Pats Pulpit - All PostsPats Pulpit: A New England Patriots Communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51321/pp-fav.png2024-03-28T11:10:08-04:00http://www.patspulpit.com/rss/current/2024-03-28T11:10:08-04:002024-03-28T11:10:08-04:00New England Patriots links 3/28/24 - Expert draft advice for Pats: Trade down AND stay put at No. 3
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<img alt="New England Patriots v Las Vegas Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SmK_DPPk3bFMkH2mWogfPCNxcPc=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73238902/1737938468.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Hunter Henry reacting after loss to Raiders | Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Daily news and links for Thursday</p> <p id="on9Zql"><strong>TEAM TALK</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="XwLDvD">
<strong>Patriots</strong> 2024 <a href="https://www.patriots.com/news/2024-patriots-mock-draft-tracker">Mock Draft Tracker</a>.</li>
<li id="fPKQoF">
<strong>Evan Lazar</strong>’s Pro Day tour: Inside <a href="https://www.patriots.com/news/lazar-s-pro-day-tour-inside-jayden-daniels-s-workout-and-other-notable-patriots-takeaways-from-lsu-s-pro-day">QB Jayden Daniels’ workout</a> for NFL scouts at <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com">LSU</a> Pro Day.</li>
<li id="3VBzjn">
<strong>Patriots Playbook</strong> with John Rooke: <a href="https://www.patriots.com/audio/patriots-playbook-3-27-reviewing-the-offseason-so-far-nfl-rule-changes-draft-preview">Reviewing the offseason so far</a>, NFL rule changes & Draft preview. (2 hours)</li>
</ul>
<p id="bQYWUC"><strong>LOCAL LINKS</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="c209oY">
<strong>Chris Mason</strong> resets the <a href="https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2024/03/resetting-patriots-depth-chart-after-free-agency.html">Patriots depth chart</a> after free agency.</li>
<li id="bGwrFV">
<strong>Mike Kadlick</strong> discusses the Pats finishing their <a href="https://www.audacy.com/weei/sports/patriots/patriots-brass-in-chapel-hill-for-qb-drake-maye-pro-day">recent Pro Day circuit</a> in Chapel Hill to watch UNC QB Drake Maye</li>
<li id="hw8Q9A">
<strong>Brian Hines</strong>’ Scouting Report: North Carolina <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/28/24105902/patriots-2024-nfl-draft-targets-drake-maye-profile-scouting-report">QB Drake Maye</a> has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback.</li>
<li id="z6DFZI">
<strong>Chris Mason</strong> highlights <a href="https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2024/03/why-jayden-daniels-would-be-confident-following-tom-brady-with-patriots.html">QB Jayden Daniels</a> on why he would be confident following Tom Brady.</li>
<li id="oQhrgL">
<strong>Ben Volin</strong> reads between the lines on whether the Pats are <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/are-the-patriots-telegraphing-their-moves-with-the-no-3-pick-let-s-read-between-the-lines/ar-BB1kCj6K">telegraphing their moves</a> with the No. 3 pick. <em>[Free]</em>
</li>
<li id="7rSYPT">
<strong>Mike Kadick</strong> tells us what WEEI thinks the Patriots <a href="https://www.audacy.com/weei/sports/patriots/what-weei-thinks-the-patriots-should-do-with-the-no-3-pick">should do with the No. 3 pick</a>. Hint: Not a consensus.</li>
<li id="YaHlDv">
<strong>Alex Barth</strong> looks at the <a href="https://985thesportshub.com/listicle/patriots-draft-preview-2024-tight-ends/">top tight ends available</a> in the 2024 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. Will the Patriots jump in to draft one?</li>
<li id="BHsvlx">
<strong>Cam Garrity</strong> suggests 4 <a href="https://patriotswire.usatoday.com/lists/4-blockbuster-trades-weaponize-patriots-offense/">blockbuster draft trades</a> to weaponize the Patriots offense.</li>
<li id="zxVZqi">
<strong>Phil Perry</strong>’s <a href="https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/2024-nfl-mock-draft-patriots-vikings-trade/598595/">2024 Mock Draft 5.0:</a> Pats-Vikings trade produces a bounty. The Patriots pass on Drake Maye but land an OT and two WRs in this scenario.</li>
<li id="Z9IESY">
<strong>Bernd Buchmasser</strong> highlights retired captain Matthew Slater, who is happy he can <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-social-media-video-podcasts/2024/3/28/24114513/patriots-matthew-slater-call-out-nfl-officials">finally call out NFL officials</a>.</li>
<li id="9u6Bs3">
<strong>Next Pats podcast:</strong> Phil Perry breaks down his most recent mock draft (Pats trade down from No. 3) and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T67VzlSN4Uc">talks with ex-Patriots OL Sebastian Vollmer</a> about how crucial it is for the team to address the tackle position. (18 min.)</li>
</ul>
<p id="N59xiF"><strong>NATIONAL NEWS</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="e1qXFg">
<strong>Brad Gagnon</strong> (Bleacher Report) One sentence of <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10114502-one-sentence-of-post-free-agency-advice-for-each-nfl-team-ahead-of-2024-draft">post-free agency advice</a> for each NFL team ahead of this year’s draft. <strong>Patriots:</strong> Trade down if you can, because the first round is a well-established crapshoot, and J.J. McCarthy and Bo Nix are strong QB prospects.</li>
<li id="MJcRV3">
<strong>Charles Robinson</strong> (Yahoo! Sports) <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-is-poker-season-and-michigans-jj-mccarthy-might-simply-be-its-latest-qb-bluff-134416866.html">NFL Draft is poker season</a>, and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy might simply be its latest QB bluff.</li>
<li id="9f6u29">
<strong>Eric Edholm</strong> (NFL.com) What we <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/2024-nfl-draft-what-we-learned-from-lsu-s-pro-day">learned from LSU’s pro day</a>, that featured at least three possible first-round picks: QB Jayden Daniels and WRs Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. 1) Jayden Daniels had a solid workout.</li>
<li id="GXHdx1">
<strong>Josh Alper</strong> (ProFootballTalk) WR Malik Nabers had dinner with Giants, <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/malik-nabers-had-dinner-with-giants-met-with-patriots-and-others-ahead-of-wednesdays-pro-day">met with Patriots</a> and others ahead of Wednesday’s Pro Day.</li>
<li id="vDSt2z">
<strong>Myles Simmons</strong> (ProFootballTalk) <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/jayden-daniels-set-to-meet-with-several-teams-including-commanders-patriots-giants">QB Jayden Daniels</a> set to meet with several teams, including Patriots.</li>
<li id="e2ikrR">
<strong>Scouting Department</strong> (Bleacher Report) Washington <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10090918-michael-penix-jr-nfl-draft-2024-scouting-report-for-washington-qb">QB Michael Penix Jr.</a> scouting report.</li>
<li id="dqbqiO">
<strong>Albert Breer</strong> (X) Patriots college scouting director Cam Williams didn’t make the trip from Baton Rouge to Chapel Hill. Instead, Williams went to Washington, where he’ll lead a group of 4 NE scouts at <a href="https://x.com/AlbertBreer/status/1773328374934495700?s=20">QB Michael Penix’s Pro Day</a>.</li>
<li id="OPtwaE">
<strong>Derrik Klassen</strong> (Bleacher Report) <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10114634-2024-nfl-draft-top-wrs-biggest-strengths-and-best-team-fits-to-maximize-potential">Top WR prospects’</a> biggest strengths and best team fits to maximize potential. Marvin Harrison Jr seen as a fit for the Patriots.</li>
<li id="ocEYvD">
<strong>Gregg Rosenthal</strong> (NFL.com) Updated: <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/top-101-nfl-free-agents-of-2024-who-are-the-best-players-available">Top 101 NFL free agents</a> of 2024. 19 players left; Stephon Gilmore, Ryan Tannehill among best available.</li>
<li id="ToKja7">
<strong>Staff </strong>(ESPN) Everything <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39806461/nfl-owners-meetings-2024-buzz-annual-league-draft-movement-qb-decisions-depth-charts">we heard and buzz</a> from 2024 NFL owners meetings.</li>
<li id="kucrzP">
<strong>Dan Wetzel</strong> (Yahoo! Sports) <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-rule-changes-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-204050036.html">NFL rule changes:</a> The good, the bad and the ugly.</li>
<li id="wWcWzD">
<strong>Mike Florio </strong>(ProFootballTalk) Referees will specifically <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/referees-will-specifically-cite-replay-assistant-starting-this-year">cite replay assistant</a>, starting this year.</li>
<li id="5Bdc8Y">
<strong>Michael David Smith</strong> (ProFootballTalk) With 13 touchbacks and 0 returns, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> LVIII marked <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/with-13-touchbacks-and-0-returns-super-bowl-lviii-marked-the-end-of-an-era-for-kickoffs">the end of an era for kickoffs</a>.</li>
<li id="z8puzK">
<strong>Mark Maske</strong> (Washington Post) Breaking down the <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/breaking-down-the-nfl-s-new-kickoff/ar-BB1kDc4K">NFL’s new kickoff</a>. [Free]</li>
<li id="fMWR4s">
<strong>Mike Florio </strong>(ProFootballTalk) NFL Media mongers rumor of <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nfl-media-mongers-rumor-of-woody-johnson-robert-saleh-very-heated-conversation">Woody Johnson, Robert Saleh</a> “very heated conversation.” <em>/’Heated discussions’ that happen at the owners meetings stays at the owners meetings</em>.</li>
</ul>
<p id="Xed6LZ"><strong>EXTRACURRICULAR</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="TbqNTC">
<strong>Mike Florio </strong>(ProFootballTalk) Report: <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-bill-belichick-tells-networks-hes-not-inclined-to-be-part-of-a-regular-studio-show">Bill Belichick tells networks</a> he’s not inclined to be part of a regular studio show.</li>
<li id="MunJe1">
<strong>Nick O’Malley</strong> relays Andrew Marchand who reports that ESPN could be working with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions and NFL Films to try and <a href="https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2024/03/what-will-it-take-for-bill-belichick-to-take-a-tv-job-he-has-conditions-report.html">find the right role for Bill Belichick</a>.</li>
<li id="zmNvWX">
<strong>Mike Florio </strong>(ProFootballTalk) More former Patriots are upset by <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/more-former-patriots-are-upset-by-the-dynastys-negative-spin">The Dynasty’s negative spin</a>.</li>
<li id="CLLOcp">
<strong>Lauren Campbell</strong> updates us on where things stand with <a href="https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2024/03/where-things-stand-with-tom-bradys-purchase-of-raiders.html">Tom Brady’s purchase of Raiders</a>.</li>
<li id="QoCUMF">
<strong>Mike Florio </strong>(ProFootballTalk) NCAA wants states to <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/ncaa-wants-states-to-ban-player-prop-bets-all-other-sports-should-want-it-too">ban player prop bets</a> (all other sports should want it, too)</li>
</ul>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/28/24114215/patriots-news-links-3-28-24-expert-draft-advice-for-patriots-trade-down-stay-put-at-no-3Marima2024-03-28T09:51:11-04:002024-03-28T09:51:11-04:00Retired Patriots captain Matthew Slater happy he can finally call out NFL officials
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<img alt="Washington Football Team v New England Patriots" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/25Tm1NOHXxFlZBCxrDnxZJPl0BI=/1389x236:3248x1475/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73238638/1614810123.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="hBCRcY">Now that he is retired, former <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> captain Matthew Slater can enjoy the little things. The little things such as ripping NFL officials.</p>
<p id="QLDzuI">Appearing on ex-teammate Julian Edelman’s <em>Games With Names</em> podcast, Slater spoke about one call in particular that grinds his gears to this day. He was flagged for running out of bounds in a 2021 game against the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>.</p>
<p id="4pIy1q">The Patriots ended up losing the game against the Buccaneers and former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady 19-17.</p>
<p id="jNeNyB">“I want to specifically call out the crew that was reffing our game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 for calling me for running out of bounds when I forced a fumble and we lost the game to the Tampa Bay Bucs,” Slater said, as <a href="https://twitter.com/zm_cox/status/1773049626578260301">transcribed</a> by Zack Cox. “Whoever was on that crew, that was an atrocious call. One of the worst calls I’ve seen in my career. You played a large role in costing us that football game, and shame on you for that. ... </p>
<p id="NUDRZR">“I’ve got a big-time issue with the refereeing. ... I’ve always wanted to blast the refs. It feels good.”</p>
<p id="QrASyV">The play in question looked like this:</p>
<div id="8vckuH">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here’s the play: <a href="https://t.co/FMtRjZcntL">pic.twitter.com/FMtRjZcntL</a></p>— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) <a href="https://twitter.com/zm_cox/status/1773050345112899843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="cti6cI">A three-time Super Bowl champion and future member of at least the Patriots Hall of Fame, if not the pro football version as well, Slater announced his retirement earlier this offseason.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-social-media-video-podcasts/2024/3/28/24114513/patriots-matthew-slater-call-out-nfl-officialsBernd Buchmasser2024-03-28T09:39:24-04:002024-03-28T09:39:24-04:00Patriots sent their A team to North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye’s pro day, too
<figure>
<img alt="North Carolina v Georgia Tech" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xW7CqUphsqRFB59ZX6COFjiMp8w=/0x0:2849x1899/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73238610/1762198397.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After already being well-represented at Jayden Daniels’ throwing session on Wednesday, the Patriots are also visiting Maye and company.</p> <p id="enHG6Q">On Wednesday, we wrote about the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> sending their <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/27/24113614/patriots-a-team-lsu-quarterback-jayden-daniels-pro-day">A team</a> of coaches and executives to LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels’ pro day in Baton Rouge. On Thursday, that team has arrived at another campus: the Patriots’ contingent made the trip to Chapel Hill to watch North Carolina’s pro day.</p>
<p id="71Kkam">The main draw, of course, is QB Drake Maye. A projected first-round draft pick and realistic candidate to be selected third overall by the Patriots, Maye will hold a throwing session and also meet with New England’s representatives before the workout.</p>
<p id="6ai6Fs">That group is looking a lot like the one New England sent to watch Daniels at LSU. Head coach Jerod Mayo and director of scouting Eliot Wolf are leading the charge, according to a <a href="https://twitter.com/BerndBuchmasser/status/1773331354454798636">report</a> by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, with other high-level members of the organization also present.</p>
<p id="WaZ9t4">Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney, and senior offensive assistant Ben McAdoo, all made the trip as well. In addition, director of player personnel Matt Groh, senior personnel advisor Patrick Stewart, senior personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith, and national scout Matt Evans are also present.</p>
<p id="nttkqE">The only changes compared to Wednesday are the addition of Evans, as well as the absence of college scouting director Camren Williams and personnel coordinator Brian Smith. Williams has traveled to the University of Washington to represent the team at the Huskies’ own pro day.</p>
<p id="wKpRim">New England continuing to take a close look at Maye after already interviewing him at the Scouting Combine is no surprise. As noted above, the quarterback-needy team could very well end up drafting the 21-year-old next month, and it is not hard to see why.</p>
<p id="mQSTdW">Starting 26 combined games for the Tar Heels during his sophomore and junior campaigns, Maye completed 611 of 942 pass attempts (64.9%) for 7,929 yards with 62 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. In addition, he gained 1,147 rushing yards on 296 carries and found the end zone 16 times.</p>
<p id="Aa9jRA">His numbers, while impressive, do not tell the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/28/24105902/patriots-2024-nfl-draft-targets-drake-maye-profile-scouting-report">full story</a> when it comes to Maye. The 6-foot-4, 223-pound passer also is as intriguing a prospect as there is in this year’s draft due to his franchise-caliber combination of size, arm talent, baseline athleticism, and developmental upside. While there are questions about his comparatively lackluster 2023 season, his potential is undeniable and something the Patriots do have a vested interest in.</p>
<p id="0QnLN7">“Drake Maye had a fantastic interview at the Combine. He brings a lot of energy. You can tell he has that leadership ability,” said head coach Jerod Mayo about him <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/26/24111439/patriots-options-open-nfl-draft-quarterback-trade">earlier this week</a>. “Also the exciting part about a guy like Drake Maye, there is really no ceiling with a guy like that. In saying that, when we’re trying to put together this roster, I know a lot of people look at the ceiling. But you also have to look at how low is the floor.</p>
<p id="KLkTIi">“I would say a guy like Drake Maye — he has a lot of room to grow. He’s a young guy. Honestly, he hasn’t played football nearly as much as these other guys. So that’s definitely something we’ve looked at, but he’s definitely going to develop.”</p>
<p id="sDCszO">Despite sitting behind the equally QB-needy <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> and <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Commanders</a>, the Patriots are in a prime position to draft one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s class. Whether it will end up being Maye, Daniels, or even Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy remains to be seen.</p>
<p id="nCMHLI">They are doing their homework on all of the available options, though. Their trip to Chapel Hill is just the latest piece of the puzzle.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/28/24114463/patriots-drake-maye-pro-day-north-carolina-mayo-wolfBernd Buchmasser2024-03-28T08:55:59-04:002024-03-28T08:55:59-04:00Patriots draft meetings tracker: Workouts, interviews, visits, and more
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<img alt="Baltimore Ravens v New England Patriots" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2PvrqxHHDmeWgdyDIXbc-WyFhG0=/62x81:4043x2735/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73171798/1427645870.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>NFL Draft season is underway, and the Patriots are busy familiarizing themselves with prospects.</p> <p id="yVPu7I">The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>’ pre-draft and scouting system might look different in Year 1 after Bill Belichick, but the overall process still remains the same.</p>
<p id="iIs1gZ">Led by director of scouting Eliot Wolf, the Patriots will be conducting interviews, working out prospects, inviting them for a finite number of pre-draft visits, and in general try to get as complete a picture as possible. It remains to be seen what this process eventually leads to, but there will be plenty of news to report up until late April.</p>
<p id="QiPLrz">In order to find out who the Patriots have already spoken to or worked out thus far, please make sure to bookmark this regularly-updated pre-draft tracker. We will have all contact listed to the best of our knowledge.</p>
<h2 id="T3G1ci">Hula Bowl</h2>
<p id="k9AD5M"><strong>OT Travis Glover (Georgia State):</strong> A five-year starter for the Panthers, Glover saw action in 59 games during his college career. At 6-foot-6, 338 pounds, the projected mid-round pick has prototypical size to hold his ground as an NFL offensive tackle. | <a href="https://twitter.com/NEPatriotsToday/status/1753151259773649057">Source</a></p>
<p id="EvXvc5"><strong>RB Blake Watson (Memphis):</strong> Watson is a dual-threat option at the running back position, capable of making an impact as both a runner and receiver. His lack of impressive size and top-notch athletic traits does limit his ceiling, but he could be a quality investment on Day 3. | <a href="https://twitter.com/_RyanFowler_/status/1748013508820603228?s=20">Source</a></p>
<h2 id="8mV1js">Senior Bowl</h2>
<p id="v6nv7r">Even though his official role on the 2024 coaching staff remains unclear at this point, Patriots assistant Troy Brown represented the team in Mobile: the former wide receivers coach worked with the American team as its offensive coordinator and as such got a first-hand look at 32 draft prospects; you can find them listed <a href="https://www.seniorbowl.com/players/american-team/">here</a>.</p>
<p id="ysdOlM">In addition, New England’s staff headlined by director of player personnel Matt Groh had confirmed meetings with several prospects.</p>
<p id="qCwXE6"><strong>P Austin McNamara (Texas Tech):</strong> McNamara appeared in 60 games during his Red Raiders career and averaged 45.9 yards on his 247 career punts. The Patriots have no need to upgrade at punter, but they are doing their due diligence. | <a href="https://x.com/patsdowney/status/1752866144313057594?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="zQK1ve"><strong>RB Isaiah Davis (South Dakota):</strong> More of a workhorse than a dynamic big-play weapon, Davis put up some impressive numbers for the Jackrabbits: he left school with 5,035 scrimmage yards and 51 touchdowns. He projects as a late-round selection. | <a href="https://x.com/patsdowney/status/1752866144313057594?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="D1IuG3"><strong>CB Jaylin Simpson (Auburn):</strong> Simpson needs to get more disciplined as both a man and zone defender, but he has some tools to work with. The projected Day 3 pick has showcased good instincts and ball skills, picking off four passes as a senior. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1752796803836109028?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="e7RMd9"><strong>ED Laiatu Latu (UCLA):</strong> A projected first-round pick, Latu is one of the top edge options available in this year’s draft: he has the size, instincts and baseline athleticism to make an impact from early on in his career. The Patriots don’t have an immediate need at the position, though, especially for a Day 1 pick. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1752816558370419026?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="VRTFhM"><strong>CB Max Melton (</strong><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com"><strong>Rutgers</strong></a><strong>):</strong> Melton has the skillset to develop into a productive NFL cornerback, but his game needs some clean-up work. Still, the foundation the projected mid-round pick offers is an intriguing one. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1752821586934075532?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="vLZjOO"><strong>CB Chau Smith-Wade (</strong><a href="https://www.cougcenter.com"><strong>Washington State</strong></a><strong>):</strong> Despite appearing in 32 career games, Smith-Wade is a raw prospect who needs to work on his instincts and get more technically proficient. That said, his ball skills and change-of-direction skills are worthy of a draft pick investment. | <a href="https://x.com/NEPatriotsToday/status/1752845481435189611?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="dgg5ST"><strong>WR Devontez Walker (North Carolina):</strong> One of Drake Maye’s favorite targets in 2023, Walker finished his first season with the Tar Hells with 41 catches for 699 yards and seven touchdowns. An outside receiver who has shown he can stretch the field vertically, he projects as a Day 2 selection. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1752809951016157560?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="K1yxBR"><strong>WR Ladd McConkey (Georgia):</strong> What the 5-foot-11, 187-pound McConkey may lack in size, he makes up for with precise route running, shiftiness, and a natural ability of finding open spots in coverage. Capable of lining up all over the formation as a matchup weapon, he will likely hear his name called in the second round. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1752827814359740854?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="ISXBTo"><strong>RB Dylan Laube (New Hampshire):</strong> The Patriots need a change-of-pace back, and Laube is the total package in that regard. Not only is he an able receiver out of the backfield, but he can also gain yards on the ground between the tackles. He is projected to come off the board early on Day 3. | <a href="https://x.com/NEPatriotsToday/status/1752846751499780179?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="IoeHaY"><strong>QB Spencer Rattler (South Carolina):</strong> Despite being on the shorter side at 6-foot-0, Rattler has shown he can be a productive dual-threat option at quarterback. He hasn’t recently lived up to the promise he showed early on in his college career at Oklahoma, and is less refined a prospect as the top-level QBs in this class, but he has what NFL teams are looking for in this day and age. | <a href="https://x.com/NEPatriotsToday/status/1752849758702510591?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="8VnF94"><strong>QB Sam Hartman (</strong><a href="https://www.onefootdown.com"><strong>Notre Dame</strong></a><strong>):</strong> Hartman is willing and able to make plays outside of the pocket — something NFL teams place a high value on these days. There are definitive areas he needs to improve, but could be worth a late-round flier as a developmental prospect with starter upside. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1752808794508173818?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="ggonz9"><strong>QB Joe Milton III (Tennessee):</strong> Even though he has the build and arm talent to be an effective NFL quarterback, Milton will likely not be drafted before Day 3. His accuracy is a concern, and there are questions about his processing and handling pressure. The tools are there, but he needs time before being trusted to play extensive snaps. | <a href="https://x.com/NEPatriotsToday/status/1752848700739592612?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="sxVSc4"><strong>DT Gabe Hall (Baylor):</strong> Hall has good length at 6-foot-5, but projects as more of a package player at the next level due to his lack of bulk and uneven pass rush success. A likely Day 3 pick. | <a href="https://x.com/NEPatriotsToday/status/1753108596613599630?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="H2Gd1x"><strong>CB Cam Hart (Notre Dame):</strong> The 6-foot-2 Hart offers good length, athleticism and experience as a perimeter cornerback. So why does he still project as an early Day 3 pick at best? His technique needs some cleaning-up before he can find success in the NFL. | <a href="https://x.com/NEPatriotsToday/status/1753108047642190224?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="dJtXZs"><strong>S/RB Sione Vaki (Utah):</strong> A finalist for the Paul Hornung Award given to the most versatile player in college football, Vaki was a two-way player for the Utes. The potential mid-round pick had 520 scrimmage yards as a senior and scored five touchdowns as a running back, and also registered a pair of sacks and an interception as a safety. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1753113409032528330?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="XvZTKU"><strong>S Evan Williams (Oregon):</strong> Williams projects to be best suited to play in the box or line up in the slot. His athleticism is impressive, but there are questions about his downfield coverage and frame. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1753113409032528330?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="jSK5DN"><strong>S Cole Bishop (Utah):</strong> Bishop is a versatile defensive back who has experience both playing downhill and guarding the deep portions of the field. His numbers reflect his ability to do multiple jobs: in three years as a Ute, he registered eight sacks and three interceptions. He projects as a mid-round selection. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1753113409032528330?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="8TVIOE"><strong>TE Brevyn Spann-Ford (Minnesota):</strong> At 6-foot-6, Spann-Ford is a big target in the passing game whose ability to win contested catches could come in handy in red zone situations. His lack of bulk and raw power does limit his effectiveness as a blocker, however. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1753113409032528330?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="gsHIKJ"><strong>OL Kingsley Eguakun (Florida):</strong> Egakun was the Gators’ starting center for the last three seasons, playing 30 games in that role. The physical run defender, who is a work in progress as a pass protector, will likely remain on board until Day 3 if not through the draft entirely. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1753113409032528330?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="maW2DS"><strong>S Josh Proctor (</strong><a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com"><strong>Ohio State</strong></a><strong>):</strong> Proctor appeared in 53 games over his six-year college career, seeing time at both linebacker and safety. The projected late-round pick has the makings of a rotational safety and potential core special teamer at the next level. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1753113409032528330?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="jb7KWz"><strong>WR Luke McCaffrey (Rice):</strong> If that name sounds familiar, it’s because it is: McCaffrey’s brother, Christian, is a star running back in San Francisco. Luke, meanwhile, was a slot receive at Rice who caught 122 passes for 1,648 yards and 19 touchdowns over the last two seasons. While posting solid numbers, McCaffrey’s lack of high-end athleticism means he will likely be a Day 3 pick. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1753109510133281177?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="g6CGty"><strong>S Kamren Kinchens (Miami):</strong> One of the top safety prospects available in this year’s draft, Kinchens has the range and instincts to guard the deep parts of the field. He also has the aggressiveness shooting downhill against the run. This versatility combined with the fact that he is still a developing player will result in him coming off the board possibly as early as the second round. | <a href="https://x.com/NEPatriotsToday/status/1753152156977275089?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="JgDPPW"><strong>TE Ben Sinnott (</strong><a href="https://www.bringonthecats.com"><strong>Kansas State</strong></a><strong>):</strong> Sinnott is a well-rounded tight end prospect who might come off the board as early as Day 2. The 6-foot-4, 254-pounder has shown that he can be a contributor both as a receiver and a blocker. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1753152323008749917?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="R4LeVH"><strong>S Malik Mustapha (</strong><a href="https://www.bloggersodear.com"><strong>Wake Forest</strong></a><strong>):</strong> Mustapha can best be described with one word: athleticism. He offers elite athletic traits, which should allow him to see the field quickly as a pro. There are questions about his lack of length and uneven play recognition, but the raw talent is undeniable for the possible mid-round pick. | <a href="https://x.com/patsdowney/status/1753158271181922397?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="DYzfdU"><strong>RB Ray Davis (Kentucky):</strong> Davis has shown that he can contribute as both a runner and a receiver, allowing him to be a three-down player. He is neither the biggest nor the most athletically impressive running back, but he can be a steady rotational presence in a committee backfield like New England’s. | <a href="https://x.com/patsdowney/status/1753158271181922397?s=20">Source</a></p>
<h2 id="S7kLkD">East-West Shrine Bowl</h2>
<p id="04d4wz"><strong>QB Kedon Slovis (</strong><a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com"><strong>BYU</strong></a><strong>):</strong> Slovis looked like a potential future first overall draft pick early on in his college career, but he failed to stay on that track. After three years at USC, he transferred to Pittsburgh and eventually BYU, struggling with inconsistency along the way. A potential UDFA. | <a href="https://x.com/_RyanFowler_/status/1753823415562010727?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="G1N0NB"><strong>OL C.J. Hanson (Holy Cross):</strong> A former team captain and four-year starter at right guard, the 6-foot-6, 305-pounder offers good size and positional flexibility. He is raw technique-wise, however, and will likely end up as a late-round pick as a result. | <a href="https://x.com/KeaganStiefel/status/1761046283383423020?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="6Gri32"><strong>WR Jalen Coker (Holy Cross):</strong> The Crusaders’ all-time leader in touchdown catches (31) and receiving yards (2,715), Coker is entering the draft off a productive four-year college career. But while he also has solid size at 6-foot-3, 213 pounds, and local ties, he projects as a late-round pick at best. | <a href="https://x.com/KeaganStiefel/status/1761122639496536285?s=20">Source</a></p>
<h2 id="C4UCDJ">NFL Scouting Combine</h2>
<p id="BMorNB"><strong>QB Caleb Williams (USC):</strong> Arguably the top quarterback in this year’s draft and the frontrunner to be selected with the first overall pick, Williams is a prototypical prospect at the position for the current era of NFL football. He combines good size and a powerful arm with off-script and natural playmaking ability. Him being available at the Patriots’ pick at No. 3 seems unlikely. | <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/2/27/24084682/eliot-wolf-shares-thoughts-future-patriots-quarterback-position">Source</a></p>
<p id="aF8eXT"><strong>QB Drake Maye (North Carolina):</strong> Maye’s stock has been the subject of debate since the end of college football season, but make no mistake: he has all the tools to develop into a quality NFL starter and franchise quarterback. Clearly one of the top three prospects at the position this year — and potentially even rivaling Williams as QB1 — his arm talent and underrated mobility give him a strong foundation to build upon. | <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/2/27/24084682/eliot-wolf-shares-thoughts-future-patriots-quarterback-position">Source</a></p>
<p id="0gTORi"><strong>QB Jayden Daniels (</strong><a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com"><strong>LSU</strong></a><strong>):</strong> The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was as electric a playmaker as any in college football in 2023, and has all the makings of a future star at the next level. Like Williams and Maye, he too will be selected early in the first round and possibly even within the first three selections. He does have more of a dual-threat element to his game than his two fellow quarterbacks, however. | <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/2/27/24084682/eliot-wolf-shares-thoughts-future-patriots-quarterback-position">Source</a></p>
<p id="feigKR"><strong>QB J.J. McCarthy (Michigan):</strong> A likely first-round pick, McCarthy is one of the most fascinating quarterbacks in this year’s draft. On the one hand, he threw only 713 passes during his three-year career at Michigan and felt almost like a role player at times. On the other hand, he combines everything teams want from an NFL starting quarterback in regards to size, arm talent, decision making, leadership, and developmental upside. | <a href="https://x.com/DougKyed/status/1762913169490505957?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="NMXkAA"><strong>QB Bo Nix (Oregon):</strong> Nix had an impressive statistical output in his two years as the Ducks’ starter, even though a QB-friendly scheme contributed to his NCAA record 77.4 percent completion rate in 2023. Nonetheless, he has the traits to become a future franchise quarterback and is therefore poised to come off the board no later than the early second round in April. | <a href="https://x.com/DougKyed/status/1762913169490505957?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="zNjSbL"><strong>ED Mohamed Kamara (Colorado State):</strong> At 6-foot-1, 252 pounds, Kamara lacks prototypical size to man the edge at the next level. That said, he has the technical makeup and quickness out of his stance to put pressure on opposing blockers; he also has the high motor to be an impact player versus the run. | <a href="https://x.com/MiaOBrienTV/status/1762835063752835433?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="j9cDUG"><strong>WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State): </strong>The consensus top wide receiver in this year’s class, Harrison has a chance to be the first non-quarterback selected come April. Harrison can align all over the field and run a full route tree while also showcasing separation quickness despite his 6-foot-4 frame. He has all the tools to be an immediate impact player at the next level. | <a href="https://x.com/ByMarkDaniels/status/1763192696787669387?s=20">Source</a> </p>
<p id="L58fLU"><strong>WR Xavier Legette (South Carolina):</strong> Legette is an impressive athlete and his ceiling as a perimeter target is legitimate. The fact that he only had one year of consistent production in college will likely be scrutinized by teams; he caught 71 passes for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023, more than doubling his combined 2019-22 production. Nonetheless, he is still expected to come off the board on Day 2. | <a href="https://twitter.com/patspulpit/status/1763559466677551107">Source</a></p>
<p id="wpufaQ"><strong>WR Brian Thomas (LSU):</strong> The Robin to Malik Nabers’ Batman, Thomas — like his teammate — is expected to be drafted in the first round. It is not hard to see why: his combination of size, speed and fluidity is rare. Projecting as a starter-caliber X-receiver at the next level, he too had only one year of consistent production. The difference between him and Xavier Legette, however, is that Thomas is an underclassman. | <a href="https://x.com/PhilAPerry/status/1763578111524790455?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="X2Mqer"><strong>OT Joe Alt (Notre Dame): </strong>New England made sure to meet with perhaps the top offensive tackle in this year’s class while at the Combine, which included Alt spending time with new offensive line coach Scott Peters. The Notre Dame alum has an outstanding combination of size (6-foot-8, 315 pounds) and athleticism as a former tight end. He’s a day-one starting left tackle. | <a href="https://x.com/ezlazar/status/1763951646223073382?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="0Hxcwv"><strong>OT Olu Fashanu (Penn State): </strong>If Alt is not the first tackle off the board, it will likely be Fashanu, who did not allow a sack throughout his collegiate career. Fashanu should check all the necessary physical requirements during the Combine measurements as he has prototypical size for the position — while his raw tools may leave him with the biggest ceiling among tackle prospects in this class. | <a href="https://x.com/ezlazar/status/1763959609838956817?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="57BaHj"><strong>WR Rome Odunze (Washington):</strong> A lock to be drafted in the first round, Odunze is one of the best wide receiver prospects available this year and as such could hear his name called in the top 10 picks. It is not hard to see why: at 6-foot-3, 212-pounder is a prototypical perimeter receiver who offers impressive athleticism and has massive potential to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber player at the next level. | <a href="https://x.com/RealAlexBarth/status/1764090195874333045?s=20">Source</a></p>
<h2 id="lIEzLI">Pro Days/Other meetings</h2>
<p id="mzqmcu"><strong>ED Laiatu Latu (UCLA):</strong> The Patriots met with the projected first-round draft pick at the Senior Bowl as well. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1769539279024210149?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="YMq0tn"><strong>ED Gabriel Murphy (UCLA):</strong> Laiatu Latu’s running mate at UCLA is projected as a mid-round draft pick. What he does lack in size, the 6-foot-2, 247-pounder makes up for with an intriguing athletic profile, which allowed him to put up some solid numbers in 2023: he had eight sacks, and 16 tackles for loss. | <a href="https://x.com/thepatriotsbeat/status/1769539279024210149?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="tRrAGQ"><strong>WR Xavier Worthy (Texas):</strong> A fringe first-rounder who ran a record 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, Worthy is an explosive athlete capable of challenging all parts of the field. He needs to bulk up to withstand the challenge NFL defensive backs will present, but the promise is undeniable. | <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyPauline/status/1770781026194801142">Source</a></p>
<p id="DwDS3C"><strong>TE Ja’Tavion Sanders (Texas):</strong> One of the better tight end prospects in this class, Sanders is a natural athlete capable of playing an in-line role. With the Patriots in need of some long-term perspective at the position, he might be on their radar in the second round. | <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyPauline/status/1770781026194801142">Source</a></p>
<p id="5n24BI"><strong>CB Kris Abrams-Draine (Missouri):</strong> A projected Day 2 pick at the cornerback position, Abrams-Draine makes up for a lack of prototypical size with some intriguing athleticism and a knack for the football. He offers inside/out versatility and seems best suited to play in a press-man scheme like New England’s. | <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinM_NFL/status/1771179068999733340">Source</a></p>
<p id="6Duhjs"><strong>QB J.J. McCarthy (Michigan):</strong> The Patriots, who already met with McCarthy at the Combine, reportedly had a lengthy meeting with him before his pro day in Ann Arbor. | <a href="https://x.com/AlbertBreer/status/1772254575006712109?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="EVZguB"><strong>WR Malik Nabers (LSU):</strong> One of the top wide receiver prospects in this year’s draft. Nabers is projected to come off the board in the first half of the first round. It is not hard to see why: besides coming off an 89-catch, 1,568-yard, 14-touchdown season, he also offers serious WR1 potential and should be an impact player right out of the gate. | <a href="https://twitter.com/CameronWolfe/status/1772989785516216329">Source</a></p>
<p id="nftyik"><strong>QB Jayden Daniels (LSU):</strong> The Patriots already gotten in touch with one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft at the Combine. They are also meeting him after his pro day workout. | <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1773012995896926413?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="8veR2b"><strong>DT Norell Pollard (Virginia Tech):</strong> At just 6-foot-0, 285 pounds, Pollard lacks the prototypical size for an NFL interior defensive lineman and is therefore projected to go undrafted. However, the two-time team captain was a solid player for the Hokies as an interior pass rusher. | <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1773113693544292722">Source</a></p>
<p id="mX2k57"><strong>S Malik Mustapha (Wake Forest):</strong> The Patriots already had a meeting with Mustapha at the Senior Bowl. Now, they sent a defensive backs coach to Wake Forest’s pro day to work him out as well. An injury had previously kept him out of Combine testing. | <a href="https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1773154033114443804">Source</a></p>
<p id="A8Cz7x"><strong>ED Brian Abraham (Albany)</strong> | <a href="https://x.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1772982759113285977?s=20">Source</a></p>
<p id="TcPt51"><strong>CB Jason Maitre (Wisconsin)</strong> | <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1772997150282072271">Source</a></p>
<p id="ELbNZs"><strong>CB Randall Harris (New Hampshire)</strong> | <a href="https://twitter.com/_randallharris/status/1773146496298270826">Source</a></p>
<p id="rhLvmK"><strong>QB Drake Maye (North Carolina):</strong> The Patriots already had a meeting with Maye at the Scouting Combine and also met with him ahead of his pro day. | <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/1773327638620221840">Source</a></p>
<h2 id="9onNV4">Top-30 visits</h2>
<p id="QhHVS1"><strong>WR Javon Baker (UCF):</strong> A projected mid-round pick who has shown he can line up both inside and on the perimeter, Baker offers solid size and baseline athleticism. He also is coming off a productive two-year stint at UCF that saw him catch 108 passes for 1,935 yards and 12 touchdowns. | <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyPauline/status/1771622067688903140">Source</a></p>
<p id="geg3EA"><strong>OT Kingsley Suamataia (BYU):</strong> A two-year starter at BYU, Suamataia offers an intriguing mix of athleticism, developmental outlook, and positional flexibility. The 21-year-old is projected as a Day 2 selection with the upside to become a starting left tackle further down the line. | <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/27/24113384/patriots-top-30-meeting-byu-offensive-tackle-kingsley-suamataia">Source</a></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="mjzesB">
<p id="rHlNUF">Whereas the list above gives an overview over the type of contact the Patriots have had with draft prospects, plus a brief tidbit on each of those players, here you can find them sorted by position with the meeting type added as well.</p>
<h2 id="dTJ1tY">Quarterback</h2>
<p id="gDYnM1">Jayden Daniels (LSU): Scouting Combine + Pro Day</p>
<p id="1rf4qo">Sam Hartman (Notre Dame): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="44BxLF">Drake Maye (North Carolina): Scouting Combine + Pro Day</p>
<p id="54NZO3">J.J. McCarthy (Michigan): Scouting Combine + Pro Day</p>
<p id="BoSNXu">Joe Milton III (Tennessee): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="9nxP7g">Bo Nix (Oregon): Scouting Combine</p>
<p id="zTIT6V">Spencer Rattler (South Carolina): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="msKiJ0">Kedon Slovis (BYU): East-West Shine Bowl</p>
<p id="1tOJJs">Caleb Williams (USC): Scouting Combine</p>
<h2 id="gjUhRV">Running back</h2>
<p id="FDqh3T">Isaiah Davis (South Dakota): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="kMoSfN">Ray Davis (Kentucky): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="mTlRDI">Dylan Laube (New Hampshire): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="0oYz5X">Blake Watson (Memphis): Hula Bowl</p>
<h2 id="MyAN0V">Wide receiver</h2>
<p id="uXOxDr">Javon Baker (UCF): Top-30 visit</p>
<p id="ecOfD9">Jalen Coker (Holy Cross): East-West Shine Bowl</p>
<p id="zpbuRJ">Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State): Scouting Combine</p>
<p id="4Q1wmv">Xavier Legette (South Carolina): Scouting Combine</p>
<p id="JLwFyg">Luke McCaffrey (Rice): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="TF8xqZ">Ladd McConkey (Georgia): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="TksKaY">Malik Nabers (LSU): Pro Day</p>
<p id="Ak4y2q">Rome Odunze (Washington): Scouting Combine</p>
<p id="L73Oc6">Brian Thomas (LSU): Scouting Combine</p>
<p id="pkdjJK">Devontez Walker (North Carolina): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="cpRMSU">Xavier Worthy (Texas): Pro Day</p>
<h2 id="vg5ezx">Tight end</h2>
<p id="us54YC">Ja’Tavion Sanders (Texas): Pro Day</p>
<p id="qv1uAV">Ben Sinnott (Kansas State): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="JASKAc">Brevyn Spann-Ford (Minnesota): Senior Bowl</p>
<h2 id="cOCztn">Offensive tackle</h2>
<p id="h-ol-travis-glover-georgia-state">Joe Alt (Notre Dame): Scouting Combine</p>
<p id="a1nkhC">Olu Fashanu (Penn State): Scouting Combine</p>
<p id="0srOmp">Travis Glover (Georgia State): Hula Bowl</p>
<p id="hyCIi3">Kingsley Suamataia (BYU): Top-30 visit</p>
<h2 id="oiQkOS">Interior offensive line</h2>
<p id="HDGdma">Kingsley Eguakun (Florida): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="2pa4MW">C.J. Hanson (Holy Cross): East-West Shine Bowl</p>
<h2 id="kdY7Y0">Interior defensive line</h2>
<p id="pVeMQO">Gabe Hall (Baylor): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="Z27HTm">Norell Pollard (Virginia Tech): Pro Day</p>
<h2 id="BGDuZz">Defensive edge</h2>
<p id="chNeBM">Brian Abraham (Albany): Local Pro Day</p>
<p id="mF8Imf">Mohamed Kamara (Colorado State): Scouting Combine</p>
<p id="fZ7uRL">Laiatu Latu (UCLA): Senior Bowl + Pro Day</p>
<p id="98NE20">Gabriel Murphy (UCLA): Pro Day</p>
<h2 id="phRFNO">Linebacker</h2>
<p id="ViWfZy">N/A</p>
<h2 id="imHYgV">Cornerback</h2>
<p id="aQKYFS">Kris Abrams-Draine (Missouri): Pro Day</p>
<p id="jzYrwy">Randall Harris (New Hampshire): Local Pro Day</p>
<p id="Q450Ky">Cam Hart (Notre Dame): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="xAvvYJ">Jason Maitre (Wisconsin): Local Pro Day</p>
<p id="QxO2NY">Max Melton (Rutgers): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="ZHBnKN">Jaylin Simpson (Auburn): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="2cjdJ5">Chau Smith-Wade (Washington State): Senior Bowl</p>
<h2 id="f6DTRe">Safety</h2>
<p id="vtxoPB">Cole Bishop (Utah): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="BCNysT">Josh Proctor (Ohio State): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="Lsz0mV">Kamren Kinchens (Miami): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="eEumca">Malik Mustapha (Wake Forest): Senior Bowl + Pro Day</p>
<p id="76Fx0r">Sione Vaki (Utah): Senior Bowl</p>
<p id="zE578C">Evan Williams (Oregon): Senior Bowl</p>
<h2 id="sCCSX1">Specialists</h2>
<p id="nBNLPr">Austin McNamara (Texas Tech): Senior Bowl</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/2/28/24085160/patriots-2024-nfl-draft-meetings-interviews-workouts-visits-trackerBernd BuchmasserBrian Hines2024-03-28T08:17:10-04:002024-03-28T08:17:10-04:00Patriots draft profile: Drake Maye has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback
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<figcaption>Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Maye would be a home run option at No. 3 overall.</p> <p id="G4dJNc">The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> are currently set to pick No. 3 in the 2024 NFL Draft, largely due to the poor quarterback play they received last season.</p>
<p id="COJQV8">As New England now may look for their next potential franchise quarterback with that selection, one prospect among them stands out: North Carolina’s Drake Maye. After a successful two-year stint as the Tar Heels starter, the 21-year old gunslinger has all the tools teams look for in a quarterback prospect.</p>
<p id="L0zKXE">Let’s therefore take a closer look at Maye to find out what he would bring to the table.</p>
<h3 id="0oyHC8">Hard facts</h3>
<p id="oQ2HSi"><strong>Name:</strong> Drake Maye</p>
<p id="oTmSGa"><strong>Position:</strong> Quarterback</p>
<p id="EGaJSp"><strong>School:</strong> University of North Carolina</p>
<p id="s8gSJa"><strong>Opening day age:</strong> 22 (8/30/2002)</p>
<p id="ELZAce"><a href="https://ras.football/"><strong>Measurements</strong></a><strong>:</strong> 6’4 3/8”, 223 lbs, 76 1/8” wingspan, 32 1/4” arm length, 9 1/8” hand size, N/A Relative Athletic Score</p>
<h3 id="FV2kJV">Experience</h3>
<p id="7ugpQk"><strong>Career statistics:</strong> 30 games (26 starts) | 1,998 offensive snaps | 618-of-952 (64.9%), 8,018 passing yards, 63 passing TDs, 16 interceptions | 302 rushing attempts, 1,209 rushing yards, 16 rushing TDs</p>
<p id="gfnuxQ"><strong>Accolades: </strong>ACC Player of the Year (2022), ACC Offensive Player of the Year (2022), First-Team All-ACC (2022), ACC Rookie of the Year (2022), ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year (2022), FWAA Freshman of the Year (2022), Second-Team All-ACC (2023)</p>
<p id="42xgcC">A four-star quarterback prospect in North Carolina, Maye originally committed to the University of Alabama before flipping to the University of North Carolina. Arriving on campus in 2021, Maye redshirted after he appeared in just four games behind starting quarterback Sam Howell.</p>
<p id="eeXLE1">Winning the starting job in 2022, Maye burst onto the scene throwing five touchdown passes in his first career start. It set the stage for Maye receiving numerous accolades in the ACC en route to breaking UNC’s single season passing yards record (4,321) and tying the single season passing touchdowns record (38).</p>
<p id="IWsnVV">Entering year two as the starter, Maye’s offensive coordinator, Phil Longo, departed the program as a new offense was installed. Maye did not put up his record shattering numbers, but still finished the season by tossing over 3,600 yards and 24 touchdowns. He was named to the All-ACC second team for his season’s performance before declaring for the NFL Draft. </p>
<h3 id="M0Rlu4">Draft profile</h3>
<p id="rrB4Xf"><strong>Expected round:</strong> 1 (Top 5) | <a href="https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2024/consensus-big-board-2024"><strong>Consensus big board</strong></a><strong>:</strong> No. 2 | <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/2/28/24085160/patriots-2024-nfl-draft-meetings-interviews-workouts-visits-tracker"><strong>Patriots meeting</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Scouting Combine</p>
<p id="3TotIm"><strong>Strengths: </strong>Maye has all the makings of the successful quarterback’s in today’s NFL — from his size (6-4, 230) to his physical ability that allows him to win inside and out of the pocket.</p>
<p id="1mzqxq">His work as a passer is highlighted by his arm strength and fearless mindset. Maye loves to push the ball and attack opposing defenses and while it can get him in trouble at times, the positive plays severely outweigh the negatives (80 big time throws to just 26 turnover worthy plays over the past two seasons, per PFF).</p>
<p id="7U4P80">Beyond his love for hunting big plays down the field, Maye is also strong throwing over the middle of the field with anticipation — something that will surely appeal to offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Any way here’s Drake Maye firing a laser over the middle yesterday <a href="https://t.co/qH2wVfH4qv">pic.twitter.com/qH2wVfH4qv</a></p>— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) <a href="https://twitter.com/iambrianhines/status/1711102062774153500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2023</a>
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<p id="89Nuzi">Maye is at his best as an in-rhythm passer in the pocket, but he brings plenty of ability outside of structure. He is tough to bring down for the opposition and constantly keeps his eyes downfield looking to strike. Maye often gets rid of the ball while in the defender’s grasp — like his highlight reel left-handed touchdown pass against Pittsburgh last season (where Patriots scouts were in attendance). </p>
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<p id="gfd7Ew">He also does a strong job of understanding where pressure is coming from and drifting away from it inside the pocket — all while staying calm and collected to make the necessary play.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Drake Maye. <a href="https://t.co/NOV1bzGbH7">pic.twitter.com/NOV1bzGbH7</a></p>— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) <a href="https://twitter.com/iambrianhines/status/1725984849616400430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2023</a>
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<p id="gZAfRU">Beyond his work as a passer, Maye’s game is rounded out by his athletic ability. While he prefers to attack through the air, he is a smooth athlete for his size which allows him to create and extend plays with speed and ability to break arm tackles. Last season, Maye’s first-down scramble rate ranked second among 35 FBS QBs with 30 or more scrambles.</p>
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<p id="HOD8Ai"><strong>Weaknesses: </strong>While Maye can make every throw on the field, he battled with accuracy issues at times last season. That was largely due to inconsistencies with his footwork which caused the missed throws to occasionally pile up. However, with a coach like Van Pelt, who puts a lot of emphasis on that aspect of the game, that’s something that can be cleaned up at the next level.</p>
<p id="gIYeUJ">And while you don't want him to completely ditch his aggressive mindset, Maye will need to learn how to take a profit more often at the next level.</p>
<h3 id="pRJbYf">Patriots preview</h3>
<p id="6fwkMh"><strong>What would be his role?</strong> With Maye’s skillset he would enter Foxboro as the best quarterback on the roster. While many believe he needs to sit to begin his career — and New England’s staff may ultimately think it’s best for his development to start veteran Jacoby Brissett — the belief here is Maye should be ready to start Week 1 with a consistent performance throughout the offseason.</p>
<p id="Vh78gl"><strong>What is his growth potential?</strong> As a 21-year old, Maye still has room to grow as a player — which is part of the reason he is such an exciting prospect based off the level of play he already has shown. The path for him to becoming a true franchise quarterback is certainly on the table. As Jerod Mayo said of Maye: “there is really no ceiling with a guy like that.”</p>
<p id="fvoHyZ"><strong>Does he have positional versatility?</strong> The quarterback position is pretty clear cut, but how about some punting ability as well? Maye has two career punts throughout his collegiate career, including this i-20 pooch punt from last season:</p>
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<p id="aLoUXH"><strong>Why the Patriots?</strong> Quarterbacks dominate today’s NFL game and the position is the biggest hole on New England’s roster. Finding their next franchise signal caller is the biggest task Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo must do and selecting Maye would give them a prospect with all the physical tools and intangibles they are looking <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/5/24091193/patriots-nfl-combine-notes-drake-maye-off-field-boxes">for off the field</a>.</p>
<p id="FtvYAQ"><strong>Why not the Patriots?</strong> The <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com">Washington Commanders</a>. While the Bears seem set to select Caleb Williams No. 1 overall, Washington will have a decision to make at No. 2. As they are in search of a quarterback as well, the choice will likely come down to Maye or Jayden Daniels. Maye would be the easy choice here, but the consensus seems to be split between the two.</p>
<p id="WPa8fV"><strong>One-sentence verdict:</strong> Maye checks every box of a potential franchise quarterback prospect that teams will win because of at the next level, making him an easy choice for the Patriots if he slips to No. 3.</p>
<p id="rmqcmk"><em>What do you think about Drake Maye as a potential Patriots target? Too good to pass up? Or just not worth it given the issues elsewhere? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.</em></p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/28/24105902/patriots-2024-nfl-draft-targets-drake-maye-profile-scouting-reportBrian Hines2024-03-28T07:47:21-04:002024-03-28T07:47:21-04:00Patriots are challenging Josh Uche to become a bigger part of their defense, contract incentives show
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<img alt="New England Patriots v Arizona Cardinals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2UJRkcya2VhTDER9me2gpULWEFM=/255x171:4034x2690/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73238326/1449855874.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The edge linebacker signed a one-year contract to stay with the Patriots in free agency.</p> <p id="rUNca5">The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> were able to keep edge defender Josh Uche in the fold for the 2024 season. The former second-round draft pick, who explored free agency for the first time in his career, a one-year, $3 million contract with the Patriots — a deal that is significantly lower than <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/13/24099428/josh-uche-millions-on-the-table-return-patriots-contract-details?_gl=1*p6frqu*">other offers</a> he reportedly received.</p>
<p id="DX0NvQ">Nonetheless, Uche will be in a position to boost his cash intake quite a bit before entering the open market once again next offseason. His new contract, after all, includes incentives worth up to $5 million. If he hits on all of them, he could therefore increase the value of the pact to $8 million.</p>
<p id="jUPBVN">What does he have to do in order to get there, though? According to a <a href="https://twitter.com/BenVolin/status/1773076480072823099">report</a> by Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, the following:</p>
<h2 id="2PN8yq">ED Josh Uche: Contract incentives</h2>
<p id="fnHg1w"><strong>2024: Up to $5 million</strong><br>$500,000: 30% defensive snaps<br>$500,000: 40% defensive snaps<br>$500,000: 50% defensive snaps<br>$500,000: 60% defensive snaps<br>$500,000: 35% defensive snaps + 6 sacks<br>$500,000: 35% defensive snaps + 8 sacks<br>$500,000: 35% defensive snaps + 10 sacks<br>$500,000: 35% defensive snaps + 12 sacks<br>$500,000: 35% defensive snaps + 14 sacks<br>$500,000: Pro Bowl (original ballot)</p>
<p id="XGzZw4">All of Uche’s incentives are categorized as not likely to be earned (NLTBE). This means that they will not count against the Patriots’ salary cap this season, and will only hit the club’s books in 2025 if he reaches the various levels — something he did not do in 2023.</p>
<p id="Mnwa3J">Playing 29.1 percent of defensive snaps, Uche had just three sacks last season and was naturally not voted to the Pro Bowl. This is the basis of the incentives’ NLTBE designation, but not necessarily an accurate representation of his potential productivity as a member of New England’s outside linebacker group.</p>
<p id="oGKI4O">In 2022, for example, Uche had the best season of his career. While he was on the field for only 33.1 percent of snaps even then — a reflection of his status as a designated pass rusher rather than a true three-down defender — he finished the season with 11.5 sacks. That season would still have only resulted in an extra $500,000, though, because his sack number would not have aligned with the 35 percent snap threshold.</p>
<p id="xeXBnP">Essentially, the Patriots are therefore challenging Uche not only to return to his previous pass rush production but also increase his role in their defense. He has yet to exceed that 33.1 percent play time share from his 2022 campaign, but will have to do so in order to get anywhere close to maximizing his contract value.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/28/24114412/patriots-josh-uche-incentives-nfl-free-agencyBernd Buchmasser2024-03-28T06:52:19-04:002024-03-28T06:52:19-04:00What the NFL’s 2024 rule changes mean for the Patriots
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<img alt="Washington Commanders v New England Patriots" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZsMwcwL-RMoiAwMbLQ4J_UTKu5A=/1x0:2610x1739/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73238242/1824809708.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The league voted to adopt 12 proposals ranging from a new kickoff procedure to banning the hip-drop tackle.</p> <p id="6bqdUd">The NFL annual meetings in Orlando, FL, took place earlier this week and one important part was voting on rule and bylaw change proposals. The 32 teams and the competition committee had the opportunity to present ideas on how to make the game better.</p>
<p id="AUN8Ej">In total, 12 proposals were able to get a two-thirds majority among the owners present and will therefore be implemented this upcoming season. What do those mean specifically for the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>, though? Let’s find out by going through the changes as announced by the NFL.</p>
<h3 id="KfH4Uo">Approved Playing Rules</h3>
<p id="lOTX8r"><strong>1. Protect a club’s ability to challenge a third ruling following one successful challenge.</strong> Whereas teams previously had to be successful on both of their challenges to earn a third one, they now can do so with just one successful challenge. The Patriots will have a first-time head coach, Jerod Mayo, throw the red challenge flag this season.</p>
<p id="UTXTje"><strong>5. Allow for an enforcement of a major foul by the offense prior to a change of possession in a situation where there are fouls by both teams.</strong> Previously, “major” offensive penalties such as unnecessary roughness or an unsportsmanlike conduct were ignored on plays where there were fouls by both teams following a change of possession. Moving forward, those fouls will be taken into the equation as well. This means that if there is a double foul or one of those major penalties, the team last in possession of the ball will keep it with that non-offsetting major foul enforced nonetheless.</p>
<p id="S09PMv"><strong>6. Include a ruling of a passer down by contact or out of bounds before throwing a pass as a reviewable play.</strong> This effectively increases the scope of which plays are reviewable. Moving forward, a passer being down by contact or out off bounds before throwing a pass can be reviewed.</p>
<p id="s6oDic"><strong>7. Allow a replay review when there is clear and obvious visual evidence that the game clock expired before any snap.</strong> This falls into the same basic category as proposal No. 6, only in regards to the game clock. The Patriots had a play like this during the 2022 season, when Bailey Zappe threw a touchdown pass to DeVante Parker even though the ball was clearly snapped after the game clock had hit 0:00. Under the new rule, that part of the play would be reviewable now.</p>
<p id="ayzdIK"><strong>8. Eliminate a potentially dangerous tackling technique.</strong> In a controversial ruling, the so-called <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2024/3/25/24111629/nfl-hip-drop-tackle-ban-rule-change-swivel">hip-drop tackle</a> has been banned and will now be a 15-yard penalty and automatic first down moving forward. Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was injured on a play like this last season, but team captain David Andrews still came out in support of the tackling technique afterwards. The NFLPA as a whole recommended keeping the play legal, but the league’s owners apparently had different ideas.</p>
<p id="Aft4fL"><strong>10A. Amends Rule 6, to create a new form of a free kick play that is designed to: (1) resemble a typical scrimmage play by aligning players on both teams closer together and restricting movement to reduce space and speed; and (2) promote more returns. Permits the Replay Official automatically review whether a free kick legally touched the ground or a receiving team player in the landing zone.</strong> We already looked at this one in greater detail on Tuesday, and pointed out that the new kickoff rule could <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/26/24112394/new-nfl-kickoff-rules-good-news-patriots">end up a net positive</a> for the Patriots.</p>
<h3 id="9Y9Ds6">Approved Bylaws</h3>
<p id="Ne9gpL"><strong>2. To provide clubs with an unlimited number of designated for return transactions in the postseason.</strong> Previously, teams were allowed to return eight players total from injured reserve and non-football injury/illness during the season — including playoffs. Under the modified bylaw, an unlimited number of players can be brought back during the postseason. This allows playoff teams to have players return from IR and NFI even if they already used all eight of their regular season activations.</p>
<p id="7eKtQe"><strong>4. To move the trading deadline to the Tuesday after Week 9 games.</strong> The trading deadline traditionally was after Week 8, but has now been moved back one week. This gives teams time to react to injuries suffered in Week 9, too. The 2024 trade deadline will be on Tuesday, Nov. 5.</p>
<p id="UYsSuy"><strong>6. To permit each club to place a maximum of two players who are placed on an applicable Reserve List on the business day of the final roster reduction to be designated for return. Such players will immediately count as two of the club’s total designations.</strong> Teams will now be allowed to place up to two players on a reserve list before the roster cutdown deadline, but still designate them as one of their eight eligible to return during the regular season. Previously, all players sent to reserve/IR or reserve/NFI before cutdowns were ineligible to be brought back, which led to some roster juggling. Last year, two injured Patriots — wide receiver Tyquan Thornton and offensive lineman Riley Reiff — remained on the active roster through the cutdown deadline, only to then be moved to injured reserve shortly thereafter in the interest of remaining eligible to be reactivated.</p>
<p id="7rKLVE"><strong>7. To expand the Standard Elevation rules to permit clubs to elevate a bona fide Quarterback an unlimited number of times from its practice squad to its Active List to be its Emergency Third Quarterback.</strong> The Patriots kept three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster last year in order to be able to use one of them as the third emergency QB on game day. Now, a practice squad player would be able to fill this role an unlimited number of times — which might be bad news for the roster prospects of backups Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke.</p>
<h3 id="Jf0s1p">Approved Resolutions</h3>
<p id="5hWR9o"><strong>G-1. To make the injury reporting rules for players who do not travel with their clubs to games away from their home city competitively fairer.</strong> Basically speaking, road teams are now required to announce players as “out” (or to give them another status depending on their outlook) immediately prior to departing their home city. There was some nuance to the previous reporting procedure, which prompted the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> to propose a now-adopted alternative.</p>
<p id="ESHheJ"><strong>G-2A. Expands the 2023 preseason trial of providing a specific Hawk-Eye feed in the coaches booths for the 2024 preseason with full implementation for the 2025 season.</strong> Thanks to a <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> proposal, teams’ coaches will now have access to the Hawk-Eye feed used by the replay official. The 2024 preseason will serve as a test run, with the 2025 regular season seeing full rollout.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/28/24113600/patriots-what-nfl-2024-rule-changes-mean-analysisBernd Buchmasser2024-03-28T02:09:19-04:002024-03-28T02:09:19-04:00Patriots updated depth chart: Free agency edition
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<img alt="NFL: AUG 10 Preseason - Texans at Patriots" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iHJJIIWUQmq2YpVTWRWXK7HKkfA=/933x1368:3273x2928/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73198090/1592917424.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A look at the Patriots’ roster with free agency underway.</p> <p id="jhvhbl">The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>’ self-proclaimed “new era” kicked into its highest gear ye at the start of NFL free agency in mid-March. The team’s roster therefore saw, and continues to see, constant movement both through addition and subtraction.</p>
<p id="MBvB8b">In order not to lose sight of any moves, please make sure to bookmark and regularly revisit our <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/3/7/24093159/patriots-nfl-free-agency-tracker-rumors-news-signings-analysis-2024"><em>Patriots Free Agency Tracker</em></a>. When it comes to the team’s up-to-date roster, this is your place to be.</p>
<h2 id="vBaZD9">Patriots 90-man roster</h2>
<p id="6MlzPq"><strong>Quarterback (3):</strong> Jacoby Brissett (--)*, Bailey Zappe (4), Nathan Rourke (13)</p>
<p id="RcQiu5"><strong>Running back (5):</strong> Rhamondre Stevenson (38), Antonio Gibson (--)*, Kevin Harris (36), JaMycal Hasty (39), Ke’Shawn Vaughn (43)</p>
<p id="wL6vKT"><strong>Wide receiver (9):</strong> Kendrick Bourne (84), DeMario Douglas (3), K.J. Osborn (2)*, JuJu Smith-Schuster (7), Tyquan Thornton (11), Jalen Reagor (1 | KR), Kayshon Boutte (80), T.J. Luther (82), Kawaan Baker (--)</p>
<p id="wW9f56"><strong>Tight end (3):</strong> Hunter Henry (85), Austin Hooper (--)*, La’Michael Pettway (46)</p>
<p id="18T79C"><strong>Offensive tackle (7)</strong> Michael Onwenu (71), Chukwuma Okorafor (--)*, Calvin Anderson (76), Conor McDermott (75), Vederian Lowe (59), Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (72), Andrew Stueber (64)</p>
<p id="7yrp2W"><strong>Interior offensive line (7):</strong> Cole Strange (69), David Andrews (60), Sidy Sow (62), Jake Andrews (67), Atonio Mafi (68), Nick Leverett (--)*, Michael Jordan (--)</p>
<p id="p7aVch"><strong>Interior defensive line (9):</strong> Christian Barmore (90), Davon Godchaux (92), Deatrich Wise Jr. (91), Keion White (99), Armon Watts (--)*, Daniel Ekuale (95), Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98), Sam Roberts (96), Trysten Hill (97)</p>
<p id="HJV9MF"><strong>Defensive edge (4):</strong> Matthew Judon (9), Anfernee Jennings (33), Josh Uche (55), William Bradley-King (52)</p>
<p id="jYqVHE"><strong>Linebacker (6): </strong>Ja’Whaun Bentley (8), Jahlani Tavai (48), Sione Takitaki (16)*, Raekwon McMillan (50), Christian Elliss (53 | ST), Joe Giles-Harris (44 | ST)</p>
<p id="P9axvW"><strong>Cornerback (8):</strong> Christian Gonzalez (6), Jonathan Jones (31), Marcus Jones (25 | PR), Alex Austin (28), Shaun Wade (26), Marco Wilson (19), Isaiah Bolden (29), Azizi Hearn (42)</p>
<p id="mi7PBV"><strong>Safety (6):</strong> Kyle Dugger (23), Jabrill Peppers (3), Marte Mapu (30), Jaylinn Hawkins (--)*, Joshuah Bledsoe (24), Brenden Schooler (41 | ST)</p>
<p id="11hU00"><strong>Specialists (3):</strong> Chad Ryland (37 | K), Bryce Baringer (17 | P | H), Joe Cardona (49 | LS)</p>
<p id="dmfK05"><em>*free agency signing</em></p>
<p id="dTTIXU">The Patriots roster has seen some big-name movement since the start of the NFL offseason in early February, none bigger than the trade that sent former starting quarterback Mac Jones to Jacksonville. In addition, veterans Lawrence Guy, Adrian Phillips, J.C. Jackson, Chris Board and DeVante Parker have also been shown the door; they have all been released.</p>
<p id="sqS7HR">As for the remaining roster, there are some areas of strength especially on the defensive side of the ball. The offense, meanwhile, can be classified a work in progress from the very top — the quarterback position — down. Even with Jacoby Brissett added via a one-year deal, and with fellow additions like RB Antonio Gibson and WR K.J. Osborn, the Patriots have some work to do to get the unit back on track.</p>
<h2 id="BG4w0t">Patriots free agents</h2>
<p id="Ng7UC7"><strong>Unrestricted free agents (3):</strong> ST Cody Davis, RB Ezekiel Elliott, OT Riley Reiff</p>
<p id="7i91h9"><strong>Restricted free agents (1):</strong> LB Terez Hall</p>
<p id="I2Xl6b"><strong>Exclusive rights free agents (1):</strong> WR Tre Nixon</p>
<p id="beYJd3">New England already took care of both of its marquee free agents, using the transition tag on safety Kyle Dugger and later re-signing O-lineman Michael Onwenu via a three-year deal. That doesn’t mean there are no notable names left to be taken care of, but the biggest two have been kept around.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-free-agency-rumors-signings-updates-transactions/2024/3/11/24097048/patriots-roster-depth-chart-nfl-free-agency-2024Bernd Buchmasser