Sam Bam Cunningham
2nd Team Getting Their First Start
For the long term they need to get elite talent at these 2 positions, which are harder to fill than WR.
Their OL personal is really mediocre at present. Signing Reilly Reif has not materially upgraded the position. Great news is that Isaiah "show me the money" Wynn is gone.
CB obviously is also a critical position and although they did re sign Jones, their CB group as a whole suffers from lack of height and physicality (unless you think Wade will make the team and step up). There is an abundance of top tier CB's that should be available at 14 and if Joey Porter Jr is there and the OT they want is not there jump all over it.
FORGET drafting a WR at 14, even if JSN is available. Their wide receivers as a group are solid (but not spectacular). I guess it's even possible that Thornton could develop into the vertical threat they need. As has been well documented, they are not interested in Hopkins. OBJ is probably going to the jets to play with Rodgers and I believe the Broncos intend to hold onto Jeudy. They will have other chances to get WR1 next year in UFA, or through released players.
I know it's only 3 weeks into free agency, but like many I have not been terribly excited by what they have done. Schuster-Smith to replace Myers and Robinson to replace Harris is like treading water...certainly not a marked improvement. Riley Reiff and the JAG OT and 2 special teams players....that is not going to move the needle..unless they are planning to dominate games with special teams.
Patriots had 4th or 5th most cap room at start of the season and have not yet utilized it to take a big step forward. BB had better NAIL this draft...or this team is going to take up long term residence in 4th place in the AFC East.
Long term, I see BB coaching two more years until Mayo takes over in 25-26 as head coach. Clearly BB is thinking long term and does not want to leave Mayo in cap hell when Mayo likely takes over in March 25.
Their OL personal is really mediocre at present. Signing Reilly Reif has not materially upgraded the position. Great news is that Isaiah "show me the money" Wynn is gone.
- There has been a lot of talk about how Patriots need to get playmakers at skill positions for Mac to succeed.
- Even more critical and fundamental to his success will be strengthening the OL, so he has time to scan the field and so they can run the ball. At 14 they should be able to get a top 3 OT. I believe this is where they should go.
CB obviously is also a critical position and although they did re sign Jones, their CB group as a whole suffers from lack of height and physicality (unless you think Wade will make the team and step up). There is an abundance of top tier CB's that should be available at 14 and if Joey Porter Jr is there and the OT they want is not there jump all over it.
FORGET drafting a WR at 14, even if JSN is available. Their wide receivers as a group are solid (but not spectacular). I guess it's even possible that Thornton could develop into the vertical threat they need. As has been well documented, they are not interested in Hopkins. OBJ is probably going to the jets to play with Rodgers and I believe the Broncos intend to hold onto Jeudy. They will have other chances to get WR1 next year in UFA, or through released players.
I know it's only 3 weeks into free agency, but like many I have not been terribly excited by what they have done. Schuster-Smith to replace Myers and Robinson to replace Harris is like treading water...certainly not a marked improvement. Riley Reiff and the JAG OT and 2 special teams players....that is not going to move the needle..unless they are planning to dominate games with special teams.
Patriots had 4th or 5th most cap room at start of the season and have not yet utilized it to take a big step forward. BB had better NAIL this draft...or this team is going to take up long term residence in 4th place in the AFC East.
Long term, I see BB coaching two more years until Mayo takes over in 25-26 as head coach. Clearly BB is thinking long term and does not want to leave Mayo in cap hell when Mayo likely takes over in March 25.
Last edited: