Remember when some New England Patriots fans were having hissy fits over what they perceived to be inactivity from their favorite team?
They’ve quieted down now that the Patriots are making moves every day.
Over the past week, the Patriots have signed Adrian Clayborn, Jeremy Hill and Matt Tobin, traded for Cordarrelle Patterson and re-signed Matthew Slater, LaAdrian Waddle and Marquis Flowers. That’s pretty solid after already trading for Danny Shelton and Jason McCourty and re-signing Rex Burkhead, Brandon Bolden, Nate Ebner and Brandon King.
Needless to say, the Patriots are looking pretty good heading into 2018, and they were wise to wait out the initial wave of free agency when prices are insanely overinflated.
Let’s get into this week’s mailbag.
Any news Doug on Derek Rivers? And if he is ready by Preseason do u see him having a big role this year? Thx
— @tod_rodger
It’s my understanding that Derek Rivers is ready for organized team activities and minicamp, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the Patriots took it a little slow with their 2017 third-round pick.
Rivers will be fine for training camp, however, barring any major setbacks. He tore his ACL last summer, so this is all to be expected. He’s on schedule for a full return.
I could definitely see Rivers taking on a big role in 2018. In an ideal world, I think Rivers would start as an edge defender opposite Trey Flowers in 2018. A more likely scenario, however, might be Rivers playing as a situational pass rusher to start the season, only to have his role increase as the season progresses.
Because of Rivers’ torn ACL last summer, he’s become a bit of a forgotten man this offseason. He essentially serves as an additional draft pick heading into 2018. He began to show promise as a rookie in training camp last year before the season-ending injury. The Patriots definitely could have used him in 2017 when they were signing guys off the street to play edge defender late in the season.
With all the WR depth that the Pats have, who stays and who goes?
— @kamitsisleon
Julian Edelman, Brandin Cooks, Chris Hogan and Matthew Slater are locks. Then I’ll throw in Cordarrelle Patterson and Kenny Britt.
I’d love to include Malcolm Mitchell because he was so good as a rookie in 2016, but I’m seriously concerned about his future after he missed all of last season with knee injuries. I think Britt is more of a sure thing to contribute vs. Phillip Dorsett, but it’s really close between those two players.
I’m excited to see what Riley McCarron can do during training camp. Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien mentioned him in the same breath as Wes Welker last summer. McCarron is definitely a freak athlete. He ran a faster 40-yard dash and 3-cone and had better broad jump and vertical jump measurements than Edelman. McCarron probably is destined for the practice squad, however.
What are your top 3 draft needs
for the Pats?
— @kamitsisleon
1. Offensive tackle
2. Quarterback
3. Linebacker
Despite signing LaAdrian Waddle and Matt Tobin and having Antonio Garcia on the roster, the Patriots still need more insurance at offensive tackle.
The Patriots need a quarterback to groom behind Tom Brady.
The Patriots ideally would draft a linebacker like Dont’a Hightower who can contribute as a pass rusher, in coverage and as a run defender. Georgia’s Lorenzo Carter seems like a good fit.
Where will the starting LT on openning day come from? #MailDoug
— @PatsSoxFanVA
The Patriots’ current roster. I think it will be Waddle.
is there a position fans might be overlooking that could be a NE draft target somewhat early? #maildoug
— @thisryanjackson
I think there’s a case to be made that the Patriots have needs at every position. We highlighted quarterback, offensive tackle and linebacker above.
Running back: Mike Gillislee and Jeremy Hill are only signed through this season. The Patriots could draft a player and have Gillislee and Hill compete for one spot.
Wide receiver: The contracts of Hogan, Cooks, Britt and Dorsett are up after the 2018 season. The Patriots could use another player who’s locked up long term.
Tight end: The Patriots need another starting caliber tight end regardless of whether Rob Gronkowski retires.
Guard/center: Shaq Mason will be a free agent next offseason and could cost big money on the open market.
Defensive tackle: Malcom Brown and Danny Shelton will become free agents in 2019 if the Patriots don’t pick up their fifth-year options. The Patriots could draft another player to compete with Vincent Valentine for a roster spot.
Edge defender: Trey Flowers, like Mason, is a free agent next offseason and could cost big bucks. The Patriots don’t know what they have yet in Rivers or Harvey Langi.
Cornerback: Eric Rowe and Jason McCourty are free agents next offseason.
Safety: The Patriots need an upgrade over Jordan Richards who ideally can play in the slot.
I could see the Patriots using a high pick on a tight end.
Should the Pats package a second rounder and move up for Rashaan Evans? I really want him and idk if he’s gonna be there at 31.
— @Caleb4Bama
I think if the Patriots move up in the first round, it would likely be for a quarterback or offensive tackle, not a linebacker.
The Patriots can get talented linebackers in later rounds. Offensive tackles and quarterbacks are harder to find.
Is Cordarrelle Patterson trade a signal of the end of Cyrus Jones journey with Patriots? He had problems as CB, but had value as returner, which he had problems too. #MailDoug
— @gcabreu87
No, because Cordarrelle Patterson doesn’t return punts. He only returns kicks. I expect Cyrus Jones to be on the 2018 roster unless the Patriots use a high pick on a cornerback in the draft.
Looking at the Pats D an I really think They have the potential to have a very good Pass rush dis yr I think they have a ton combos they can mix and match and would love to see a 3rd pass rush line of Hightower DE with Clayborn and Flowers at DT and Wise or Rivers at the other DE
— @Willjeff43
That’s definitely not a question, Willjeff!
Manziel?
— @coach_jmcgovern
After the Patriots signed Tim Tebow, pretty much anything is now on the table as long as Bill Belichick is head coach.
The fact that Johnny Manziel has practice squad eligibility makes things interesting. The Patriots could sign Manziel and draft a quarterback.
It probably won’t happen, though. He doesn’t seem to be a grinder like the Patriots require out of a quarterback, and his history of domestic violence allegations usually is a non-starter for the Patriots.
Let’s go rapid fire.
How do you feel about UConn signing Dan Hurley?
— @DanielVConnolly
I don’t really care about UConn or URI, but it seems cool.
Still waiting on your question for me. Ask me anything. I have the answer.
— @Hamatake40
Who’s your favorite Patriots beat reporter whose last name rhymes with dyed?
Did u c the new Deadpool trailer
— @CheyenneSulli14
I have a confession to make: I didn’t love the first “Deadpool.”
You get your Avengers Infinity Wars tickets yet?
— @TommyG64010544
No, I have a baby. I haven’t even seen “Black Panther” yet.
What round do you see the Patriots drafting a QB?
— @Malachi1017
Second.
Rank bagels, toast, and English muffins (1. Toast 2. English muffin 3. Bagel)
— @zlehan91101
1. Bagels
2. English muffins
3. Toast
I guess that depends on the type of bread for toast, though. Too many variables.
Bagels are definitely No. 1, though.
Saw TO picked his HOF presenter. So my question is, when (IF) Brady retires, who does he choose as his presenter and why?
— @rlbyrne29
Probably Alex Guerrero.
#maildoug Which beat writer is the first to get pranked by the McCourty twins switching identities?
— @MrQuindazzi
Not me, I’ll say that much. I think they’re very easy to tell apart.
Sup? #MailDoug
— @June__NYC
I’ve been watching “The Office” on Netflix a bunch. I’m already on Season 7, and I only restarted it a week or two ago.
I’m watching the madness right now, though, even though my bracket is completely busted.
Now that Daniel Bryan is back, what’s your dream match for him in WWE
— @lobster_dog
It would have to be Shinsuke Nakamura, right?
#maildoug I am a brazilian hardcore Pats fan… wondering if I would have any interaction with players if I were travel to foxbo during training camps… considering this or reg. season. what would you recommend me?
— @bistecacnutella
Players sign autographs after training camp practices, which are free if that’s a consideration.
If it’s not, then I’d probably go to a regular season game. Training camp practices are fun, but they can be hit or miss.
What’s your favorite food to eat?
— @DelGrex
Pizza.
In one sentence, how would you best sum up the Patriots last 12 months.
— @DerekSzman
Better than 30 other teams.
What kind of signal would raising interest rates have on the global stage with respect to tariff threats?
— @JMBosworth
Oh man, that would be crazy.
Random question, do you put your phone down when you’re at the dinner table?
— @adoghill54
I have a dining room table, but my wife and I eat in the living room about 97 percent of the time. My phone is always in my eye line.
Favorite 2nd-3rd tier qb prospect for the pats this year?
— @coach_jmcgovern
Kyle Lauletta.
Approximately what percentage of your mailbag questions could people figure out simply by Googling?
— @BPhillips_SB
Oh, definitely a solid 40 percent.
What will the Patriots record be next season as of right now?
— @JakeStepleman
12-4.
