Patriots Offseason Needs NFL 2022: Free Agency And Draft Preview
I live in Massachusetts now, so I have been looking forward to writing this post detailing the New England Patriots offseason needs as just about everyone I hang out with are Patriots fans. The Patriots had a very solid year behind rookie quarterback Mac Jones. Now, it’s time to see how I can improve this team and help them get back to the dominance that they enjoyed for two decades.
Patriots Free Agency
Let’s go to the open market, shall we? First off, what in the hell are they doing with JC Jackson? Why let him go? That makes no sense. He’s a premier corner and should be treated as such, franchise tag him, extending, I don’t care just bring him back. The Patriots are working with only nine million in cap space right now, there are a few big contracts that could be cut like Agholor, Godchaux, and Lawrence Guy. Given the hefty contracts they gave out last offseason, they just are not in play for a big-time wide receiver, so they’ve hamstrung themselves. If they cut Bourne or Agholor, then we can talk. Then Chris Godwin might have a chance, Allen Robinson, someone who can truly scare a defense can come in and force a defense to truly account for them. Hell even Amari Cooper if he gets cut.
The best thing they can do is address the defense, get better in the secondary. Keep JC Jackson, but if they let him walk (like idiots) then go after Stephon Gilmore, Carlton Davis, or Casey Hayward. If you want more of a B player, then Steven Nelson or Charvarius Ward. Get this secondary right to keep up with the Bills and the other top contenders in the AFC. Then for the defensive line, it’s okay, but it could be better. Akiem Hicks is a solid option. Then at linebacker, both Hightower and Bentley are projected to be free agents, so either bring one back or find one in free agency, De’Vondre Campbell is one name I’d love.
Patriots Draft
This is where you attack wide receiver, the draft classes are getting more and more loaded with pass catchers. Go for the best pass catcher you can get. George Pickens, Chris Olave, Jameson Williams (if you can live with the injury). Find that young wide receiver who is ready to dominate the league. Outside of that, there aren’t a ton of needs, so draft the best player available. Get another corner, get a linebacker if you must. Just draft the best player on your board and move on.
The Patriots have been dominant, and had one “bad” year in the past 22. This offseason is aimed to build with a young core and a quarterback on a rookie contract. This team has the potential to go deep in the playoffs, but they need to build their offense to go blow for blow with Kansas City and Buffalo.
