My Ridiculously Early Start on a 2026 Offseason Plan

[manxman2601]

3 games or 5 games?

It was five at the start of the season. Whether that changes to 3 during the season I don't know.

 

[captain stone]

3 games or 5 games?

I thought it was always 3, but maybe not now... I hope in the case of this less-than-useless pile of trash Saunders that it's only 3.

 

[manxman2601]

I'm increasingly of the opinion that we should re-sign what we can: Hawkins, Tonga, Hooper, Chaisson if he's affordable and maybe Gibbens and then do a Ravens/Eagles and sit and wait for BPA. The Eagles got the best performing rookie last draft in Jihaad Campbell that way.

 

[BobDigital]

Right now I am thinking "What does this team need to be a true super bowl contender if Maye can play the way he's playing?" The answer isn't much.

Thinking of Elliss or Hawkins.... They aren't good, but they have had decent stretches and plays. Elliss in particular the last 3 games has shown a fair amount of improvement. I still don't think he's been playing to his contract, but it has been better. PFF loves him in that stretch. I don't think they are exactly right. But it has been improved. If he can be this player the rest of the way... I think they can live with that.

Hawkins is much more hit or miss. i hope they improve on him... but as long as the 3 CBs are healthy you can work with it as long as everything else is good. I think as long as you grab a DE or Safety in this draft who really helps you, you just need a few depth pieces and you are ready to go.

On offense it is way more in flux. We know the OL needs to improve. WR and RB hopefully get some clarity. TE we can roll again if need be but i'd like to look into a long term option.

I am okay resigning Chaisson, but not to be a back up. You either sign him as a starter or not at all typically. Ideally your 3rd DE is on a cheap rookie deal or a great value vet signing.

Pats have 50M to spend without making any cuts or cap moves (this considers the price of their draft picks too)

Tonga - 3/17 4/5.5/7.5
Boutte 3/39 9/13/17
Hooper 1/5 5
Chaisson 3/36 9/12/16
Hawkins 2/6 2.5/3.5 (back up money)

Gonzo they can resign this or next year before FA... it won't effect the cap in 26 though much, same for Boutte.

 

[mayoclinic]

I want to be 3 deep in starters. Landry-Chaisson with not much behind it is too thing for me. Thibodeaux-Landry-Chaison works fine. So would Landry-Bailey-Chaisson.

 

[mayoclinic]

Have discussed elsewhere how Vrabel defensive scheme might affect type of player targeted:

Thread 'Vrabel Defensive Scheme and Team Needs'

Oct 31, 2025

I think we've all identified S, LB, EDGE, and CB depth as 2026 needs for upgrades. But exactly what kind of players best fit the Vrabel/Austin defensive approach?

PP2 mentioned this in the Pats-Browns post-game thread:

After Further Review: Breaking Down Patriots QB Drake Maye, LT Will Campbell and the Run Defense in Win Over Browns

Great analysis by Lazar, but this is the part I thought deserved a separate discussion:

On Sunday, the Patriots became the first defense to go eight games without allowing a 50-plus yard rusher since 1950, holding...

• mayoclinic
• Replies: 19
• Forum: Patriots Draft Talk

Based on this, I would say:

EDGE:

Explosive player with burst who can create inside disruption and force things outside to the second level.

Targets (draft, FA, or trade):

1. David Bailey, Texas Tech (draft)
2. Kayvon Thibodeaux, NY Giants (trade)
3. Jaelan Phillips. Miami (2025 trade or 2026 FA)
4. Quincy Rhodes, Arkansas (draft)
5. Zion Young, Missouri (draft)
6. Akheem Mesidor Miami

LB:

Athletic, smart player who can be force option on run, mirror/spy QBs, drop into coverage or be used as an EDGE rusher/blitzer.

Targets:

1. Arvell Reese, Ohio St. (no chance)
2. Sonny Styles, Ohio St.
3a. Anthony Hill, Texas
3b. Jake Golday, Cincinnati

S:

Rangy, versatile player who can play deep FS but also be force player on runs, be used interchangeably with Craig Woodson.

Targets:

1. Caleb Downs, Ohio St. (no chance)
2. Jelani McDonald, Texas (probably won't come out)
3. Zakee Wheatley, Penn St.

Not sure about Dillon Thieneman, Amare Ferrell, or Rod Moore.

 

[manxman2601]

Have discussed elsewhere how Vrabel defensive scheme might affect type of player targeted:

Thread 'Vrabel Defensive Scheme and Team Needs'

Oct 31, 2025

I think we've all identified S, LB, EDGE, and CB depth as 2026 needs for upgrades. But exactly what kind of players best fit the Vrabel/Austin defensive approach?

PP2 mentioned this in the Pats-Browns post-game thread:

After Further Review: Breaking Down Patriots QB Drake Maye, LT Will Campbell and the Run Defense in Win Over Browns

Great analysis by Lazar, but this is the part I thought deserved a separate discussion:

On Sunday, the Patriots became the first defense to go eight games without allowing a 50-plus yard rusher since 1950, holding...

• mayoclinic
• Replies: 19
• Forum: Patriots Draft Talk

Based on this, I would say:

EDGE:

Explosive player with burst who can create inside disruption and force things outside to the second level.

Targets (draft, FA, or trade):

1. David Bailey, Texas Tech (draft)
2. Kayvon Thibodeaux, NY Giants (trade)
3. Jaelan Phillips. Miami (2025 trade or 2026 FA)
4. Quincy Rhodes, Arkansas (draft)
5. Zion Young, Missouri (draft)

LB:

Athletic, smart player who can be force option on run, mirror/spy QBs, drop into coverage or be used as an EDGE rusher/blitzer.

Targets:

1. Arvell Reese, Ohio St. (no chance)
2. Sonny Styles, Ohio St.
3a. Anthony Hill, Texas
3b. Jake Golday, Cincinnati

S:

Rangy, versatile player who can play deep FS but also be force player on runs, be used interchangeably with Craig Woodson.

Targets:

1. Caleb Downs, Ohio St. (no chance)
2. Jelani McDonald, Texas (probably won't come out)
3. Zakee Wheatley, Penn St.

Not sure about Dillon Thieneman, Amare Ferrell, or Rod Moore.

I don't love Zion young as a first rounder, but you're right he'd be a good fit. A trade back from the first or trade up from 64.

 

[mayoclinic]

I don't love Zion young as a first rounder, but you're right he'd be a good fit. A trade back from the first or trade up from 64.

I didn't mean to imply 1st round pick. Probably 2nd for Rhodes/Young right now.

I added Mesidor as well.

The LSU version of Bradyn Swinson seems like a good fit as well.

 

[stelfans]

Im on the Mesidor/Curry train. But I also like the idea of targeting Phillips.

 

[mayoclinic]

Curry and Kamara (Indiana) seem like good day 3 options.

 

[manxman2601]

Mesidor winning inside

 

[stelfans]

All I hear about Mesidor/Curry is violent, physical and relentless. Sounds beautiful to me.

 

[manxman2601]

All I hear about Mesidor/Curry is violent, physical and relentless. Sounds beautiful to me.

And to Vrabel and the defensive coaches - it's what they talk about the most for the DL. The one thing working against Mesidor is age and for Curry it's length.

If Mesidor is there in round 4, I think he's a no brainer. He'll have just turned 25 on draft day but Woodsen was 24. However, if you look at the day 1&2 picks last year, with the exception of Henderson, they were all pretty young.

Will Campbell - 21
Treveyon Henderson - 23
Kyle Williams - 22
Jared Wilson - 22

That's their ages now btw.

 

[mayoclinic]

Not sure where to put this, from Rob Staton at Seahawksdraftblog, but it could easily apply to the Pats as well:

Why I think the Seahawks will eventually trade away their 2026 first round pick – Seahawks Draft Blog

seahawksdraftblog.com

 

[manxman2601]

Not sure where to put this, from Rob Staton at Seahawksdraftblog, but it could easily apply to the Pats as well:

Why I think the Seahawks will eventually trade away their 2026 first round pick – Seahawks Draft Blog

seahawksdraftblog.com

I agree with him that this draft is not strong at the top. Trouble is, every other team can see the same.

 

[mayoclinic]

We heard that last year as well.

I don't really buy it. There are tons of good players every year. College football seems deeper and stronger to me than ever.

There used to be a huge drop-off. Now there are quality prospects 150 deep.

This is a draft rich in opportunities, for those smart enough.

 

[manxman2601]

I struggle to see past Sonny Styles as an ideal first round pick for us. Just break him down.

He's listed at 6'5". That's a big man to fit the ball over in middle zone for a QB.
He's 240lb+ in a world where linebackers are getting lighter and lighter.
I can't quit that reported 40" vert.
Ohio State coached up. Arguably the best coaching in CFB.
His zone coverage grade of 90 is elite.
That 6'5", 240 size and elite athleticism tells me he can be a threat as a pass rusher or at least a plus blitzer.
ZERO missed tackles so far this year. Come on!

As a late first rounder, I just think that's terrific value.

There is only one doubt I have and that's his relative weakness in man coverage. He only has 1 PBU this year, and gives up completions on 91% of targets.

When you draft someone in the first round, you want them to have the potential to be great, not just good. Styles' profile is of someone who could be great.

 

[mayoclinic]

Styles was my #1 LB prospect entering the season, until that other guy showed up. But he is very, very good. I'm not too concerned about his pass defense.

I don't expect him to be around when we pick, but there's a realistic chance. Would be a great pick.

 

[BobDigital]

Here is my current full plan.

Cuts/Trades

Cut Onwenu (I toyed with maybe extending him, but given his recent play I doubt they find a contract which works as it be too much of a pay cut... he is better off taking his 7.5M and walking. So that is what he will do)
Cut/Trade Jennings (hopefully trade)
Cut Dobbs (I don't think he gives more value than Tommy D).


Those moves save 26.2M (I thought about cutting Bradbury, but i don't think you cut him and Onwenu the same year).

Now your cap is at 78.5M with 43 players rostered Your draft will be about 12M when (some will be traded away or combined)

They sign the following in FA

Tonga - 3/17 4/5.5/7.5
Hooper 1/5 5
Chaisson 3/36 9/12/16
Hawkins 2/6 2.5/3.5 (back up money)

21.5M

Gonzo EX 4/120 20/27/33/40
Boutte EX - 3/39 9/13/17

They will eat some of that signing bonus early. Call it 15.5M

Total spent on our own guys 37M.

They then hunt for other guys. They should sign a high end guard with some of that Onwenu money. Lock down one of these spots with a good youngish vet. This will cost 10M

That is 47M spent before the draft which brings us down to 31.5M

Draft the following... more or less
1 - Lemon - WR (no LB or DE here will be value by the time we pick. RT is a need long term but not next or maybe even the year after. Go with a premium position where there will be value. One of the top WRs will be here. And good one don't come up as free agents often. You need to typically trade for them. It is cheaper to use the pick and get that rookie contract locked in too.)
2 - CJ Allen - LB
3 - Greg Crippen - IOL (They have been super fortunate with the OL so far, but they need depth)
4 - Kilgore - S
4 - Saka - EDGE
5/6/6/6/6/7/7 - BPA - find interesting RBs OT prospects and pretty much anything on defense, though DT seems okay. But damnit, get Eli Eli Heindenreich - RB. And they really need to try to find a diamond in the rough at CB in this potential future.

The roster looks like this.

Offense 23
QB 2 - Maye Devito
WR 7 - Diggs LEMON Boutte Douglas Hollins Williams Chism (You're now set for when Hollins and Diggs walk after this year)
TE 2 - Hunter Hopper
OL 8 - Campbell Wilson Bradbury UKNOWN VET Moses - Bryant, CRIPPEN Brown
RB 4 - Henderson Stevenson Gibson Larison (Hopefully Heindenreich)

Defense 18
DT 4 - Williams Barmore Tonga Farmer
Edge 4 - Landry Chaisson SAKA Ponder
LB 3 - Spillane ALLEN Elliss
CB 3 - Gonzo Davis Jones
S 4 - Woodson KILGORE Hawkins Pettus

This gives a decent core moving forward into Maye's rookie contract. I am very weary of what this offense will look like after 26' when Diggs, Hunter, Hopper and Hollins all possibly walk. I want a young star rookie he can start to build a bond with now to ease that transition into years 4 and 5.

 

[mayoclinic]

EDGE is the biggest question mark for me. The 2026 class is not good, and the FA options underwhelm as well. We might have to make do in 2026, and address the position more definitively in 2027.