Following another disappointing 4-13 season that Connor Carson ’27 called “painful and tough to watch”, the New England Patriots enter the offseason with a new coach and many holes to fill on the roster. Fortunately for the Patriots, they have the most cap space in the NFL, the fourth overall pick in the draft, and three other picks in the top 80. Although the Patriots seem to have holes at every position except quarterback, their primary goals need to be stiffening their offensive line (O-line), getting a reliable number-one receiver, and someone who can get to the quarterback consistently.
After being ranked the worst O-line in the league last season, the Patriots’ first priority must be getting stronger in the trenches. This will allow them to protect 2nd-year quarterback Drake Maye and support him by establishing a strong run game. The Eagles used this formula this year to lead them to a dominant Super Bowl Championship. The Patriots have a few routes on how they can address the O-line. They are solid in the middle of the line, with Michael Onwenu and Layden Robinson returning as guards and David Andrews at center. Therefore, their emphasis should be bringing in a tackle. If they opt to dip into their cap space for a tackle in free agency, Baltimore’s Ronnie Stanley is the best available and is a strong veteran LT who could protect Maye’s blind side. If they are intrigued by either of the tackles in the Draft, both LSU’s Will Campbell and Texas’ Kelvin Bank Jr. could be suitable options for the fourth overall pick.
Another significant need the Patriots must address this offseason is getting Drake Maye a number one option at wide receiver (WR). Last season, Demario Douglas was his leading receiver, accounting for a measly 621 yards and three touchdowns. The team also had the least receiving yards overall of any team in the league. Once again, there are various ways the Patriots could handle this need. First, they could attempt to trade for a wide receiver (WR) such as Cooper Kupp, whom the Rams said they would be trading this offseason. They could also sign a WR in free agency, such as the Bengals’ Tee Higgins. Unlike last year’s draft, this year does not have as much high-end talent at the WR position; however, Arizona’s Tetoria McMillan and Colorado’s Travis Hunter could be good options for the Patriots if they fancy spending their first-round pick on a WR.
Last season, the pass rush took a significant step back, only accumulating a league-worst 28 sacks. Eagles Josh Sweat, a talented edge rusher with 15 QB hits last season, and Giants Azeez Ojulari could both be options in free agency that could bolster the rush. Additionally, Penn State’s Abdul Carter, the most talented player in this year’s class, could help fill this hole if they take him at number four. Although the Patriots have struggled the past few years with a successful offseason and under new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots could take a major step forward next season.
