GM LOUNGE

[long distance]

On the one hand you are saying it is time to stop playing around but on the other you are just projecting Smith to be a better overall target than Henry just because of his athletic profile. Henry has already proven he is an actual receiving threat (1000 yards more in the same number of seasons) whereas with Jonnu everyone keeps coming back to his "potential" but somehow he never has broken 450 yards a season.

The one thing that is pretty clear to me is that the gap between Henry and Jonnu as receivers is bigger than the gap as blockers. Henry is still a pretty good blocker and thus more versatile.

If you take the money aside the decision between Henry and Jonnu is relatively easy. If you want the better blocker who has receiving upside then Smith is your guy. If you want someone who is an accomplished receiving option then you go for Henry. Of course you can't just ignore the money and Henry will be a bigger investment in terms of guarantees. But as the move for Gilmore in 2017 has shown that additional cap hit might not really matter to BB if Henry fits the role they want to fill very well.

A final thought on this is that if you go to Mockdraftable and check Jonnu's profile one of the top comparisons that come up for him is Dalton Keene.

We obviously have two strong Henry & Smith camps. Id guess both camps would be more than happy if any of the two indeed ends up here (and im not sure the chance are that great). If Ertz gets cut before tomorrow, BB might be most interested in him bc of comp formula and bc. he believes in developing the 2 TES he drafted highly last year to develop behind so he wouldn't mind a vet on a 1y deal.

Id prefer Smith for his versatility, athleticism, toughness, YAC, run blocking - i think he fits more into the offence i see Pats playing this season, and would fit perfectly also with either Lance or Jones at QB. As said before Smith's numbers - fwiw - are askew in 2020 as mentioned earlier. He was on pace for 800yd+ 10+ TD season before they lost LT and he had to help in-line much more for the running game.

I just hope they finally bring in one legit receiving TE even if it is on 1y deal.

 

[long distance]

Personally, I just can't get myself to fully commit to Fuller even though he'd be the ideal receiver for our needs. In 5 years he has never played a full season. And it is not even primarily the contract that worries me -- because that can be addressed with incentives and injury splits -- but the opportunity cost.

I keep coming back to OBJ mostly because the Browns can't seriously be asking for a lot back in a trade for someone coming back from an ACL and most importantly he has no guarantees past this year but could be held on for two more years at a reasonable 15M APY if he can perform as a WR1. Also he seems tight with Cam so I think between that, our strong locker room and BB there wouldn't be much space for him acting out much.

But when would he be able to take a physical ? How does he even look in terms of rehab work. Only the Browns know and I am not sure how to reconcile that with BB's usual risk adverse approach.

I really like Humphries as a buy low option but as you are saying concussions are unpredictable.

I would also like Brown as an upgrade on Byrd but at the same time am wondering if it is worth giving up on the rapport Byrd already has with Cam over what would be small jump up.

Samuel seems like a no brainer as a potential target between his experience with Cam and someone who is versatile but won't require top end market money.

Appreciate you joining the convo here today. id like to go through this options with a few more people here so hopefully some more join - to get a better overall picture.

WR is deep in both FA & Draft - so many choices to really rebuild the group to be competitive. I dont really have too many preferences - i only wish we have much deeper group in quality as argued before. If your #5 WR is Amendola - that means so much more than who your #1 WR is.

 

[luuked]

Id prefer Smith for his versatility, athleticism, toughness, YAC, run blocking - i think he fits more into the offence i see Pats playing this season, and would fit perfectly also with either Lance or Jones at QB. As said before Smith's numbers - fwiw - are askew in 2020 as mentioned earlier. He was on pace for 800yd+ 10+ TD season before they lost LT and he had to help in-line much more for the running game.

Just for the record I am fine with either.

I just feel like Henry would be able to revive a lot of what Gronk was able to do in the receiving game between crossers and seam routes while still being able to mask run/pass as an inline blocker very well. Maybe I am just underestimating Smith but I just don't see him being as effective in that role or as versatile as Henry in general.

Guess it is time to check on some Smith cut ups on YT again.

 

[long distance]

@ OL

G POOL

NE ROSTER

69Mason (28,2023,$9.8), 71Onwenu (23,2023,$0,8), 68M.Martin (LG,27,2021,$0.9), 68Toran (G,25,2021,$0,8), 64Reynolds (G,25,futures)


NE FREE AGENTS

62Thuney (28)


FREE AGENTS top market: 14M-apy 2021 proj. FT=13.2M

Scherff, 30, WAS — NYJ [PFF:21] — FT 18
Thuney, 29, NE [FT2=17.7M] [PFF:14/CIN:15] — NYJ, CIN
>OL Feiler, 29, PIT (G+swing T) [2y/12]
Zeitler, 31, NYG (12) — cut —
Warford, 30, exNO (opt-out) (3xProB) (?PP+run)
K.Long, 32, exCHI (ret) —
Lane Taylor, 31, GB (SEP.knee)
>Gabe Jackson, 30 (9.6) — cut —
Feliciano, 29, BUF
T.Turner, 28, LAC (11.5) (bad 2020,good@CAR) — cut —
J.Miller, 28, CAR
->Aboushi, 30, DET
Ifedi, 27, CHI (+2020)
>Wylie, 27, KC (down.yr)
Osemele, 32, KC (inj.h)
Incognito, 38, LV (5.6) — cut —
>Schofield, 30, CAR (ex solid starter)
>C.Reed, 29, CAR (b-up;+2000)
>Wisniewski, 32, PHI (+b-up)
>Spain, 30, CIN
>Redmond, 26, CIN (b-up)
>Groy, 30 LAC (b-up)
>Brett Jones, 29, MIN (b-up)
>Winters, 30, BUF
>Good, 30, LV
>Larsen, 30, CAR (b-up)
Kelemete, 31, HOU (b-up) — cut —
Easton, 28, NO — cut —
Lamp, 27, LAC (- run block) (?reclamation)
JR Sweezy, 32, ARI
Haeg, 28, TB


TRADE / CUT OPTIONS

[Brooks, 32, PHI (10.5,13.5,13.7,15.5) - trade talks - restructure
[Norwell, 30, JAX (12,13/9) — possible trade/cut —
>[Van Roten, 31, NYG (3.5) — possible cut —
>[W.Hernandez, 26, NYG (2.2) (benched/reclamation) — possible trade —
[A.Lewis, 29, NYJ (5.8,6/5.2) — possible cut —


DRAFT

OL Elijah Vera-Tucker #75 USC (6’4-315) - 1
G *Wyatt Davis #52 Ohio State (6’4-313) - D2
OL Trey Smith #73 Tennessee (6’5-330) - D2
G Deonte Brown #65 ALA (6’3-364-9“) - D2/3
OL Ben Cleveland #74 Georgia (6’6-354) - D3
G Aaron Banks #69 ND (6’5-338) - D3
IOL *Kendrick Green #53 Illinois (6’4-315) - D3
David Moore #60 Grambling St (6’1-350-33“) - D3
OL Sadarius Hutcherson #50 S Carolina (6’4-320) - D2/3
G Royce Newman #72 Ole Miss (6’5-306-9“) - D3
OL Tommy Kraemer #78 ND (6’5-320) - D3
G Jack Anderson #56 TT (6’4-310) - D3
OL Robert Jones #64 Tennessee (6’4-320) - D3/U
IOL Tristen Hoge #69 BYU (6’4-310) - D3/U



[PFF:14/CIN:15] = projected apy contract (2021 cap hit 20-40% lower) - projections are not mine..
(10,14/6-10) = cap hits of remaining contract yrs. black is guaranteed, grey not gtd, orange cap saved, red after June 1

C POOL

NE ROSTER

68M.Martin (C/LG,27,2021,$0.9)

NE FREE AGENTS

60Andrews (29, #3.4)
66Ferentz (32)


FREE AGENTS top market: 12M-apy

Linsley, 30, GB [PFF:11]
J.Kelce, 34, PHI (5.5-J2) — new — 1y/9M
—>Andrews, 29, NE [PFF:3/18]
>Alex Mack, 35, ATL [1/6]
Reiter, 30, KC (betterPP ?run) [2y/9.5]
C+G Blythe, 29, LAR (better G;inconsist)
N.Martin, 28, HOU (soft;down2020) (6.3) — cut —
C+G Karras, 28, MIA [PFF:4] — MIA
Britt, 30, SEA — cut — HOU - 1y/3.2M>5M
Shatley, 30, JAX (1+y=2020)
C+G Pocic, 26, SEA (inj.h;+2020;+PP-run)
>Skura, 28, BAL (down yr>backup) — ex solid starter > NE backup C —
>BJ Finney, 30, CIN (3.3)— cut — expr. backup C — PIT
Garland, 33, SF (+b-up/SFA)
Kilgore, 34, KC (+b-up/SFA)
G+C Elflein, 27, NYJ (+run;G-NFL)
Feeney, 27, LAC
Larsen, 30, CAR (b-up)
C+G Ferentz, 32, NE

POSSIBLE CUTS / TRADE

[Richburg, 30, SF (8-J2) (hip.surg) — possible cut —


DRAFT

IOL Creed Humphrey #56 Oklahoma (6’4-312) - 2
IOL Landon ****erson #69 ALA (6’6-326-11“) - 2
OL *Josh Myers #71 Ohio St (6’5-312) - D2
IOL Quinn Meinerz #77 W-W (6’3-320) - 3-4
C Drake Jackson #52 Kentuckey (6’1-290-8.5“) - D3
C Michal Menet #62 Penn St (6’4-306) - D3
C Jimmy Morissey #67 Pitt (6’3-305) - D3
C Drew Dalman #51 Stanford (6’2-300) - D3
C *Trey Hill #55 Georgia (6’4-330) - D3

OT (3-4/7) = 0-?M (Brown>Cannon)

Wynn - Brown - Cajuste - Herron - Cunningham/MIN VET - Draft - UDFA

—————————————————————

G (3-4/6) = 2M

Mason - Onwenu - (Hainsey) - G(+C) (b-up) - Toran/VET MIN - Reynolds/UDFA -

—————————————————————

C (2/3) = 3-6M

OPT1: Andrews - DRAFT/Hainsey - VET MIN

OPT2: MACK/KARRAS - D2/3 (HUMPHREY/MEINERTZ) - VET MIN


Comments:

- We discussed this a lot so not much to add. The group is so deep at OT already yet personally i wouldn't completely miss out on amazingly deep OT class.

- 5th year option for Wynn is the biggest Q. I love him so i hope they take it to secure two great tackle options for next season as well - but i understand they have so many options right now and if they indeed bring back Thuney than 5th y option for Wynn could be off the table.

With the news - fwiw - of Pats reopening talks with Thuney - we can revisit my post on the topic:

ANDREWS THUNEY QUESTION

These are two top NE FAs and there's plenty of discussion already out there. A few weeks ago Thuney was as good as gone and bringing back Andrews was no brainer. In principle i still see it this way although pre FA massacre at G does offer reasons to pause.

Thuney is still top G option in FA and w offering C and esp T versatility & his amazing durability one would think his projected asking price at top of G market (14M apy) should stand. But looking at what is happening in early OL market and esp at G maybe that is not so sure. It looks like G will be one position most affected by decreased Cap situation so unless someone wants/needs Thuney as his starter at LT his market could be considerably lower.

3 Guards on top contracts were already cut last week - Zeitler, Turner and Gabe Jackson - Norwell is on the chopping block and Brooks who was in trade discussions was recently restructured.

Not counting Scherff who was tagged - the only guard that will play 2021 season above 11.5M apy remains Zack Martin and i dont think anybody in the league sees Thuney as dominant as ZM. So in reality Thuney fits more in the 10-11M apy range as G.

Andrews is #2 C FA at first projected at half of Thuney's price tag (6-7.5M apy). Looking at C contracts and depth some could see him higher: 13 C contracts are currently 8.5M or higher (which is similar to G).

So there maybe some sense in what Peter King was saying about outside possibility of Thuney returning.

Peter King explains how Joe Thuney could re-sign with Patriots

Peter King joins NBC Sports Boston's "The Camera Guys" and offers an interesting scenario for how Joe Thuney could re-sign with the Patriots on a one-year contract.

sports.yahoo.com

If his market indeed stays below 11M or even a bit higher - 1y contract for Thuney is very much in play. I agree that at that point BB would be interested. But if this is the Thuney for Andrews kind of choice and they sign him to take starting C job for a year - i still dont see how this would be in the best interest of Thuney and his manager. If id be them and decide to wait for a better market - id take 1y deal somewhere they need LT and help my price tag go up.

We will see soon enough. I believe Andrews is still the most reasonable option. But there is no need to panic - the best option maybe lays in the Draft. While letting Andrews go & bringing back Karras f.e. would be pretty ironic given the historically large cap space - Karras combined with one of the top 4 draft prospects could be ideal for the future of this line (since they would all offer C+G versatility that Andrews does not - and for half the $)

 

[Wilfork#75]

- I am very tempted to draft Mason to have again a proper FB destroyer who can also catch a ball or two - but i doubt BB would move in from Johnson bc he is doing a decent job and saves one roster spot in TC and Bill can be stingy about those things..

I am driving the Ben Mason bandwagon. He is just a mauling run blocker that would fit perfectly on this team. We’ve definitely seen a drop in production since Develin retired. I like Johnson but I think Mason is a clear upgrade. He is a better blocker, has the athleticism to be a threat as a runner or receiver and is also a core special teams player. He could also fill in as an emergency DT because he did play both ways at Michigan for a little while. Just a perfect fit for the type of offensive identity it looks like we are trying to establish.

 

[long distance]

DL - POOL

Some have already opened DL discussion @patsinthesnow @micronin127 @ashley1992 @patsfanfromoversea
This one should indeed be interesting since there is not much left on the roster and was a patchwork for several years now under tighter cap.
We all feel its time to make it a position of strength again and there should be plenty good options to do it.
This is just interior DL, EDGE will follow. Comments on this will follow as well but feel free to jump in - plenty to choose from
@BaconGrundleCandy @reamer & others deeper in Draft can comment/sort out the Draft/UDFA section..


NE ROSTER

99Cowart (25,2022,$0,9), 52Spence (29,2021,$2), 94B.Allen (29,2021,$3), 76M.Barnett (24,2022,$0,8
92Thurman (26,futures), 97Murray (24,futures)


NE FREE AGENTS

93Guy (31, $4.3)
70A.Butler (27, $3.3)
98C.Davis (NT,29)


FREE AGENTS top market: 22M-apy 2021 proj. FT=13.3M


L.Williams, 27, NYG (6’5-302) [PFF:20] — FT 19.4
-->Tomlinson, 27, NYG (6’3-317) [PFF:10-13]
> Shelby Harris, 30, DEN (6’3-300) [PFF:11/1/3 in 2020]
-->Derek Wolfe, 31, BAL (6’5-285) (+run/rush) (NEint) [PFF:2/14]
Rankins, 28, NO (6’2-305) (?2019.achil/2020MCL) [PFF:2/14]
Suh, 34, TB [7] — TB
Kawann Short, 32, CAR (6’3-310) (2y.inj.shoulder) (8.6) — cut —
->Casey, 32, DEN (6’1-305) (11.8) (BB+) (torn.biceps.w3.1y) — cut —
->NT DaQuan Jones, 30, TEN (6’4-322) [PFF:2/14]
Guy, 31, NE [PFF:1/7]
->Urban, 30, CHI (6’7-300)
->Robertson-Harris, 28, CHI (6’7-294)
Abry Jones, 30, JAX (6’4-318)
->DJ Jones, 27, SF (6’0-321)
Alualu, 34, PIT (6’3-304) [PFF:1/6]
Mike Daniels, 32, CIN (6’0-310)
NT J.Jenkins, 32, CHI (6’3-327)
McLendon, 36, TB (6’3-310)
NT D Harrison, 33, GB (6’3-353) (low 2 seas)
NT Peters, 33, ARI (6’3-335)
->Austin Johnson, 27, NYG (6’4-314) (depth)
->Wormley, 28, PIT (6’5-300;Michigan/BAL; all-line:5T>NT; anchor/leverage/athl?) > Guy
Covington, 28, CIN (6’2-305) (+run/gap;depth;Cowart)
Godschaux, 27, MIA (6’3-315) (biceps.OCT) (+2-gap;lower under Flores)
Ogunjobi, 27, CLE (6’3-305) (-run/LOS) [OTC: 5]
->Solomon Thomas, 26, SF (6’2-280) (+run,reclamation)
->DeMarcus Walker, 27, DEN (6’4-280) (rota->Butler)
A.Butler, 27, NE (6’4-300)— NE
->NT Hankins, 29, LV (6’2-325) (depth)
->NT Ellis, 30, BAL (6’2-334) (depth)
Ridgeway, 27, PHI (6’3-305) (?run) (biceps.OCT)
Maliek Collins, 26, LV (6’2-308) (-run)
Crawford, 32, DAL (6’4-290)
Montravius Adams, 26, GB (6’4-304) (depth)
NT Ankou, 27, DAL (6’3-325) (TC/backup) —
Jaleel Johnson, 27, MIN (6’3-316)
Vanderdoes, 27, LV (6’4-305) — cut —
Woodrow Hamilton, 28, CAR — cut —
D.Irving, 28, LV (6’7-290) — DET, IND — re-signed LV - 1y/1M


POSSIBLE CUTS / TRADE OPTIONS

—>[Tuitt, 28, PIT (9,0,9,9//5.7/9-J2)
->[Hargrave, 28, PHI (6’2-305-exPIT) (down.y@PHI) (12.8,13//5.4/12.8-J2) — ?trade
->[Brockers, 31, LAR (6’5-305) (+run&rush) (Donald.effect?) (6.5, 7.5) — possible cut —
—>[Goldman, 27, CHI (6’4-320) (opt-out) (4.8,8.8,9.2/4.9-J2) — post june/next yr
->[Richardson, 31, CLE (6’3-294) (11.5) — possible cut —
—>[Onyemata, 29, NO (6’4-300) (7, 7.5) - poss trade
->[A.Hicks, 32, CHI (6’5-332) (10.5*) — possible cut —
->[DL Dunlap, 32, SEA (6’6-280) (14) — possible cut —
->[J.Reed, 29, SEA (6’3-306) (9/9) — possible cut —
[Atkins, 33 CIN (6’1-300) (shoulder.DEC) (9.5) — possible cut —
[Linval Joseph, 33, LAC (6’4-330) (8) — possible cut —
->[NT B.Williams, 32, BAL (4.5/7.5) — likely cut/trade —
->[Gholston, 30, TB (6’6-280) (0-5T+gap/run) (5.5) > Guy — possible cut/trade —
->[H.Anderson, 30, NYJ (6’6-300) (+run) (8.2) — possible cut —
->[M.Brown, 28, NO (6’2-320) (5) (rot)— likely cut —
[Malik Jackson, 31, PHI (6’5-290) — likely cut —
[Q.Jefferson, 28, BUF (6’4-290) (+pres;inj.h) (8) — possible cut —
[Nick Williams, 31, DET (6’4-297) (4.7) — possible cut —
[Lowry, 27, GB (6’6-296) (3.3) — possible cut —
[Shelton, 28, DET (6’2-345) (4) — possible cut —
[V.Butler, 27, BUF (6’4-330) (6.8) — possible cut —


DRAFT

DL *Christian Barmore #58 ALA (6’5-310) - 1
DL Levi Onwuzurike #95 Washington (6’2-290) - 2
DT Daviyon Nixon #94 Iowa (6’3-305) - 2
DT Alim McNeill #29 NC St (6’2-340>320) - 2/3
DL Osa Odighizuwa #92 UCLA (6’2-280-84“-34“-11“) - 2/3
DT Marvin Wilson #21 FSU (6’3-320) - D2/D3
DL Tommy Togiai #72 Ohio St (6’2-300) - D2/D3
DT *Jay Tufele #78 USC (6’3-315) - D2/D3
NT *Tyler Shelvin #72 LSU (6’3-346) - D2/D3
DL Cameron Sample #5 Tulane (6’2-274) - D3
DL *Jaylen Twyman #97 Pitt (6’2-290) - D3
NT *Bobby Brown #5 Texas A&M (6’4-325) - D3
DT Marlon Tuipulotu #51 USC (6’1-308) - D3
DL *Milton Williams #97 Louisiana T (6’4-280/290) - D3


UDFA

NT Quinton Bohana #95 Kentucky (6’4-357)
NT Tedarrell Slaton #56 Florida (6’5-358)
DT Khyris Tonga #95 BYU (6’4-321)
DT Naquan Jones #93 Michigan St (6’3-330)
DT Jerome Johnson #98 Indiana (6’2-304)
DL Malik Herring #10 Georgia (6’3-283)
DL Ta’Quon Graham #49 Texas (6’3-290-85“-35“-11“)
DL Jared Goldwire #90 Louisiana (6’5-305)
DT Jack Heflin #96 Iowa (6’3-306)
DL Phil Hoskins #92 Kentucky (6’5-302) -
NT Jordon Scott #34 Oregon (6’1-322) - /BGC


[PFF:2/14] = projected apy contract (2021 cap hit 20-40% lower) - projections are not mine..
(6.9,6.3,6.3) = cap hits of remaining contract yrs. black is guaranteed, grey not gtd
(11.5) = cap savings
FT = Franchise Tag

DT (3-4/7) = 8-10M cap hit

DT1 (NT+rush) : TOMLINSON / Shelby Harris (8-10M apy) OPT2: NT > DaQuan Jones (5M apy) / Shelvin
DT2 : GUY (4M apy) / Anderson (cut) OPT2: DL > Wolfe / Rankins (6M apy)
DL: DRAFT: Nixon, McNeil, Togiai, Osa Odighizuwa
DT4 : Cowart (0.9M)
TC/PS: VET MIN(cut)/Spence + Barnett/Thurman/Murray + UDFA


This unit needs a complete overhaul and significant upgrade to the last few seasons in Bill wants to ride with Cam and then future QB. The most important position in FA since Draft is not that good at the top. I really hope they go for it here.

Thankfully its a deep DL pool so you can look at the list and choose as you please

 

[long distance]

EDGE POOL

NE ROSTER

ED (7-8) - 50Winovich* (26,2022,$1.1), 53Uche* (23,2023,$1.2), 96Bower (26,2021,$0,9), 43Berry (24,2021,$0.8)


NE FREE AGENTS

91Wise* (27, $2.3)
55Simon* (30, $2.7)
52Copeland (30)


FREE AGENTS top market: 27M-apy 2021 proj. FT=15.4M

Judon, 29, BAL [PFF:16] — FT 20
Barrett, 29, TB [PFF:17] — FT 19
JJ Watt, 32, HOU (17.5M) — cut — [18.5M/2y/ [PFF:2/25] — PIT, CLE, BUF, GB, ARI, TEN, LV — ARI 2y/31M/23g
Ngakoue, 26, BAL [PFF:17] — FT 15.4
—>Dupree, 28, PIT (ACL.DEC) [PFF:1/10] —
Lawson, 26 CIN (+pres) [15M/PFF:13/CIN:12] — CIN
->Clowney, 28, TEN (+run?gap) [PFF:1/13]
->Floyd, 29, LAR (Georgia) [PFF:13]
Hendrickson, NO (run?) [PFF:11]
->Okwara, 26, DET (+press?run) [10;PFF:1/6]
Ingram, 32, LAC (inj.h) [PFF:10]
-> Houston, 32, IND [PFF:2/18] — IND
—>Hyder, 30, SF (+2020;big+IQ+prod) —
—>Bowser, 26, BAL (cov+strong-fast-edge- re-Simon) [PFF:7]
—>Basham, 27, NYJ (?edge+run-ok rush+ST) [PFF:6]
—>DL Autry, 31, IND (6’5-270)
->Wise, 27, NE [PFF:7]
->J.Jenkins, 27, NYJ (Georgia) (+edge-s+run;ok-rush) [3 [PFF:1/6]
->R.Blair, 28, SF (opt-out; run + rush)
->Griffen, 33, DET
->Curry, 33, PHI (vet min)
->McPhee, 33, BAL (vet min)
McKinley, 26, LV [PFF:9]
Reddick, 27, ARI [PFF:1/8] — NYG
A.Smith, 32, DAL [2y/15] -off.field DoV
Sheard, 32, NYG
Murphy, 30, BUF (decl)
->Gotsis, 29, JAX (6’4-287;+run)
Kerrigan, 33 WAS (backup to Chase&Sweat)
Ebukam, 26, LAR
->Smoot, 26, JAX (+run)
Jihad Ward, 27, BAL (6’5-290) (rota.DE/DL)
Attaochu, 28, DEN
Simon, 31, NE [2]
Okafor, 30 KC
Kpassagnon, 27, KC
Golden, 28, ARI
Mayowa, 30, SEA
Muhammad, 26, IND
Weatherly, 27, CAR (6’5-265)
Charlton, 27, KC
Fackrell, 30, NYG
R.Anderson, 27, WAS (backup)
C.Harris, 26, ATL
Copeland, 30, NE
Calhoun, 29, NE
Willis, 26, SF (back-up)
Chickillo, 28, DEN
Scarlett, 28, HOU
Mingo, 31, CHI
Spence, 27, NO
Rivers, 27, LAR
->Vernon, 31, CLE (achilles.jan’21) [PFF:1/2] —> sign later in the season


POSSIBLE CUTS / TRADE OPTIONS

[D.Hunter, 27, MIN (#1 run stop) (neck.inj; wants raise) (12.5,12.5,12.5)
[Von Miller, 32, DEN (18) — possible cut —
[C.Jones, 32, ARI (15.5)
[Z.Smith, 28, GB (17/5,15.8//12)
[Flowers, 28, DET (14.4,17.6,18) J2 —
->[Davenport, 25, NO (2.4) — possible trade —
->[Graham, 33, PHI (+run) (13) — possible cut —
->[DL Dunlap, 33, SEA (6’6-280) (14) — possible cut —
[Dee Ford, 30, SF (15) — possible cut (only w +physical) —
[OLB P.Smith, 29, GB (down.yr) (7/4//8) — possible cut —
[Barnett, 25, PHI (10)
[OLB Kennard, 30, ARI (?run) (7/4.2) — possible cut —


DRAFT

DE *Kwity Paye #19 Michigan (6’4-272) - 1
ED Jaelan Phillips #15 Miami (6’5-255) - 1
ED Azeez Ojulari #13 Georgia (6’3-240) - 1
DE *Gregory Rousseau #15 Miami (6’6-260) - 1
DE *Jayson Oweh #28 Penn St (6’5-257) - 1/2
DE *Ronnie Perkins #7 Oklahoma (6’3-250) - D2
ED Carlos Basham #9 Wake (6’3-281-9“) - D2
DE Payton Turner #98 Houston (6’5-270-84“-35“) - D2
ED Joseph Ossai #46 Texas (6’4-253) - D2
ED *Joe Tryon #9 Washington (6’5-262) - D2
ED Patrick Jones #91 Pitt (6’45-264) - D2/3
ED Hamilcar Rasheed Jr. #9 Oregon St (6’3-254) - D2/3
DE Rashad Weaver #17 Pitt (6’4-265) - D2/3
....
POSSIBLE D3 PTP OPTIONS
DE Daelin Hayes #9 ND (6’3-261)
DE Elerson Smith #16 N Iowa (6’6-262)
DE Chauncy Golston #57 Iowa (6’4-268-11“)
DE Jonathon Cooper # Ohio St (6’2-254)
DE Ade Ogundeji # ND (6’4-256+85“+35“)
ED Janarius Robinson 11# FSU (6’5-266-87“-36“-11“)

UDFA
@BaconGrundleCandy



[15M/PFF:13/CIN:12] = projected apy contract (2021 cap hit 20-40% lower) - projections are not mine..
(6.9,6.3,6.3) = cap hits of remaining contract yrs. black is guaranteed, grey not gtd
(11.5) = cap savings
J2 = possible After June 1 designation or trade after this date
FT = Franchise Tag

EDGE (4/7-8) = 8-10M

DE run+rush HYDER / Houston / DRAFT D1/2: Paye / Basham
ED Winovich
OLB run BOWSER
OLB rush - Uche
(DE run/rush cheaper opt : Wise / Autry / Basham / Jenkins / Blair (cut) / Smoot / DRAFT D3: Turner
TC Bower - Berry - DRAFT D3 - UDFA


I agree with @luuked that BB will not spend this much on this position - it will be probably a bit later in FA for some vet bargains, possibly those that were cut. If Wise doesn't find a market he could be brought back - but if he is thinking on at least one comp pick he might let him out.

If they indeed bring back Thuney then comp calculation for this year will an afterthought.

This pool might be one of the deepest so i would definitely take advantage. If price tags for players currently projected at 10M apy fall below 8 id start to call. So i would not touch this today, but revisit in the next days for some good players at discount prices.

The one player that i would definitely go for is Bowser - could be a bargain and fits what Pats could definitely use - OLB with strong line presence in the mold of prime Simon with upside in coverage and speed.

-

 

[DaBruinz]

I am driving the Ben Mason bandwagon. He is just a mauling run blocker that would fit perfectly on this team. We’ve definitely seen a drop in production since Develin retired. I like Johnson but I think Mason is a clear upgrade. He is a better blocker, has the athleticism to be a threat as a runner or receiver and is also a core special teams player. He could also fill in as an emergency DT because he did play both ways at Michigan for a little while. Just a perfect fit for the type of offensive identity it looks like we are trying to establish.

Umm.. Both Harris and Michel put up over 5YPC each.. That's UP from any time Develin was in the backfield. Yes, a lot has to do with Onwenu and Wynn being on the line. But Johnson isn't that much of a downgrade from Develin if one at all..

That being said, I wouldn't be against having a 2nd FB on the team. Especially one who could be put on all 6 ST units..

 

[long distance]

LB POOL

NE ROSTER

LB (8-9) - 54Hightower (31, 2021, $12.5/10), 51Bentley* (25, 2021, $1), 58Jennings* (24,2023,$1), 59Hall (24,2021,$0.8),
46Maluia* (22,2021,$0.8), 48Pinckney (23, futures)

NE FREE AGENTS

52Copeland (30)


FREE AGENTS top market: 18M-apy 2021 proj. FT=14.2M

Lavonte David, 31, TB ($12M) (M:3y/40) [PFF:13] — CLE
->Matt MIlano, 27, BUF [PFF:11] — CLE
->Jayon Brown, 26, TEN [PFF:11]
KJ Wright, 32, SEA [2y/12]
>Van Noy, 30, MIA (12.5) — cut — [M:2/12-16]
Perryman, 28, LAC (up&down) [PFF:2/13]
>Pierre-Louis, 30, WAS (6’0-230-4.5,rot.) [PFF:2]
Kendricks, 31, WAS (+speed)
>Anzalone, 27, NO
->Jarrad Davis, 26, DET (rot)
A.Williamson, 29, PIT (exNYJ) (+run) (2019-ACL)
BJ Goodson, 28, CLE [PFF:2/6]
>Todd Davis, 29, MIN (6’1-230)
>Eric Wilson, 27, MIN
->Grugier-Hill, 27, MIA ++ST
>M.Smith, 32, CLE (6’0-225) (SB-MVP>SEA+ST)
Bynes, 32, CIN
A.Walker, 26, IND
>McMillan, 25, LV
>D.Mayo, 28, NYG (2.5, 2.5) (vet min) +ST — cut —
Vigil, 28, LAC
Ragland, 28, DET (NEfit/have 3 similar)
Campbell, 28, ARI
Elandon Roberts, 27, MIA (knee)
Hewitt, 28, NYJ
Copeland, 30, NE
J.Thomas, 30, DAL
Biegel, MIA
Lee, 35, DAL
Irvin, 35, SEA
Riley, 27, PHI ++ST
N.Gerry, 26, PHI


POSSIBLE CUTS

[Jaylon Smith, 26, DAL (7.2-June2)
[J.Collins, 32, DET (9,10) — DET restructure
[McKinney, 29, HOU (6.4) — possible cut —
[LJ Fort, 31, BAL (2.2)
[Barr, 29, MIN (7.3) (inj.pect) — possible cut —
[Kwon Alexander, 27, NO (6’1-230) (achil.DEC) (13.2) — likely cut —


DRAFT

LB *Micah Parsons #11 Penn (6’3-244) - 1
LB *Nick Bolton #32 Mizzou (6’0-235) -1
OLB Zaven Collins #23 Tulsa (6’4-260) - 1
OLB Owusu-Koramoah #6 ND (6’2-216) - 1
OLB Jabril Cox #19 LSU (6’3-233) - D2
ILB Chazz Surratt #21 N Carolina (6’1-230) -
LB Justin Hilliard # Ohio St (6’0-227) -
ILB *Dylan Moses #32 Alabama (6’3-235) -
LB Jamin Davis #44 Kentucky (6’4-234) -
LB Monty Rice # Georgia (6’0-238) -
LB Pete Werner #20 Ohio St (6’2-242) - /++ST;
LB Baron Browning # Ohio St (6’3-241-10“) -

UDFA

LB KJ Britt #33 Auburn (6’0-240) -
LB Tuf Borland #32 Ohio St (6’0-230-10“) -
LB Grant Stuard #0 Houston (5’11-230) -
LB Derrick Barnes # Purdue (6’4-245) -


As always hopefully @BaconGrundleCandy can add/sort out Draft & UDFA if he can grab some time..

LB (5/7-8) = 1-2M cap hit

Hightower —DRAFT: COLLINS (Parsons / Bolton / Cox / Davis) — Jennings —
Bentley — Hall / VET LOW (KGH/Mayo-cut) — Maluia — Pinckney/UDFA



Again, if Hightower is back this position is not a need for me. Bentley started really promising, BB likes him a lot, he is as green dot as it gets. Didn't have a good year but playing LB behind that porous DL was not an easy job esp. losing all LB playmakers at once that u used to play with. Jennings has his limitation but again a guy BB likes a lot and deserves at least one full season and playing behind solid DL. Hall stepped well in his limited capacity.

You have Uche, Dugger & Phillips who can all jump in in subpackages - Uche might develop in 3 down OLB like Collins.


Im not sure you can significantly upgrade your LB corpse in this market.
Wild card is KVN - if he doesn't find a market BB might bring him back on the cheap like Collins.

My personal wish is finally bring back Kamu G-H. That would put ST unit over the top and he showed he can play some SAM as well.
Id look out for reclamation projects with a bit more speed like Jarrad Davis & Anzalone on a lower deal.

I might use a Draft pick on a LB to groom one top prospect for next yr. I really like Bolton and id take him to anchor my LB group in the future, Parsons and even more Zaven Collins could be the next Collins for NE. But they might be ok waiting for next year.

 

[luuked]

I might use a Draft pick on a LB to groom one top prospect for next yr. I really like Bolton and id take him to anchor my LB group in the future, Parsons and even more Zaven Collins could be the next Collins for NE. But they might be ok waiting for next year.

I know everyone is QB crazy right now but getting Parsons or Collins at #15 would be the next best thing.

I would find it very difficult to be upset with BB if that happened even without one of the highly touted QBs.

 

[DaBruinz]

I know everyone is QB crazy right now but getting Parsons or Collins at #15 would be the next best thing.

I would find it very difficult to be upset with BB if that happened even without one of the highly touted QBs.

In BCG's PTP thread, I actually posited that BB might pass on a QB early on to take a WR and then a DL. I can still see that happening. The Patriots all but ignoring the QB position this year and taking one in the draft next year where it's supposed to be a deeper draft..

 

[ralmat55]

I’m betting the best player available at #15 will be a CB. It’s a plug and play position as well. Then, they can move on from Gilmore for a pick or as part of a trade for Jimmy G. or Derek Carr.

They didn’t pay out the money they did today to leave the QB position in the hands of Cam Newton or a draftee. The future is now and with just competitive QB play this team is ready to compete now.

 

[long distance]

I’m betting the best player available at #15 will be a CB. It’s a plug and play position as well. Then, they can move on from Gilmore for a pick or as part of a trade for Jimmy G. or Derek Carr.

They didn’t pay out the money they did today to leave the QB position in the hands of Cam Newton or a draftee. The future is now and with just competitive QB play this team is ready to compete now.

I have CB often in my mocks in 1st but is just one option.

The signings they made only confirm to me BB is fine with Cam. Im not saying it is set but goes in that direction. They both wanted to have one proper season together and thats where it stands now.

Money this year is not so important for the future. They will be big FA players again next year regardless..

 

[Betterthanmost]

In BCG's PTP thread, I actually posited that BB might pass on a QB early on to take a WR and then a DL. I can still see that happening. The Patriots all but ignoring the QB position this year and taking one in the draft next year where it's supposed to be a deeper draft..

What? After today, I am thinking exactly the opposite of what you wrote. I had to look at the time and date of your post and that is why I am asking what.

 

[slash83]

I’m thinking it has to be either qb or LB in the 1st round.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I know everyone is QB crazy right now but getting Parsons or Collins at #15 would be the next best thing.

I would find it very difficult to be upset with BB if that happened even without one of the highly touted QBs.

parsons, Collins or horn at 15, gives us a monster defense!

moore of ole miss at 47, and we have a receiving Corp next season better than anything we have had in several years.

 

[DaBruinz]

What? After today, I am thinking exactly the opposite of what you wrote. I had to look at the time and date of your post and that is why I am asking what.

That's your opinion. I stand by my statement. There is no way I over-pay to move up to 7 or 8 for a QB. None of them are worth it. If there is one of them there at 10-15 fine. Otherwise, I take Best PTP available. Be it OT, LB, or WR. I could also see BB trade down to pick up another pick in the 2nd round.

 

[Ring 6]

@RB


RB+FB (4+1/6+2) = 0-1M cap


Michel - Harris - JJ Taylor - Bolden/?Rex + Draft 6-7 + UDFA

Johnson + Mason



Comments:

- I offer opportunity to JJ to step in White's shoes and i feel good about it esp. if Cam is QB. White who was perfect for Tom can better use his skill set elswhere. I believe Michel and Harris can step up at receiving as they've shown before.

- If Bolden opts in he can enter RB rotation behind powerful OL and take his place on ST

- Rex is a wild card bc i like him so. Dont see the need but if he cant get gig elsewhere id bring him back at least for TC on a 1y deal.
But i don't like to keep an extra roster spot for RB again so id keep only one of Bolden/Rex in that case.

- I like very much Demetric Felton in draft but see no need in drafting RB high again. There are some nice options in later rounds or even UDFA - so someone to quietly develop on PS.

- I am very tempted to draft Mason to have again a proper FB destroyer who can also catch a ball or two - but i doubt BB would move in from Johnson bc he is doing a decent job and saves one roster spot in TC and Bill can be stingy about those things..

How does Johnson save a roster spot vs any other FB?

 

[Ring 6]

What? After today, I am thinking exactly the opposite of what you wrote. I had to look at the time and date of your post and that is why I am asking what.

They have to draft the QB they have to trade up if that’s what it takes
If they like jones he should be there. I’ve seen a lot of people saying fields could fall to the late first. I’m not a fields fan.
They need to figure out who they want and go get him.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

@ QB




QB (2-3/3-4) = 5M+ cap hit

Newton + Draft 1 + ?Stidham/Dolegala/?

Stidham is an interesting character in this crazy video game. If the staff actually likes him but just wanted to show him some tough love then wait until round 4-5 for one of the lower tier prospects if you dont like/miss out on the big 4.5. Like if they think Stidham can be a decent bu why overpay for another one? Odds tell you most mid-late rounders are bust so unless we fall in love I'm getting the best value I can.
If we don't think Stiddy is capable then cut the poor guy loose and move on. Grab Trask, Mond, Newman, White with 109 or use 109 & 140 to get in with a small trade up.

Comments:

- numbers mean 2-3 players on the 53 roster / 3-4 in Training Camp (Cap Hit already explained above)

- I might be in minority but with Newton signed BB has leverage to wait for opportunities for possible upgrade/future to come to him.
To me this team can be / will be competitive with Cam or any of the top 5 QBs.
I doubt any QB will be ready/trusted to start the season so if Pats draft QB high the likelihood of Cam starting increases.

- Since i don't have significant preference on top 5 QBs i wouldn't be too aggressive to move up. While moving up for a QB you strongly believe is your future QB is never a bad business (you get the investment in draft picks back in cap space) it is a question how far Pats can go. #2 & #3 picks are out of the question no matter the compensation (NYJ & MIA), #4 as well since ATL should be drafting one - and at that point QB you really like might be gone.

Atl and jete are the power players imo but both need to work out their current QB situation(s). I was thinking to myself that Washington might actually go after Ryan but they just got Fitz.
Anyway I could see Atlanta going either way with Ryan. I think Sam is as good as gone but who knows.

On the other hand if you do like a QB and decide to Draft one in the 1st round then this is the year. Next year's class doesn't look to have 5 deep quality at the top of the draft - and also Pats original drafting position will likely be lower. The class below top tier should be deeper so some good QB prospects could be available all through 2nd round.

Rattler, Willis, J Daniels, McCall, JT Daniels, Howell, Ridder, Slovis, Gabriel, Tagovailoa & a few others are all either top 25 or top 60 guys imo. Plus a few others that would be coming out early I won't bother with bc it's unlikely. Like I'm sure Ridder didn't get a 1st round grade from the draft committee but I have a hard time believing he wouldn't be a top 50 guy in this class? Anyway next year's crop looks like it might have some top heavy talent but deep as well. Plus we'll have a Burrow or Jones appear.

I would probably prepare myself for a reasonable trade up having a ready-made deal in the works with DET. If my choice is Trey Lance or Mac Jones there is a good chance that one of them falls closer to 15.

I'm hoping we still have some good relationships in Detroit or even Phila. Again jete & Atl hold a big hand but after them it looks like the other squads aren't in the market for QB's.
To get into the top 10 (for a QB) I suspect we're looking at 15 + 97 + 2022 1st & 2nd. Maybe a little more. I wonder if Gilmore is involved as a piece in any potential talks?

If it's similar to what I proposed I'd do it for a 20-21 yo I can develop.

- If i miss on one of the top QBs i trade down for additional high second or even future first and can take a flyer on one of the mid round QBs. After Draft id keep my options open if opportunity for upgrade presents itself.

- I wouldn't mind a proper ride with Cam anyway. Im not sure Jimmy would be significant upgrade with the way i see the team will be constructed esp. keeping in mind that trading for him would take away 2rd pick and almost 25M of cap space = 5 quality starters.

Agreed. Cam was bad but didn't get a fair shake. Give him NFL talent to work with and let's see what happens with the defense after a down year.

- If i do get one of top 5 QBs in the Draft then id cut (or low trade) Stidham and have someone like Dolegala in TC and later on Practice Squad.

Again Stiddy is an interesting one. They have to make a move one way relatively soon.