: 28th, 28:54

Average plays per drive: 29th
Average yards per drive: 27th
Average points per drive: 25th
Percentage of drives ending in score: 25th

From:

Here's where Patriots ranked in every offensive category in 2022 in the NFL

Here's a look at where the Patriots ranked in just about every offensive category you can use to assess the potency or lack thereof from an offense.

www.cbsnews.com

Pretty bad, actually. So bad, in fact, that they fired their de facto OC and QB coach and brought in another guy. I never thought I see someone defend the 2022 Patriots offense but here we are.

 

[NormZauchin]

Those who forget the past, are doomed to repeat it.……..see Tebucky Jones…..1998 draft, Rd 1, pick 22…..6’2”, 218 lbs….played DB, FS, and SS and was a JAG on all of them. Hated seeing him in coverage. Good on ST’s though.

Tebucky was the original Marte Mapu. Never lived up to his draft position….not even close. Bill hasn’t changed his idea on finding that magic bullet on defense who has multiple uses and is good on all of them, not a JAG on all of them. Hard to do. Tebucky couldn’t do it.

Maybe Mapu ends up better than Tebucky….I don’t know. Bill drafted the same guy again. Bill is playing Ahab and chasing that medium sized white whale. I am hoping for the best, but expecting a rerun of Tebucky Jones.

You had to bring up the Ghost of Tebucky. I remember Kraft being involved in that pick, using a stopwatch to clock Jones, who ended up with four interceptions in a five-year Patriots career. Mapu has a low bar to clear.

 

[Family]

There's no question they might have to cover a weakness at tackle. But they still have five reasonable options, Reiff, Anderson, Cajuste, McDermott, and Steuber. While obviously not elite talent, and maybe even band aids, another over weight or stiff third round OT I wouldn't have preferred.

They have rebuilt the interior of the OL. I'm happy with the direction.

BTW I voted "Great", but "solid but unspectacular" is the same if that's what was available to you.

 

[mgteich]

Yards per game: 26th, 314.6
Rush yards/game: 24th, 106.6
Rush yards/play: 21st, 4.24
Pass yards/game: 20th, 206.4
Pass yards/play: 15th, 6.60
First downs/game: 28th, 16.9

Points per game*: 17th, 21.4
Pass touchdowns: tied-19th, 19
Rush touchdowns: tied-22nd, 12
Passer rating: 17th, 87.7

Third down: 27th, 34.88%
Fourth down: 29th, 38.46%
Red zone: 32nd, 42.22%
Goal to go: 28th, 62.50%

Average time of possession: 28th, 28:54

Average plays per drive: 29th
Average yards per drive: 27th
Average points per drive: 25th
Percentage of drives ending in score: 25th
Yards per game: 26th, 314.6
Rush yards/game: 24th, 106.6
Rush yards/play: 21st, 4.24
Pass yards/game: 20th, 206.4
Pass yards/play: 15th, 6.60
First downs/game: 28th, 16.9

Points per game*: 17th, 21.4
Pass touchdowns: tied-19th, 19
Rush touchdowns: tied-22nd, 12
Passer rating: 17th, 87.7

Third down: 27th, 34.88%
Fourth down: 29th, 38.46%
Red zone: 32nd, 42.22%
Goal to go: 28th, 62.50%

Average time of possession: 28th, 28:54

Average plays per drive: 29th
Average yards per drive: 27th
Average points per drive: 25th
Percentage of drives ending in score: 25th

From:

Here's where Patriots ranked in every offensive category in 2022 in the NFL

Here's a look at where the Patriots ranked in just about every offensive category you can use to assess the potency or lack thereof from an offense.

www.cbsnews.com

Pretty bad, actually. So bad, in fact, that they fired their de facto OC and QB coach and brought in another guy. I never thought I see someone defend the 2022 Patriots offense but here we are.

hmm

There was no QB coach after a couple of games. There was no OC. There was no OL coach. Many of the players were voicing opposition regarding the coaching and play-calling. Brown was n=moved to LT and Wynn to RT. The head coach did NOTHING to intervene in this travesty.

IN SPITE OF THIS, the Offense was
17th in points scored
17th in passer rating
15th in passing yards per play
21st in passing yards per rush (clearly the OL changes hurt this state; still ELEVEN teams were worse))
19/20 in passing TD's
22/23 in rushing TD's

1-10 TOP TEN
11-22 "Average"
23-32 BOTTOM TEN
==========================
BOTTOM LINE
The 2022 team was a couple of plays out of the playoffs. The leaderless Offense did exceedingly well, given their lack of coaching, poor play calling and poor personnel moves.

So, YES, I do defend the play and results by the Offense in 2022. With the change in coaching, and serious OL improvements, the Offense should be much better. (and Gisecki replacing Smith)

 

[upstater1]

You had to bring up the Ghost of Tebucky. I remember Kraft being involved in that pick, using a stopwatch to clock Jones, who ended up with four interceptions in a five-year Patriots career. Mapu has a low bar to clear.

Well, obviously Bill didn't even draft Tebucky. But... we've had success in New England with guys like Patrick Chung and Kyle Dugger, so I'm not sure what the mystery is here. Besides, I expect Mapu is going to play LB or the Hero position.

 

[TomPatriot]

This team will not go to the AFCCG. Right now we cannot compete with explosive passing offenses by drafting WR in a substandard draft. But, we were 24th in offensive rushing yards last year. We will be 8th or better this season. 20th in passing yds last year, that may get up to 15, but ToP - we were 25th last year, I see #9-14 range this year. We were last in net punting in '22, could be top 6 this year.

I think BB will focus on D, and leave the offense to the other Bill. Haters gonna hate.

I’m a tad more optimistic. Last year’s offense was better than its production. Remember last year, the Pats had inexperienced offensive coaches. It was a sh*tshow. Big part of why the Pats had problems. This year there will be a system and Mac will already know most of it. Plus, Mac wanted hard coaching. If he hasn’t already, he’s about to get it from BOB.

 

[PWRxWLF]

I think a lot of frustrations for many fans stem from the fact that they think more highly of this team this year than most. This team had a ton of long term holes going into this draft. I didn’t like all of the signings on the interior line either, but I understand it. Not only did we have **** depth last yr, but you could be without 2 of your starters for this season heading into the ‘24 draft. I’m excited by the perception that Bill is focusing on the trenches on both sides of the ball. I didn’t love the Mapu pick. Not at all because of the player. He’s productive and incredibly athletic, but I just don’t have any faith that Bill will let him see the field outside of blowouts/garbage time or designed packages. Another pick with long term future in mind for when we lose Phillips or Dug. I love the secondary picks, and the WR picks have some serious upside, but definite question marks. Looks like we are setting up for a future of power (smash you in the face) football on O. Lots of play action, & quick timed passes. We can all agree we needed a punter. As far as kicker is concerned, Folk had some issues with PAT and his leg seems to have taken a big drop in power. You can’t just sit around and hope there’s another guy on the streets when he finally hits that wall. I like that Bill was aggressive in getting the guy he wanted.

Still a lot of uncertainty with this team, and training camp/preseason is going to be very exciting and filled with a lot of storylines/drama.

Can’t wait to see who makes the cut.

 

[duc359]

Trent Brown, Strange, Wynn, Cajuste, or Rieff.

Wynn? Gag me with a pitchfork.

Reiff may not have much left and Cajuste is an injury waiting to happen.

Let me point out the pick up of the aging G Brian Waters 9/2011, who went on to get 1st team AFC Conf.

If BB thinks he needs an OT to keep the year from going down the tubes, he can snag a salary dump, camp cut, make a deal.

Also, Mapu won't get much time as a SS this year. Cover LB I think is his first place to make a dent. His tape at the Sr Bowl should make the doubters pause.

 

[mgteich]

I’m a tad more optimistic. Last year’s offense was better than its production. Remember last year, the Pats had inexperienced offensive coaches. It was a sh*tshow. Big part of why the Pats had problems. This year there will be a system and Mac will already know most of it. Plus, Mac wanted hard coaching. If he hasn’t already, he’s about to get it from BOB.

With worse than no coaching at OC, OL, QB and play-calling, the OFFENSE has these "terrible" results.
17th points scored
17th passer rating
15th yards per pass
21st yards per rushing play

I'm very optimistic that there will be major improvements with the changes in coaching and the improvements in the OL. We also successfully replaced RB Harris, WR Meyers and TE Smith.

The open question for me is Jones. Will he improve to be an average QB? Will he read defenses well? Will he release fast enough? The answers to these questions will determine the sophistication of the Offense, and likely its success.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Wish they would have gotten a TE, and a receiving back. But if one of the wideouts pan out, A-plus

They drafted Pierre Strong last year to be their next receiving back, and it usually takes those players a couple of seasons to work into that role full time. They also have Stevenson, who’s decent receiver out of the backfield.

 

[duc359]

1) the patriots had an average Offense in 2022. Please show stats that show how we were anywhere near the worst.

Time of possesion.

2) Reiff is an upgrade over those who started opposite Brown.

In a quick drop not much long sustain pass blocking needed O as I expect he could be good. I think Anderson is better. In a long passing 7 step drop 1/2 the game he would be not so hot.

3) Even Anderson (or other addition) is an upgrade over whoever started opposite Brown.

Yeah. I was hoping they could have gotten Johnson, but that was a pipe dream. BB will see what he's got and move on from there.

 

[mgteich]

.

Yeah. I was hoping they could have gotten Johnson, but that was a pipe dream. BB will see what he's got and move on from there.

Yup.

Even our 1st, 2nd and 3rd wouldn't have been enough to secure Johnson. The points" are equal, but AZ wanted him and might even taken him at 3 if HOU didn't overwhelm them with picks.

 

[duc359]

You had to bring up the Ghost of Tebucky. I remember Kraft being involved in that pick, using a stopwatch to clock Jones, who ended up with four interceptions in a five-year Patriots career. Mapu has a low bar to clear.

Tebucky was a 22nd pick in '98, a bit more expected than #76 in a weak draft. But athletically similar, good point. TJ just never seemed to get "it". Mapu is seen as a bright guy, but big step up in processing required now.

 

[Real fan 02]

1) the patriots had an average Offense in 2022. Please show stats that show how we were anywhere near the worst.

2) Reiff is an upgrade over those who started opposite Brown.

3) Even Anderson (or other addition) is an upgrade over whoever started opposite Brown.

Attached is the offensive ranks from 2022