Now that the draft is over and the rookie mini-camp is on tap, I thought it would be an excellent time to assess where the holes are - at least on paper - for the Patriots' roster.
Mike Vrabel and Company have been busy, adding 14 free agents and selecting 11 more players in the draft (and a million UDFAs, give or take). As someone who has championed the notion that at least half of the 2024-25 team needed to be turned over, they are well on their way. In fact, they are ahead of the curve because when you look at what they added, at least 21 or 22 of those guys will make the team (barring injuries).
You should be encouraged that this new regime understood the only real connection they needed to the past was Vrabel - he accepts that reluctantly - and the banners that are present at Gillette Stadium. Beyond that, this is a new team, and the only history that matters is what happened yesterday, not last year, two years ago, or those magical Brady years that are now well in the rearview mirror. It's time to carve out their own identity.
With their work this off-season, the Pats have raised the floor in a couple spots (RB and LB both stand out). That said, there are still areas that could use someone unheralded to emerge or for a trade or waiver wire pickup to bolster depth/get a shot at starting.
We'll start at wide receiver. There's no question this group is no longer in the stink, stank, stunk category. That's not to say they're elite. Let's not lose our minds. But there is more talent, more competition, and, in some instances, a real track record.
The additions of Stefon Diggs (if healthy) and Mack Hollins (a McDaniels favorite) should immediately give this group a jolt. Don't/can't learn the playbook? There's a seat over there on the bench, or better yet, in the luxury suite as an inactive. Push it even further, and let me know how waivers treat you.
There are versatile pieces here. Diggs made his living last season in the slot before tearing his ACL in late October. But he did his best work lined up out wide during his time in Buffalo. Kayshon Boutte had to play 'X' for the Pats because no one else emerged (see Baker, Javon). Still, with Hollins here, he can also line up as the 'Z,' which is his best position — Ja'Lynn Polk and Kendrick Bourne are also best suited to be the 'Z' though Polk had some quality reps as a bigger slot at the University of Washington. Perhaps he and Diggs can push Pop Douglas to become a more serviceable blocker, or his reps will have to be managed to obvious passing situations (not that there's anything wrong with that).
Add third-rounder Kyle Williams and his cache of releases and top-end speed, and you understand that not everyone will likely survive cut-down day.
This is where an acquisition could make sense, depending on Diggs' timeline and the development of Williams, Polk, and perhaps Baker (a lot of talent, but he was a mess last season). The team has pursued several high-end receivers over the previous year, whether in free agency (Chris Godwin) or trade (Brandon Aiyuk and D.K. Metcalf). Aiyuk got paid a massive roster bonus a short time ago (same for A.J. Brown), so he's unlikely to move this summer, but if the Niners don't bounce back, maybe he becomes available at the deadline (he's coming off a torn ACL). Could one of the Packers pass catchers shake free (I wrote about it the Notebook this weekend)? George Pickens (I'm a no, but I understand the appeal)? Someone who has yet to reveal his discontent?
Another area where I'd love to have seen another proven body added is on the interior defensive line. My concern there has everything to do with Christian Barmore. And yes, I know Barmore remains a fixture at the OTAs and continues to tease a comeback season on his social media accounts. He knows more about his health than we do. But until someone who knows - Barmore preferably - tells us what caused the blood clots and that it won't happen again, I'll want more protection for that spot than the Pats had last year. Rookie Joshua Farmer should help. Khyiris Tonga is a massive human capable of playing on the nose. Milton Williams may never come off the field. But I'd be watching teams this summer to see if an interior player with a proven track record finds himself on the outs. That could be just me, but playing the likes of Daniel Ekuale (gone to Pittsburgh), Jaquelin Roy, and Eric Johnson as much as the Pats had to last year has left me scarred.
I'll give you one more area where the Pats could find themselves lacking: cornerback. I thought the team would address the nickel position, and perhaps the Craig Woodson pick (he was a safety at Cal) is their idea of that. I can't write off the idea without seeing it with my own eyes. But on the surface, it feels a little 'reach-y.'
Eliot Wolf mentioned the versatility of players like Isaiah Bolden and Marcellas Dial and their capabilities for playing inside if need be. Again, that's a theory without actual proof of concept. Training camp will give us a better idea of whether one or both can take root there and provide the necessary depth behind Marcus Jones, who hasn't proven he can stay healthy.
Finally, I'll add left guard as a spot with many bodies to throw at it, but there is no definitive solution. Cole Strange, Sidy Sow, Layden Robinson, Wes Schweitzer and potentially Jared Wilson could emerge. Let's be real. You're desperate for one of those to do it, preferably one of the younger guys who would be cost-controlled (as opposed to Strange entering the last year of his rookie deal). But except for a handful of games from Strange and a decent second-half run during his rookie year by Sow, there's not much proof anyone is ready to take hold of the job and not let it go. I can only imagine Bedard at camp. The guy is gonna be in his glory. Or misery if they all crap out. Either way, that's entertainment for all of us during the dog days.
