Quick thoughts:
If you know much about me, you probably know that corners and safeties are my absolute favorite players in the world of football. I've long debated which position is most important...I still go back and forth arguing with myself. Lately, I've been leaning more toward the safety, only because your safeties are your last line of defense. However, having a shutdown corner and a top notch safety both, would be my dream come true! Considering my Patriots need a little help to boost their secondary, should they look to the draft to fill the void, or use the free agency market? With one of my favorite veteran corners being released today, part of me can't help but hope that the Patriots will show some interest in Brandon Flowers. He needs a ring, he's still got some gas in the tank...will he be willing to take a pay cut to come to New England?
The biggest obstacles New England faces this offseason, heading into free agency and the draft, are the Dont'a Hightower situation and retaining our secondary.
- Last season, Dont'a Hightower turned down a deal from New England for $10 million per season...with another Championship under his belt and him arguably entering his prime, the 27 year old LB will most likely demand more money this year. New England will either have to pay up, or lose one of the strongest leaders on their team.
- With Logan Ryan set to become a free agent, and Malcolm Butler a restricted free agent, the Patriots have some tough decisions to make. Though it seemed questionable at times, New England had one of the top ranked secondaries this past season. Malcolm Butler was ranked the 5th best cornerback in the league, and Logan Ryan 38th. When push came to shove, they buckled down and got their jobs done. Since both Ryan and Butler are Super Bowl Champions, and both have some experience under their belts, their stock went up. It's fair to say both corners have performed well enough to desire and demand significant money in their new contracts. Whether New England will pay them what they want, remains to be seen, however it is unlikely, considering there have been very few players the Patriots have viewed as vital and irreplaceable. It would be hard to swallow if the Patriots lose two of their best defenders this offseason.
Who could replace Hightower?
My pick would be Haason Reddick from Temple. Reality: he'll long be off the board once the Patriots are on the clock. Since we're World Champions, we pick last in the first 3 rounds. And it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest for New England to trade out of the first round...as they often do.
Assuming the Patriots don't get Reddick, because well, lets face the obvious, there's plenty of other LB's the Patriots will be able to target in the 3rd and 4th rounds. New England is no stranger to drafting lesser talked about players and turning them into stars by developing their full potential.
Okay so what about the secondary?
As far as corners go, I think the Patriots make an effort to keep at least one of the two, when it comes to Butler and Ryan. After that, there are corners in free agency the Patriots could sign and help remold them to fit into their scheme. Brandon Flowers comes to mind, Prince Amukamara, Sam Shields, Stephen Gilmore...there's some corners available. Just getting them to adapt to New England's system would be the biggest challenge.
Now, I am the biggest Jabril Peppers fan...not just because he played at Michigan, but because of his talent, skill, and versatility. While he participated with the linebackers and safeties at the combine, I see him at his best as a safety. There's nothing I'd love more than to see him in a Patriots uniform. Safety, punt returner, using him in the wildcat...I get overly excited just thinking about it.
Likelihood of that happening? Slim to none.
How do we address the offensive line?
The Patriots are in need of finding another option at center and a guard. While our offensive line wasn't absolutely atrocious this past season, there's of course room for improvement. I would use the free agency market to shop for a guard...TJ Lang from Green Bay would be a good option, Kevin Zeitler from Cincinnati would be my second choice. I wouldn't be opposed to either. I just don't see much talent as far as guards go in the draft. The same story goes for centers. I would again look to free agency to find a center. One that's had my attention the past few weeks is JC Tretter from Greenbay; he's young with lots of unexposed potential. Joe Hawley from Tampa Bay suffered a leg injury that hindered his performance toward the end of the season, however at 27, I think he's young enough to bounce right back.
Bring back Bennett?
Since Martellus Bennett has long been one of my favorite players, I was absolutely stoked when New England signed him. I've supported him since his very first season in Chicago and always told everyone he was ridiculously underrated. Considering Gronk hasn't been able to stay healthy for an entire season the past few years, it seems important to me that we resign Bennett. His skill set, durability, and just flat out passion for football makes it almost a no brainer to me. I think Martellus Bennett proved himself to be incredibly valuable this season and a huge difference maker. I say pay the man and keep Party Marty in New England.
As always,
Go Patriots.
