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Are the Patriots hitching a ride to quarterback crazy town this 2021 draft season?

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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)


And with the 15th pick in the 2021 NFL draft the New England Patriots select….

Ahh the words Patriots fans are longing to hear, with much more concern, wonder, trepidation, and perhaps even downright fear than maybe they have for a long time.

Another thing that has definitely not happened in a long time (possibly ever) is the top four picks in a draft being quarterbacks, online Michigan betting sites such as GambleOnlineMichigan.com feature the best options for bookmakers that give odds on who they might be. You have to go back to 1999 to where quarterbacks were the first three picks in the draft with Tim Couch, Donovan McNabb and Akili Smith. Now if you’re simply talking the first round, then yeah just in the last decade, 2018 and 2020 were both years of four quarterback picks with Baker Mayfield, Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold and Lamar Jackson taken in the first 32 of 2018 and Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Tua Tagovailoa and Jordan Love wrapping up 2020. But the actual top four picks? Are we heading to crazy town this season?

More ghosts of histories past shows the Patriots first round picks being rather tackle (defensive and offensive) orientated. Not exclusively of course, and you could argue a lot of that was due to the success of Tom Brady at quarterback. A young new talented quarterback was not required early in the draft for quite a while, and the last time the Patriots addressed any quarter back selection in the first two rounds was pick 62 in 2014 with Jimmy Garoppolo.

But how different is 2021, right!?

Cam Newton and Jarett Stidham are still in the fold, but the production for both in 2020 left a lot to be desired. The question is what could they produce in this coming season; many fans are still very skeptical that it will not be much at all, and so fans look to the quarterback draft prospects with crossed fingers (and some of them, toes too!).

The situation is: the top four picking teams, Jacksonville, New York (Jets) San Francisco and Atlanta could all take a quarterback and pretty much could do with taking a quarterback. The next few picks, Cincinnati, Miami, Detroit and Carolina are arguable teams that wouldn’t be in the market for a rookie ball thrower. Selection number nine goes to Denver, the next team on the list potentially requiring a quarterback.

We are already seeing the jump of a previously second round rumoured player Mac Jones being in the choice of those top four (to clarify, some people predict him being taken third by San Francisco); could we see second or third round quarterbacks coming off the board within the first thirty two? Did I say next stop crazy town already?

With ten draft picks this year and a closing window of roster spots it isn’t in the realms of impossibility that the Patriots trade up. This year’s draft class is heavy with talent at certain non quarterback areas and although free agency spend was high there are still a few holes the Patriots could do with filling with some of the fruitful young talent. 

So here we are, single digit days away with so many unheard ofs in this up and coming draft. Fans agonize as we await that loaded sentence and just know there is a seriously good chance the pick will be… a tackle!

Patriots Draft Primer – Special Teams Ace

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The NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night so today we will look at a few future replacements for Matthew Slater. Trying to keep up with all of the movement ahead of Draft weekend is hard, the top online sportsbooks are updating the odds on where some future skill position players might get taken.

Where we stand:

The Patriots have the best Special Teams Unit from top to bottom in the entire NFL. When you have a generational talent in Punter Jake Bailey you need to surround him with weapons on the outside. Currently the Patriots are stacked with Matthew Slater, Justin Bethel, and Cody Davis.

Bethel just signed a new contract keeping him in Foxboro through 2023, Davis is signed through 2022, and Slater has one year left on his current deal. Matthew is a key part of the Patriots dynasty both on and off the field. The true locker room and spiritual leader of the squad. Those intangibles are nearly impossible to replace but something tells me that Slater will hang them up and retire after this season. He seems focused on his family, faith, and life after football too much to not walk away with his health on his on terms. A lock for the Patriots Hall of Fame no doubt. With that being said, Slater has earned the right to keep signing one-year deals with the Patriots until he says otherwise.

Justin Bethel is one of the more underrated players in the NFL. The duo of Slater and Bethel is a nightmare for opposing special teams coaches. Add in Jake Bailey and this trio very well could be the best punting unit ever assembled. Davis showed some promise last year prior to his rib injury and I expect to see him elevate his game next season.

What we need:

With Slater (turning 36), Bethel (turning 31), and Davis (turning 32) all on the second half of their careers the Patriots will look to restock on Special Teams Aces. No coach in the NFL values the art of special teams more than the Dark Lord Belichick. This will be a late round draft pick or UDFA who comes in and probably sits on the Practice Squad for a year before he really contributes. Good chance this person could also find themselves with the “Foxboro Flu” and end up on season ending IR prior to cutdown day. Either way expect this person to most likely have a redshirt year in 2021. 

The Patriots could also look to play Joejuan Williams more in the gunner role as he saw increased snaps on special teams in 2020 due to injuries.

Draft Options:

There are 3 main prospects and one bonus prospect. I lean towards Avery Williams as being the Patriots’ guy due to his impressive career at Boise State, position versatility, and high ceiling. Spend an early 6th rounder to get him.

Avery Williams (CB) – 7th Round – Boise State

Coverage and return ability. 9 career special teams touchdowns. Good mechanics. Leader both on and off the field. Workhorse and tough. Safety, Corner, Running back flex, and special teams capability. Undersized and draws excessive penalties.

Racey McMath (WR) – 7th Round/UDFA – LSU

Athletic build, good speed, plays through contact, only two career drops, blocks well. Stuck behind an impressive list of LSU WRs so Racey used special teams to get on the field. Made 6 tackles and 1 forced fumble playing gunner. Speed, size, and power combination made him a special teams threat. Good work ethic. Has slot potential but does not project primarily as an NFL WR. Below average production when on the field as a WR. Star potential as an NFL Gunner.

Robert Rochell (CB) – 4th Round Grade – Central Arkansas

While Rochell will not be a special teams only player his entire career it could help him see action early on. This could be a great depth piece while we have Gilmore and Jackson this year then assuming one of them walks during free agency next season the Patriots have Rochell to slide in.

Great mix of speed and size. Nice footwork, instinct, and reaction time. Smart player that plays to his advantages. Great utilization of long arms. Jumps in on run support. Needs to add build to his body. Struggles with hip timing. Bites on initial route. Lack of top competition. NFL athleticism.

*Bonus Prospect* – Miller Forristall (TE) – UDFA Grade – Alabama

Miller was his high school’s quarterback until a guy named Trevor Lawrence came along and then Forristall flipped to TE. Miller struggled to put up great numbers while at Bama but played all four years that he was healthy mainly as a blocker. For his career he totaled 44 recs for 505 yards and 5 TDs. He is an above average blocker with a high compete level. I could see the trust between Saban and Belichick getting Forristall a camp invite where he sticks on the practice squad during 2021. His projected role would be a blocking TE, special teams contributor, and hybrid flex.

Mock Draft Review – Who the experts are predicting the Patriots to select first

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Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

With hundreds of mock drafts doing the rounds in the lead-up towards night one of the 2021 Draft, let’s take a look at who some experts have decided for the Patriots pick in the first round along with my thoughts for each prediction.

Pick 10 – QB Justin Fields

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXCYiU5MI1I
Mel Kiper Jr – ESPN – April 13

With only one of the top five quarterbacks still available, the Patriots jump five spots with the Cowboys, giving Dallas their 2022 first-round pick in return. The Cowboys don’t need a quarterback, so they’d be thrilled to get an offer like this and move down only a few spots, because their biggest holes are on defense and they can get a good player at No. 15.

This makes five quarterbacks in the top 10, with Bill Belichick & Co. making the move up for Fields, my second-ranked quarterback. All the moves the Patriots made in free agency showed me that they believe they can get right back into competing for the AFC East title, but I don’t think Cam Newton is the quarterback to get them there. He had too many accuracy issues last season. He’s not the long-term answer. Fields had an up-and-down 2020 season, but he can be a star if he becomes more consistent. And I trust that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will get him there.

My Thoughts: I will be setting off fireworks on draft night if somehow the Pats are able to secure Fields, but, I just can’t imagine him slipping outside of the top five. A lot of trash news has come out in recent weeks regarding Fields which could impact his stock, it shouldn’t, but that’s the only way I can see the Patriots getting within reach past number 10, other than trading up to four.

Also predicted to Patriots by:
Todd McShay – ESPN

Pick 15 – QB Trey Lance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgNOk_huxiE

Steve Palazzolo – PFF – April 19

New England is primed to move up for a quarterback on draft night, but the more I let this draft play out, the more comfortable I am with Lance in the middle of the first. He’s a dynamic runner who’s flashed the arm to hit every throw, but his accuracy is a notch below the other four first-round prospects. It’s a good play for New England, who have Cam Newton for one year, and they can take their time with Lance or throw him right into the mix when he’s ready.

My Thoughts: This would be an ideal scenario for Patriots fans, getting a QB in the first round, without giving up your future to do so. I can’t see Lance making it out of the top ten, but if he somehow falls to fifteen, it would be a huge scoop for the Patriots halfway through the first round.

Also predicted to Patriots by:
Josh Edwards – CBS Sports
Ryan Wilson – CBS Sports
Charles Davis – NFL.com

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Have the Patriots lost their identity?

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Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports


Patriots fans saw a season without Gronk, then one without Gronk and Brady. Well now there will be one without Gronk, Brady and Edelman. Three of arguably the best Patriots of the last decade. 

As a tight end enthusiast, losing Rob Gronkowski was harsh for me but Tom Brady was our leader, our quarterback, he drove the team. And now Patriots fans, now maybe it’s the heart…

Julian Edelman is small and tough, focused and driven… He is passionate. A passionate Patriot, there’s not much better. 

He wasn’t THE best wide receiver in the league if you go by statistics. But who cares about statistics right now? This guy is fearless. He is simply put… Awesome. 

And now Patriots fans, have we lost our identity? 

Who remains from the Patriots way? 

WE DO!!

Sure, we’ve loved and lost. We will never forget those that fought passionately. Gave themselves on the field. Six Super Bowls baby!!

We have bore witness to greatness, over and over again. And it’s difficult sometimes to not look at the past, the future is so unknown. 

Now it’s fair to say the stock of passionate Patriots isn’t fully depleted. There’s plenty of love for the defence, the offensive line and the secondary. David Andrews, Matthew Slater and James White to just kick off the list. 

But! Players will come and go. We will cry, we will cheer, we will be here. We are Patriots Nation and we will go on! 

Patriots Draft Primer – Quarterback

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Source: AL.com

Today the “Patriots Draft Primer” segment will take a look at the Quarterback position.  

Where we stand:

The Patriots quarterback room is currently made up of Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, and Jacob Dolegala.

Rumors and analyst commentary have been circulating in recent weeks that Cam Newton’s passing ability will be much better in 2021. Personally, I think that is a cop out statement. It really can’t be any worse than it was in 2020 so of course it is going to be better. Newton has never been known for his accuracy and perhaps his best days are behind him. The Patriots aren’t asking Cam to be Tom, but he must be better than what he showed last season. His style of play seeks out contact at times which is no way to sustain a healthy QB in the NFL. He needs to take care of the ball (both when throwing and when mobilizing outside of the pocket) and know when to get down. Newton’s mechanics, mainly his footwork, were awful during 2020. I expect to see a better performance in 2021 but I am not sure it will be enough, and he isn’t the long-term answer.  

I am a big Jarrett Stidham fan from his days at Baylor. He showed promise early on as a gun slinger that translated well to his first year at Auburn. The talks after the 2017 season were that Stidham would be a first round selection in the NFL draft the following year. Stidham was truly a victim of circumstance during the 2018 Auburn season that saw him play behind a decimated offensive line along with his top two pass catching options out with injuries. Gus Malzahn’s wonky Auburn system also did no favors for a QB looking to show off his arm talent. The other rumored landing spots of Texas Tech, Texas A&M, or Oregon would have been better landing spots to showcase his skills.

During his first preseason Jarrett put up the best preseason numbers of any quarterback in the Belichick era, including those of Tom Brady and Jimmy G. However, his in-season performances have been less than stellar whenever he has seen game action. Having no 2020 preseason most likely hurt his development, but one would have to think that with all the shake up in 2020 if the staff felt like Stidham had what it took then he would have received a few starts down the stretch. Stidham has the arm, poise, and maturity to be the Patriots starter, but he has yet to show the decision-making ability. I want this to happen so badly, but I think this ship has sailed. Stidham has two more years remaining on his contract.


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BREAKING – Julian Edelman announces his retirement from football

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Twitter – @Edelman11

Well, here it is. After 11 seasons with the Patriots, number 11 Julian Edelman, has announced his retirement from football.

https://twitter.com/Edelman11/status/1381722282570170373?s=20

He goes out in the classy way that Jules always conducted himself, watch the whole video above, and be prepared for tears.

I’m sad it’s ended like this for Jules, a fine player who will be remembered as one of the greatest Patriots of the dynasty era, but the last few years have been difficult to get through as his body has slowly broken down.

I’ll remember watching him run the length of the field on TV here in England on late nights hoping to see him do it in person one day. Luckily, I did, in November 2019 against the Cowboys, in the pouring rain and snow, Edelman raced out into a wild reception, as he always did at Gillette. It was amazing.

The passing touchdowns, the catch in Super Bowl 51, his MVP performance in Super Bowl 53, his community spirit for Boston, and his love for his teammates.

Julian Edelman is one of the great success stories in our franchise’s history. There aren’t many players who earn an NFL roster spot at a position they have never played before. Julian not only did that as a seventh-round draft selection, but he is retiring with the second-most career receptions in franchise history and as a three-time Super Bowl Champion, including his last as Super Bowl MVP. No one was more committed to his craft and honing his skills than Jules. His explosiveness off the line, quickness in his cuts and elusiveness after the catch made him one of the hardest players to defend throughout his career. His clutch catches in our biggest games and overall toughness made him a fan favorite. Over the past 12 years, I have enjoyed watching him grow as a player, as a person and as a father. In 2019, I had the privilege of traveling to Israel with Julian, which might be the only place where he is more popular than here in New England.

Robert Kraft via Patriots.com

By any measure of what constitutes an elite NFL career – wins, championships, production – Julian has it all, Few players can match Julian’s achievements, period, but considering his professional trajectory and longevity, the group is even more select. It is historic. This is a tribute to his legendary competitiveness, mental and physical toughness and will to excel. Day in and day out, Julian was always the same: all out. Then, in the biggest games and moments, with championships at stake, he reached even greater heights and delivered some of his best, most thrilling performances. For all Julian did for our team, what I may appreciate the most is he was the quintessential throwback player. He could, and did, do everything – catch, run, throw, block, return, cover and tackle – all with an edge and attitude that would not allow him to fail under any circumstance. Julian Edelman is the ultimate competitor and it was a privilege to coach him.

Bill Belichick via Patriots.com

The final chapter in a fairy-tale career, it’s been a hell of a ride.

Thank-you 11.

Patriots Draft Primer – Defensive Tackle

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David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Rolling on with our new “Patriots Draft Primer” segment we will focus in on the Defensive Tackle position.

Where we stand:

The Patriots addressed this position in the off season by bringing in Davon Godchaux and locking up Lawrence Guy long term. They also signed Montravius Adams and Henry Anderson (who projects as more of a Defensive End but can flash into the middle if needed). The above-mentioned join Akeem Spence, Byron Cowart, Carl Davis, Michael Barnett, and Bill Murray to round out the group of true Defensive Tackles.

Lawrence Guy is the most underappreciated defender on the Patriots. He does the little things that do not show up on the stat sheet but are necessary for a successful defense. He slides right back into the #1 DT spot on the depth chart. I do not expect big things from Godchaux or Adams as they will primarily be used as run stuffers. Godchaux has a lengthy injury history and barely any NFL statistics. Adams can be a rotational depth piece on early downs. As things stand now, I would slot Byron Cowart as the #2 DT. I have been impressed with his body of work as he continues to gain more game reps.

What we need:

Our current list of Defensive Tackles leans heavily toward run defenders. We do not have anyone aside from Lawrence Guy who can apply pressure up the middle on passing downs. The Patriots struggled with this middle pressure throughout the entire 2020 season. There are however a good number of options to address this need in the 2021 NFL draft.

Draft Options:

There are roughly 45 Interior Defensive Linemen prospects in this year’s NFL Draft. If the Patriots do not want to spend on the sure thing Barmore at pick #15 then I am all for Nixon, Williams, or Twyman (my personal favorite).    

Christian Barmore – 1st Round Grade – Alabama

Explosive, bully to blockers, finds the ball, quick, impressive production within the SEC. Needs to be better conditioned. Versatile. The best pass rushing DT in the draft class. Can struggle in the run game.

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