My Ridiculously Early Start on a 2026 Offseason Plan

[manxman2601]

From Tony Pauline

"Aside from a speculative trade for (AJ) Brown, sources say the Patriots will look to add defensive line depth in the offseason, as well as a tight end. The team is likely to add an offensive lineman to groom for the future during the middle rounds of the upcoming draft."

He also says the wintry weather conditions are affecting training for the combine, speculating that some prospects may pass on combine testing and wait for the pro day.

Sources: Patriots Top Landing Spot if AJ Brown Hits Trade Market, Doubts Surround Broncos QB Coach’s HC Readiness at Senior Bowl

Buzz from the 2026 Senior Bowl includes A.J. Brown trade rumors, Patriots interest, Davis Webb coaching chatter, and travel concerns.

www.essentiallysports.com

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

From Tony Pauline

"Aside from a speculative trade for (AJ) Brown, sources say the Patriots will look to add defensive line depth in the offseason, as well as a tight end. The team is likely to add an offensive lineman to groom for the future during the middle rounds of the upcoming draft."

If you look from a BPA perspective, what positions are deep in this draft? IOL, DE, CB and S? WR? IOL, DE, CB and Safety align quite well with the Pats needs IMO.

I would think that "need" and BPA will collide in this Pats draft and it will be IOL, DE, CB, Safety and maybe a TE sprinkled in along with RB and WR projects in R6.

 

[manxman2601]

With the Browns firing Kevin Stefanski, there is a high chance DC Jim Schwartz will be let go. Schwartz runs a very aggressive defensive scheme. He worked with Vrabel at Cleveland, and for Vrabel in Tennessee.

I would love to see Terrell Williams moved to a more advisory role like Assistant HC, with Schwartz as DC, especially given Austin's health issues. Schwartz as DC and McDaniels as OC would be epic - they would push each other's squad to greater heights.

 

[Steve102]

Plan 1: Pick last in the draft.

 

[manxman2601]

Plan 1: Pick last in the draft.

Hopefully you mean last in the first round. I'm not that bothered about getting Mr Irrelevant again

 

[Steve102]

Hopefully you mean last in the first round. I'm not that bothered about getting Mr Irrelevant again

Correct.

Plan 1: Pick last in R1.
Plan 2: Pick 31st in R1.
Plan 3: Extend Gonzo.

Beyond that, I don't have a plan. I'm on to Seattle.

 

[manxman2601]

Where do we stand on Mike Onwenu and his contract now? Do we still think it a given that he'll be cut because of it?

He has been our best OL comfortably this season and is graded as the 4th best pass blocking guard in the NFL (15th as a run blocker). I'm starting to think, for cohesion's sake, we should keep him.

 

[hornetfb85]

Where do we stand on Mike Onwenu and his contract now? Do we still think it a given that he'll be cut because of it?

He has been our best OL comfortably this season and is graded as the 4th best pass blocking guard in the NFL (15th as a run blocker). I'm starting to think, for cohesion's sake, we should keep him.

Onwenu isn’t going anywhere in my opinion. Not sure if his contract could be reworked or not, but he won’t be cut. I can see them rolling the same OL out there next year with high quality/youthful depth next year.

 

[hornetfb85]

Looking at a Brian Parker, Chase Bisontis and Isaiah World in those mid rounds. Guys that maybe aren’t quite ready, but could turn into high level starters after a year or two.

 

[stelfans]

Agreed. I'd like to see upgrades but i think they will go with continuity.
If the meetings with centers mean anything i could see them grab a center in the 3rd round or something like that and see if that guy can beat Bradburry in camp. There's also a couple of guys in FA i'd take a look at but im sure they wanna see how the rookies improve before doig anything major.

 

[Clonamery]

Agreed. I'd like to see upgrades but i think they will go with continuity.
If the meetings with centers mean anything i could see them grab a center in the 3rd round or something like that and see if that guy can beat Bradburry in camp. There's also a couple of guys in FA i'd take a look at but im sure they wanna see how the rookies improve before doig anything major.

4th I think if they are on a C. If they want/get Linderbaum...yay.

 

[captain stone]

Onwenu isn’t going anywhere in my opinion. Not sure if his contract could be reworked or not, but he won’t be cut. I can see them rolling the same OL out there next year with high quality/youthful depth next year.

Rolling out Wilson at LG next year is something I will not be looking-forward to seeing. I still believe his best pro position is center.

 

[captain stone]

Agreed. I'd like to see upgrades but i think they will go with continuity.
If the meetings with centers mean anything i could see them grab a center in the 3rd round or something like that and see if that guy can beat Bradburry in camp. There's also a couple of guys in FA i'd take a look at but im sure they wanna see how the rookies improve before doig anything major.

They already grabbed a Center in the 3rd round of this past draft.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

4th I think if they are on a C. If they want/get Linderbaum...yay.

Double Yay. And if they release Onwenu to free up money and draft a new RG, that is OK with me too. Assuming Campbell and Wilson take a Y2 jump, add Linderbaum, add a rookie RG, and keep Moses and backups. It makes the OL better and progresses the OL to a long term solution. Onwenu is not a long term solution.

 

[hornetfb85]

Rolling out Wilson at LG next year is something I will not be looking-forward to seeing. I still believe his best pro position is center.

100% agree there. Hope that’s not the case. Really wanting Pregnon at 32.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

100% agree there. Hope that’s not the case. Really wanting Pregnon at 32.

I don't think anyone would be upset with that unless Mesidor or Parker was there as well. Lots of guys want a DE/EDGE.

Let's just go BPA

 

[hornetfb85]

I don't think anyone would be upset with that unless Mesidor or Parker was there as well. Lots of guys want a DE/EDGE.

Let's just go BPA

Would like to go after a veteran LG like David Edwards fist to slot between Campbell LT and Wilson at C. If not Pregnon at 32 would work for me. Then use a 4th to trade up in the 2nd round for Thieneman. Grab Gabe Jacas in the 3rd. JC Davis as a swing tackle in the 4th.

 

[Clonamery]

Would like to go after a veteran LG like David Edwards fist to slot between Campbell LT and Wilson at C. If not Pregnon at 32 would work for me. Then use a 4th to trade up in the 2nd round for Thieneman. Grab Gabe Jacas in the 3rd. JC Davis as a swing tackle in the 4th.

I'm against adding a Jacass to this team unless it's me.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I'm against adding a Jacass to this team unless it's me.

I agree. We already have too many Jacasses on PatsFans, no need for more on the team.

 

[hornetfb85]

I'm against adding a Jacass to this team unless it's me.