Top 3 reasons why New England Patriots had the best NFL offseason
Through free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have had quite an offseason. Bill Belichick has been spending money like crazy and actually traded up in the draft for once. But where does this uncharacteristic offseason rank amongst NFL teams?
NFL.com writer Gil Brandt has them ranked No. 2 in his ranking of the five best offseasons in the NFL.
Who does he have them ranked behind?
Well, of course it is Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the reason he highlights is that they are the first defending Super Bowl champions to bring back all 22 starters and they also extended Brady.
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Besides adding Giovani Bernard to the mix, the Buccaneers did nothing else besides draft Kyle Trask as the potential Brady successor. But, when you win a championship, the biggest additions are what you already have as Brady and crew look to run it back.
But don’t for one second think Belichick hasn’t been taking notes. Due to all the veteran additions in free agency and the 2021 draft class, the Patriots had themselves an offseason and should be No. 1 when it comes roster improvement and here are three reasons why:
No. 1: The New England Patriots draft class creates great competition and adds depth
Belichick says he is riding with Cam Newton but drafting Mac Jones with the No. 15 overall pick in the NFL draft creates the most anticipated quarterback battle once camp starts.
A very motivated Newton vs an NFL ready young quarterback who can eventually run the offense in the same fashion Tom Brady did.
Now, this is not comparing Jones to Brady, but unlike Newton, he has the pocket awareness to at least make this offense look familiar again. Let’s not forget Jarrett Stidham can still play his way into the competition giving the Patriots a healthy battle that can only help the overall offense be better than they were last season.
On the defensive side of the ball, Belichick may have two steals on his hand in defensive tackle Christian Barmore and third-round pick Ronnie Perkins. Both of these places essentially fell to the Patriots.
Not only do both of these talents bring elements of explosiveness and tenacity to the defense, but they also add depth and will push the veterans ahead of them to stay grinding.