UPDATED: Patriots did well to land former Jets guard and first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tuckerlate on Monday night. He was my highest-rated guard. I wouldn't quite be done yet at the position, given his vast injury history and that he's mostly been a right guard, but it's a good move.
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Some thoughts on the Patriots' slow start to free agency, what might be coming, and updated like/don't like lists while contemplating if the team will hold this year's free agency press conference in a broom closet (I kid) ...
• What a difference a year makes. On the first day of tampering last year, the Patriots took the NFL world by storm and quickly. Looking back at last year's live blog, these were the times on the first day:
12:43 Robert Spillane 1:09 Carlton Davis 1:31 Morgan Moses 2:11 Milton Williams 4:50 Khyiris Tonga 5:38 Josh Dobbs 7:05 Mack Hollins
That was the first day, March 12. The Patriots started back up again on March 14 with K'Lavon Chaisson, Wes Schweitzer, Marcus Epps. Garrett Bradbury happened on March 18.
That the Patriots have only coughed up, so far, DE Dre'Mont Jones and FB Reggie Gilliam, an indictment on New England's brass? I wouldn't say that. I would say it's more indicative of the good work they did last year and in the draft to sure up a lot of the holes that dotted this roster.
• The biggest question is, are the Patriots better than they were when they walked off the field in Santa Clara? Of course they aren't — but there are still a lot of options for them to get a lot better. Maybe they are deadset on trading for AJ Brown, or another receiver trade emerges (Brian Thomas Jr.). There are plenty of guard and tight end upgrades out there. There is still time for the Patriots to get better. But also remember that Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolftold all of us at the combine that they were building, and they mentioned depth.
• Sorry to say I told you so, but a slow start in spending should not have been a surprise. My new updated available cash budget total is $48,199,533. Of course, that could be increased by the Krafts, and I think they would should the right opportunity present itself, like some sort of trade.
• Do they need to replace Stefon Diggs? Heck yeah. This situation, where the market got carried away again (Patriots were very interested in Alec Pierce and Jalen Nailor at a reasonably high price), is why I was against moving on from Diggs so early. I would have seen the market played out and gone from there.
• Where are things on the Brown trade front? Patriots are still interested, but they are not going to overpay in a trade. I'm guessing they are willing to bet that other potential suitors move on. I'm still not a big fan of Brown at this point, I think he's declining, but the Patriots might have boxed themselves in, and there are worse guys to stick your neck out for than someone you have a long history with.
• I watched Jones in both his games against the Patriots (Titans and Ravens), and I like the player and see how he's their type of player, but I would have aimed higher for more pass-rushing impact. He's powerful (ask Will Campbell, who he got a couple times, and Jared Wilson - beat on a stunt for a sack) and has some speed and explosiveness (ask Vederian Lowe), but it's far from a polished product. I can see how the Patriots think they can get him to a higher level, like K'Lavon Chaisson. But I'm not sure their pass rush is dramatically improved. Jones is still more of a scheme pass rusher and part of an ensemble.
"Jones plays hard. Tough. Inside rusher on pass downs is decent. Power," said one OC who faced him.
• I love Reggie Gilliam and the physicality he brings. Bring the physical offense to Foxboro! Of course, a lot more needs to happen.
• I'm updating my depth chart and needs list.
• For fun, here are some options at the top free agent needs I have that I think will still make people happy, even if they are bummed out with no fun today:
• Thinking out loud: Does anyone think the Patriots could get jumbo Steelers TE Darnell Washingtonin a trade? The former third-round pick is about to enter his walk year. A future second? He would solve Y TE in a big way.
• Good for Tonga (KC) and Vederian Lowe(SF) getting real money elsewhere. I think the Patriots really fouled up the Tonga thing. No reason for him not to be here.
• Now that the charges have been dropped against Christian Barmore(upset that it happened before Diggs), I would sell high on him if I'm the Patriots.
• Patriots couldn't land a receiver last year, so they put the money into Milton Williams. The Patriots could do another zag this year. The question is, what would it be for? Could it be a Trey Hendrickson?
UPDATED LIKE/DON'T LIKE LISTS HEADING INTO DAY 2
WIDE RECEIVERS I'M IN ON
Brian Thomas, Jaguars (trade): This would all depend on pre-draft reports because he totally fell out of favor in Jacksonville, and it's a bad sign if a team gives up on a talented player still on a rookie deal. But he's got it all except top-end speed. The Patriots would have to depend on their scouts.
Alec Pierce, Colts: Has all the physical tools to be a No. 1 X receiver at 6-3, 211 pounds and 4.4 speed. NGS had his top speed at 21.3 (for comparison, speedster Rasheed Shahid was 21.72), and that real speed shows up on film. A former volleyball star, he's a great leaper, and he has very good playing strength. Looks durable. Still has room to grow as a route runner. Needs to get better at not powering down at the top of routes, as agility is not a strength. It would be a strong bet that his best football is in front of him after a poor QB/coaching situation in Indy. STAYED WITH COLTS
Jalen Nailor, Vikings: Have no idea what his deal was in Minnesota because he's too talented and is too good a route runner not to have more production (career high is 29-444-4), even as a No. 3 behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Just on film, Nailor is faster and runs better routes than Pierce, and it's not really close. I would love to be able to have conviction on this guy and attack him first in free agency, but there's a definite bust factor. However, again, his film is fantastic. SIGNED WITH RAIDERS
Dyami Brown, Jaguars: He's intriguing because he is thickly built and has good speed. I wouldn't mind pairing him in the slot with fellow UNC alum Drake Maye (they just missed each other).
Olamide Zaccheaus, Bears: If you're looking for a lower-cost slot option, he's worth looking into since he's built better (5-8, 190+) than the Pop Douglases and Wan'Dale Robinsons of the world. Not sure how well he can block, but he did have 228 of them this season.
WIDE RECEIVERS I'M OUT ON
A.J. Brown, Eagles (trade): Clearly already declining, and you're going to give up premium picks and pay him $20+ million a year? No way. He's a hitch, slant, and back-shoulder guy now. Can't run away from anybody. I'd much rather keep my picks and spend my money on Pierce, Nailor and/or the draft so Maye can grow with someone. Brown is maybe a two-year guy?
Jauan Jennings, 49ers: Good possession receiver and route runner, but not very explosive (18.9 top speed).
Rashid Shaheed, Seahawks/Saints: A burner and very quick, but you should have this in Kyle Williams. BACK TO SEAHAWKS
Romeo Doubs, Packers: He's fine if you have to have somebody, but you should be able to find this type in the draft. And he's hurt a lot. SIGNED WITH PATRIOTS
Wan'Dale Robinson, Giants: Quick as a hiccup, but he's really small (5-8, 185) and doesn't block. More physical than Pop Douglas, but I don't think it's what the Patriots are looking for. SIGNED WITH TITANS
Van Jefferson, Titans: Will turn 30 but is still speedy (21.6 mph), and I've always had a thing for him as a great route runner (father is Shawn). Wish I could make him into a slot, but I don't think he's very tough or blocks.
GUARDS I'M IN ON
Alijah Vera-Tucker RG, Jets: Perfect blend of athleticism and toughness. Only question is durability. And he's never stayed healthy. But, man, the upside is huge. If I got Vera-Tucker and backed him up with a draft pick, I'd move on from Onwenu. The juice is worth the squeeze. SIGNED WITH PATRIOTS
Ed Ingram, Texans RG: He's a little light, but his athleticism is very good, quick at the point of the attack, and getting to the second level. Shows toughness. He's very intriguing to me. 27 years old. BACK WITH TEXANS
John Simpson, Jets: Will be 29. OK, this one surprised me because Josh McDaniels cut him in Vegas due to maturity issues. He's clearly a plug and play upgrade over what Wilson gave you. Has some nasty, strength and gets to the second level. SIGNED WITH RAVENS
Zion Johnson, Chargers: Looks every bit the 17th overall pick with plus athleticism and some strength. Still only 26. He was part of an awful line, but how much of that was situation/personnel around him? Traits are there and he looks pretty smart. SIGNED WITH BROWNS
Joel Bitonio/Wyatt Teller, Browns: Teller has been on the downturn the past two seasons, but the word is it was all because of lower-body injuries. The Browns' bookend guards are rough and tumble, and Vrabel was with them in 2024. I think you could at least get another good season out of both of them, if you're looking to buy time for a couple of draft picks.
Daniel Faalele, Ravens RG: Will turn 27. He's freaking huge (6-8, 380) but he can get down and he moves people. Has played both tackle spots in the past. Could give you some coverage at tackle as well, and that wouldn't be a bad thing.
Teven Jenkins, Browns: Former second-round pick of the Bears who just turned 28. Jenkins played 45 games in Chicago during his four years, meaning he missed six games a season (the offensive line version of Carlton Davis). You question his fitness a little, and his durability is the huge question, but he's physical with a little nasty and has never allowed more than 17 pressures in a season. Definitely worth a flyer. Was not there when Vrabel was with the Browns. I think there might be some football character issues here, but I'm not sure on that. Puzzling he didn't get an offer to start anywhere. BACK WITH BROWNS
Dillon Radunz, Saints: Former Vrabel second-round pick with the Titans in 2021. Will be 28. He's not bad and has positional versatility all along the line, but if Vrabel didn't bring him in last year (he was a minimum-salary guy), why would this year be any different?
GUARDS I'M OUT ON
Isaac Seumalo (Steelers) and David Edwards (Bills): Expected to be the top of the market, but they are way too finesse for me. Good pass blockers, but I want more in the run game. Watching the film of their offenses is like watching college film. Can someone please fire off out of a three-point stance?! EDWARDS TO SAINTS; SEUMALO TO CARDINALS
Kevin Zeitler, Titans RG: Almost 36 years old. But he does look the part. Stopgap at best if you strike out on others.
Dylan Parham, Raiders: Not physical or strong enough.
Dalton Risner, Bengals: No. Bad body and very limited athletic ability and strength.
Chris Paul, Commanders: Absolutely not.
TIGHT ENDS I'M IN ON
Cade Otton, Bucs: He's basically Hunter Henry five years ago with a little more wiggle in the pass game. Has some explosion, makes tough catches and is good on screens. A willing blocker and doesn't mind doing the dirty work, but not sure if this solves any blocking issues. STAYED WITH BUCS
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Titans (move type): A fourth-round pick of Vrabel in 2022, Okonkwo is the fastest tight end in free agency (20.4 mph), and it shows up on film in his ability to quickly make himself available in the seam and on sail routes. Doesn't do a great job of fighting through contact and can get caught up. Will likely be the cheaper version of Isaiah Likely. Willing blocker, just not a very good one (33 pressures allowed!).
Charlie Kolar, Ravens: Not used much in the pass game, but this guy is a live wire who is kind of all over the place with a lot of enthusiasm. Sort of a dirty work guy, but he can pop once in a while in the pass game. SIGNED WITH CHARGERS
Daniel Bellinger, Giants: In the pass game, he's a long strider with a gait similar to Rob Gronkowski and finds a way to get open. Only one drop all season. Very willing blocker who also lines up as H-back/fullback. Good technique and finds the right assignments. Type of player you want on your team. SIGNED WITH TITANS
Jake Tonges, 49ers: Got some time with injures and he produced 34 catches for 293 yards and 5 touchdowns. Kyle Shanahan liked to use him in the screen game and he can move a bit (19.2 mph). Was asked to run block 158 times and produced a good PFF grade of 77.9. The 27-year-old looks like Austin Hooper with a lot more juice.
TIGHT ENDS I'M OUT ON
Isaiah Likely, Ravens (move): Not very explosive, more of a possession type. And there's a reason why the Ravens keep so many tight ends - he doesn't block much (19 pass block snaps). SIGNED WITH GIANTS
David Njoku, Browns: He's 30 now, and durability is an issue. Quickly looks to see if the play is over when he's blocking inline. Still a really good red zone receiver.
EDGES I'M IN ON
Odafe Oweh, Chargers: He's long and powerful, and coming into his prime at 27. SIGNED WITH COMMANDERS
Boye Mafe, Seahawks: He's 27 and at 6-4 and 261 pounds, he fits what the Patriots like to do with their chaos up front. SIGNED WITH BENGALS
Arnold Ebiketie, Falcons: He would be the K'Lavon Chaisson of this group. A former second-round pick, it's never totally come together for him for whatever reason. It seems like there's room to grow with the right coaches.
Joseph Ossai, Bengals: Hasn't turned 26 quite yet. I've always really liked him on film. Another possible Chaisson candidate at 6-4, 263.SIGNED WITH JETS
Samson Ekubam, Colts: Missed 2024 with an Achilles tear and wasn't at full strength last season. Could he get there in '26? Could be a smart bet.
Malcolm Koonce, Raiders: Similar to Ekubam, missed all of 2024 after being an ascending player. Josh McDaniels knows him. He could be revived. BACK TO RAIDERS
Azeez Ojulari, Eagles: Still 25 and a really good run defender. Needs some help to unleash the pass rush. Another Chaisson candidate.
EDGES I'M OUT ON
Trey Hendrickson, Bengals: I'm not interested in a 31-year-old edge at the top of the market on a long-term deal. If he's fine with two years and some dummy years, then I'm fine as well.
Jaelan Phillips, Eagles: Seems to be always injured, but he dominated when he got to Philly last year. Low term and reasonable money, I'm in on him. SIGNED WITH PANTHERS
SAFETIES I'M IN ON
Kevin Byard, Bears: A former centerpiece for Vrabel with the Titans, he's still a really good player at 32 years old. Perfect guy to run that room and get a draft pick ready to take his place.
Bryan Cook, Chiefs: Underrated player who is hitting his prime at 26 as a two-way safety. Will probably get paid. SIGNED WITH BENGALS
Coby Bryant, Seahawks: If you're looking for a middle-of-the-field safety (Patriots should be), Bryant is the fastest of the group at 21.5 mph but he's better against the run. SIGNED WITH BEARS
Kamren Kurl, Rams: Known as a run thumper, he's solid enough in coverage. BACK TO RAMS
SAFETIES I'M OUT ON
Reed Blankenship, Eagles: He's toast whenever he's in coverage. SIGNED BY TEXANS
Jaquan Brisker, Bears: He's among the slowest safeties available.
FULLBACKS I'M IN ON
Reggie Gilliam, Bills: Very powerful blocker and is really good in the pass game. Physicality is his middle name. SIGNED WITH PATRIOTS
Patrick Ricard, Ravens: The Maine product is a big dude at 6-3 and nearly 290 pounds. If you're looking for a fullback/tight end/tackle — and the Patriots might be — he's your guy.
