Gone are key offensive pieces in Damien Harris, Jakobi Meyers, Jonnu Smith, and Isaiah Wynn. As for direct replacements, the Patriots brought in veteran free agents JuJu Smith-Schuster, Mike Gesicki, and Riley Reiff. Smith-Schuster had a solid season in Kansas City, and will be vying for the WR1 spot. Gesicki never quite found his footing in Miami, but could fit in well as a receiving threat in two tight end sets with Hunter Henry. Reiff started at right tackle for the Bears the last two seasons, and was brought in to do the same for the Patriots. Depth at runningback is thin, with Ty Montgomery and second year back Pierre Strong the top options behind Rhamondre Stevenson. The team may look to add another veteran at the position before the season starts.
Top 10 Patriots plays | 2022 season
The loss of safety Devin McCourty to retirement is a big one, as he was a leader on and off the field. New England still has Adrian Phillips and Kyle Dugger, however, as well as plenty of depth at the position. The team re-signed Jabrill Peppers, can have Jalen Mills rotate between corner and safety, and drafted Marte Mapu in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Mapu is a versatile hybrid linebacker/safety prospect who can be used in different roles. He played a lot as a slot corner/box safety the last two years in college, but was playing mostly linebacker in organized team activities/practices for the Pats. Keep an eye on the legal status of cornerback Jack Jones. Jones is facing several charges from an incident in June at Logan Airport in Boston, where he was taken into custody and released on bail for attempting to board an aircraft with two loaded firearms.
After trading down in the first round, New England got a potential steal when they selected cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez, who has elite size, speed, and length, will be an immediate starter on the outside for New England. His versatility, as well as his willingness as a tackler will get him on the field early and often. Getting Keion White – who was seen as a potential late first round pick – in the second round was also a win. White shot up Draft boards this offseason due to his unique combination of speed/power and his versatility. He played mostly outside the tackle in college, but White’s elite size/athleticism will allow him to play both on the line and off the edge in Bill Belichick’s defense.
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