The New England Patriots have ended their offseason program and now break until training camp later this month. While players are out of the facility, plenty remains to break down.
So, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
Ricky Hot Pants:
What are ( or should be ) the Patriots’ priorities?
– Gonzalez extension
– Jacus signing
– linebacker depth
– tight end depth
The top two are already in order. Signing Gonzalez to a long-term contract is the No. 1 thing left on the to-do list after completing
the A.J. Brown trade. The Patriots have reiterated throughout the offseason that that is their plan, and the hope is that is completed soon so Gonzalez can participate for the entirety of training camp.
Jacas, then, is No. 2 as the lone second-round pick left unsigned. The pre-draft injuries appear to be the holdup as second-round picks are now looking for fully guaranteed contracts, but the Patriots need immediate help on the edge which Jacas provides.
To complicate matters No. 1 and 2: Gonzalez and Jacas share an agency.
Adding depth then rounds out the list, but I’d target tight end over linebacker — especially as Mike Vrabel alluded to them adding at that position.
1. When should we expect a TE2 candidate to be obtained (my guess soon)
2. Adding another vet MLB added (my guess – late Aug/Sep)
3. If Jacas isn’t going to be of use this year, is there enough in house, or do they get someone? – bags368
- I would guess shortly before or after training camp begins.
- I’d wait until around cutdown day. See what you have in Chad Muma, K.J. Britt and Namdi Obiazor.
- Jacas will be behind, but I still believe he can be a contributor this season (unless he is not on the field for training camp). Even then, they might still need someone else on the edge.
Bradyn Swinson was considered a steal when selected in the 5th round, as some “experts” had him in the top 100. Why did he drop so far in the draft and is there a good chance that he can live up to his top 100 potential? – MySoxAreRed
The main issues were off the field. That led to him getting cut out of training camp last year and Swinson himself admitting he needed to learn how to be a better pro. The coaching staff has spoken highly of him this offseason and he clearly has the talent, so I would not completely rule him out becoming a rotational piece in Year 2.
The run defense really fell off when Williams and Spillane were hurt last season and now the team is without Tonga or any linebacker depth – with a tougher schedule this year can the run defense still be counted on as a strength? – slunkywontergreen
After a poor showing in the Super Bowl, a big point of emphasis this offseason was improving their run defense along the edge. It’s why Dre’Mont Jones was signed in place of K’Lavon Chaisson, while Gabe Jacas’ physicality will also make an impact. I believe the hope is those additions plus the rest of the defense returning should make it a tough unit to run on again.
How will the Pats’ defensive scheme be different in 2026? They shed some veteran LB (Tavai, Jennings, Mapu) , added run stuffing Edges (Jones, Jacas), lost speed on the Edge (Chaisson), and beef at NT (Tonga).
4 DL, 2 LB, 5DB for all 3 downs?
Make it make sense. – WannaBe Pats GM
I would not expect many changes schematically. They still will primarily play four-down fronts with some five-down early looks and major in nickel with Marcus Jones on the field. Based off of the spring, one big change could be the inclusion of more three safety nickel, with free agent signing Mike Brown assuming that role.
Is there a chance that Behren Morton could overtake Tommy DeVito as QB2? – mathblaster97
Would be a surprise after the spring. In practices we observed Morton barely took any competitive reps.
We saw huge improvent in the OL last year from the preceding season, and they’ve continued to add talent thru the draft and free-agency. The bar wasn’t set high, of course . . .
What are the chances that through second-year jumps, another year in the system (for everyone but the newcomers) and the new acquisitions add up to an above-average unit this season? – ed.liebfried
On paper, this group definitely has the talent to be an above-average unit. That is, however, assuming Will Campbell builds off the first-half of his rookie season, Jared Wilson plays better back home at center, and Alijah Vera-Tucker shows his talent at left guard.
But, there is a chance Campbell continues his second-half struggles, Wilson struggles at center, and Vera-Tucker — or even Morgan Moses — do not stay healthy. If health is not a factor, I’d bet on an above average unit.
Favorite Patriot player of all time? My is Ted Johnson – spyponder90
I will always have a soft spot for Wes Welker. He deserves a red jacket and is one of the more underrated wide receivers in general for his era in the league.
That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.
