The NFL Draft is less than one month away as the New England Patriots continue to hit the pro day circuit and host prospects at Gillette Stadium on so-called 30 visits — all while continuing to make minor moves to the current roster.
So with plenty of moves to go, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
Assuming no further roster changes between now and the draft, what position of need do you think we should pick at #31: DL, ED, LB, OL, S, TE, WR? Or should we just go BPA? – poindexterregan
It largely depends on who is on the board, but edge remains the biggest need on the roster and aligns with the talent that is projected to be available around that pick. Players like Clemson’s T.J. Parker, Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, Missouri’s Zion Young, UCF’s Malachi Lawrence, and Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas are all potential options in that range on the consensus big board.
The wild card is if someone at another position falls — perhaps wide receivers KC Concepion and/or Denzel Boston.
You’re in the drivers seat in the Patriots War Room during the draft. Pats are on the clock at #31. No teams are offering a reasonable trade. The following 6 names are all STILL on the board:
Max Iheanachor (OT)
Cashius Howell (Edge)
Denzel Boston (WR)
CJ Allen (LB)
Zion Young (Edge)
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S)
Gone: Blake Miller, TJ Parker, KC Concepcion, Caleb Lomu, Kayden McDonald, Kayden Proctor, Omar Cooper
Who’s your pick and why? – Sdpatsfan84
If the Patriots are open to playing more three safety nickel and dime defense next season, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would be my pick. He is the best player among this group and would be a fun, playmaking addition to the current depth chart; all while New England could still find a talented edge rusher and pass catcher on day two.
New England hosted McNeil-Warren on a 30 visit, so perhaps they are open that evolution on defense (Mike Vrabel did say at the Combine he was open to new ideas). If they are not looking for that box safety though, I’d probably lean Howell as an explosive edge rusher with elite bend.
Despite our need for edge rushers, I am quite underwhelmed by the edge prospects in this year’s draft class. At least, I’m not sold from where we pick at #31 through the second round. They all seem to lack athleticism or the few that do aren’t 3 down players. Do you agree? What do you think the Patriots do at edge in the draft? – Sportzballer
It’s a great point, Sportzballer. It’s a talented edge class but tough to find a complete player down where New England is picking. You have groups of explosive rushers who have size concerns (Cashius Howell, R Mason Thomas, etc.) and then bigger rushers who project more as hand in the dirt players (Zion Young, Keldric Faulk, etc.). That’s why I’ve gravitated more and more towards Malachi Lawrence, who is an explosive athlete with good size and length.
Two related questions . . .
A. Would a Gonzo restructure make the trade for A.J. Brown impossible?
B. What are the chances the Pats see someone they really want and trade up in round 1? – ed.liebfried
A. Any potential Gonzalez restructure would not kick in this season. So no, it should not impact any A.J. Brown addition. Acquiring Brown this year would more likely impact someone like Mike Onwenu or Christian Barmore — two players who are owed big cash payouts this season.
B. I’d see a trade up more likely on day two but certainly a possibility for the right type of player. Something on my mind lately: Would you trade similar picks from an A.J. Brown package to instead move up for Jordan Tyson? Perhaps the WR1 of the class, injury concerns (lingering hamstring, multi-ligament knee injury in ’22) have left some projecting Tyson to slide into the 20s. The talent is clear and it would be enticing to pair Maye with a 21-year old with that potential. May be worth the risk.
The Pats have 11 picks in the 26 draft. I highly doubt they will make all 11 picks. How many picks do you think they trade to either move up in the 26 draft or back to the 27 draft? My guess is they come out of the 26 draft with 7 or 8 guys and trade 3 or 4 picks. Especially if they need to send 2027 picks the Phila. for Brown. – Depotfox
Even if it is not up into the 20s, I do think they will move around the board slightly. I’d put the line at them making 8.5 draft picks currently.
Do we have any indication of how Landry will recover (e.g. players with similar injuries)? That really affects our draft. – Cadishack22
No word yet on Landry’s recovery this offseason. He did hint at offseason surgery at the end of last season, though.
“I’m going to get my knee right, and we’re going to get right back to it.”
Who gets an extension first between Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas? – For Pats Sake
I wouldn’t be in a rush to extend either player and would not even be certain at this time (as we await the draft and the A.J. Brown saga continues) that either will be extended. If I had to pick one to keep, however, it would be Boutte.
What are your thoughts on adding Odell Beckham Jr on a one year deal as another end zone option? – WillisMcGooberstine
I’ll pass. Odell will turn 34 this season and did not play football last year. Not sure who he would be an upgrade over on the current roster.
What off-season activities/hobbies do you suggest some bored sports fans can get into for a couple months while football is on hiatus? – LandenPatz1
You’re asking the wrong guy, Landen. These months include watching college football prospects with a mix of Bruins hockey at night.
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.
