New England Patriots need difference makers and game breakers
As the 2023 important NFL draft approaches, it might be helpful to determine, which positions, in reality, are real difference-makers for the New England Patriots draft.
When it comes to New England Patriots drafting, not only is this space an ongoing critic, but Patriots owner Bob Kraft has also been quite critical. OUCH!
Kraft lambasted the Patriots drafting in a comment before the 2022 draft that was quite poignant. Kraft said according to patspulpit.com,
"“If you want to have a good, consistent, winning football team, you can’t do it in free agency. You have to do it through the draft,” Kraft said. “That’s when you’re able to get people of great talent — whether it’s Willie McGinest or Tom Brady — you get them at a price where you can build a team and be competitive. Once they get to their first contract, if they’re superstars, you can only balance so many of them.“So really, the teams who draft well are the ones who will be consistently good. I don’t feel we’ve done the greatest job the last few years, and I really hope — and I believe — I’ve seen a different approach this year.”"
New England Patriots drafting has generally been poor
The comments make sense in light of Mike Reese’s comments about the so-called draft strategy the Patriots employ. Here’s what Reiss had to say,
"For two consecutive years, Caserio has acknowledged the Patriots made draft-day moves — giving up a volume of picks they had worked to accrue — because they were running out of players to select…This might sound like a stunning admission, but to those familiar with the inner workings of the Patriots’ unique personnel evaluation system, it’s business as usual."
This may be business as usual, as Reese terms it, but it’s bizarre at best. While it may have worked when you had the Great Safety Valve, Tom Brady, to bail you out of obtuse personnel decision-making, it ain’t working now as the past three seasons have clearly demonstrated.
As the draft inexorably approaches, let’s take a look at the key positions that the New England Patriots need to target. Which are the real difference-makers?
New England Patriots need difference-makers
First, no argument that the quarterback is the top guy. The Patriots have third-year QB Mac Jones, full of promise but coming off a sub-par 2022. Which Jones will show up in 2023? He has a new offensive coaching staff to work with after having none last season. Things may look up.
While it may not be the most glamorous position, the offensive line, and in the New England Patriots’ case specifically offensive tackle is a key needed difference-maker. The Patriots need to target an offensive tackle with their first pick in the April draft and get another for depth.
There are several good ones who may be available when they pick at 14. alternatively, one may be available later and might allow a trade-down to accumulate more picks. That would be Ohio State’s gargantuan tackle, Dawand Jones.
No problem here with the Pats’ drafting Jones or his great Ohio State teammate, Paris Johnson. Depending on Jones’ health, either would constitute the makings of an A+ draft for the New England Patriots
New England Patriots need game-breaking players
The need for a game-breaking wide receiver or two has been an ongoing concern for the Patriots. They have struck out largely in the draft and free agency.
Last year’s number two pick, Tyquan Thornton was just OK. Free agent Nelson Agholor who cost a ton of owner Robert Kraft’s cash wasn’t. He was a total flop.
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It says here to go the trade (how about Tee Higgins?) and/or free agency routes to fill that position. Stay away from the draft. They have shown they can’t draft wide receivers high at all. If they do draft one or two, do it later on, way later on.
The New England Patriots could use a big-play cornerback, Jonathan Jones is a free agent and they lost their interception maestro, J.C. Jackson, to free agency last offseason.
Their drafting of corners has been spotty. The last major draft flop there was in 2000. They wasted a second-round pick on Joejuan Williams who was a flop.
Next. 3 intriguing linebackers Patriots should target in 2023 NFL Free Agency. dark
If they go in that direction, do it in the middle or later rounds and try to find a gem. Otherwise, stick to trades, free agency, or undrafted free agency. UDFA has delivered terrific players like Malcolm Butler and Jonathan Jones at corner, and other stars at other positions.
These are some thoughts of key difference-makers the Patriots need. What positions do you feel they need to seriously address? We’d like to hear.