Off-Season Primer - New England Patriots

2023 Record- (4-13)

In 2023, the Patriots under Bill Belichick had one of their worst seasons in franchise history. After their 4-13 campaign, the coaching legend and team owner Bob Kraft decided to part ways amicably. 

The Patriots started the season 1-5 for the first time since 1995 and had their first back to back losing seasons since 1992-1993. The team's quarterback bench played terribly during the season, as Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe combined for only 3,392 yards and 16 touchdowns while throwing 21 interceptions. 

The Patriots had the 30th ranked offense and never seemed able to get a running game going to help out their passing offense. Veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott let the team in rushing with 642 yards in 17 games. 

On defense, the Patriots were tough against the run, only giving up 93 yards a game on the ground. Their overall defense was ranked #7 and helped keep them in games. New England had 3 players total 100 tackles or more (Ja’Whaun Bentley (114), Jahlani Tavai (110), and Kyle Dugger (109).

Draft Picks

Round 1 - (3)

Round 2- (34)

Round 3- (68)

Round 4- (104)

Round 5- (136)

Round 6- (182)

Round 7- (229)

Free Agents

Projected Cap Space - Approximately $101MM

S-Kyle Dugger

Edge- Josh Uche

T- Mike Onwenu

T- Trent Brown

RB- Ezekiel Elliott

WR- Kendrick Bourne

TE- Hunter Henry

TE- Mike Gesicki

RB- Ty Montgomery

WR- Jalen Reagor

TE- Pharaoh Brown

OT- Riley Reiff

Edge- Anfernee Jennings

LB- Terez Hall

LB- Mack Wilson

CB- Myles Bryant

CB/S- Jalen Mills

S- Cody Davis

The Patriots are coming off their worst season since 1992 when they went 2-14. But there is reason for optimism in New England. The club has over $101MM dollars of cap space to work with in free agency and not many of their own free agents are worth retaining, making them dangerous on the open market.

One free agent they may look to re-sign is safety Kyle Dugger. Dugger is a versatile safety who has been a productive member of the Patriots' secondary.

On the offensive side of the ball, with running back Rhamondre Stevenson returning to lead the backfield, the Patriots will more than likely let veteran runner Ezekiel Elliott walk away after one season in New England. But the Patriots are set to lose both tight ends in Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see them trying to re-up one or both of them.

Biggest Needs 

QB

T

WR

TE

LB

New England needs to start over at the signal caller position and draft or invest in a new franchise quarterback. The Mac Jones era is coming to an end in New England after suffering through another below average season. With the #3 pick of the draft, look for the Patriots to select either Jayden Daniels of LSU or Drake Maye of North Carolina. They could also invest some of their cap space in higher end veterans like Baker Mayfield or Kirk Cousins, or even trade back and secure Justin Fields from Chicago for second and third day picks.

The Patriots have a roster full of #3 wide receivers and need to improve the position. With their cap space and draft position in a deep receiver class, the team could invest part of their $100 million in free agency, signing a quality veteran and still have the draft capital to take one early in the selection process. 

On the defensive side of the ball, linebackers Ja’Whaun Bentley and Josh Uche are free agents, so the Patriots should try and grab a young linebacker in the 3rd-4th round range to supply some future depth at the position.