Official Patriots 2024 Draft Pick Watch Thread (#3)

[BigSoxFan]

Well, here we are. 1-4 with zero reason for optimism. So, time to follow the pick on week-by-week basis.

Currently, #5 overall. Root for Josh tomorrow night. Need some of these 0-1 win teams to start picking up some W’s.

Tankathon is a great resource for those who are interested in obsessively following this pick like I plan on doing.

https://www.tankathon.com/nfl

 

[azsoxpatsfan]

I think the Vikings should win enough games by seasons end that they won’t be in the conversation. The Cardinals look surprisingly competent, and the Bears seem to be turning a bit of a corner. I really think it comes down to us, Carolina, and Denver. And that’s great for us, because Chicago has Carolina’s pick, and if fields plays well then who knows what happens

 

[Bob Montgomerys Helmet Hat]

I think the Vikings should win enough games by seasons end that they won’t be in the conversation. The Cardinals look surprisingly confident, and the Bears seem to be turning a bit of a corner. I really think it comes down to us, Carolina, and Denver. And that’s great for us, because Chicago has Carolina’s pick, and if fields plays well then who knows what happens

Also, while they're a bad team, Carolina has no incentive to tank

 

[The_Powa_of_Seiji_Ozawa]

If BB ever gets the #1 overall pick for NE, he'd probably trade down anyways. Or use it on defense.

 

[Ale Xander]

Well, here we are. 1-4 with zero reason for optimism. So, time to follow the pick on week-by-week basis.

Currently, #5 overall. Root for Josh tomorrow night. Need some of these 0-1 win teams to start picking up some W’s.

Tankathon is a great resource for those who are interested in obsessively following this pick like I plan on doing.

https://www.tankathon.com/nfl

5 weeks is kinda early. I just don’t see Cowboys losing before TB. TB isn’t this good. I doubt Baker plays this well for a whole season and certainly not the rest of the team

 

[HurstSoGood]

If BB ever gets the #1 overall pick for NE, he'd probably trade down anyways. Or use it on defense.

Interesting point. Based on the chatter around here today, I wonder how many SoSHers would prefer BB to be in control of a #1 pick. How many of us would prefer that a new GM be responsible for managing such an opportunity?

 

[rodderick]

Interesting point. Based on the chatter around here today, I wonder how many SoSHers would prefer BB to be in control of a #1 pick. How many of us would prefer that a new GM be responsible for managing such an opportunity?

If they have the number one pick they're starting over with a new quarterback after a terrible season and I want an offensive minded head coach making that move and developing that guy.

 

[Dogman]

Lol @ Cowboys losing before TB

TB are frauds

Not a game thread. Content and thought are required here.

Thanks.

 

[SMU_Sox]

This offense needs to be completely retooled and it is a 1-3 year project depending on how the next off-season shakes out. To me if they don’t take a QB I would go WR or Fashanu at OT. My preference is get the elite playmaker first. It’s a good year for WRs, OTs, and maybe 2-4 QBs. If they really don’t want to go QB, and I don’t blame them, I would trade back for a future first + more. Try and build OT and pass catchers this year. It’s not just about pick #5. Pick 37 could be good too!

 

[Bergs]

Am I the only one kinda enjoying a return to normalcy after 2 decades of insanity? So we suck for a few years. Fuck it.

But if I own the team, I have a hard conversation with BB. He can't buy the offensive groceries anymore, and he shouldn't be owning the entire coaching staff decision process either.

If he agreed to 3 years of "Defensive GM" and Head coach, great. If not, it might be time to blow the whole thing up.

 

[E5 Yaz]

If they really don’t want to go QB, and I don’t blame them, I would trade back for a future first + more.

This is my immediate thought process as well. They don't need just one guy to make this work, and it's going to take more than one draft+FA process. Even if they trade one of the eventual 2025 firsts, they need to restock the line and the wide receive corps.

However, BB the drafter has not had much in the way of success/luck recently in drafting at those two positions

 

[azsoxpatsfan]

This offense needs to be completely retooled and it is a 1-3 year project depending on how the next off-season shakes out. To me if they don’t take a QB I would go WR or Fashanu at OT. My preference is get the elite playmaker first. It’s a good year for WRs, OTs, and maybe 2-4 QBs. If they really don’t want to go QB, and I don’t blame them, I would trade back for a future first + more. Try and build OT and pass catchers this year. It’s not just about pick #5. Pick 37 could be good too!

If you don’t take a QB, don’t you almost have to just run with Mac and suck again next year? Using this draft to rebuild the line and get a playmaker, then use next year to get a QB? I simply don’t know enough about QB prospects to know if this is the right choice.

This team really looks like a 3-4 win team. I might be wrong but I think that could be enough to land #2. And if either the bears or panthers are #1, we have a chance to get Williams

 

[ShaneTrot]

They are only the fifth worse team in the league that is depressing. There are 4 teams worse than this crew, I find that hard to believe.

 

[Justthetippett]

This offense needs to be completely retooled and it is a 1-3 year project depending on how the next off-season shakes out. To me if they don’t take a QB I would go WR or Fashanu at OT. My preference is get the elite playmaker first. It’s a good year for WRs, OTs, and maybe 2-4 QBs. If they really don’t want to go QB, and I don’t blame them, I would trade back for a future first + more. Try and build OT and pass catchers this year. It’s not just about pick #5. Pick 37 could be good too!

This is really going to come down to their grades on the different QBs but there's really no better way to get your QB than through the draft, and if you have a chance to grab a top guy you need to take it. Top talent at the other positions shakes free in FA just because of volume. I take your point that it is going to take a total rebuild but, that rebuild needs to be around the QB.

 

[E5 Yaz]

They are only the fifth worse team in the league that is depressing. There are 4 teams worse than this crew, I find that hard to believe.

It might be late early, but it's still early

 

[BaseballJones]

I will say this about BB - when he realized that Cam wasn't the answer, he changed course quickly and drafted Mac. And I think as it becomes crystal clear (if it hasn't been already, it sure looks like this year is bringing that clarity) that Mac isn't the answer either, he won't hesitate to try to change course at QB again.

Right now NE has the 2nd worst point differential in the NFL, and is tied for the fewest wins. They're on course for a top-5 pick. Let's say they manage to win some games and are in the top 10. What QBs are looking like the top prospects?

Caleb Williams, USC
Drake Maye, UNC
JJ McCarthy, Michigan
Bo Nix, Oregon
Michael Penix, Washington
Quinn Ewers, Texas

This mock draft from two days ago has the Pats getting both a top WR *and* one of these QBs:

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2-round-2024-nfl-mock-draft-week-5-2023/

7) New England Patriots: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Patriots would love a shot at one of the top two quarterbacks in the NFL Draft, but unless they continue to be injured at a ridiculous rate, they likely won’t be bad enough to be in contention. However, a difficult schedule could change that.

As it stands, they need help on the outside. Emeka Egbuka is the kind of receiver who should be relatively QB-friendly because he’s such a natural separator. That’s a skill that is not currently present on the Patriots’ roster.

38) New England Patriots: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Mac Jones is not necessarily a bad quarterback, but he’s also not one that an organization can win because of. If the situation surrounding him was perfect, say, if he’d been drafted third overall by a West Coast team, maybe we’d be looking at him in a different light.

But the Patriots need someone who can create because their weapons surely can’t. It’s possible they look to Bo Nix to being that guy.


So if the Pats somehow could get Egbuka and Nix, that would make for a good start to the rebuild.

 

[BigSoxFan]

I will say this about BB - when he realized that Cam wasn't the answer, he changed course quickly and drafted Mac. And I think as it becomes crystal clear (if it hasn't been already, it sure looks like this year is bringing that clarity) that Mac isn't the answer either, he won't hesitate to try to change course at QB again.

Right now NE has the 2nd worst point differential in the NFL, and is tied for the fewest wins. They're on course for a top-5 pick. Let's say they manage to win some games and are in the top 10. What QBs are looking like the top prospects?

Caleb Williams, USC
Drake Maye, UNC
JJ McCarthy, Michigan
Bo Nix, Oregon
Michael Penix, Washington
Quinn Ewers, Texas

This mock draft from two days ago has the Pats getting both a top WR *and* one of these QBs:

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2-round-2024-nfl-mock-draft-week-5-2023/

7) New England Patriots: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Patriots would love a shot at one of the top two quarterbacks in the NFL Draft, but unless they continue to be injured at a ridiculous rate, they likely won’t be bad enough to be in contention. However, a difficult schedule could change that.

As it stands, they need help on the outside. Emeka Egbuka is the kind of receiver who should be relatively QB-friendly because he’s such a natural separator. That’s a skill that is not currently present on the Patriots’ roster.

38) New England Patriots: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Mac Jones is not necessarily a bad quarterback, but he’s also not one that an organization can win because of. If the situation surrounding him was perfect, say, if he’d been drafted third overall by a West Coast team, maybe we’d be looking at him in a different light.

But the Patriots need someone who can create because their weapons surely can’t. It’s possible they look to Bo Nix to being that guy.


So if the Pats somehow could get Egbuka and Nix, that would make for a good start to the rebuild.

I feel like we’ll be talking about this a lot. Assuming Pats finish somewhere in the 5-10 range, do you trade up and nab Maye or do you take best possible skill position/OT in Round 1 and get someone in the Nix, Ewers, Penix, etc. group with the Round 2 pick?

You nab Fashanu for LT, a good QB prospect in Nix, and go out and spend on Tee Higgins, for instance, you’d have a much different looking team.

 

[BaseballJones]

I feel like we’ll be talking about this a lot. Assuming Pats finish somewhere in the 5-10 range, do you trade up and nab Maye or do you take best possible skill position/OT in Round 1 and get someone in the Nix, Ewers, Penix, etc. group with the Round 2 pick?

You nab Fashanu for LT, a good QB prospect in Nix, and go out and spend on Tee Higgins, for instance, you’d have a much different looking team.

Yes BUT....let's be honest - we have no idea if Nix or Penix or Ewers are going to be any better than Mac in the NFL. But....you gotta take a shot at it.

 

[Cellar-Door]

They are only the fifth worse team in the league that is depressing. There are 4 teams worse than this crew, I find that hard to believe.

Well not really, they're tied for 2nd worst since you can't do tiebreakers yet.

 

[BigSoxFan]

Yes BUT....let's be honest - we have no idea if Nix or Penix or Ewers are going to be any better than Mac in the NFL. But....you gotta take a shot at it.

Nope, we don’t. But I think that you simply have to move Mac for whatever paltry return you can get and let him try somewhere else. Both parties need a hard reset.

This feels like a draft with some really good top end talent. I’m both excited and horrified about the prospect of the Pats navigating it with a high pick.

 

[JOBU]

Am I the only one kinda enjoying a return to normalcy after 2 decades of insanity? So we suck for a few years. Fuck it.

But if I own the team, I have a hard conversation with BB. He can't buy the offensive groceries anymore, and he shouldn't be owning the entire coaching staff decision process either.

If he agreed to 3 years of "Defensive GM" and Head coach, great. If not, it might be time to blow the whole thing up.

Is this normalcy? To me normalcy was years 1-3 post Brady. I’d take that in a coked out hummingbird’s heartbeat. This year is completely fucked.

 

[DeadlySplitter]

The rash of injuries to their best side of the ball and what we saw today - I really think a top 5 pick might be in play, even with Bill trying his best to squeeze wins out of this group.

 

[mcpickl]

Yes BUT....let's be honest - we have no idea if Nix or Penix or Ewers are going to be any better than Mac in the NFL. But....you gotta take a shot at it.

Definitely.

Until you have your QB, you have to take shots in the draft to find one.

Unless you are somehow able to build a 49ers type wagon, nothing matters without the QB.

 

[lexrageorge]

This offense needs to be completely retooled and it is a 1-3 year project depending on how the next off-season shakes out. To me if they don’t take a QB I would go WR or Fashanu at OT. My preference is get the elite playmaker first. It’s a good year for WRs, OTs, and maybe 2-4 QBs. If they really don’t want to go QB, and I don’t blame them, I would trade back for a future first + more. Try and build OT and pass catchers this year. It’s not just about pick #5. Pick 37 could be good too!

The Pats desperately need elite talent, not more Kyle Dugger's.

 

[BaseballJones]

The Pats desperately need elite talent, not more Kyle Dugger's.

Yes but… Dugger is pretty terrific.

 

[lexrageorge]

Yes but… Dugger is pretty terrific.

I don't know - he seems good, but hardly terrific. The Pats offense needs a lot more than maybe-borderline Pro Bowl players. Watching the Dallas-49'ers game last night was a real eye opener; the Pats are right now multiple tiers from deserving to be on the same field as San Francisco.

 

[BaseballJones]

I don't know - he seems good, but hardly terrific. The Pats offense needs a lot more than maybe-borderline Pro Bowl players. Watching the Dallas-49'ers game last night was a real eye opener; the Pats are right now multiple tiers from deserving to be on the same field as San Francisco.

He was a good pick but I agree with you - they need a lot more help on the offensive side of the ball.

 

[moondog80]

If BB ever gets the #1 overall pick for NE, he'd probably trade down anyways. Or use it on defense.

No chance. None.

 

[rodderick]

Yes but… Dugger is pretty terrific.

He was very good while playing closer to the line of scrimmage, this year's he's been pedestrian in a deeper role. They have Peppers and Mapu under contract to play the role Dugger is actually a difference maker at and in a deeper spot I think they can find better fits for a lower price. I'd re-sign him for reasonable money, but wouldn't extend myself.

 

[DJnVa]

Looking at the 0 and 1 win teams here, with current order based on Tankathon | 2024 NFL Draft Order

For the purposes here, I will define "winnable games" as games they are favored, or with a spread of 5 points or less as of today (from Survivorgrid, which likely hasn't updated based on yesterday).

1. Carolina (pick to Chicago) 0-5. Winnable games on schedule: 6 (Houston, Indy, @Chicago, Atlanta, Green Bay, TB)
2. Chicago 1-4. Winnable games on schedule: 5 (Min, LV, Car, Az, Atl)
3. Denver 1-4. Winnable games on schedule: 7 (GB, Min, Cleveland, @Hou, NE, LAC, @LV)
4. Minnesota 1-4. Winnable games on schedule: 9 (@Chi, @GB, @Atl, NO, @Denver, Chi, @LV, Detroit, GB)
5. New England 1-4. Winnable games on schedule: 8 (@LV, Was, Indy, @NYG, LAC, @Pit, @Den, NYJ)
6. Arizona 1-4. Winnable games on schedule: 6 (Atl, @Hou, LAR, @Pit, @Chi, Seattle)
7. NY Giants 1-4. Winnable games on schedule: 7 (Was, NYJ, @LV, @Was, NE, GB, LAR)
8. Las Vegas 1-3. Winnable games on schedule: 8 (GB, NE, @Chicago, NYG, NYJ, Min, @indy, Denver)


I'd quibble with some of these lines, but that's what we have right now. Mostly because the Rams appear a few times, and with Kupp back, I think those lines should move a bit.

Biggest games (should you be rooting for the Patriots to draft as high as possible):

Week 5: Las Vegas to beat Green Bay this evening.

Week 6: Chicago over Minnesota, Las Vegas over New England, Arizona over LAR.

 

[azsoxpatsfan]

I think Denver, LV, the Giants, and AZ are good enough that they’ll win like 5-7 games. I don’t think any of them are truly in contention for the top pick, despite their records atm

 

[Saints Rest]

Has a team ever before possessed the top 2 picks in a single year?

 

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

I am not trying to sell people on Penix here as I am well aware of his limitations and that his protections/weapons may be inducing an Alabama effect. But I wouldn't rule him out as a prospect just yet either.

 

[peeves5478]

Has a team ever before possessed the top 2 picks in a single year?

I know the Colts did in 92

 

[BigSoxFan]

FYI, I started a similar thread yesterday. Don't really care which one is used but think we should consolidate.

https://www.sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?threads/official-patriots-2024-draft-pick-watch-thread.40704/#post-5779940

 

[Dogman]

Yep, I merged the two threads.

 

[cshea]

I think Denver, LV, the Giants, and AZ are good enough that they’ll win like 5-7 games. I don’t think any of them are truly in contention for the top pick, despite their records atm

The Giants are terrible. Like probab,y worse than New England. They have a worse point differential and are a miracle half against Arizona from being 0-5.

Speaking of Arizona, they are frisky but I can’t see them winning more than 3 games with Josh Dobbs at QB.

We’ll see with the Raiders and Broncos. I tend to thinkthe Raiders have enough talent to get to 5-7 wins. The Broncos are a clusterfuck and could easily be a 3 win team.

The Bears and Panthers are also in the mix. The Bears looked horrible but appear to have figured something’s out on offense the past 2 weeks. No idea if it is sustainable but Eberflus and Fields may be coaching/playing for their jobs. The Panthers are bad but on the bright side they have no incentive to lose.

 

[Saints Rest]

I know the Colts did in 92

Holy crap was that an awful draft.
Three of the arguably best 4 players from that drafted were drafted (consecutively, ironically) in the middle of the 2nd round: Jimmy Smith, Darren Woodson, and Levon Kirkland -- with Troy Vincent as the only first round pick worth much.

And for those like me, who have forgotten what the Colts did with their windfall of picks 1 and 2 overall, they drafter Steve Emtman and Quentin Coryatt. Neither of them ever made a pro bowl, and they had a combined 5 years as primary starter for their teams.

 

[Moviegoer]

And who among the 'contenders' would be most likely to pick a QB? A few of these teams have just put a huge investment in one and they might not be willing to cut bait quite yet. Especially as a) the QB they have hasn't been a total horror show, and is arguably still developing, and b) they all have waaay bigger, more pressing holes to fill than QB.

Or is this Williams kid really such a generational talent that all previous plans go right out the window if the opportunity to get him is there?

 

[Moviegoer]

nvm double post

 

[Over Guapo Grande]

Holy crap was that an awful draft.
Three of the arguably best 4 players from that drafted were drafted (consecutively, ironically) in the middle of the 2nd round: Jimmy Smith, Darren Woodson, and Levon Kirkland -- with Troy Vincent as the only first round pick worth much.

And for those like me, who have forgotten what the Colts did with their windfall of picks 1 and 2 overall, they drafter Steve Emtman and Quentin Coryatt. Neither of them ever made a pro bowl, and they had a combined 5 years as primary starter for their teams.

I dunno- Desmond Howard was a Superbowl MVP. And yes, way too soon.

 

[BaseballJones]

If the Patriots don't think Mac is the guy, and in this draft they think that Caleb Williams or Drake Maye can be the guy, and they have a chance to get either of them, it's a no-brainer, that's who you pick up. It may mean you don't get Harrison or some other OT or whomever. But if Williams or Maye are there and they like either of them, they HAVE to make that move. You do not get many chances at a top pick at the QB position. You can use your other picks to get tackles and receivers, plus you've got tons of $$ to add talent. But you don't often get a shot at an elite QB in the draft.

 

[jtn46]

Speaking of Arizona, they are frisky but I can’t see them winning more than 3 games with Josh Dobbs at QB.

At some point Arizona probably plays Kyler, either because they intend to ride with Kyler or because they want to boost his trade value if they plan to pick a QB.

 

[j44thor]

If the Patriots don't think Mac is the guy, and in this draft they think that Caleb Williams or Drake Maye can be the guy, and they have a chance to get either of them, it's a no-brainer, that's who you pick up. It may mean you don't get Harrison or some other OT or whomever. But if Williams or Maye are there and they like either of them, they HAVE to make that move. You do not get many chances at a top pick at the QB position. You can use your other picks to get tackles and receivers, plus you've got tons of $$ to add talent. But you don't often get a shot at an elite QB in the draft.

I agree they should take Caleb or Maye if possible. Most draftniks I follow had both rated higher than any QB that was drafted last season and if the rumors are true that Sanders may come back for his Sr. year to end up the QB1 in 25 then that leads me to believe the 25 class won't be that great either. If both Caleb and Maye are off the board then it comes down to a top WR or OL I think unless Ewers has a strong finish to the season. I'm fine with Bo Nix or Penix in the 2nd but older QBs on elite teams scare me.

 

[azsoxpatsfan]

The Giants are terrible. Like probab,y worse than New England. They have a worse point differential and are a miracle half against Arizona from being 0-5.

Speaking of Arizona, they are frisky but I can’t see them winning more than 3 games with Josh Dobbs at QB.

We’ll see with the Raiders and Broncos. I tend to thinkthe Raiders have enough talent to get to 5-7 wins. The Broncos are a clusterfuck and could easily be a 3 win team.

The Bears and Panthers are also in the mix. The Bears looked horrible but appear to have figured something’s out on offense the past 2 weeks. No idea if it is sustainable but Eberflus and Fields may be coaching/playing for their jobs. The Panthers are bad but on the bright side they have no incentive to lose.

The Cards and Pats are the only teams I pay close attention to, and the Cardinals look way better than the Patriots. I think they could win 5-7. LV and Denver both look like 5-7 win teams as well, maybe LV can pull out 8 or 9. The Giants and Panthers are horrific, but the Giants just dropped $160m on Danny Dimes, and the Panthers owe their pick to the Bears, and maybe Justin Fields continues looking this good and they don’t want a QB. I think either the Patriots get first overall, or first overall gets traded. I just don’t see any teams that might get the first pick but don’t already have a plan at QB

 

[HomeRunBaker]

They are only the fifth worse team in the league that is depressing. There are 4 teams worse than this crew, I find that hard to believe.

This team was not that bad prior to the Judon and Gonzalez injuries. One of the most difficult schedules in the league over those first 4 weeks. Without these two however...well, we just saw that our defense can no longer carry the team without them.

Short Rant: I hate how the word "tank" is overused. There isn't a single player on the field for any of these teams fixing games to get their hands on Caleb....certainly not the QB who will lose his job. Unless coaches are following directives from above they are going full-blown Herm Edwards to try and save their jobs. New England isn't going to actively tank, they don't have to as bad as they are now. Carolina isn't going to actively tank as they are also awful. Maybe someone like the Giants hold out Barkley but aside from that the players and coaches on the bad teams are going to play to win the game....they only appear to be "tanking because they suck. That isn't "tanking!"
/endrant

 

[lexrageorge]

This team was not that bad prior to the Judon and Gonzalez injuries. One of the most difficult schedules in the league over those first 4 weeks. Without these two however...well, we just saw that our defense can no longer carry the team without them.

Short Rant: I hate how the word "tank" is overused. There isn't a single player on the field for any of these teams fixing games to get their hands on Caleb....certainly not the QB who will lose his job. Unless coaches are following directives from above they are going full-blown Herm Edwards to try and save their jobs. New England isn't going to actively tank, they don't have to as bad as they are now. Carolina isn't going to actively tank as they are also awful. Maybe someone like the Giants hold out Barkley but aside from that the players and coaches on the bad teams are going to play to win the game....they only appear to be "tanking because they suck. That isn't "tanking!"
/endrant

This team had to lose in order to get the #1 pick, and almost pulled off an upset(*) victory:

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199212270nwe.htm

*: It would have been upsetting in many ways, as the Pats would have ended up with Rick Mirer as their QB. The 2-14 Seattle Seahawks would have taken their local hero, Drew Bledsoe, who only threw for 32,642 more yards than Mirer.

But my favorite "must tank" game remains this:

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198112200clt.htm

The Pats had the lead a couple of times facing the corpse of Bert Jones. And pulled within 2 in the 4th quarter. Bad news is that the Pats ended up with Ken Sims.

 

[ehaz]

And who among the 'contenders' would be most likely to pick a QB? A few of these teams have just put a huge investment in one and they might not be willing to cut bait quite yet. Especially as a) the QB they have hasn't been a total horror show, and is arguably still developing, and b) they all have waaay bigger, more pressing holes to fill than QB.

Or is this Williams kid really such a generational talent that all previous plans go right out the window if the opportunity to get him is there?

The Cards and Pats are the only teams I pay close attention to, and the Cardinals look way better than the Patriots. I think they could win 5-7. LV and Denver both look like 5-7 win teams as well, maybe LV can pull out 8 or 9. The Giants and Panthers are horrific, but the Giants just dropped $160m on Danny Dimes, and the Panthers owe their pick to the Bears, and maybe Justin Fields continues looking this good and they don’t want a QB. I think either the Patriots get first overall, or first overall gets traded. I just don’t see any teams that might get the first pick but don’t already have a plan at QB

I think we're all forgetting about the Commanders. Granted, they are not as horrible as the Giants, Panthers, or Patriots, but they do not have a future at QB and will at least be within striking distance.

Anyways we should also be considering the teams that are likely to trade for the first pick. There are definitely a couple teams out there that could feel they're a QB away from competition and throw out a Trey Lance style mega-offer for the #1 pick. Among the names that haven't been mentioned, I think the Falcons and Commanders fit this bill. Possibly Vegas, Tampa, and Pittsburgh too. If the Patriots are sitting at #5 overall or something do we really think Bill Belichick would make an offer to try to beat out three firsts from the Falcons?

 

[Silverdude2167]

I think we're all forgetting about the Commanders. Granted, they are not as horrible as the Giants, Panthers, or Patriots, but they do not have a future at QB and will at least be within striking distance.

Anyways we should also be considering the teams that are likely to trade for the first pick. There are definitely a couple teams out there that could feel they're a QB away from competition and throw out a Trey Lance style mega-offer for the #1 pick. Among the names that haven't been mentioned, I think the Falcons and Commanders fit this bill. Possibly Vegas, Tampa, and Pittsburgh too. If the Patriots are sitting at #5 overall or something do we really think Bill Belichick would make an offer to try to beat out three firsts from the Falcons?

If he can then flip his early second into a first next year, I would say yes.

I am far more bullish on this team than probably anyone else on this board so...get Caleb or Maye and then draft O-Line help and this is a playoff team next year. The defense when healthy is a top 5 unit in the league, fix the O-line and QB and they will be good.

 

[Zososoxfan]

I am not trying to sell people on Penix here as I am well aware of his limitations and that his protections/weapons may be inducing an Alabama effect. But I wouldn't rule him out as a prospect just yet either.

It's really weird to have Penix ranked as one of the best QB prospects when my most vivid memories of him are being mediocre at IU in 2021. TBF, he was promising to very good in the two seasons before (with the caveat that one of those seasons was the COVID year).

I've written and deleted 2 posts about it, but I'm very curious to hear what our draftniks and especially @SMU_Sox think of JJ McCarthy. I watch him every week and I'm enamored with his game (huge Michigan bias for sure). Looking at his stats, he just doesn't throw the ball nearly as much as his more highly touted peers, but man he's as toolsy as it gets. Strong AF arm able to make all the throws, reads defenses well, good pocket presence, and a real factor with his legs to boot (no pun intended).