Boston Herald: Inside Pats free agency and draft plans from combine

[KDPPatsfan85]

Inside the Patriots’ free agency and draft plans at the NFL Scouting Combine

What will the Patriots do in free agency and the draft? Here’s what the Herald learned speaking with dozens of scouts, coaches and executives at the NFL Scouting Combine.

www.bostonherald.com

Warning: Pay site

The Krafts would be overjoyed about their decision to hire Vrabel if they spent the week in Indianapolis eavesdropping on conversations about their team’s future.
Multiple agents who met with Vrabel told the Herald his larger-than-life personality left a lasting effect that made them more encouraged about the possibility of their players playing in New England. Vrabel commanded several of the Patriots’ meetings, even with Wolf, Cowden and other high-ranking personnel staffers present. He was direct, upbeat and energetic; a contrast to the team’s formal interviews with prospects where Vrabel has tested some players with harsh criticism and commentary.
In the front office, scouts and executives alike are enthused about their new head coach and how specific he’s been detailing the players who fit his team vision. One executive described Vrabel as the smartest coach he’s worked with, while others used words like “unreal” and “phenomenal” to describe their early partnership. Another team source said he couldn’t believe Vrabel’s capacity for handling and juggling critical organizational duties.

My reaction to this snippet....

 

[TheRainMaker]

What I liked about Vrabel that he's shown to either create or have his staff create a game plan that slowed down a high powered offense. The divisional game against the Ravens in 2019 season should be something you guys re-watch.

 

[MrTibbs]

How about Vrabel being 2-0 vs. Andy Reid and absolutely blowing the Chiefs out in one of the contests.

 

[TheRainMaker]

How about Vrabel being 2-0 vs. Andy Reid and absolutely blowing the Chiefs out in one of the contests.

He lost to Reid in the 2019 AFCCG.

 

[Rob0729]

 

[maust]

He lost to Reid in the 2019 AFCCG.

 

[Steve102]

He will get a prove it deal. Sign me up.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

I'd be happy with a free agent "haul" of Joshua Palmer, Darius Slayton, Juwan Johnson and Aaron Jones at the skill positions on offense. Obviously no high end options there but a lot of formational versatility and different skill sets from what's currently on the roster. McDaniels is a good play design OC so it gives him the ability to scheme some things open. None of those guys would be getting massive contracts that you can't move on from so as higher tier options come available in free agency/trade or you land them through the draft, you can move on from those guys and organically built the skill player group up that way.

 

[h0c2000]

MSN

 

[Triumph]

Mike Evans drives the Tampa pass game.

Godwin is another Bourne.

 

[Joey007]

Mike Evans drives the Tampa pass game.

Godwin is another Bourne.

I don’t think you’ve watched Chris Godwin

 

[MrTibbs]

He lost to Reid in the 2019 AFCCG.

Oops, 2-1

 

[Huckleberry1]

What I love is Vrabel’s clear vision about the players he wants to build his team with. This is going to become a physically and mentally tough team with high expectations and demands from Vrabel and the rest of the coaching staff.

 

[TheRainMaker]

He will get a prove it deal. Sign me up.

KC Chiefs have entered the chat.

 

[Ross12]

Inside the Patriots’ free agency and draft plans at the NFL Scouting Combine

What will the Patriots do in free agency and the draft? Here’s what the Herald learned speaking with dozens of scouts, coaches and executives at the NFL Scouting Combine.

www.bostonherald.com

Warning: Pay site




My reaction to this snippet....

Man that’s a good quote. I’ve heard tons of positive buzz about Vrabel this week. Agents seem to be really impressed, which is the most important thing - and a stark contrast vs last year. I think the Pats are gonna clean up in FA and get the guys they want.

 

[Triumph]

I don’t think you’ve watched Chris Godwin

Its no surprise that Tampa is trading in Godwin for McMillan because they can plug him in with Evans are keep rocking.

Evans 2017 - 2024
78 TDs
9,106 yards
448 1st downs
988 targets

Godwin 2017 - 2024
39 TDs
7,266 yards
375 1st downs
816 targets

Evans makes the Tampa pass offense legit just like Ja'Marr Chase is the real deal in Cincinnati, but T Higgins was going to blow up in NE. Oh ya.

Godwin is T Higgins now that he was franchised. You're overhyping the wrong WR.

 

[slash83]

There’s so much reporting

Man that’s a good quote. I’ve heard tons of positive buzz about Vrabel this week. Agents seem to be really impressed, which is the most important thing - and a stark contrast vs last year. I think the Pats are gonna clean up in FA and get the guys they want.

If certain players get to free agency but yeah if the opportunity to add is there they should and are in a position to significantly improve the team.

 

[mike_usagisan]

Its no surprise that Tampa is trading in Godwin for McMillan because they can plug him in with Evans are keep rocking.

Evans 2017 - 2024
78 TDs
9,106 yards
448 1st downs
988 targets

Godwin 2017 - 2024
39 TDs
7,266 yards
375 1st downs
816 targets

Evans makes the Tampa pass offense legit just like Jmarr Chase is the real deal in Cincinnati, but T Higgins was going to blow up in NE. Oh ya.

Godwin is T Higgins now that he was franchised. Youre overhyping the wrong WR.

No one is saying they wouldn't prefer Chase or Evans. But they're not available. So it's about finding the WRs who are available who are going to make our offense better.

 

[Wozzy]

Mike Evans drives the Tampa pass game.

Godwin is another Bourne.

lol sure… show me when Bourne, or Tee Higgins for that matter had 1333 yards receiving.

Godwin has continued producing even when Evans was hurt. He doesn’t rely on Evans to make plays.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

lol sure… show me when Bourne, or Tee Higgins for that matter had 1333 yards receiving.

Godwin has continued producing even when Evans was hurt. He doesn’t rely on Evans to make plays.

You completely made the bolded up. Pulled it straight out of thin air.

Last year Evans missed 3 games. Godwin was out for all 3 of them so no sample to assess.

In 2023 they both played all 17 games so no sample to assess.

In 2022 they both played 15 games each. Godwin missed games #2 and #3, Evans missed games #3 and #17. So #17 was the only game Godwin played without Evans and he had 6 catches for 55 yards.

In 2021 Evans played 16 games. The one game he missed was week 15 which Godwin also missed because he had a season ending injury in game #14.

In 2020 Evans played all 16 games (before switch to 17) so no sample to assess.

In 2019 Evans played 13 out of 16 games. He missed the last 3 games. Godwin only played one of those games and he had 6 catches for 49 yards.

In 2018 vans played all 16 games so no sample to assess.

In 2017 Evans played 15 out of 16 games. In the one he missed, Godwin had 5 catches for 68 yards.