Answering questions submitted by Twitter followers.
“What positions should the Patriots focus on for free agency vs. the draft?” ~ @CoreyWalterJ
Any NFL team’s positional needs heading into an off-season typically vary depending on the future outlook of that organization. For most positions, there is no pre-determined plan for draft night until after the first couple weeks of the free agency period. Unrestricted free agents can sign with any of the 32 teams, leading to outcomes that are difficult to predict.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, the Patriots have a glaring need for a franchise quarterback. With a lack of appealing quarterbacks in the 2024 free agency, New England will likely be looking for a quarterback in the 2024 draft already.
During free agency, if the Patriots can sign a young receiver like Michael Pittman or Calvin Ridley, they might slide offensive tackle forward as a need during the draft. Instead of spending a first-round pick on a tackle, they could select a lineman in the second or third round.
No one has the crystal ball with all the answers to what positions New England could already be pre-determinedly set on taking in the draft. If New England continues to fall down the draft order with Bailey Zappe continuing to pile on late-season wins, they might not even decide to draft a quarterback early in the draft. Once most of the 2024 free agents have been signed, we can finally begin deep diving into New England’s draft needs.
Regarding free agency, based on the offensive performance we have seen from New England the last two seasons, it may be best for them to fortify that side of the ball as soon as they can.
“Is your ideal backup QB for next season already in the Patriots building, or outside of it?” ~ @CFC_617
As we near the end of the 2023 regular season, it is obvious Mac Jones is a broken quarterback and needs a change of scenery in 2024. Jones did not work out the way fans and the organization had hoped, but most of Jones’ struggles could be argued to be a product of a lack of stable offensive coaching and a poor situation.
Bailey Zappe has seen more success on the field than Mac Jones has in 2023. Some of his late-season success could result from a fresh arm and a confidence boost since he hasn’t had to deal with the mental hurdles Jones did. However, Zappe seems to be improving with every game he starts. Given that he has done this for several weeks without fizzling out like other backups do, Zappe may very well be a serviceable quarterback.
If New England decides to bring another quarterback for 2024, Zappe seems to make the most sense as a serviceable backup quarterback.
“If you were the Head Coach, do you have the confidence to build around Bailey Zappe?” ~ @realandrew4nier
Continuing with the Bailey Zappe talk, he could be a serviceable starting quarterback for a couple of years. However, I think he still needs to show more on the field for Belichick to give him the keys to the offense. Yes, Zappe can win you football games, but we have yet to see him lead an offense for an entire season.
If the Patriots are in a position to select one of the top three ranked quarterbacks in the 2024 class in Williams, Maye, or Daniels, they may be better off selecting one of those three to be their starter. Now, if Zappe adds two more wins to his resume and New England continues to fall down the draft board, an argument can be made to start Zappe and fortify the offense for a future prospect.
If New England were to fall into the draft order, there would be many other alternatives, but I can see that as a possibility.
“Is Jayden Daniels the pick if we don’t fall out of the top 5?” ~ @ZGR_KTF
The outcome of the Patriots’ first-round draft selection obviously depends on where they pick in the top five. But, for the sake of the question, let’s assume Jayden Daniels is the only quarterback available when New England is on the clock.
Outside of McDaniels, the other available consensus selections in that area of the draft board would likely be Penn State OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, LSU WR Malik Nabers, and Notre Dame OT Joe Alt. All three of those players would make sense for New England if they were to pass up on Daniels.
However, New England will not expect to draft in the top 10 next year, as no organization expects that of themselves heading into the regular season. Given the uncertainty of being able to draft a top quarterback prospect in 2025, New England may need to take a shot at Jayden Daniels in the 2024 draft.
