The New England Patriots Offseason
The Good: Going on the most productive spending spree in league history
It's rare in life that someone can admit their wrong after one trial and error and Bill Belichick did exactly that after the debacle in 2020 and his mediocre ability to draft offensive talent, so the Patriots opened up their checkbook and fixed pretty much every need on the team and even grabbed excellent talent in the receiving corps. They finished 7-9 with a very bad roster and buying upgrades all over the team will bring them back into contention.
The Bad: Keeping Cam Newton as the Starter, for now
Cam Newton was hard to watch in 2020 as he clearly showed an inability to put the same level of power into his throws and looked as if he had lost his ability to throw the football. While I doubt he remains the starter in New England after the draft, if the Patriots can't find their guy in late April they will need to at least find a guy to compete with Cam.
The Ugly: Losing Joe Thuney
The Patriots losing Joe Thuney was quite a shock to me because he's one of the best offensive guards in the NFL and to let him sign with the Chiefs. It could be that the Patriots have a player in mind in the draft considering that the one thing he does draft well on offense is offensive lineman but only time will tell whether or not that lack of move on him was worth it.
Offseason Grade (Pre Draft): A+
NFL Draft Summary
Day 1 Grade: C
Selection: Mac JonesThe Patriots had little choice heading into the 2021 draft with priority #1 being to draft a quarterback and while they picked all the way at #15 in the draft, they still managed to grab the last worthy quarterback in Mac Jones. Jones has the lowest ceiling among the quarterbacks and some may even view this pick as a reach considering many had him as a Day 2 player but the need to grab a quarterback to appease Patriot fans. Jones is short in stature, has a weak arm, very little athleticism, and played on the best offense in college football in terms of talent, all of which detract from the selection. He's a risky selection but they pretty much had no choice in the matter.
Day 2 Grade: A+
Selections: Christian Barmore, Ronnie PerkinsThe New England Patriots made a major move in Day 2 by trading up in the draft to grab easily the most talented defensive tackle in the draft in Christian Barmore. Barmore is an athletic freak in the interior of the defensive line who has a knack for making splash plays and coming through in big moments. Ronnie Perkins lived in BIG-12 backfields in 2020 and brings a good combination of speed and power to the edge rusher position. Both players have the potential to be quality starters Week 1 and could find a role quickly in the 2021 season.
Day 3 Grade: B
Selections: Rhamondre Stevenson, Cameron McGrone, Joshua Bledsoe, William Sherman, Tre Nixon
The Patriots needed to add some size to their running game for short yardage plays and Rhamondre Stevenson fits the mold at 6' and 250 lbs. Cameron McGrone is a fast and violent linebacker that can be productive if allowed to blitz freely and utilize his range. Joshua Bledsoe is a good depth pick at safety with a balanced skill set. William Sherman will provide good depth in the offensive line if he makes the squad. Tre Nixon Is going to have to make a name on special teams if he makes the roster but with the influx the Patriots have at receiver, I'd be shocked if he doesn't see the field on offense.
Selection: Mac JonesThe Patriots had little choice heading into the 2021 draft with priority #1 being to draft a quarterback and while they picked all the way at #15 in the draft, they still managed to grab the last worthy quarterback in Mac Jones. Jones has the lowest ceiling among the quarterbacks and some may even view this pick as a reach considering many had him as a Day 2 player but the need to grab a quarterback to appease Patriot fans. Jones is short in stature, has a weak arm, very little athleticism, and played on the best offense in college football in terms of talent, all of which detract from the selection. He's a risky selection but they pretty much had no choice in the matter.
Day 2 Grade: A+
Selections: Christian Barmore, Ronnie PerkinsThe New England Patriots made a major move in Day 2 by trading up in the draft to grab easily the most talented defensive tackle in the draft in Christian Barmore. Barmore is an athletic freak in the interior of the defensive line who has a knack for making splash plays and coming through in big moments. Ronnie Perkins lived in BIG-12 backfields in 2020 and brings a good combination of speed and power to the edge rusher position. Both players have the potential to be quality starters Week 1 and could find a role quickly in the 2021 season.
Day 3 Grade: B
Selections: Rhamondre Stevenson, Cameron McGrone, Joshua Bledsoe, William Sherman, Tre Nixon
The Patriots needed to add some size to their running game for short yardage plays and Rhamondre Stevenson fits the mold at 6' and 250 lbs. Cameron McGrone is a fast and violent linebacker that can be productive if allowed to blitz freely and utilize his range. Joshua Bledsoe is a good depth pick at safety with a balanced skill set. William Sherman will provide good depth in the offensive line if he makes the squad. Tre Nixon Is going to have to make a name on special teams if he makes the roster but with the influx the Patriots have at receiver, I'd be shocked if he doesn't see the field on offense.
