The new england patriots (4-13 in 2023) will have a head coach and general manager not named bill belichick for the first time since 2000.
It has been said that no one wants to be the one to follow the man — belichick’s career included 266 victories, 18 playoff appearances, 17 division titles, six super bowl championships, and three ap NFL coach of the year awards — but first-year head coach jerod mayo is up to it.
Though mayo is the second-youngest head coach in the nfl (37), and he has no previous experience, he has been on the patriots staff since 2019 as an inside linebackers coach. Last season, patriots owner robert kraft hand-picked him to replace belichick. the patriots could have new starters at various positions, including quarterback, a need the team is likely to address with the no. 1).
In april’s draft, the 3rd overall pick was chosen. Here’s what you need to hear about new england’s offseason. projected 2024 cap space: $69.86 million (third-most in the nfl) free agents | offense: qbs Nathan Rourke, Garrett Gilbert; WRs Kendrick bourne, matthew slater, jaen reagor, tre nixon; tes hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Tyrone Wheatley jr., and kyle Dugger; safe But with one of football’s worst rosters, there aren’t many players who should be re-signed as priority players.
Offensively, Bourne (37 receptions, 406 yards, four tds), henry (42 receptions, 419 yards, six tds), and brown (579 offensive snaps, 17 hurries, and three sacks allowed) are players that could be brought back and play a crucial role in 2024.
The only players worth keeping are Uche (37 tackles, 28 hurries, six QB hits, three sacks), wilson (37 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles), and Dugger (109 tackles, seven passes defensed, five pass breakups, and two interceptions).
All three are 27 years old or younger and may be part of new england’s long-term plans.
The #Patriots own the No. 3 overall pick in April’s draft and could target their quarterback of the future. Van Pelt has spent most of his two decades in coaching working with QBs, and now could play a big role in developing another. https://t.co/MmeGjkmG5a
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 1, 2024
QB, WR, OT, RB, and TE — it’s clear that quarterback is at the top of New England’s priority list after the performances of mac jones and bailey Zappe, who combined for 16 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
Caleb williams, drake maye, and jayden daniels are all set to be a solid foundation for the mayo period. Three of the pats’ top five receivers (elliott, henry, and bourne) have been free agents this season, so replacing them is also a priority.
The 2024 draft class is loaded at receiver and has some solid depth at both running back and tight end, so new england should have options at both positions on day 3. There are also a lot of starting-caliber tackles in the draft, so don’t be surprised if the patriots grab one of them early as well.
