With the combine and draft fast approaching, Bill Belichick and his coaching and scouting staff have their hands full. One of the downfalls Bill frequently mentions about playing into late January/February is that they are a step behind in the scouting process. Now, they have a general idea of what they are looking for and a large list of names to pick from, but now they have to hone in on a handful of prospects. However, there is more than just the draft to replenish the ranks. Between trades and free agency, the team often makes under the radar acquisitions that are glossed over now but heralded come December. Who could fit that bill this year?
*For the purpose of this blog we will leave out their own free agents. Flowers, both Browns, and Shelton, amongst others, will not be considered.
Keep Dreaming
- Julio Jones
- With the perpetuating narrative of the need for an outside receiver, no matter how many times that notion is proven false, there is a need for a receiver nonetheless. With the falcons having Mohamed Sanu and up and coming rookie Calvin Ridley, there has been speculation Julio is on the trading block. And he’d be a great fit. One of the few receivers who can be effective both in the slot and outside the numbers, he is one of the best all around receivers in the NFL and would be welcome on any team. One of the defining factors of Patriots receivers is that they can be possession receivers. There two best possession receivers, Edelman and Welker, have career catch percentages of 63 and 73 respectively. Jones is sitting pretty at 65%. He also averages more yards per catch/per game than both just by the nature of his game. He fights through press coverage, makes plays on 50/50 balls, and, maybe most importantly, isn’t a diva like the other top receivers in the league. He is as close to a perfect receiver as you can get. But there are downsides to acquiring him.
- First, what would you have to give up to get him? While the team is stocked with picks, do they want to have to surrender a second and third round pick for a receiver on the wrong side of 30? You also need to consider his contract. He has a 13.5 million cap hit this year, followed by a 13 million hit in 2020. While those aren’t gaudy numbers, it is more than 3x what Edelman makes and accounts for 75% of your space right now for this upcoming season. And the biggest question- would he be able to gain Tom’s trust? Doesn’t matter how athletic he is; if he can’t get on the same page as Tom he will be a repeat of Chad Ochocinco in 2011.
- OBJ
- HAHA.
Possible but not likely
- Grady Jarret
- Every Pats fan remembers him from his dominate Super Bowl performance against the Patriots that went by the wayside. With a need at defensive tackle a young, 25 year old stud that can fill gaps and push the pocket could be molded into the next Vince Wilfork. Only problem is Atlanta won’t let him get away. With the option to franchise tag him and an unwillingness to lose a home grown, top tier stud, the Falcons will give him more money that NE will be offering and he will stay in ATL.
- Landon Collins
- The 25 year old safety from New York is a bruising safety that has shown the ability to lead a defense. While his style of play is becoming less and less common, there is still a place in the NFL for his style. And with his talent he will be a hot commodity. However, Pat Chung is still on the roster and the guy they seem to be grooming to take his place, Obi Melifonwu, is only 22 and on a cheap deal. But, with the potential retirement of Devin McCourty creating not only a talent void but a leadership void, Collins could be a viable option to replace him.
- Tyrann Mathieu
- Ever since he came out of LSU he has been linked to the team. But for the reasons listed above for Collins, coupled with the fact he isn’t as talented as Collins, he is likely to go elsewhere.
- KJ Wright
- The Seattle linebacker has been one half of the most formidable linebacker duo in the NFL since 2010. Coming off a knee injury, and with Bentley coming back healthy, the only one Wright ends up here is on a one year deal for cheap money. Expect Seattle to offer him something along those lines and keep him in the northwest.
- Golden Tate
- With a need at receiver and Tate fitting the mold more closely than Jones or Beckham, it’s feasible Tate is in blue and silver next year. But, some team, probably Philadelphia, will offer him a 4 year deal in the 30-40 million range that the Patriots wont match.
Order your jersey now
- Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
- While Collins will be more expensive and Matthieu undersized, Clinton-Dix is a probable move. After being traded by Green Bay to Washington, the jury is out on Clinton-Dix. What better place to get better and improve the leagues perception on you than in New England. You’re telling me he would turn down a one year, 1-2 million dollar deal to try and make the team? Offer a small guarantee and if he gets cut, no big deal, if he shines in camp and makes the team, you have a motivated, young player on a great deal.
- Deone Bucannon
- Close your eyes. Picture a 26 year old, 6’1 220 pound hybrid linebacker/safety. Now open them. That is Deone Bucannon. Being able to play the rover roll in the secondary that Chung has done so excellently since 2014, Bucannon is bigger, faster, and younger. The ways Bill would deploy him make me feel all sorts of ways.
While the crop of free agents is top heavy this year, there is quality to be found if you look hard enough. Whether it be via trade or free agency, expect the team to acquire some guys you’ve heard of, and be ready for them to acquire even more you’ve never heard of.
Bowles' Blog 