As the New England Patriots embark on the 2024 season, a new chapter unfolds in Foxborough under former Patriots linebacker and assistant coach Jerod Mayo. After 24 years of the 6-time Super Bowl Champion Bill Belichick at the helm, the team is now in complete rebuild mode following their dynasty. With most key contributors having retired or moved on, the Patriots are starting fresh with 3rd overall pick Drake Maye from North Carolina. Below, we’ll explore how the Patriots can build around their young quarterback and return to prominence as they did in the early 2000s.
Photo Cred: Patriots
Current Starting Roster
Offense
QB: Drake Maye
WR1: Demario “Pop” Douglas
WR2: Ja’Lynn Polk
TE1: Hunter Henry
TE2: Austin Hooper
RB: Rhamondre Stevenson
LT: Chukwuma Okorafor
LG: Sidy Sow
C: David Andrews
RG: Laydon Robinson
RT: Mike Owenu
Defense
LE: Keion White
DT: Davon Godchaux
DT: Daniel Ekuale
OLB: Anfernee Jennings
LB: Ja’Whaun Bentley
LB: Jahlani Tavai
CB: Jonathan Jones
CB: Marcus Jones
CB: Christian Gonzalez
S: Jabrill Peppers
S: Kyle Dugger
Photo Cred: Patriots
Roster Reconstruction Pre-Free Agency
Who Should The Patriots Keep?
As the Patriots continue their roster development, several key players should remain integral to their rebuilding efforts:
- Christian Gonzalez, CB
The second-year player from Oregon has the potential to be the next Stephon Gilmore, with elite speed and playmaking skills. Despite a season cut short by injury, Gonzalez’s performance was promising, with an 80.8 PFF score and 17 tackles. - Drake Maye, QB
The Patriots invested heavily in Drake Maye with their first-round pick. He demonstrated poise and potential during preseason and training camp, outplaying starter Jacoby Brissett. Given his status as a project quarterback, it’s crucial to protect him from injury with a solid supporting cast. - Demario Douglas, WR
Demario “Pop” Douglas emerged as a promising slot receiver last season, with over 500 yards and 49 catches. His athleticism and potential to replicate the success of past Patriots slot receivers make him a key player for the future. - Rhamondre Stevenson, RB
As the top weapon in the Patriots’ offense, Stevenson has accumulated about 2,200 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns over the past two years. His 4.5 yards per carry makes him a reliable asset for the next few seasons. - Kyle Dugger, S
Kyle Dugger, a standout D-2 prospect, has developed into a key player with 109 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions last season. His consistency and ability to stop the run and make plays in the secondary are invaluable. - Christian Barmore, DT
Barmore’s presence in the middle of the defense is crucial, with a career-high 8.5 sacks last season. His ability to handle double teams and create pressure is essential for the pass rush. - Ja’Whaun Bentley, LB
Bentley, the leader of the defense, led the team in tackles last season and showed improved blitzing ability with a career-high 4.5 sacks. His leadership and tackling prowess make him a cornerstone for the defense.
Who The Patriots Should Cut and Not Bring Back
To maximize cap space and flexibility, the Patriots should consider releasing or not re-signing the following players:
- K.J. Osborn
Despite solid performances over the past three seasons, Osborn is on a one-year deal and with younger, more explosive receivers like Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker on the roster, he may not be worth his $5-7 million salary. - Davon Godchaux
Godchaux has not lived up to expectations, with a PFF score below 53.1 since 2021 and limited pass-rushing impact. Moving on from his $18 million contract could free up valuable cap space. - Raekwon McMillan
McMillan has been largely ineffective since joining the Patriots, with limited playing time and only 35 tackles in three years. Releasing him could clear $2.99 million in cap space. - Jacoby Brissett
With Drake Maye as the future, Brissett’s role as a bridge quarterback is redundant. Given his potential market value, it’s wise for New England to avoid re-signing him for $8-10 million.
Free Agency and Draft
Who Should The Patriots Target During FA?
- Tee Higgins
A 6’4” receiver like Higgins could provide a significant boost to the Patriots’ receiving corps, offering a big-bodied target similar to what Maye had with Devontez Walker in college. - Hassan Reddick
Reddick could serve as a one-year replacement for Matthew Judon, bringing a proven pass-rushing presence with 50.5 sacks since 2020. - Stefon Diggs
Adding Diggs, one of the league’s top route runners, could boost the passing game, especially if Kendrick Bourne’s performance declines post-injury. - Chase Young
The former 2nd overall pick offers immense potential and could rejuvenate his career under Jerod Mayo’s guidance, despite concerns over his injury history. - James Daniels
A versatile veteran, Daniels could solidify the offensive line and offer flexibility, especially if Laydon Robinson doesn’t pan out. - Jedrick Wills Jr.
Replacing Vederian Lowe with Wills Jr. could enhance protection for Maye and improve the run game, given Wills’ potential to hit his prime soon.
How Should The Patriots Draft Look?
Projected to have a top 5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Patriots should focus on addressing the following needs:
Teams Needs: OT, WR, CB, LB, RB, DL, IOL
Round 1, Pick 2: Travis Hunter, Colorado, WR/CB
Round 2, Pick 34: Patrick Payton, Florida St, EDGE
Round 3, Pick 66: Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati, DL
Round 3, Pick 84: Earnest Greene, Georgia, IOL
Round 4, Pick 102: Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, CB
Round 5, Pick 139: Jake Briningstool, Clemson, TE
Round 7, Pick 215: Jalen Royal, Utah State, WR
Round 7, Pick 218: Riley Mahlam, Wisconsin, OT
Round 7, Pick 229: Jo’Quavious Marks, USC, RB
Conclusion and Final Trades
As the offseason concludes and training camp begins, the Patriots might make a splash trade, such as acquiring a star tackle like Trent Williams if contract issues arise. Adding a top left tackle could improve protection for Drake Maye and strengthen the offensive line.
With the Patriots currently having one of the weaker skill position groups, these moves should enhance their passing attack and ground game. Retaining young core players and integrating veteran talent will help unlock Drake Maye’s potential and complement an elite defense. General Manager Eliott Wolf faces significant tasks this offseason, but the goal is to establish a new version of “The New Patriot Way.” With the hiring of former Browns Coach Alex Van Pelt as offensive coordinator and Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower as an assistant coach, the team is blending internal continuity with new talent. As the roster comes together, the Patriots aim to become a playoff contender within the next 2-3 years.
