There is still much to hash out with the NFL's CBA before free agency even starts — and that will affect many players, especially Tom Brady (good to see the other Boston media realize that point well after we did) — but that hasn't stopped us from dreaming about realistic possibilities (read: not fantasy football) for a Patriots opening day lineup that would once again compete for a Super Bowl title.
Might as well start at the top (and I'm going with third-down offense and defense in the fourth quarter — those players are the real moneymakers):
OFFENSE
QB: Tom Brady
Can't wait for all the media that thinks they're getting the inside scoop from the Brady camp — He could really leave! He's not fooling around guys! — realize they were just pawns to get the Krafts to dance for them. Brady's not an idiot. Unless the Titans come calling (not a sure thing) or Brady actually would don the Colts' colors, he realizes his best chance to win is right here with the curmudgeon.
RB: James White
Duh.
X receiver: Odell Beckham Jr.
I'd like Stefon Diggs more for the salary but the Browns are much more likely to deal Beckham with their Moneyball approach. No, I don't like the diva attitude, but for Brady he'll keep it in check for a while like Randy Moss and then can be easily cut when (not if) he becomes a problem. Will cost the first-round pick.
Backup options: Sammy Watkins, who is likely to be released by the Chiefs and has made his bank. Might want revenge. Robert Woods, Rams, another possible cap casualty.
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Slot: Julian Edelman.
They need to start finding the heir apparent here too.
Z receiver: Mohamed Sanu
If there aren't injuries (there will be) Sanu will rotate with N'Keal Harry to give the Patriots another possession receiver. I don't rule out the possibility of Sanu being traded at some point.
TE: Gerald Everett
The Rams gave Tyler Higbee an extension previously and they're not going to pay two tight ends with Everett in his contract yeat. He has a ton of potential and while not a complete stud, would certainly be an upgrade for the Patriots. Would require at least a fourth and something else.
LT: Isaiah Wynn
Fingers crossed he can stay healthy because he could be a Pro Bowler at all the tackle and guard spots.
LG: Hjalte Froholdt
Hopefully he's a lot better than he was in camp as a rookie because that guy probably won't last long in the league. Yodny Cajuste or Wynn is a possibility here. I'm not getting a LT unless they're very cheap and a backup. If someone on the roster gives them a Best Five that calls for Wynn moving to LG, then that's fine.
C: David Andrews
I'll never underestimate your athletic ability in the run game ever again.
RG: Shaq Mason
Time to make up for last season.
RT: Marcus Cannon
Has now become the player most fans want cut, but his contract doesn't really allow for it.
DEFENSE
LE: John Simon/Deatrich Wise
Patriots have to start getting younger so that means not replacing guys like Kyle Van Noy.
DT: Lawrence Guy
Need him to stay healthy as he gets older and plays more snaps.
DT: Byron Cowart
Hopefully he added some weight and muscle in the offseason, but could also see Danny Shelton back on another cheap one-year deal. He doesn't have much of a market. Adam Butler will be here in sub.
DE: Chase Winovich
Has to get a lot better against the run and raise his awareness before and after the snap, but they will need him to play a central role.
LB: Dont'a Hightower
He's not taking a paycut so with Elandon Roberts gone in free agency and not much depth, High is the guy again.
LB: Ja'Whaun Bentley/Patrick Chung
Jamie Collins, the half-season hero, is not going to have much of a market so I could see him back very cheap and wouldn't be opposed to it, but the Patriots need something out of Bentley. Ideally, he got in a lot better shape and has his quickness back.
CB: Stephon Gilmore
I don't fear a dropoff.
CB: Joejuan Williams
Time for a youth movement and that involves Williams moving into a boundary role.
Slot CB: J.C. Jackson
Jason McCourty shouldn't have been brought back last year and should be gone now. Jackson takes his rightful starting spot and kicks inside on passing downs. Gilmore is also an option here against some receivers inside.
Robber FS: Jonathan Jones
We've seen him play safety previously and this would help explain his contract extension ... he's Devin McCourty's replacement and is even more versatile.
Deep FS: Duron Harmon
Would love to find another option here in the draft and save some money. Williams is an option here if, say, a D'Angelo Ross shows in camp at CB.
K: Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia
Time to get younger and cheaper at kicker.
There you go, a very competitive team with upside that doesn't break the bank.
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