The Patriots’ future finally looks bright under Mike Vrabel | Mark Daniels
This feeling will not be any different. The same can be said about the lineup.
A year ago, the Patriots collectively whipped on free agents. In the draft, they select the prospects in demand, rather than the best available. The 90-man lineup looks uncompetitive and lacks depth and high-quality talents.
This is obvious during the offseason. It was seen in boot camp. This is obvious in another frustrating football season. Despite these missed reasons last year, the Patriots were unable to form a good team, which cost Jerod Mayo and many others their jobs.
But, this year, it has an impressive difference.
The lineup of Mike Vrabel, Eliot Wolf, Ryan Cowden and the new Patriots staff is a big step in the right direction. Compare the roster with the 2024 roster and compare it to the current one, and it is not close yet.
Although Vrabel joked during the offseason that the Patriots “winned” in free agents, the fact is that we can actually see arrows pointing to arrows inside Gillette Stadium.
Vrabel returned clearly to Foxborough, and he wanted for the team he wanted – on the court and on the situation. The Patriots added a former captain's laundry list in free agents and in the final three days of the draft. They also built an impressive depth that has already shamed last year’s lineup.
On Saturday, Patriots vice president Ryan Cowden said crews will step on the gas pedal. They are optimistic about the future, but not complacent.
“When we're done (Saturday), you can keep chasing. After we signed the drafted players, the first thing we'll look at on Monday said: 'Where aren't good enough? Where are we not filling? Where are we not having enough depth?'” Coudon said. “It’s a constant tough look, really focusing on your roster, where we need to be better. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s a real thing. Once you think you’re good enough in one position, you should look at it again because you probably aren’t.
“Look, we're very excited. We're really excited.”
Last year, I was excited for different reasons. Drake Maye marks the beginning of a new era. Maye is the most important draft pick in recent Patriots’ memory, giving a struggling franchise.
But the lineup built around him lacks almost everything.
The Patriots' offensive line is one of the worst offensive lines in franchise history – allowing 52 sacks (most since 1999). Broad receivers struggle with human coverage. In the receive code, none of the receivers are completed in the top 50. Patriots' best guard Rhamondre Stevenson groped seven times.
The attack around Maye was splashed out. The team is once again close to the bottom at the bottom of the score.
On the defensive side, the Patriots finally ended the NFL in the sack. Outside Christian Gonzalez, they lack organizers. That team allowed opponents to score 417 points. That is the third largest in franchise history. Last season's defensive yardage allowed 2233 yards of rushing. That is the seventh most allowed in franchise history.
On the special team, Joey Slye scored 78.8% of his shots. That was the 27th place in the NFL – at the end of the 2023 Chad Ryland, which was the 27th place.
This time, this new Patriots Brass brings together a competitive roster — at least on paper. Between free agents and drafts, the Patriots add talent to almost every level of offense and defense.
On the offensive line, the Patriots added veteran right tackle Morgan Moses, senior center Garrett Bradbury and veteran defender Wes Schweitzer. In the draft, they landed the upper left tackle, Will Campbell, arguably Jared Wilson's best center. Among the receivers, they brought in professional bowler Stefn Diggs, veteran Mack Hollins, and one of the most explosive players in the draft, Kyle Williams. On the run back, they chose Treveyon Henderson, one of the best organizers of the draft class in this class.
Vrabel also strengthened his defense everywhere.
Milton Williams, Khyiris Tonga and rookie Joshua Farmer strengthened the interior of his defensive line. The defender department has been upgraded with Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens. The current edge sprinters include Harold Landry, K'lavon Chaisson and rookie Bradyn Swinson. The cornerback group added Carlton Davis. In a safe situation, former Marcus Epps and rookie Craig Woodson were added to the depth map.
Most importantly, the Patriots chose the best kicker in the draft, Andres Borregales.
As we all know, the offseason did not win the game. The roster on paper makes no sense. But this time, the Patriots look like a team that is finally popping in the right direction.
It was a huge relief after a back-to-back 4-win season.