My Ridiculously Early Start on a 2026 Offseason Plan

[manxman2601]

Obvious Replacements For current Patriots

I've done this before I think so there'll be some repetition but I like it as an exercise. I'm only going to come up with obvious replacements, not just throw a list of names out. Also, I'm not saying these Patriots should be replaced, just that they likely could be in he coming couple of years.

1. Stefon Diggs - Makai Lemon. He's the perfect Diggs replacement in my eyes.

2. Mack Hollins - Denzel Boston - If Lemon was perfect, Boston is perfect plus. Excellent blocker, offers the catch radius that Hollins has. Absolutely a like for like replacement. If there is any pick that makes sense in this draft, it's this one. I just think it might have come a year too early.

3. Kayshon Boutte - Kyle Williams - Look, I like Boutte for his clutch catches and if he had more volume of catches I'd be all over re-signing him but as he doesn't, I do think he's expendable, particularly as his and Williams' game are so similar. I think Williams would be an upgrade athletically.

3. Vederian Lowe/Morgan Moses/Marcus Bryant - Monroe Freeling. I'm not quite as high on him as Mayo is, but even so, with his proven LT/RT flexibility, his big team/big game SEC experience he just seems like the perfect guy to come in and be a swing tackle in year one and starting RT in year two who can shift to the left side if Campbell gets injured again.

4. Christian Elliss/Jack Gibbens/Jahlani Tavai - Jake Golday. Golday has the flexibility to play all three linebacker roles in a pinch with the strength and length to play SLB, the range to play WILL and is strong enough, and a good enough tackler, to backup the MIKE. Whether he's the master of any needs to be determined but he's versatile enough to be, at least, the jack of all trades for all three roles and his floor is as an excellent backup for all. His ceiling is our future Elliss replacement.

5. Robert Spillane - CJ Allen. I'm not saying Spillane needs to be replaced (he doesn't), but CJ Allen just fits so well as the future Vrabel MLB and defensive team leader for a generation. He's certainly a potential BPA pick for me with our first with a view towards 2027 and beyond.

6. Backup Secondary - Keionte Scott. Yes we ended up with a couple of fumbles yesterday but I do think we need greater turnover production from our secondary. How can you not watch Scott's performance at the weekend and not want him in this defense? Trouble is, there are probably GMs across the league who all watched that performance who think the same.

7. Jack Gibbens/Christian Elliss - Jacob Rodriguez. It's all about leadership, effort and turnovers.

8. Marte Mapu - Kyle Louis. Louis just seems perfect for the coverage linebacker or linebacker/safety hybrid role. Heck, could he be our Kyle Hamilton? Could Keionte Scott be our Kyle Hamilton? A stretch for sure, but both have the ability to be sound in coverage while at the same time being able to attack behind the line of scrimmage.

9. LG - Austin Siereveld. There are other candidates for the LG spot, some of which I prefer over Siereveld but they are only obvious in that they're good prosects at a position of need. Siereveld gets the shout here because of the Ohio State connection. Vrabel's drafting someone from Ohio State surely? Admittedly, this one's a bit more tenuous.

There are other prospects I really like. There are positional needs greater than some of the ones I listed above. But these are the ones that just strike me as being so obvious/ so ideal that they shouldn't be ignored.

 

[PatsFan2]

@manxman2601 what your thoughts on WR Malachi Fields??

 

[mayoclinic]

Obvious Replacements For current Patriots.

I've done this before I think so there'll be some repetition but I like it as an exercise. I'm only going to come up with obvious replacements, not just throw a list of names out. Also, I'm not saying these Patriots should be replaced, just that they likely could be in the coming couple of years.

1. Stefon Diggs - Makai Lemon. He's the perfect Diggs replacement in my eyes.

2. Mack Hollins - Denzel Boston - If Lemon was perfect, Boston is perfect plus. Excellent blocker, offers the catch radius that Hollins has. Absolutely a like for like replacement. If there is any pick that makes sense in this draft, it's this one. I just think it might have come a year too early.

3. Kayshon Boutte - Kyle Williams - Look, I like Boutte for his clutch catches and if he had more volume of catches I'd be all over re-signing him but as he doesn't, I do think he's expendable, particularly as his and Williams' game are so similar. I think Williams would be an upgrade athletically.

3. Vederian Lowe/Morgan Moses/Marcus Bryant - Monroe Freeling. I'm not quite as high on him as Mayo is, but even so, with his proven LT/RT flexibility, his big team/big game SEC experience he just seems like the perfect guy to come in and be a swing tackle in year one and starting RT in year two who can shift to the left side if Campbell gets injured again.

4. Christian Elliss/Jack Gibbens/Jahlani Tavai - Jake Golday. Golday has the flexibility to play all three linebacker roles in a pinch with the strength and length to play SLB, the range to play WILL and is strong enough, and a good enough tackler, to backup the MIKE. Whether he's the master of any needs to be determined but he's versatile enough to be, at least, the jack of all trades for all three roles and his floor is as an excellent backup for all. His ceiling is our future Elliss replacement.

5. Robert Spillane - CJ Allen. I'm not saying Spillane needs to be replaced (he doesn't), but CJ Allen just fits so well as the future Vrabel MLB and defensive team leader for a generation. He's certainly a potential BPA pick for me with our first with a view towards 2027 and beyond.

6. Backup Secondary - Keionte Scott. Yes we ended up with a couple of fumbles yesterday but I do think we need greater turnover production from our secondary. How can you not watch Scott's performance at the weekend and not want him in this defense? Trouble is, there are probably GMs across the league who all watched that performance who think the same.

7. Jack Gibbens/Christian Elliss - Jacob Rodriguez. It's all about leadership, effort and turnovers.

8. Marte Mapu - Kyle Louis. Louis just seems perfect for the coverage linebacker or linebacker/safety hybrid role. Heck, could he be our Kyle Hamilton? Could Keionte Scott be our Kyle Hamilton? A stretch for sure, but both have the ability to be sound in coverage while at the same time being able to attack behind the line of scrimmage.

9. LG - Austin Siereveld. There are other candidates for the LG spot, some of which I prefer over Siereveld but they are only obvious in that they're good prosects at a position of need. Siereveld gets the shout here because of the Ohio State connection. Vrabel's drafting someone from Ohio State surely? Admittedly, this one's a bit more tenuous.

There are other prospects I really like. There are positional needs greater than some of the ones I listed above. But these are the ones that just strike me as being so obvious/ so ideal that they shouldn't be ignored.

Good thoughts. My slightly different take:

1. Stefon Diggs (z/slot). Makai Lemon, KC Concepcion, or Zachariah Branch. I probably favor Branch, because he (1) will probably cost the least, (2) has the most pure speed, and (3) can get open short or long. Tge combination of Branch and Kyle Williams would be devestating.

2. Mack Hollins (x) - Chris Bell. Will be on PUP/IR for 2026, so won't be a year too early.

3. Kayshon Boutte - Kayshon Boutte. There is enough room for Boutte, Williams, and 2 other receivers. Need to spread the ball around, and need quality and depth.

4. Pop Douglas/WR depth - De'zhaun Stribling, Ted Hurst, Romello Brinson. Quality day 3 guys. Need to spread the ball around, and need quality and depth.

5. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, TE - Jamari Johnson or Oscar Delp, Justin Joly.

5. Vederian Lowe/Morgan Moses/Marcus Bryant - Monroe Freeling, Trevor Goosby, Niki Prongos,
PJ Williams, or Max Iheanachor. Maybe 2 of them if one slips to day 3.

6. LG and RG/Mike Onwenu - Austin Siereveld, Cayden Green, or Carter Smith. Also fine leaving Jared Wilson at LG if someone like Kade Pieper is available at OC, or if we steal Tyler Linderbaum in FA.

7. Christian Elliss/Jack Gibbens/Jahlani Tavai - Sonny Styles or Jake Golday. Arion Carter also intriguing.

8. Robert Spillane - CJ Allen or Josiah Trotter.

9. Jack Gibbens/Christian Elliss - Jacob Rodriguez or Taurean York.

10. Marte Mapu - Kyle Louis.

11. Carlton Davis - Devin Moore, Kelley Jones, or Julian Brent. Tacario Davis or Jyaire Hill day 3.

12. Backup Secondary - Keionte Scott or Treydan Stukes.

 

[manxman2601]

@manxman2601 what your thoughts on WR Malachi Fields??

I am so frustrated by him. His catch radius and hands are absolutely awesome - when he's on, I love him. But I find myself wondering why he doesn't dominate when he has the frame and hands to do so? He can be great, but I'm left wondering why isn't he?

 

[PatsFan2]

I am so frustrated by him. His catch radius and hands are absolutely awesome - when he's on, I love him. But I find myself wondering why he doesn't dominate when he has the frame and hands to do so? He can be great, but I'm left wondering why isn't he?

Knowing we have other Pressing needs Malachi Fields in the Second or Third?? I want a WR with Height Barefoot is making me look at Big Tall WR's in a different light.

 

[mayoclinic]

There are so many tall receivers with good catch radius in this draft.

Fields day 2 would be a huge reach, IMO.

 

[manxman2601]

Good thoughts. My slightly different take:

1. Stefon Diggs (z/slot). Makai Lemon, KC Concepcion, or Zachariah Branch. I probably favor Branch, because he (1) will probably cost the least, (2) has the most pure speed, and (3) can get open short or long. Tge combination of Branch and Kyle Williams would be devestating.

2. Mack Hollins (x) - Chris Bell. Will be on PUP/IR for 2026, so won't be a year too early.

3. Kayshon Boutte - Kayshon Boutte. There is enough room for Boutte, Williams, and 2 other receivers. Need to spread the ball around, and need quality and depth.

4. Pop Douglas/WR depth - De'zhaun Stribling, Ted Hurst, Romello Brinson. Quality day 3 guys. Need to spread the ball around, and need quality and depth.

5. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, TE - Jamari Johnson or Oscar Delp, Justin Joly.

5. Vederian Lowe/Morgan Moses/Marcus Bryant - Monroe Freeling, Trevor Goosby, Niki Prongos,
PJ Williams, or Max Iheanachor. Maybe 2 of them if one slips to day 3.

6. LG and RG/Mike Onwenu - Austin Siereveld, Cayden Green, or Carter Smith. Also fine leaving Jared Wilson at LG if someone like Kade Pieper is available at OC, or if we steal Tyler Linderbaum in FA.

7. Christian Elliss/Jack Gibbens/Jahlani Tavai - Sonny Styles or Jake Golday. Arion Carter also intriguing.

8. Robert Spillane - CJ Allen or Josiah Trotter.

9. Jack Gibbens/Christian Elliss - Jacob Rodriguez or Taurean York.

10. Marte Mapu - Kyle Louis.

11. Carlton Davis - Devin Moore, Kelley Jones, or Julian Brent. Tacario Davis or Jyaire Hill day 3.

12. Backup Secondary - Keionte Scott or Treydan Stukes.

Obvious Replacements For current Patriots

not just throw a list of names out.

I don't disagree with your list but I was trying to be precise in not just listing lots of prospects. I was just going for the ones that have struck me as being very obvious. Yes Chris Bell might very well be the future Mack Hollins replacement but the reason I went for Boston for example is that their respective games are so similar. Bell is very different to Hollins. Similarly the reason I went for Freeling was specifcally for his L/R flexibility - something Iheanachor. Prongos etc don't really have. Zachariah Branch is not particularly similar to Makai Lemon except that they both play the slot.

Two different approaches, equally valid but I was going for something specific. There's nothing wrong with your list of names though.

 

[manxman2601]

There are so many tall receivers with good catch radius in this draft.

Fields day 2 would be a huge reach, IMO.

The reason I wouldn't object to him in round three is precisely because of his "huge reach" . There's some Drake London to his game, it's just that it's not there consistently which may be why he'l fall to day three.

 

[mayoclinic]

I don't think in terms of precise player replacements. Each player is unique, including above the neck, and I generally prefer to have options. Just my approach.

Monroe Freeling, Austin Siereveld, Jake Golday and Keionte Scott are all on my binky list, and for a reason. Would be thrilled with any, greedily want them all. But also aware that there are very good alternatives out there.

 

[stelfans]

3. Kayshon Boutte - Kyle Williams - Look, I like Boutte for his clutch catches and if he had more volume of catches I'd be all over re-signing him but as he doesn't, I do think he's expendable, particularly as his and Williams' game are so similar. I think Williams would be an upgrade athletically.

Regarding this. Isnt the low volume catch of Boutte (and Williams) a problem that anyone who comes in here will have? I mean, Maye is spreading the ball more than i've ever seen the patriots do. So do you get rid of a guy who you know have a connection with your young QB and believe anyone could do, or do you keep the guy that is working?
I guess my point is, i would keep Boutte until he isnt producing. I would replace Pop before i think about Boutte.

 

[manxman2601]

Regarding this. Isnt the low volume catch of Boutte (and Williams) a problem that anyone who comes in here will have? I mean, Maye is spreading the ball more than i've ever seen the patriots do. So do you get rid of a guy who you know have a connection with your young QB and believe anyone could do, or do you keep the guy that is working?
I guess my point is, i would keep Boutte until he isnt producing. I would replace Pop before i think about Boutte.

Fair point. I think it will depend on the size of the contract. If it’s 15m plus, just go with the like for like replacement.

 

[manxman2601]

That’s LG backup taken care of

 

[BobDigital]

That’s LG backup taken care of

I doubt he sees all 6.6M of that. Which is fine. But 5M is locked it for sure, so somewhere in between? Also i would call him the Interior back up. He does all the spots IIRC

 

[BobDigital]

On a note related to this thread... though he had a nice play to seal the game last night. I am not happy with how Chaisson has looked at times this year, as far as any long term extensions go. Without Williams in there taking up space, he has been a non-factor much of the time on the pass rush and hasn't been amazing on run D either.

Without Williams in the line up... 0 sacks. With him in the line up 6.5 sacks. I wouldn't want to pay a guy who is getting his bones cause of the contract we are already paying Williams. Sometimes on teams you think you have a good player, so you pay them, but learn later it was more about the other guy elevating his level of play. And then if someone happens with that player now you are left with a contract you feel is a massive over pay based on the performance you're getting. I don't want to be the team which does that.

Is this giving anyone else any pause about a long term higher priced investment?

 

[manxman2601]

On a note related to this thread... though he had a nice play to seal the game last night. I am not happy with how Chaisson has looked at times this year, as far as any long term extensions go. Without Williams in there taking up space, he has been a non-factor much of the time on the pass rush and hasn't been amazing on run D either.

Without Williams in the line up... 0 sacks. With him in the line up 6.5 sacks. I wouldn't want to pay a guy who is getting his bones cause of the contract we are already paying Williams. Sometimes on teams you think you have a good player, so you pay them, but learn later it was more about the other guy elevating his level of play. And then if someone happens with that player now you are left with a contract you feel is a massive over pay based on the performance you're getting. I don't want to be the team which does that.

Is this giving anyone else any pause about a long term higher priced investment?

Yes. I'm not a big fan. I think he's far too inconsistent as a pass rusher. Still, credit for his forced fumble.

 

[BobDigital]

Not long ago Chaisson was projected something like 3 years 36M with a fair chunk GTD. IDK if that is still the case.

Right now IDK.. He puts you in an odd situation. He is going to demand starter money and rightfully so. Also a premium cause he is a young guy in his prime. Even if he doesn't produce much guys like him make 7-8M/year just cause. But now you are locked in to him as your starter cause of the investment. Paying a backup that much isn't great ideally.

So he is in this odd middle ground where i would rather not have him at all. Pay 13-18M for a better player and then worry about finding depth for cheap value. That or draft an edge in the first to replace him. I think Mesidore can come in and be better day 1 honestly.

 

[mayoclinic]

Who is the better player you have in mind?

 

[BobDigital]

Who is the better player you have in mind?

Hendrickson be my choice. I'm all for going all in over the next few years. Back load those contracts and lets take advantage of the Maye window. Hendrick on this team next year gives us a top 3 defense to rival Denver/Houston IMO.

Hendrickson. Mesidore/Parker/Bain in round 1. IOL in round 2, maybe with a trade up. We cut Landry after next year and eat the 4M. And draft another edge in 2027.

 

[mayoclinic]

Not my way, personally.

I would never spend big money on a 31 year old pass rusher with a bad back.

JMHO. Could well be wrong.

 

[manxman2601]

Hendrickson be my choice. I'm all for going all in over the next few years. Back load those contracts and lets take advantage of the Maye window. Hendrick on this team next year gives us a top 3 defense to rival Denver/Houston IMO.

Hendrickson. Mesidore/Parker/Bain in round 1. IOL in round 2, maybe with a trade up. We cut Landry after next year and eat the 4M. And draft another edge in 2027.

What about using our first on Max Crosby?