Bedard: Who are the future building blocks for this Patriots team?

The Patriots are in a tough spot after their loss to the Bills to fall to 2-5 and 3.5 games behind Buffalo. We all know this. I do not think the division or even the playoffs are out of reach at this time — especially after they made progress on offense in the second half against Bills — but it's not looking great.

Even if the Patriots make the playoffs (538 has them at 12 percent; FO has them 26th in DVOA with an 8.2 percent chance), they're not winning a championship. Another appearance in the Final Four would be a huge shock.

So while this season isn't over, it's really about the future now. The Patriots will be loaded with cap space this offseason, but with also a ton of holes on the roster that caused the problems this season.

Let's start the look to the future with an assessment of this roster. Who are the building blocks for the next two or three years? They are few and far between.

LITTLE DOUBT ABOUT THESE GUYS (7)

RG Shaq Mason: Has had a very nice comeback season of late when he's been healthy, and he's going to be relatively inexpensive the next three seasons.

OL Michael Onwenu: Everyone, including the Patriots (and me) since he went in the sixth round, questioned whether Onwenu could keep his weight in check and move well enough for a big man inside. Well, those questions have been answered. As long as he stays in good shape, Onwenu has a chance to be a dynamite guard.

OL Isaiah Wynn: I expect the Patriots to keep adding OT/OG types for a while and if they hit on a better-built LT, Wynn will still be a good starter on the offensive line. That's a building block. Could easily succeed Joe Thuney at LG if they find an OT.

C David Andrews: Is 28 and his contract is running out, but we've seen his value and he needs a contract extension.

CB JC Jackson: Ready to succeed Stephon Gilmore as the top cornerback and will be an RFA after this season. Needs an extension.

CB Jonathan Jones: Just a great all-around defensive back who has become a quiet leader as well.

LB Dont'a Hightower: Yes, he'll be 31 next year if he comes back from the opt-out, but I think he still wants to play and I think his options are limited. I think he's here for a couple more years — we all know they need LBers desperately.

TRENDING IN RIGHT DIRECTION (4)

RB Damien Harris: I don't count having a RB as being a block because you can literally find them anywhere so it's a wash with every other team, but this kid is damn good.

S Kyle Dugger: Covid, injury and Belichick's lust for veterans over kids has made this just a redshirt year for him at this point. Sigh. He has so much talent. LET HIM PLAY.

S Adrian Phillips: If he can make it through this season physically, I could see him being a major contributor for the next 2-3 years (contract through 2021).

P Jake Bailey: He's really good, but he's a punter. Does that count?

MAYBE (6)

DT Lawrence Guy: Are the Patriots going to pay him after this season when he'll be 31? They should, but I'm not sure.

QB Cam Newton: Will have to see how the season plays out. Could be the guy if he trends upward from here on out.

Edge Chase Winovich: Looked like a three-down linebacker in the opener but slowly slipped down the depth chart after that. And since the Patriots can't get the opponent into long yardage, his sub package snaps have slipped. I think there's more here, but if the coaches don't like him in this front seven-challenged season, when will they?

DB Joejuan Williams: Shows some potential but it's hard to see what a starting role would look like, if it ever happens.

LB Anfernee Jennings: He played a lot at Alabama in a similar scheme and even when the Patriots have no linebackers, he can't get on the field. That's not a great sign. Probably a starter at some point soon, but not sure he's a block.

LB Josh Uche: He's been injured and flashed on a couple of plays Sunday, but he didn't impress the coaches much despite getting a lot of run in training camp. Could be a player, but that's a projection and not reality at this point.

NOT LOOKING GREAT (7)

LB Ja'Whaun Bentley: He appears to have a ceiling of being an average starter.

QB Jarrett Stidham: The only thing we know about Stidham? He throws a lot of interceptions right now. Doesn't look promising. Camp injury raised a lot of eyebrows.

TEs Devin Asiasi/Dalton Keene: Nobody knows, not even in the people in the building.

OG Hjalte Froholdt/Justin Herron/Yodny Cajuste: All projections, but I wouldn't totally rule them out.

WR N'Keal Harry: He's a No. 3 probably at best, and that's not a building block.

RB James White: Getting up there in age and the Patriots are hanging on to JJ Taylor.

NOT IN THE PLANS

DBs Devin McCourty, Jason McCourty, Terrence Brooks: If they're here, it's not going to be for that long although we have the feeling Devin could play forever — if he wanted to (I don't think he does).

RB Sony Michel: Totally replaceable.

TE Ryan Izzo: Are No. 3 TEs building blocks?

OG Joe Thuney: Will be the league's highest-paid guard someplace else.

CB Stephon Gilmore: He wants his last big contract and unless he gets a dose of humble pie, it's going to have to come elsewhere this offseason.

DT Byron Cowart: A backup. Not a starter at this point.

S Patrick Chung: If he returns, he doesn't have much left.

OT Marcus Cannon: If he returns, the Patriots don't really need him, and he's expensive.