2023 Pats: Post Your Final Draft Grade

2023 Pats: Post Your Final Draft Grade

  • A+

    Votes: 6 3.3%
  • A

    Votes: 37 20.4%
  • A-

    Votes: 40 22.1%
  • B+

    Votes: 36 19.9%
  • B

    Votes: 37 20.4%
  • B-

    Votes: 11 6.1%
  • C+

    Votes: 7 3.9%
  • C

    Votes: 4 2.2%
  • C-

    Votes: 2 1.1%
  • D/F

    Votes: 1 0.6%

  • Total voters
    181

mwonow

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Sep 4, 2005
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A-. Now I want a FB, a run-blocking OL, and a couple of ST-bound WRs.

TBF, I am in the "an offense with Mac at the helm will struggle to get to league average, may as well try to make every game a slugfest" camp.
 

streeter88

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It’s been said many times it’s not what the Patriots say, it’s what they do. They said it wasn’t coaching that made the offense bad last year, but they have failed to materially upgrade the players while completely changing the coaching on the offensive side of the ball.

In my uneducated view then, two possible conclusions stand out:
1. BB knows the coaching completely and utterly sucked last year and is expecting a big leap forward - OR -
2. BB thinks the offense is inevitably uncompetitive in the AFC with Mac Jones under center, so it’s ritual sacrifice (or tanking) and they will draft a new QB from a better draft spot and a better QB class in 2024.

So I guess I am preparing for a wide range of outcomes for 2023. But we still have Day 3 to go, and 4 months until actual games start, so I’m going to try to chill out.

Edit: Rereading it, this post has only a tenuous relationship with the thread topic. To tie it back, I guess the picks have been very good so far. I voted B+, as I’m trying not to get worked up over the fact that they haven’t picked even one offensive player yet.
 
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Seels

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The weaponz argument is fine, but like... what offensive player could they have drafted with either of their last 2 picks who would have projected to be a significant upgrade this year?

Definitely not a TE or RB. Which leaves a bunch of ~ok WR. Would any of them be significant upgrades over JuJu, Parker & Bourne this year?
I've wanted them to draft a TE or WR every year since at least like 2015. Saw a projection of Wise for White. In that time, they took a guy most people thought would go in the 4th or 5th (and looks like a bust at this point), and Harry.

I'd just like to know the plan. I have confidence in Belichick, but it's hard to see this offense being anything other than one of the worst in the conference.
 

MuppetAsteriskTalk

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Feb 19, 2015
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I gave them a B+. I'm pretty happy overall, even with the guy in the 3rd that nobody has heard of. I'm sold after reading a bit. I kind of hoped for some OL help, but maybe they can find some guys today? I'm not worried about weapons. They have great running backs, two good pass catching TE's, and serviceable receivers. Build up the OL and with a competent OC they should be ok as long as Mac looks more like year 1 and a lot less like year 2.
 

Eddie Jurak

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I would be willing to bet no more than 2 of the top 8 end up better than either Gesicki or Henry, decent change none of them are. We have good TEs, I'm baffled by people acting like Dalton Kincaid and Luke Musgrave are locks to be better than either of those guys.

Also, let's point out the obvious... no WR or TE makes us competitive with BUF or KC, they have elite QBs, we don't, we aren't beating them with our offense scoring a ton of points, if we want to compete a big part of it will be defense, and that's a big part of where BUF in particular has killed us, we can't cover Diggs or Knox and we didn't ahve the speed and pass rush to contain and/or sack Allen.
My theory on the Pats offense is that Gesicki will be a TE in name only. In terms of actual usage, he's going to be the slot receiver replacement for Meyers. They'll call him a TE, but he won't be lining up on the end of the line to block. So, TE, and especially in-line blocking TE, is a real area of team need. Henry can line up in line but he is more receiver than blocker. So I would not have been surprised to see the Pats grab a TE on day 2. On the other hand, they have plenty of opportunity to grab one today, so I am not concerned.

The only other offensive position where I think I would have liked to see a day 1 pick is OT. But, there again, maybe they didn't care for the available options. Maybe they have confidence in their current personnel, who were not well served. I think I want to see how the rest of the draft plays out before getting too concerned about the early focus on defense.
Psst. *whispers* The WRs day 3... some of them are pretty good. And the RBs too. And there are a couple of OTs... and, oh yeah, some really good IOL prospects too!

A+ because the first two picks are A+s and the third one makes a ton of sense. I weight based on likely impact and ceilings and they got two guys with all-pro or pro-bowl kind of traits.

You got a top 5-6-7 pick at 17 and added a 4th. You got a top 30 pick at 46. Both are valuable positions and could change the defense. When Phillips leaves and Peppers goes you will have Mapu. I love this so much. This is so much better than last year imo.
What seems to stand out about these 3 guys is athleticism. Is BB evolving (or has he evolved) away from where he was early in his Pats tenure, when the focus was more on fit? Or is he just finding athletic fits?

Edit: The Pats have made 3 picks and they have 9 day 3 picks: 4 4ths, 4 6ths,1 7th. How many of these do you think they will make? Is there a case for them standing pat and using all 4 fourths?
 

PRabbit

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Apr 3, 2022
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Went with an A, Gonzalez and White were excellent picks and while I had hoped BB would go OT or TE in the 3rd, Mapu looks like a contributor from day 1 as well.

As far as not spending any draft capital on offense so far, I'll echo others here about the terribad coaching on that side of the ball and think we'll see significant improvement with BoB running the show. Just a competent coordinator could've added 2, maybe 3 wins over the course of last season.
 

BaseballJones

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My theory on the Pats offense is that Gesicki will be a TE in name only. In terms of actual usage, he's going to be the slot receiver replacement for Meyers. They'll call him a TE, but he won't be lining up on the end of the line to block. So, TE, and especially in-line blocking TE, is a real area of team need. Henry can line up in line but he is more receiver than blocker. So I would not have been surprised to see the Pats grab a TE on day 2. On the other hand, they have plenty of opportunity to grab one today, so I am not concerned.

The only other offensive position where I think I would have liked to see a day 1 pick is OT. But, there again, maybe they didn't care for the available options. Maybe they have confidence in their current personnel, who were not well served. I think I want to see how the rest of the draft plays out before getting too concerned about the early focus on defense.

What seems to stand out about these 3 guys is athleticism. Is BB evolving (or has he evolved) away from where he was early in his Pats tenure, when the focus was more on fit? Or is he just finding athletic fits?

Edit: The Pats have made 3 picks and they have 9 day 3 picks: 4 4ths, 4 6ths,1 7th. How many of these do you think they will make? Is there a case for them standing pat and using all 4 fourths?
Yes of course there is. Use the four fourth rounders and then if you feel like you’ve met all your needs, trade the rest of your picks for future picks. They still have needs on the OL - particularly tackle. They can draft a bunch here and trust that one or two of them pan out. They also need a TE and help at WR. Still lots of work to do.
 

tims4wins

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The reason I voted B is because they still enter today with four 4th round picks. I don't get not using those last night (or even very late night on Thursday) to move around the board. As evidenced by the Moody pick, this draft isn't crazy deep. Maybe the thinking is they will trade 1 or 2 into next year, or maybe the thinking is to take multiple shots on offensive players and hope that a couple stick, I dunno. But I would say that not trading at all last night makes this one of the top 5 most shocking drafts to me. I was 100% convinced they'd be making a trade up.
 

Shelterdog

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So the Moody and Mapu picks have me thinking-if only like a third of third round picks make it as starters it is in fact a bad use of resources to use a third on someone who has a clear role on your game day roster for the entire rookie contract? Obviously there’s a limit to that-if you can easily get as good a player later or as a udfa then it surely is a waste-but if mapu is a high level special teamer and back up safety maybe that’s a good use of the pick
 

Eck'sSneakyCheese

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I went A+. They drafted exactly what was needed to shore up this defense. Gonzalez brings size to an already super athletic secondary. White has some rabid interior presence which this team has been lacking. And guys, they did it. They got a hybrid defender. Someone who can cover AND hit the receiving TEs that have killed them in recent years. Marte Mapu might be my new favorite player.

Sure, I would have loved JSN, or any one of the TEs, maybe a tackle (Dawand Jones still available) but assuming these picks pan out, the defense could be other worldly next year.

I will say, I’m also in the camp that thinks the offense is going to do a complete 180 with everything we have now, even though I’m not completely sold on Mac. We drafted a receiver in the second round last year. As far as I’m concerned we drafted Tyquan this year. I don’t blame last year on him at all. I’m excited to see what kind of dynamic he can actually bring. Plus they added competent receivers in Gesicki and Juju. Year two of Strong and K. Harris. The subtraction of Wynn was a net positive. I think they grab a couple RBs and an OL or two, maybe a WR day 3.
 

BigSoxFan

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So the Moody and Mapu picks have me thinking-if only like a third of third round picks make it as starters it is in fact a bad use of resources to use a third on someone who has a clear role on your game day roster for the entire rookie contract? Obviously there’s a limit to that-if you can easily get as good a player later or as a udfa then it surely is a waste-but if mapu is a high level special teamer and back up safety maybe that’s a good use of the pick
Agreed. Marcus Jones is a good example of using a 3rd on a guy who may never be a full-time starter but who has provided value. You obviously need guys to develop into starters but you also can’t afford to Joey Gallo drafts either. I have no idea about Mapu but the Dugger experience has me far more receptive to a pick like this than I was before.
 

JM3

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I've wanted them to draft a TE or WR every year since at least like 2015. Saw a projection of Wise for White. In that time, they took a guy most people thought would go in the 4th or 5th (and looks like a bust at this point), and Harry.

I'd just like to know the plan. I have confidence in Belichick, but it's hard to see this offense being anything other than one of the worst in the conference.
I think just because they've missed some good opportunities in the past doesn't mean they should exacerbate their mistakes by drafting for "need" this year when their options aren't necessarily difference maker.

Mostly just willing to let the rest of the draft play out, though. They aren't close enough to a title to be drafting basically anything but the BPA who is a scheme fit at all times.
 

JM3

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Edit: The Pats have made 3 picks and they have 9 day 3 picks: 4 4ths, 4 6ths,1 7th. How many of these do you think they will make? Is there a case for them standing pat and using all 4 fourths?
I think they could easily justify four 4ths.

Think of all the different positions people have complained about them not drafting, yet.

Slot WR/outside WR/TE/OT/OG/C/RB, plus DT/LB/P etc. They could use a player at all those positions so why not? It's a deep but not particularly top heavy draft so go grab a guy or 2 from each position.

Or trade a 4th for a 3rd next year if anyone is still dumb enough to do those trades.
 

Granite Sox

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B

They did well with respect to drafting talent/athleticism, but I see White and Mapu as developmental guys who will have modest contributions this season.

Pats get grades down because I think there were potential offensive starters available in Rounds 2-3 that were bypassed.

Strikes me as BB thinking team is fine as is, with Gonzalez being the only upgrade to starting 22.
 

lexrageorge

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I've wanted them to draft a TE or WR every year since at least like 2015. Saw a projection of Wise for White. In that time, they took a guy most people thought would go in the 4th or 5th (and looks like a bust at this point), and Harry.

I'd just like to know the plan. I have confidence in Belichick, but it's hard to see this offense being anything other than one of the worst in the conference.
I wouldn't put any weight on those projections; some experts were projecting McCourty to be nothing more than a special teams ace. And chances are high that a 2nd round pick turns out to be a rotational player; the bust rates on 2nd rounders is always much higher than people realize. Judon is at his peak now and will be entering his decline years soon, so finding a strong edge rusher at this point in the draft would have a lot of value.
 

RG33

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A+

I am going to give them an A+ on this draft for the Gonzalez / White picks. They got the best CB and a stud EDGE who both will likely be starters for a long time on this team. That is all one can ask for in the top part of the draft. I feel in years past they have made reaches based on fit and needs — and this year they took BPAs.

I get what people are saying about needing some help on OL and WR, but it is hard not to LOVE this draft so far.

Also, it makes me sad seeing Disappointed DOTB in here. Cheer up Greg. :cool:
 

Justthetippett

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Aug 9, 2015
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I think they could easily justify four 4ths.

Think of all the different positions people have complained about them not drafting, yet.

Slot WR/outside WR/TE/OT/OG/C/RB, plus DT/LB/P etc. They could use a player at all those positions so why not? It's a deep but not particularly top heavy draft so go grab a guy or 2 from each position.

Or trade a 4th for a 3rd next year if anyone is still dumb enough to do those trades.
I would like to see them make the picks. I think there's still decent depth at OL, WR, TE and DB. We need more athletes. Go get some RAS.
 

IdiotKicker

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Honestly I love what they’ve done so far. Would I like another weapon or two on offense? Sure. But even before Brady left, there had been a clear lack of athleticism on the team, particularly on defense. I love that they are picking up high-level players who are also athletic freaks with good ceilings. This team had a number of holes on both sides of the ball, and addressing two premium positions with their first two picks can help to clean that up a lot. I am also banking on the BoB + Klemm additions being the rising tide that lifts all boats on the offense, but some OL depth pieces in round 4 would be great today. Even with their holes, they were a competent offense away from being a playoff team last year. I think they should have that this year, and potentially some new defensive weapons to allow them to match up better with truly elite offenses. 11-6 and a surprise WC weekend win.
 

8slim

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Better than Gesicki? He couldn't get open with Hill and Waddle dragging defenses attention on every play. And Gesicki and Henry might actually be the worst top 2 tight ends when it comes to blocking, a huge part of their job, in the entire league. Arookie TE may not cone in and drop Gronk receiving numbers, but a bunch of them aren't literal turnstiles either.

I have no idea why anyone has faith in our offensive line, and that doesn't seem to be getting any better. Then we get to wide receiver. Folks were telling me Meyers was really good, the Pats disagreed and let him walk for the same money they gave Agholor, who sucks complete ass.

We all know what's coming. Defense will play well, make plays, keep them in the game against middle tier or lower teams. Awesome, meanwhile we'll be here debating whether Mac sucks or not week in week out, as he is running for his life, hoping some retread gets open in under 5 seconds. The defense is going to be staring at short fields, because our offense can't do a damn thing.

The worst part is I love their fucking draft picks. LOVE THEM. I just have no fucking idea what the plan is to actually compete, unless it's to run our the string with Mac, build a defensive team and move on when they find a QB they like. It's a plan, I guess, but one that comes with crazy long odds in today's NFL.

I am a very, very long time season ticket holder, ill be there, ill root them on, but damn, it's 2023, not 1992. The game us different and folks simply need to look at the teams in the playoffs last year to figure out what works and what doesn't.
Great post.

The draft picks, in and of themselves, are very good.

The draft, in terms of franchise strategy, is bewildering.

But the off-season in general has been bewildering.

I’m left hoping that BOB spent the past couple months neck deep in film and told Bill that he has what he needs to get above average production.
 

brendan f

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The draft picks, in and of themselves, are very good.

The draft, in terms of franchise strategy, is bewildering.
I don't get what you mean by "franchise strategy." The Patriots lack top end talent both on offense and defense. They got two potential blue chip prospects in this draft, and there are some analysts who think Mapu could be that good as well. What should the "strategy" have been? It's a bad WR class.
I have no idea why anyone has faith in our offensive line, and that doesn't seem to be getting any better.
There are still linemen left in the draft who are good and the Pats have traditionally been good at identifying players at that position. They had some problems with the line last year but it wasn't an abomination and they've had an above average line almost every year BB has been coach. That's why I have faith.
 
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Shelterdog

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It’s been said many times it’s not what the Patriots say, it’s what they do. They said it wasn’t coaching that made the offense bad last year, but they have failed to materially upgrade the players while completely changing the coaching on the offensive side of the ball.

In my uneducated view then, two possible conclusions stand out:
1. BB knows the coaching completely and utterly sucked last year and is expecting a big leap forward - OR -
2. BB thinks the offense is inevitably uncompetitive in the AFC with Mac Jones under center, so it’s ritual sacrifice (or tanking) and they will draft a new QB from a better draft spot and a better QB class in 2024.

So I guess I am preparing for a wide range of outcomes for 2023. But we still have Day 3 to go, and 4 months until actual games start, so I’m going to try to chill out.

Edit: Rereading it, this post has only a tenuous relationship with the thread topic. To tie it back, I guess the picks have been very good so far. I voted B+, as I’m trying not to get worked up over the fact that they haven’t picked even one offensive player yet.
Option 3. The goal of the draft is to add players who can help you win now and over the next four years and the ones that fit that bill in the draft happened to be defensive players.

Im also skeptical about the idea that there were a lot of players who could in fact contribute much to the offense as rookies-the wr class sucks, the pats have Henry and gesicki so it would be tough for a rookie tight end to contribute much, the tackle class sucks, and the two running backs who project as real difference makers were drafted early. You might be able to help the 24 team with various picks but its far from clear to me that there are any second round or later picks on the offensive side who would have been likely to play a lot in 2023
 

Curtis Pride

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I voted A. This year's picks seem to reflect Belichick's philosophy from years ago: build a strong defense, couple that with a ball-control offense, and win with turnovers and special teams. The 2001 team featured a defense that finished 24th in the league in yards allowed, but 6th in points allowed, and their offense was similar: 19th in yards and 6th in points. The 1994 Cleveland Browns had a similar profile: Defense was 7th in yards, 1st in points; offense 16th in yards, 11 points. Both teams finished 11-5, the Browns lost in the Divisional, and we know what the 2001 Patriots did.

The high-powered offenses that came later with Randy Moss and Rob Gronkowski seemed to be a deviation from it. The 2017 Patriots had an offense that was first in total yards and second in points, but their defense was 29th in yards allowed but 5th in points give up. That was an offense that scored 33 points in the Super Bowl, but couldn't stop Philly from scoring 41. 538 yards allowed!

In Mac Jones's first season, they finished 6th in points and 15th in yards. Their defense was great: 2nd in points allowed and 4th in yards allowed. They finished 10-7 and made the playoffs. If the difference between that team and last year's team is the OC's, then perhaps changing the OC from Matt Patricia to Bill O'Brien might bring their offense back to the middle of the pack, and improving the defense to top-5 can make the Pats a competitor again. And once they make the playoffs, anything can happen.

TL;DR: I don't have a problem with the Pats' draft strategy this year.
 

Seels

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I think just because they've missed some good opportunities in the past doesn't mean they should exacerbate their mistakes by drafting for "need" this year when their options aren't necessarily difference maker.

Mostly just willing to let the rest of the draft play out, though. They aren't close enough to a title to be drafting basically anything but the BPA who is a scheme fit at all times.
I'm not necessarily against BPA, and like both picks in this draft significantly better than their 2022 counterparts, but am frustrated that an obvious weakness hasn't been addressed in a long time.
 

Van Everyman

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I also voted A+ earlier. DJs 11th and 28th guy and then considering the positions it’s an A+. Pats are in BPA situation. I don’t like Mac but he is serviceable with a great BB D giving him tons of opportunities and an NFL OC.
Yeah, I’m wondering if the Pats’ thinking is:

1) Mac is fine. Not great, but capable enough with a lot of options.
2) Absent an elite QB, it’s not worth investing in elite weapons he won’t make the most of anyway. In that case …
3) Build a fast, a ball-hawking, versatile defense that slow the AFC’s top offenses.
4) Reinstitute some variation on the 2021 offense – put up decent points, spread it around, have enough of a running game to chew clock and limit opponents’ TOP.

Will it work? No idea. But if so, this is probably how you do it.
 

Cellar-Door

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Yeah, I’m wondering if the Pats’ thinking is:

1) Mac is fine. Not great, but capable enough with a lot of options.
2) Absent an elite QB, it’s not worth investing in elite weapons he won’t make the most of anyway. In that case …
3) Build a fast, a ball-hawking, versatile defense that slow the AFC’s top offenses.
4) Reinstitute some variation on the 2021 offense – put up decent points, spread it around, have enough of a running game to chew clock and limit opponents’ TOP.

Will it work? No idea. But if so, this is probably how you do it.
I also think part of the answer to #2 is.... there aren't any elite weapons readily available to them. Not many if any for trade, and prices high, not many if any in this draft.
 

Van Everyman

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I also think part of the answer to #2 is.... there aren't any elite weapons readily available to them. Not many if any for trade, and prices high, not many if any in this draft.
Agreed. Juice isn’t worth the squeeze. That’s part of the investment point.

Obviously a lot of this hinges on, you know, going back a year in terms of offensive production. But as @Curtis Pride says, if they can squeeze into the playoffs with a top 5 defense and a serviceable offense and better special teams, you never know.
 

Petagine in a Bottle

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Can you beat the Bills, Chiefs, etc. with a good defense, and an ok offense? I’m kinda skeptical. Of course, not sure how the Pats build a great offense with what they have and whats available. So there may be no clear path, unfortunately.
 

rodderick

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I don’t think their defense is at a level that allows them to contend with a mediocre offense. They squeezed into the playoffs with a top 5 defense and a serviceable offense in 2021 and didn’t look like they belonged on the same field as the opponent because the QB played out of his mind. Ball control, keep the score down isn’t how teams win anymore.
 

lexrageorge

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I don't think the team's approach to WR's was due to Mac's limitations. There were few if any opportunities to upgrade the position this offseason. Free agent market was barely anything. Draft was considered weak in these positions. And the defense had holes as well. Maybe they didn't manifest themselves as often as the holes on offense, but they were there and some players have since left or retired, or will be potentially be leaving after this season anyway. It does seem as the team's brain trust is treating the roster as a multiyear remodeling project, but maybe they can be good enough to sneak into the playoffs.
 

Cellar-Door

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I don't think the team's approach to WR's was due to Mac's limitations. There were few if any opportunities to upgrade the position this offseason. Free agent market was barely anything. Draft was considered weak in these positions. And the defense had holes as well. Maybe they didn't manifest themselves as often as the holes on offense, but they were there and some players have since left or retired, or will be potentially be leaving after this season anyway. It does seem as the team's brain trust is treating the roster as a multiyear remodeling project, but maybe they can be good enough to sneak into the playoffs.
also, for all the talk about how bad our WR corps is (it's not), we have a bunch of #2 guys (some #3) and a highly drafted project. We also have 2 receiving TEs.
The place we could use an upgrade is a true #1 WR/ game changer. There hasn't been a real opportunity to trade for one, and even the best guys in the draft don't really seem to fit that profile.
 

Deathofthebambino

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I don’t think their defense is at a level that allows them to contend with a mediocre offense. They squeezed into the playoffs with a top 5 defense and a serviceable offense in 2021 and didn’t look like they belonged on the same field as the opponent because the QB played out of his mind. Ball control, keep the score down isn’t how teams win anymore.
This.

The top rated defense in the league last year, San Fran, gave up 44 to the Chiefs in the regular season, and 31 to Philly in the playoffs. The Jets were the #4 defense in the NFL last year, and finished 7-10 because they couldn't score points. Great offenses in 2023 will beat great defenses.
 

JM3

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This.

The top rated defense in the league last year, San Fran, gave up 44 to the Chiefs in the regular season, and 31 to Philly in the playoffs. The Jets were the #4 defense in the NFL last year, and finished 7-10 because they couldn't score points. Great offenses in 2023 will beat great defenses.
You don't get a great offense by slapping some weapons around Mac Jones, though. Especially not those that are actually available.
 

Deathofthebambino

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also, for all the talk about how bad our WR corps is (it's not), we have a bunch of #2 guys (some #3) and a highly drafted project. We also have 2 receiving TEs.
The place we could use an upgrade is a true #1 WR/ game changer. There hasn't been a real opportunity to trade for one, and even the best guys in the draft don't really seem to fit that profile.
What bunch of #2 guys? Juju? When has Bourne been a #2? The guy has had 50 catches in a season 1 time in his career (2021 with the Pats) and is coming off a 35 catch season and FTR, I am a big Bourne guy. Parker's last 4 seasons reception totals have dropped from 72-63-40-31, and he just turned 30 years old. Tyquan hasnt proven himself a #2. Is Agholor still on the roster? He fucking blows.

Even if I call all those guys #2's, it's still a bad receiving corps, and I don't understand how anyone can argue differently. It's bad, it's not good, and compared to every playoff team in the league last year, except maybe the Giants, its fucking dreadful.

Gesicki and Henry cannot block. Henry has gone from 60 catches to 50 to 41 over the last 3 seasons. Gesicki's blocking is so bad that Miami could only put him on the field for 45% of their offensive snaps, and instead gave 57% of the offensive snaps to Durham Smythe at tight end. Gesicki had 32 catches for 362 yards and 5tds last season. The year before he came to New England, Jonnu had 41 for 448 and 8td's. Folks were excited about his pass catching ability, but once he got here, and Bill realized he couldn't block...What do we think Bill is going to do after Gesicki blows multiple blocking assignments early in the season.

This is a bad receiving corps, and in the case of the tight ends, they might be able to catch, but we're going to need a ball control offense given the dearth of actual weapons we have, and they can't block anyone.
 

Deathofthebambino

Drive Carefully
SoSH Member
Apr 12, 2005
41,947
You don't get a great offense by slapping some weapons around Mac Jones, though. Especially not those that are actually available.
I'm not looking for a great offense. I think this has the potential to be a bottom 5 offense. I'll settle for mediocre.

And bottom line, I put basically no faith in the "it's a bad class" takes. Justin Jefferson was the #5 wide receiver taken in his class. The 2019 WR class was considered bad too, which is why the first WR taken was Hollywood Brown at #25, then the Pats took Harry at 31. But wait, what's that, a few teams took shots in round 2 on guys, and voila, Deebo at 36, AJ Brown at 51 and Metcalf at 64.

You'll certainly never find any weapons if you don't actually try, so I guess it's one way to do it.
 

JM3

often quoted
SoSH Member
Dec 14, 2019
14,283
I'm not looking for a great offense. I think this has the potential to be a bottom 5 offense. I'll settle for mediocre.

And bottom line, I put basically no faith in the "it's a bad class" takes. Justin Jefferson was the #5 wide receiver taken in his class. The 2019 WR class was considered bad too, which is why the first WR taken was Hollywood Brown at #25, then the Pats took Harry at 31. But wait, what's that, a few teams took shots in round 2 on guys, and voila, Deebo at 36, AJ Brown at 51 and Metcalf at 64.

You'll certainly never find any weapons if you don't actually try, so I guess it's one way to do it.
They were 17th in points scored last year (albeit 26th in yards) despite... everything that transpired last year. Don't really see any reason to think they'll be worse next year or that incremental improvements to the defense wouldn't be just as valuable as incremental improvements to the offense.
 

tims4wins

PN23's replacement
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
37,055
Hingham, MA
They were 17th in points scored last year (albeit 26th in yards) despite... everything that transpired last year. Don't really see any reason to think they'll be worse next year or that incremental improvements to the defense wouldn't be just as valuable as incremental improvements to the offense.
They scored a boatload of defensive / ST TDs
 

Kenny F'ing Powers

posts way less than 18% useful shit
SoSH Member
Nov 17, 2010
14,425
What bunch of #2 guys? Juju? When has Bourne been a #2? The guy has had 50 catches in a season 1 time in his career (2021 with the Pats) and is coming off a 35 catch season and FTR, I am a big Bourne guy. Parker's last 4 seasons reception totals have dropped from 72-63-40-31, and he just turned 30 years old. Tyquan hasnt proven himself a #2. Is Agholor still on the roster? He fucking blows.

Even if I call all those guys #2's, it's still a bad receiving corps, and I don't understand how anyone can argue differently. It's bad, it's not good, and compared to every playoff team in the league last year, except maybe the Giants, its fucking dreadful.

Gesicki and Henry cannot block. Henry has gone from 60 catches to 50 to 41 over the last 3 seasons. Gesicki's blocking is so bad that Miami could only put him on the field for 45% of their offensive snaps, and instead gave 57% of the offensive snaps to Durham Smythe at tight end. Gesicki had 32 catches for 362 yards and 5tds last season. The year before he came to New England, Jonnu had 41 for 448 and 8td's. Folks were excited about his pass catching ability, but once he got here, and Bill realized he couldn't block...What do we think Bill is going to do after Gesicki blows multiple blocking assignments early in the season.

This is a bad receiving corps, and in the case of the tight ends, they might be able to catch, but we're going to need a ball control offense given the dearth of actual weapons we have, and they can't block anyone.
You're underselling just how bad Jonnu was.

It's not hyperbole to say that TE/WR hybrid Gesicki may be a better blocker.
 

SeoulSoxFan

I Want to Hit the World with Rocket Punch
Moderator
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2006
22,089
A Scud Away from Hell
Now that the draft has come and gone, what is your final grade? (For rounds 1-3, SoSH voted A- as the final grade.)

As the final grade, I upgraded from an A- to a solid A for getting some much-needed ST help in later rounds and bolstering the IOL depth.

Also, still can't believe Gonzalez fell to #17!
 

DJnVa

Dorito Dawg
SoSH Member
Dec 16, 2010
53,840
It's quite clear that the 2nd tier of WRs (Downs, etc.) was not a group the Patriots found value in, so they double-dipped later with a swing for the fences pick in Boutte and a guy that should be fun to watch, at least in preseason while we see if he can make the jump from Liberty.

The story here is Boutte--if they can get his effort to match his talent, the entire complexion of this draft changes.
 

OldeBeanTowne

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 12, 2007
1,090
B+. Was ready to give a solid A/A+ with the curve, but they had Luepke sitting right there and they blew it. Drops about .5-.75 of a grade for me.

Looking forward to seeing some of the new athleticism and attitude (looking at you White :cool:) of the new youth in this draft class.
 

DJnVa

Dorito Dawg
SoSH Member
Dec 16, 2010
53,840
Isaiah Bolden is Bucky Brooks' favorite Day 3 pick.
Seems to be a lot of kudos on the players we got. Gonzalez was an A/A+ for many. White seemed popular. Daniel Jeremiah loved Mapu on Day 2. Boutte was seen as a good pick.
 

j-man

Member
Dec 19, 2012
3,646
Arkansas
i had to give a C+ overall just for day 3 day 1 and 2 was good but too many st players in like 8 picks today bottie from lsu was a steal but othat that that who knows
 

Jimbodandy

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 31, 2006
11,405
around the way
Aced top 2 picks. Picked projects and tweeners after that, leaving actual needs probably unmet.

I'd have been an A+ after round 2, but so many wasted bullets makes it a C+ for me.
 

Rico Guapo

New Member
Apr 24, 2009
2,150
New England's Rising Star
I'll go A-, wish they had grabbed an OT or TE along the way but they looked to have added excellent athletes on both sides of the ball, upgraded the secondary, improved depth on the OL, and addressed ST which were abysmal last year.
 

Cellar-Door

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 1, 2006
34,460
A-/B+

Crushed the most important rounds, got two of the best specialists in a draft where that was a need.

Got some high upside WR, and solid OL beef, added some potential core ST guys with upside to help in the secondary with some coaching.

Given how things fell... pretty good.

feel like they got some long term potential while also getting a surprising number of guys who may contribute this year (feel like maybe 5 of those guys are going to play real snaps this year, maybe more).

Boutte is a key, less because I think he'll definitely be good than that he's the same level of talent as guys who went in the 2nd and 3rd, who fell due to injury/off field concerns