Patriots Keys to Successful Offseason?
The New England Patriots are well into a critical offseason. After watching the NFL Playoffs from home following an 8-9 regular season, a few moves need to be made to help the franchise best achieve its goal of returning to the postseason in 2023.
Find Franchise Left Tackle
"It all starts upfront" applies here to the road map to success for the Patriots, who struggled for consistency out of both tackle positions. Although it seems they may have already decided on right tackle after re-signing Conor McDermott.
The 30-year-old swing tackle started six games for the Patriots in 2022 and gave much hope he could make the right tackle spot his after surrendering just eight pressures. However, if McDermott is the choice at right tackle, then left tackle is the only remaining question mark.
The blindside of Jones saw both Trent Brown and Isaiah Wynn rotate at the spot, and neither seemed to be the answer long-term. Brown gave up eight sacks and led the NFL with 13 penalties before Wynn replaced him in Week 11.
The upcoming NFL Draft class looks to have a bevy of potential left tackles for the Patriots to evaluate as they hold the No. 14 overall pick.
Add Playmakers, Including a No. 1 Wide Receiver
Even dating back to the 2021 season under then-offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the lack of a true No. 1 wide receiver stands out about the Patriots' offense.
Even with the breakout of the now pending free agent Jakobi Meyers, it hasn't been enough. New England needs to surround quarterback Mac Jones with more playmakers if they hope to have the best shot of making the playoffs.
Re-signing Meyers would be a big win, considering many see him as the top receiver available this coming offseason, but it is not enough.
Figure Out Outside Cornerback
The Patriots had a breakout at cornerback in third-round rookie Marcus Jones, giving them a slot corner and a return man. But despite the move of Jonathan Jones to the outside, the Patriots could use No. 2, who can play opposite of Jones.
Currently, Jalen Mills looks to be the answer as of right now, but he could be a cut candidate after injuries allowed to play in just 10 games; the Patriots could add another veteran or draft another rookie to replace Mills.
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