CURRENT ROSTER NEEDS

[n1997y]

For me, a current NEED is a hole in the roster.

I think that’s a very good definition. It gets a little less clear deciding what’s really a hole in the roster and what’s just a soft spot.

I’d say the closest thing to a real hole is RB. Even there we have a serviceable RB1, a promising rookie as RB2, and at least one unproven candidate on the PS. So we may actually have more than we realize, just untested. Toe that’s a soft spot not a real hole.

So, where do we have real holes on the current roster, not just soft spots or inadequate depth?

 

[mgteich]

I do feel like, until Henderson gets some more muscle and can pickup the blitz, we need a pass-catching/scat back that can do as much. A scat back would be nice that can take what the OL gives him and then create some yards out of pace and ability to juke.

What I'm saying is I want prime Dion Lewis again

For the rest of 2025, Stevenson will continue to get 75% of the reps, and the vast majority of carries unless a solution is found,

BTW, we drafted Henderson early primarily because of his ability to block and pick up the blitz. Instead, he cannot be trusted to take 20 carries a game because he can't do those things. Henderson will learn and eventually be an asset.

 

[BobDigital]

We all more or less know the needs. The question is what are we willing to trade for for it.

RB? I'd trade at most a 6th. Anyone long term may find themselves in a log jam next year. And after investing the 36th overall pick, I don't want to invest even a 5th. Give Henderson every chance to be the guy. As for a rental for this run? Why spend even a 5th? We aren't winning the bowl. So I don't want to burn too much of an asset in something that will weaken the team during the Maye window. 6th is my max.

For S, EDGE, WR, OL or LB. As long as the asset is long term, I'd be fine sending a quality pick for any. All depends on how good the player is and how long they can play at a high level. But yeah, even your first should be on the table.

WR is the most interesting spot as next year.. who do you cut if anyone? And don't you want to give Williams and Chism a chance to develope this year? It would kind of be a pity if you trade for a WR and Williams and Chism don't see the field again this year after they showed so promise.

 

[n1997y]

We all more or less know the needs.

Right. We need to get better at every position other than QB (maybe even there because 90% is not 100%!). And we need to get better depth at every position. That’s pretty much the norm. Questions are what are the priorities, and how are they best addressed? Do we need to trade future draft picks to address needs now? Or are those needs better addressed by using those draft picks to draft players?

Another way to look at it is, the current team record is 5-2. We lost the first game of the season because we laid a total clunker, and we lost by one score to a possible playoff team when we had a -4 turnover differential. So what roster deficiency does our record show we urgently need to fix?

Here’s the way I see the needs at the moment.

BLUF (bottom line up front): top needs as trade targets are:
1) Safety
2) RB
3) CB depth
4) EDGE depth
Otherwise I would not trade draft capital for any other position unless it was truly exceptional like a fourth for Micah Parsons straight up, lol.

Here’s my analysis to get to that.
When I say starters are solid I mean no worse NFL average, usually better.
My view on depth is how losing front line starter(s) at the position will affect the quality of play, particularly over rest of the season given that the current lineup looks competitive for the division title.

QB - starter is solid, performance to date is excellent, depth is unknown and underwhelming. Depth improvement needed, moderately urgent but realistically an offseason concern (unless we can trade for Mason Rudolph; if Pittsburgh deals him I’d like us to get him!)

OL - starters are all solid, performance to date is acceptable, depth is mostly untested or underwhelming. Depth improvement may be needed. Very unlikely it can be improved before off season.

RB - one solid starter, need 2 want 3. Performance to date is acceptable (barely), depth is inadequate, an untested rookie and PS. Depth improvement needed, one of my top three areas for possible trades. cost:benefit of midseason trade difficult to judge. IVWT

WR - starters solid, performance to date is very good, depth is untested, consists of two high potential rookies. Low priority for midseason trade that risks disrupting passing offense working well now and/or delaying development of promising rookies.

TE - 2 starters solid, performance to date is good, depth is limited, would like improved backup but not urgent. Can wait for offseason.

DL - starters are solid, performance to date is very good. Depth seems adequate. No need for action before offseason.

EDGE - starters are solid, performance to date is very good. Depth/rotation could be improved but is not urgent priority. Would be candidate for cheap midseason improvement or wait for offseason. Or find Keion White’s ON switch.

ILB - starters are solid, performance to date is acceptable, depth/rotation could be improved but is not urgent priority. Would be candidate for cheap midseason improvement but can probably wait for offseason.

CB - starters are solid, performance to date is good, depth is limited. Opportunity for midseason improvement if price is right for better talent. One of my top three areas for possible trades.

S - one starters is solid, second is shaky (and injured). Performance to date is somewhat spotty but generally not bad, depth is inadequate. Opportunity for midseason improvement. My top position of need.

 

[n1997y]

We all more or less know the needs. The question is what are we willing to trade for for it.

RB? I'd trade at most a 6th. Anyone long term may find themselves in a log jam next year. And after investing the 36th overall pick, I don't want to invest even a 5th. Give Henderson every chance to be the guy. As for a rental for this run? Why spend even a 5th? We aren't winning the bowl. So I don't want to burn too much of an asset in something that will weaken the team during the Maye window. 6th is my max.

I’m not sure I’d want to trade for an RB even though I had that position as my #2 target. Thing is, apart from the truly elite players that we aren’t going to get in trade right now there’s just not enough difference in priceerformance for me to want to spend any draft capital especially with it possibly being a half season rental. I’ll trust Vrabel’s judgement on whether any possible trade is worth it.

For S, EDGE, WR, OL or LB. As long as the asset is long term, I'd be fine sending a quality pick for any. All depends on how good the player is and how long they can play at a high level. But yeah, even your first should be on the table.

In addition to how good they are and how long you will get good play from them you must consider cost. I’m probably not sending a first for any of them right now because it’s giving up five years of cheap rookie salary for an expensive established veteran, and I’m skeptical that we can find a trade candidate that’s good enough for long enough and also cheap enough to make it a good deal. At best we’re likely to get three years before they’ll want to hit the market again, and giving up those two extra years at rookie salary make it a bad deal.
Same logic makes me really hesitant to send a second, or even a third. In fact given the success in the last draft I’m not enthusiastic about trades unless there’s a really clear positive value proposition for the Patriots, and to me acquiring backups isn’t enough to part with draft capital. Possible exception might be if they’d be candidates to develop into future starters.
Thing is, I’m not enthusiastic about trading to upgrade starters if the guys we have as starters are solid. To me the value of the draft capital is higher than the incremental improvement, if our starter is good enough. And right now I think most of our starters are solid. After all, they’re good enough for us to be leading the division a third of the way through the season. Exception would be if the incremental improvement is tremendous and the price is inexpensive, but that’s unrealistic.

WR is the most interesting spot as next year.. who do you cut if anyone? And don't you want to give Williams and Chism a chance to develope this year? It would kind of be a pity if you trade for a WR and Williams and Chism don't see the field again this year after they showed so promise.

The top of our WR roster is doing the job. I haven’t seen any complaints they aren’t open or aren’t catching the ball, and Drake’s stats say they’re doing both. A trade now for a starter would be trying to improve on players that have done everything asked of them so far, and that just seems wrong. It also seems as likely to blow up in your face as to help. So only compelling reason I’d see to want to trade for WR is concern for depth, and that runs into the questions you asked. I’d rather stand pat and look to KW and EC3 to step up if needed.

 

[Triumph]

The Pats are winning because of Maye's intelligence and his arm.

RB is adequate at the moment, but as soon as Maye has a bad game that will all change. I expected Hendo to take the NFL by storm, but he has somewhat faded into obscurity. The Rookie wall is quickly approaching as well.

If there is a RB out there worth giving up draft picks for I am all for it.

 

[Real fan 02]

Dugger played 100% of the snaps for the last two weeks. Pettus was the next man up.

Our healthy number 2 RB was in for 9 reps on Offense, about the same as the garbage time backups and Williams.

Oh, and BTW, many posters wanted our #1 to get many, many fewer reps. With no choice, he got all most all the reps.

NUF said

Safety, EDGE, LB, as it's been mentioned alot of the opposing teams X plays have been allowed by poor Safety play. Safety has now risen IMO to a glaring need. EDGE could also use some depth. Keon whites disappoint has really impacted the depth here. I was going to add CB but I'm willing to allow Gonzo some more time for him to get back to form although I've been a bit Underwhelmed with gonzo and Davis. I didn't mention RB because Henderson is a rookie and eventually he's going to come on.

 

[Real fan 02]

The Pats are winning because of Maye's intelligence and his arm.

RB is adequate at the moment, but as soon as Maye has a bad game that will all change. I expected Hendo to take the NFL by storm, but he has somewhat faded into obscurity. The Rookie wall is quickly approaching as well.

If there is a RB out there worth giving up draft picks for I am all for it.

Exactly correct. This is why when it comes to QB this day and age you have to have the IQ and the talent to play the position at the highest level.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

We beat the Chargers this week and they're not even on the schedule.

(picked up Caleb Murphy from the waiver wire.... I know, it's a stretch, but I think we caught them mid-waiver-dance)

 

[Real fan 02]

We beat the Chargers this week and they're not even on the schedule.

(picked up Caleb Murphy from the waiver wire.... I know, it's a stretch, but I think we caught them mid-waiver-dance)

I think the Murphy pick up was a nice move by Vrabel.

 

[n1997y]

The Pats are winning because of Maye's intelligence and his arm.

In large part, but not solely.

RB is adequate at the moment, but as soon as Maye has a bad game that will all change. I expected Hendo to take the NFL by storm, but he has somewhat faded into obscurity. The Rookie wall is quickly approaching as well.

What?!?

We have one RB, who has a history of putting the ball on the ground. We have TreyHey, a promising rookie who has yet to do much. And we have a guy on the PS, Jennings.

You call that “adequate”? Maybe if Hendo steps up, but so far not much sign he’s going to. Maybe Jennings can develop, but so far it looks like he’s at best an average grinder.

It’s a toss up between S and RB as to our greatest need atm, IMO.

If there is a RB out there worth giving up draft picks for I am all for it.

Absolutely.

 

[n1997y]

We beat the Chargers this week and they're not even on the schedule.

(picked up Caleb Murphy from the waiver wire.... I know, it's a stretch, but I think we caught them mid-waiver-dance)

Yes, I suspect they were planning to put him on the PS when Vrabel intervened.

I think the Murphy pick up was a nice move by Vrabel.

Definitely. Looking forward to seeing him play.

 

[Real fan 02]

Yes, I suspect they were planning to put him on the PS when Vrabel intervened.

Definitely. Looking forward to seeing him play.

Yes, I feel he has some pass rush abilities that will be welcomed in the rotation off the edges

 

[Real fan 02]

In large part, but not solely.

What?!?

We have one RB, who has a history of putting the ball on the ground. We have TreyHey, a promising rookie who has yet to do much. And we have a guy on the PS, Jennings.

You call that “adequate”? Maybe if Hendo steps up, but so far not much sign he’s going to. Maybe Jennings can develop, but so far it looks like he’s at best an average grinder.

It’s a toss up between S and RB as to our greatest need atm, IMO.

Absolutely.

One thing I'd say regarding Henderson.. not that I'm saying this will happen...but... Gibbs didn't start right out the gate his rookie season as being sensational..he had his rookie struggles early and by the end of that season he was electric for the lions. Henderson is compared to Gibbs his play style.. he's far to talented to not be a difference maker for this offense. It will start to happen for him I feel

 

[mgteich]

We all more or less know the needs. The question is what are we willing to trade for for it.

RB? I'd trade at most a 6th. Anyone long term may find themselves in a log jam next year. And after investing the 36th overall pick, I don't want to invest even a 5th. Give Henderson every chance to be the guy. As for a rental for this run? Why spend even a 5th? We aren't winning the bowl. So I don't want to burn too much of an asset in something that will weaken the team during the Maye window. 6th is my max.

For S, EDGE, WR, OL or LB. As long as the asset is long term, I'd be fine sending a quality pick for any. All depends on how good the player is and how long they can play at a high level. But yeah, even your first should be on the table.

WR is the most interesting spot as next year.. who do you cut if anyone? And don't you want to give Williams and Chism a chance to develope this year? It would kind of be a pity if you trade for a WR and Williams and Chism don't see the field again this year after they showed so promise.

You wouldn't give a 5th for a RB would/might replace Stevenson next year, or at worst be one of our 3 RB's, with Henderson being the passing down star? I would love to have Stevenson, Henderson, and a new guys going into the off-season, and then be able to look for an upgrade or addition in free agency or the draft.

At least, we we need someone to share part of the load with Stevenson this year and next. Henderson will have his role, but his role is NOT 50+ offensive snaps thumper. We will need to decide on Stevenson AND acquire another RB or two.

 

[mgteich]

Yes, I feel he has some pass rush abilities that will be welcomed in the rotation off the edges

if he is ever even active
We do need perspective regarding our #10 or #11 LB (depending on how you count White).
BTW, I think that this was a very good signing. Jennings can now go.

 

[upstater1]

#1 need is a right tackle.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

#1 need is a right tackle.

Long term I agree.

Bedard, after going through the tape from Sunday's game, said the Moses played very well - maybe our best olineman last game. We have Bryant learning behind Moses. I am not sure that RT is our #1 short term need.

 

[Triumph]

What?!?

We have one RB, who has a history of putting the ball on the ground. We have TreyHey, a promising rookie who has yet to do much. And we have a guy on the PS, Jennings.

You call that “adequate”? Maybe if Hendo steps up, but so far not much sign he’s going to. Maybe Jennings can develop, but so far it looks like he’s at best an average grinder.

It’s a toss up between S and RB as to our greatest need atm, IMO.

I prefaced my comment with the way that Maye is executing currently.

If Maye has a bad day or the passing offense goes South for some reason, the lack of RB options will be obvious.

 

[Zuma]

QB - starter is solid, performance to date is excellent, depth is unknown and underwhelming. Depth improvement needed, moderately urgent but realistically an offseason concern (unless we can trade for Mason Rudolph; if Pittsburgh deals him I’d like us to get him!)

Agree. Yes to Rudolph.

OL - starters are all solid, performance to date is acceptable, depth is mostly untested or underwhelming. Depth improvement may be needed. Very unlikely it can be improved before off season.

Agree. We need quality depth sooner then later…like before the deadline.

RB - one solid starter, need 2 want 3. Performance to date is acceptable (barely), depth is inadequate, an untested rookie and PS. Depth improvement needed, one of my top three areas for possible trades. cost:benefit of midseason trade difficult to judge. IVWT

Agree. We need a RB1 backup soon if Jennings isn’t it.

WR - starters solid, performance to date is very good, depth is untested, consists of two high potential rookies. Low priority for midseason trade that risks disrupting passing offense working well now and/or delaying development of promising rookies.

Agree. Zero need for a WR during the season.

TE - 2 starters solid, performance to date is good, depth is limited, would like improved backup but not urgent. Can wait for offseason.

Agree. Need to draft one early though.

DL - starters are solid, performance to date is very good. Depth seems adequate. No need for action before offseason.

Agree. Not needed.

EDGE - starters are solid, performance to date is very good. Depth/rotation could be improved but is not urgent priority. Would be candidate for cheap midseason improvement or wait for offseason. Or find Keion White’s ON switch.

Agree. Not needed.

ILB - starters are solid, performance to date is acceptable, depth/rotation could be improved but is not urgent priority. Would be candidate for cheap midseason improvement but can probably wait for offseason.

I think it’s important to get a coverage-type ILB that can go sideline to sideline before the deadline.

CB - starters are solid, performance to date is good, depth is limited. Opportunity for midseason improvement if price is right for better talent. One of my top three areas for possible trades.

Agree… we could use more quality backup help.

S - one starters is solid, second is shaky (and injured). Performance to date is somewhat spotty but generally not bad, depth is inadequate. Opportunity for midseason improvement. My top position of need.

Woodson is improving and I think Dugger played 100% of the snaps last game. I just feel a coverage ILB is more of the need then S.