a quick look at 2026 FA

[mike_usagisan]

Right tackle round 1
Corner round 2
LB or TE round 3

EDGE is probably more important than corner right now, but LB and Safety are up there, too.

 

[DaBruinz]

Right tackle round 1
Corner round 2
LB or TE round 3

The Pas are going to be picking in the 20s. They'll have a list of positions that will be a focus.

I do find it interesting that you completely ignore the need for a Defensive End.

The problem with you saying to take RT in round 1 is that you ignore what the Patriots have on the roster Currently in Bryant.

Have you taken into consideration that there might be better option at CB in Free-Agency than what's available in the draft?

The Pats will likely have OT, LB, Edge, TE, and OG on their list for the draft. Which round they address those in will depend on what they added during FA and who is available when they draft.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

I haven't thoroughly researched it, but I'd be willing to say that we'd be in the short discussion for best CB trio in the game. Depth behind is shaky and Davis seems like he won't be here beyond next season when you look at the contract so I'm fully in favor of drafting a good CB. But it's not enough of a need that it'd make the 2nd round of my list if I'm just ignoring actual players and building a draft board based on which positions I'm hoping make sense to take. But fully on board taking a CB there if that's how what their draft board is pointing to. Only caveat is that it should be an outside CB vs. a slot because a 2nd rounder after signing Marcus Jones is overallocation to that specific position.

 

[mgteich]

It probably completely depends on what the team can find in way of guards in the offseason.

hmm

For me, it is a matter of prioritizing our resources. We have three solid starting IOL's in Bradbury and the two rookies. I don't see using top resources to find a guard so good that Bradbury isn't a starter. Also, I don't see us drafting a LG so good that Bradbury is cut or traded.

If we are to spend serious resources on the OL, I would spend those resources on a RT or RG. Even at those positions, there is no rush for spending big bucks for a starter unless it is for a replacement for Onwenu.

 

[mgteich]

The Pas are going to be picking in the 20s. They'll have a list of positions that will be a focus.

I do find it interesting that you completely ignore the need for a Defensive End.

The problem with you saying to take RT in round 1 is that you ignore what the Patriots have on the roster Currently in Bryant.

Have you taken into consideration that there might be better option at CB in Free-Agency than what's available in the draft?

The Pats will likely have OT, LB, Edge, TE, and OG on their list for the draft. Which round they address those in will depend on what they added during FA and who is available when they draft.

We might be fine at RT for the near future with Moses and Bryant.

I suspect that the best player for us when we pick will be at DE, EDGE, or LB.

 

[DaBruinz]

EDGE is probably more important than corner right now, but LB and Safety are up there, too.

I'm not sure where Safety is in the pecking order of needs. Hawkins has improved significantly. He's not Devin McCourty, but he and Woodson are working well together. Dell Pettus has been very good for a bench player and hasn't given up anything of note this year in the limited defensive snaps that he's played.


Let me just say that I, for one, am glad that the Pats have 11 draft picks for 2026.. LOL.. Hopefully, they will wheel and deal and end up with at least 8 players who will push to make the team.

For my druthers, I'd rather them draft top level DE who can set the edge and get to the QB.. It's going to be interesting to see what Swinson and Ponder do in the last 6 games of the regular season.

 

[mgteich]

EDGE is probably more important than corner right now, but LB and Safety are up there, too.

You mean that you think that we need an upgrade to Pettus as one of our three safeties?

 

[Zuma]

Does he think that Bradbury won't start? Do you think that this would be a good idea for 2026?

He didn't talk about Bradbury. Maybe he could start at LG...IDK

 

[Hugepatsfan]

I think this board is too quick to assume every deep depth piece is going to be good. Just because a guy makes the team, gets elevated to the roster or the gameday active list or the coach sings his praises in the media does not mean they're going to be some massive developmental success or hidden gem.

Dell Pettus has played 43 defensive snaps all season (7%). Sure, I can't think of any times he got toasted on those snaps and he made one nice pass breakup on the Jets. But I think it's a stretch right now to say he's "very good for a bench player".

Marcus Bryant is a 7th round pick who had a good camp to make the team, but he's still been behind Ben Brown and Lowe when they go to 6th OL packages.

People go ga-ga for Swinson now that he got signed, but ignore that they've left him on the practice squad at a position that has been their biggest on field weakness while they searched outside for help.

I am not ruling out that any or all of those guys become great players for us. I just think it's extremely overzealous for any of us to be sitting here and crossing out "needs" on account of any of those players. We've been given absolutely no indication that any of them are viewed as more than back of the roster fodder.

 

[DaBruinz]

and is likely to be so again next year

The performance of the 3 has been truly outstanding.

No. The performances of Wilson and Bradbury have not been outstanding.
Wilson has barely been a step above the garbage the Pats had at LG in 2024/2025. On 403 pass blocking snaps, he's given up 4 sacks, 6 QB hits, and 12 QB Hurries. So, 22 total pressures. Though, I will give him credit for not giving up a pressure against the Jets who didn't have Quinnen Williams anchoring their D-line.

As for Bradbury, he's been decent in the Pass-protection, but horrid in the run game. It's squarely on his why the Pats running game has been bad through the "A" gaps.

This is why I am all for signing Connor McGovern from the Bills. He's got experience at 4 of the O-line positions and is a very good center. Let he and Wilson go head to head during camp. If Wilson wins out, McGovern slots in very easily at either Guard position. He also gives you excellent depth in the even that Wilson get's injured or can't handle actual game reps at center.

 

[The Gr8est]

I'm not sure where Safety is in the pecking order of needs. Hawkins has improved significantly. He's not Devin McCourty, but he and Woodson are working well together. Dell Pettus has been very good for a bench player and hasn't given up anything of note this year in the limited defensive snaps that he's played.


Let me just say that I, for one, am glad that the Pats have 11 draft picks for 2026.. LOL.. Hopefully, they will wheel and deal and end up with at least 8 players who will push to make the team.

For my druthers, I'd rather them draft top level DE who can set the edge and get to the QB.. It's going to be interesting to see what Swinson and Ponder do in the last 6 games of the regular season.

I actually am hopeful that Vrabel and company can turn those 6th round picks into players.

Maybe irrational exuberance in a deep draft based on last year’s performance?

 

[DaBruinz]

I think this board is too quick to assume every deep depth piece is going to be good. Just because a guy makes the team, gets elevated to the roster or the gameday active list or the coach sings his praises in the media does not mean they're going to be some massive developmental success or hidden gem.

Dell Pettus has played 43 defensive snaps all season (7%). Sure, I can't think of any times he got toasted on those snaps and he made one nice pass breakup on the Jets. But I think it's a stretch right now to say he's "very good for a bench player".

Yes. Go ahead and completely ignore that he played over 300 Defensive snaps as a rookie on a poorly coached team, transitioned to new coaching staff and defense and has fit in on that team showing no let down in competency during the snaps he's been on the field for.

Marcus Bryant is a 7th round pick who had a good camp to make the team, but he's still been behind Ben Brown and Lowe when they go to 6th OL packages.

Go ahead and loot at what those 6th O-line packages do in terms of blocking. Because, like your previous comment, you're being rather shallow on your evaluations while completely exaggerating what's being said.

People go ga-ga for Swinson now that he got signed, but ignore that they've left him on the practice squad at a position that has been their biggest on field weakness while they searched outside for help.

No one is going "GA GA" for Swinson. Most people are taking a wait and see attitude while being happy that another draft pick is on the roster.

I am not ruling out that any or all of those guys become great players for us. I just think it's extremely overzealous for any of us to be sitting here and crossing out "needs" on account of any of those players. We've been given absolutely no indication that any of them are viewed as more than back of the roster fodder.

You're the only one being rather over-zealous. You're exaggerating what people are saying and ignoring actual context.

 

[mike_usagisan]

hmm

For me, it is a matter of prioritizing our resources. We have three solid starting IOL's in Bradbury and the two rookies. I don't see using top resources to find a guard so good that Bradbury isn't a starter. Also, I don't see us drafting a LG so good that Bradbury is cut or traded.

If we are to spend serious resources on the OL, I would spend those resources on a RT or RG. Even at those positions, there is no rush for spending big bucks for a starter unless it is for a replacement for Onwenu.

It sort of depends. Do you see our running problems as personnel-based or coaching-based? If it's coaching-based, then yeah, they probably don't have to make any moves. If the problems with running, largely up the middle, are personnel-based then Bradbury and the guards need to be looked at for upgrading. That's my take, anyway.

 

[mike_usagisan]

I'm not sure where Safety is in the pecking order of needs. Hawkins has improved significantly. He's not Devin McCourty, but he and Woodson are working well together. Dell Pettus has been very good for a bench player and hasn't given up anything of note this year in the limited defensive snaps that he's played.


Let me just say that I, for one, am glad that the Pats have 11 draft picks for 2026.. LOL.. Hopefully, they will wheel and deal and end up with at least 8 players who will push to make the team.

For my druthers, I'd rather them draft top level DE who can set the edge and get to the QB.. It's going to be interesting to see what Swinson and Ponder do in the last 6 games of the regular season.

Yeah, earlier in the season it seemed that the need for safety was very pressing, but maybe less so now. I think the coaches are happy with Pettus back there, but they probably know better than we do if he's the long-term solution. LB and EDGE are the big needs, I think.

 

[imahobgoblin]

I came across some news on T.J. Hockenson, who is having a really down year with just 34 receptions, 280 yards, and 2 TD. Even Jefferson only has 56/747/2, so QB play has been abysmal for the Vikings. There is a potential out on Hockenson's contract after this season. The Vikings are not in good shape cap wise. Hockenson could be a cap casualty with a post 6/1 as only $5,455,000 in dead space. He is 28 years old.

The question is if he has declined only because of the QB play? He did have a ACL + MCL injury in 2023. He should be back to 100%. He seems to lost his drive a little bit? I can't blame him with what has happened this year. So maybe a change of scenery and new culture would get him fired up. If his meds check out, he could be a valuable pickup and not overly expensive as a 2nd TE.

 

[captain stone]

I can't speak to the others, but I think they like Brown as a backup C/G if Bradbury is replaced by Wilson.

Even if that were the case, we still need Two more... Or unless they feel that Brendan James is a Legit candidate for one of those next season, then make it One more...

 

[captain stone]

RB: Need to know is Stevenson the guy to pair with Henderson or do we move on.

WR: If you would have told me Hollins would be a go to WR early in the season I’d say your crazy. He has a pretty d@mn good connection right now with Maye.

OL: Where does Wilson fit best for now and his future. If it is C put him there now and find a LG. As much as people want to get rid of Onwenu, don’t see it happening. Need to draft a RT of the future imunless they’re positive on Bryant being that guy.

Oh we move on all right, unless The Fumbler is willing to take a MASSIVE pay reduction to stay here.

 

[hornetfb85]

Oh we move on all right, unless The Fumbler is willing to take a MASSIVE pay reduction to stay here.

I’m a big Jadarian Price fan. Think he’ll be a great NFL RB.

 

[PatsFan2]

So who are we desperate to replace next year on offense:

QB: Maye
RB: Henderson
WR: Diggs
WR: Boutte
WR: Hollins
TE: Henry
LT: Campbell
LG: Wilson
C: Bradbury
RG: Onwenu
RT: Moses

RB: Need to know is Stevenson the guy to pair with Henderson or do we move on.

WR: If you would have told me Hollins would be a go to WR early in the season I’d say your crazy. He has a pretty d@mn good connection right now with Maye.

OL: Where does Wilson fit best for now and his future. If it is C put him there now and find a LG. As much as people want to get rid of Onwenu, don’t see it happening. Need to draft a RT of the future imunless they’re positive on Bryant being that guy.

We need to Extend Barefoot Mack Hollins.

 

[captain stone]

For me, it is a matter of prioritizing our resources. We have three solid starting IOL's in Bradbury and the two rookies.

Who's the other "solid" rookie OG?

I don't see using top resources to find a guard so good that Bradbury isn't a starter. Also, I don't see us drafting a LG so good that Bradbury is cut or traded.

Why not? He's an upgradable mediocrity.

If we are to spend serious resources on the OL, I would spend those resources on a RT or RG.

I wouldn't. Let's first see what we have at RT with Moses & Bryant, then re-evaluate. What we Really need next year is a LG/C of the Present And Future depending on what Wilson's best position fit is.

Even at those positions, there is no rush for spending big bucks for a starter unless it is for a replacement for Onwenu.

I'm tired of spending Big Bucks for what should be the Cheapest position along the OL, if a FO knows what it's doing, that is...