PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Archives for March 3, 2016

Patriots Roster Trimming Continues

by

More news continues to trickle in as the Patriots are in roster trimming mode — the latest is that restricted free agents Brian Tyms and Sealver Siliga will not be tendered and will hit free agency next week. Free Agent Brandon Gibson, who spent last year on IR with New England, also indicated he wouldn’t be returning to New England.

Tyms suffered a knee injury in training camp, killing all hopes that he was the next great deep threat hope. Siliga had a fall from grace in 2015 after a promising 2013 and 2014. He was a good piece of the puzzle to have — a stout two-gapper — but would never be more than a two-down player.

Siliga was the only one I thought would and should be back, but ultimately the Pats didn’t want to pay him $1.671 million to be fourth on the depth chart. Perhaps this is a good sign that the Pats think they can retain Akiem Hicks, but it’s more likely the two are unrelated and they weren’t paying Siliga that much regardless.

Remaining internal free agents and RFA/ERFA.

Remaining internal free agents and RFA/ERFA. Starred ones are who I want back.

Another factor is that this is a defensive tackle-rich draft with plenty of big two-gappers who could fill that fourth DT role for far less money. Malcom Brown will be back, as will Dominique Easley. Adding Hicks back into the equation would be a big boost, while Alan Branch remains in limbo with an option due next week.

Clearly the Pats first order of business this offseason was to make cuts and open cap space, setting the stage for what will hopefully be a more-active-than-expected free agency period.

Re-setting the Patriots Offseason Positional Needs

by

With yesterday’s release of Brandon LaFell and Scott Chandler it shakes things up a bit in terms of the immediate needs for the Patriots. Both were in significant roles last year (at least to start) but faded from view as the season wore on. Right after the end of the season this was how I viewed the Patriots needs:

  1. Tackle
  2. Early Down Running Back
  3. Wide Receiver
  4. Linebacker
  5. Cornerback
  6. Tight End
  7. Guard
  8. Defensive End
  9. Defensive Tackle

Roster Need Reset

Now let’s re-evaluate things a bit:

  1. Wide Receiver – I think Pats fans actually like having this as a top need because it gives them hope that maybe, just maybe, the Pats will finally get a DEEP THREAT!. With the release of LaFell the Pats have an immediate starting need for a wide receiver to primarily play the X spot on the outside. Ideally he’s 6’2″ or bigger, has decent deep speed and is a willing blocker in the run game. 2014 LaFell checked these boxes. 2015 LaFell did not. Not sure anyone is holding out any hope that Aaron Dobson suddenly get it so the cupboard is pretty bare. Previously I thought running back was a spot to spend a little dough on a free agent, but now I shift that to the receiver spot. There will be plenty of speculation about the Patriots having some crazy secret plan in place like bringing in Calvin Johnson. Maybe that’s the case. Or maybe the just go with someone like LaFell was, a castoff who didn’t quite click in another city. Mohmed Sanu won’t excite many people but he still seems to me like an intriguing fit who could play multiple roles in the offense.
  2. Earl Down Running Back – Jeff Howe reported last week that the Pats were interested in bringing back LeGarrette Blount, but I still think he needs to be paired with an explosive hard runner who can get things started. Maybe that role can go to a rookie. Or maybe they try someone like castoff Joique Bell. Still, this is a glaring hole and an important need for 2016.
  3. Tackle – This is a top need, but for the long-term. I think they have to dedicate a high round draft pick to an athletic tackle who can swing to both sides and replace Sebastian Vollmer as starter at right tackle in 2017.
  4. “F” Tight End – Looking for a move tight end can be fun because you don’t have to be as concerned about their blocking. Dwayne Allen formerly of the Colts is an interesting free agent option. This position is also tied to Danny Amendola‘s future. Without Amendola the Pats are really in a bind without a move tight end as well. Which way do they primarily plan on playing, with three receivers or two tight ends? Probably the least exciting option is bringing back Michael Hoomanawanui.
  5. Middle Linebacker – I think this need is best filled by a veteran who can play a two-down role. Stephen Tulloch is intriguing and I’d love to see what Demario Davis could do in the Pats’ system. There are also some interesting guys in the draft like Joshua Perry of Ohio State. Just not sure a rookie can fill this role with where the Pats are picking.
  6. Defensive Tackle – Bringing back Akiem Hicks would be a great start and they also have to decide about Alan Branch in the next few days as he has an option due. Those two are probably tied to each other. But there’s also the fact that there are a ton of great DT fits in the draft. Hoping for one of them without a first round pick might be a fantasy though.

As for Corner, Guard and Defensive End, I think they only really need depth moves as those positions. Bring back Tarrell Brown and see how Ryan Wendell‘s feeling, that would pretty much solidify things before the draft where young corners and guards are always picks.