Just like that, the most hyped about offseason procedure has already passed us by. The NFL draft has come and gone, and what many people thought happened in NE, a trade down to obtain more picks. I figured based on the lack of late round picks, the Pats and BB wouldn't stay put at 29 regardless of the talent that was available. They received a plethora of picks so the Vikings can move back into the first round (3rd pick for them) and get a dynamic player in Patterson. I say the Patriots made out pretty well getting four picks, to help add depth. So lets look at some key points this offseason the Patriots had.
1) The biggest move this offseason in my opinion is the resigning of Sebastian Vollmer. A guy that doesn't received a lot of recognition, he has battled injuries and performs at a high level. He not only excels at the run blocking game(most RT are known more for this responsibility) but he also has been great in passing downs. Vollmer can be considered in the top three for right tackles by most, but I would rank him as the top right tackle. I did say injuries has affected his playing time, but when healthy the guy has been a stu, and deserved the contracted extension that was fairly cheap.
2) Bringing back Aqib Talib was also an important decision, as he improved the defense as a whole. Also with Dennard not receiving any jail time this year, he will be ready to go as well. The reason I'm not sold entirely on Talib is last season the Pats got to the Superbowl without a stud corner anyways. Talib no doubt is a difference maker, but we will see with a full season if he keeps working hard, or if he fades during the season. Regardless, I don't see him mixing well in the future past this year.
3) The surprise decision to not resign Wes Welker will pay dividends to the future of the Patriots. If Welker was signed for say 3 yrs 24 mil you invest 8 mil a season and leave little flexibility. The Patriots got Amendola who is younger, and has the same characteristics as Welker for 5 yr 31 million. For a guy who is 27, and hasn't peaked due to quarterback inconsistency and no weapons around him. Also I believe Donald Jones will be a quite, but good pickup. Like Amendola, he had a bad QB in Fitz, who only tended to target Stevie Johnson and Scott Chandler. Jones will be a solid two receiver and will get chances to make plays.
4) CFL acquisitions in Jason Vega and Arnold Armstead will have their work cut out for them. It seems this year a lot of competition will happen at nearly every position. Armstead to me seems like a classic pass rushing guy who will sub in for Wilfork. He has good hands and footwork that fooled offensive lineman last season. Vega is thrown into a bunch that includes; Jones, Nink, Francis, Cunningham and others. He did get a 3 year deal which surprised me, so he must be in the future plans if they rolled out a 3 year deal.
5) The draft was highlights with a classic BB approach in acquiring more picks via a trade down. I liked the move, getting four picks from the Vikings to help add depth. In my eyes Aaron Dobson was the best selection we had. A guy that is 6'2" 210 pounds, he made some circus catches at Marshall. He is a big, strong guy who can spread the field. The stat I found with the most meaning. no dropped catches last year for him, so sure hands seem like a given. Josh Boyce was another good pick. He ran a 4.38 40 time, and put up 22 reps on bench. He seems like a strong, athletic kid that will add depth as maybe a 5th receiver. On the defensive side of the ball, Logan Ryan will help add depth to a weak cornerback committee. I didn't like the selection on Duron Harmon, feel like it was a wasted pick with getting Tavon Wilson last year. I believe Steve Beauharnais will be a solid rotational guy and special teamer. Jaime Collins is someone who on tape showed me he can read that spread offense that has been more popular in the NFL of recent. He reads the ball well and swarms whoever ends up with the ball. Look for him to get worked in like Justin Francis did last year, as a pass rusher off the edge.
Overall, I felt free agency was a success though I rather have gotten Sean Smith because he has youth and a ton of upside at corner. I did like the moves at receiver and feel Tommy Kelly will help plug the middle now he has a superior guy next to him. As far as the draft, I felt there were better players available at certain picks that would have benefitted the team better (Margus Hunt, Quinton Patton). Regardless it's hard to tell what BB is going to do, but we know the Patriots always come away better as a team and compete. It should be fun seeing how some of the new faces develop. I plan on going to training camp and evaluate some guys better come August.
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