Prospects will still be hosted on Top 30 visits at Gillette Stadium. But with the information currently at our disposal, here’s how we see the draft shaking out for the Patriots.

Round 1, Pick No. 3: UNC QB Drake Maye

The Patriots were out in full force at UNC’s pro day last week, where Maye was the main attraction.

Unless they decide to move up, which would be unexpected, the Patriots are not in full control of who they can take at No. 3 overall. And until the top quarterbacks visit Gillette Stadium, which head coach Jerod Mayo said he expects, they might not even be decided on who they want to select with their first-round pick.

NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported last week that there was buzz around the NFL Annual Meeting that the Commanders could take J.J. McCarthy at No. 2 overall. Some people within the organization would welcome that.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly then said last week at his team’s pro day that QB Jayden Daniels is “gonna get the ball out to his playmakers and make plays for Washington.”

Let’s assume the Commanders pick McCarthy or Daniels. Either way, that leaves Maye for the Patriots.

Maye has prototypical size at 6-foot-4, 223 pounds. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo raved about Maye at the owners meetings last week.

“Drake Maye had a fantastic interview at the combine. He brings a lot of energy,” Mayo said. “You can tell he has that leadership ability. And also the exciting part about a guy like Drake Maye is the ceiling. Like, there is really no ceiling with a guy like that. Now, in saying that, when we’re trying to put together this roster, I know a lot of people look at the ceiling, but you also got to kind of see how low is the floor? And I would say that a guy like Drake Maye, he has a lot of room to grow. He’s a young guy. Honestly, he hasn’t played football nearly as much as these other guys. So that’s definitely something that we’ve looked at, but he definitely is going to develop.”

He was less expansive about Daniels, which might have been strategic.

Maye is believed to be a developmental prospect. Unless the Patriots can find a starting caliber left tackle and “X” receiver, then it might be best for him to sit for a year behind Jacoby Brissett anyway.

Round 2, Pick No. 34: Arizona OT Jordan Morgan

We skip the wide receiver for now and grab someone who can protect Maye’s blindside in the future.

The Patriots currently have Mike Onwenu for the right side but no obvious player to align at left tackle. The current best option would probably be free-agent pickup Chukwuma Okorafor, but he was primarily a right tackle with the Steelers.

Morgan is 6-foot-5, 311 pounds and ran a 5.07-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He started 37 games at right tackle for Arizona.

He let up just two sacks in 2023 and three over the last two seasons. He played under head coach Jedd Fisch, who the Patriots know well from his time with the team in 2020, at Arizona.

Round 3, Pick No. 68: UNC WR Devontez Walker

Walker, who’s 6-foot-2, 193 pounds and ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the combine, would come in with a connection to Maye.

He was a deep threat with the Tar Heels, catching 10 deep passes for 375 yards with four touchdowns in just eight games. The Patriots pretty desperately need big wide receivers with speed.

Round 3, Pick 99 (Trade): UCF WR Javon Baker

Let’s package the 102nd overall pick in the third round with the 184th overall pick in the sixth round to move up to take Baker in the third. An Alabama transfer, Baker finished out his college career with a 52-catch, 1,139-yard, seven-touchdown campaign as a senior.

The 6-foot-1, 202-pound pass-catcher doesn’t come with Walker’s pure speed (he ran a 4.54-second 40-yard dash) but was even more productive on deep balls, catching 15 passes of 20-plus yards for 574 yards with four touchdowns.

Let Walker and Baker battle it out in training camp to see if either one can carve out a starting role in a wide receiver group that already includes Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas and K.J. Osborn, all of whom are better suited to play in the slot or “Z” receiver roles.

Round 5, Pick 137: Florida State CB Jarrian Jones

The 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback has experience outside and in the slot. The Patriots could work with his 4.38-second 40-yard-dash speed.

Round 6, Pick 193: Ohio State S Josh Proctor

The Patriots need more depth at safety with Kyle Dugger’s status still slightly uncertain after receiving the transition tag. The 6-foot-2, 209-pound Proctor has experience at free safety, where the Patriots are lacking.

Round 7, Pick 234: Washington TE Devin Culp

Patriots wide receivers coach Tyler Hughes worked with the offense as a graduate assistant at Washington last season. Culp is worthy of a flier at 6-foot-3, 231 pounds. He was timed at 4.47-second in the 40-yard dash at the combine.

Front-office members are returning to headquarters for a final set of meetings and no intentions of flying out to another Pro Day. Coaches are splitting attention between prospects and preparing veterans for their offseason program, weeks of basic instruction and workouts. And then, all together, we will wait for the final days before the draft to float by; tumbleweeds of time on the football calendar.

Because at some point, there are diminishing returns to poring over the same film. To comparing the same combine numbers. To reheating and rehashing the same debates over prospects over and over again. It’s time to make a call.

The Patriots are not there yet, but they’re getting close.

In the meantime, here are 25 Patriots thoughts 25 days away from the draft:

1. Draft the quarterback

Don’t overthink it.

There are three elite prospects at the top of the draft, the only consistent place to find franchise quarterbacks (the trade and free agency markets don’t exist for franchise quarterbacks). The Patriots need a quarterback and are not returning to contention until they find one.

Lock that player in, sit him if he needs protecting in 2024, and simultaneously develop both that quarterback and the team around him. This is the path.

2. Drake Maye is ideal, odds-on favorite

LSU coach Brian Kelly appeared to slip in an interview this week mentioning his former quarterback, Jayden Daniels, “making plays” for Washington next season. Daniels is the odds-on favorite to be the Commanders’ pick at No. 2 overall.

And that leaves the Patriots with … a best-case scenario.

Not because North Carolina’s Drake Maye is an appreciably better prospect than Daniels, who has fairly drawn comparisons to Lamar Jackson. The Maye-Daniels debate is different strokes for different folks. But the fit Maye offers in cold-weather New England, as a big-bodied, strong-armed quarterback with modern mobility and an alpha personality, is clear. Plus, his profile checks most of the traditional boxes the Patriots’ new braintrust values.

And you should too. He’s accurate, protects the ball, creates plays on his own and layers throws to all levels and corners of the field. If Maye’s footwork needs tightening up, take the time to tighten it.

That’s why Jacoby Brissett is here. To take the hits, and provide the mentorship and steady hand in a locker room destined for a 3-6-win season. Oddsmakers have Maye as the team’s most likely pick at No. 3 overall. The future looks bright.

3. Left tackle hole still, somehow, underrated

Here are the Patriots’ best options at left tackle: ex-Steelers right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor (who’s only really played left tackle in the preseason), Calvin Anderson (who didn’t play left tackle last year), Vederian Lowe and Conor McDermott.

Yikes.

4. Consensus could be dangerous

The Patriots sent too many people to the most important Pro Days.

Nine — yes, nine — Patriots evaluators traveled to meet with Daniels and Maye around their respective Pro Days. They did so in the name of collaboration and perspective. And, apparently, establish consensus.

From Mayo earlier this week: “One thing that Alonzo Highsmith, one of our scouts, told me … all the bad picks that he’s seen, it’s really been where everyone wasn’t on the same page. And you would hope that you could get everyone on the same page, coaches and also scouts.”

Here’s the problem: if someone like new quarterbacks coach TC McCartney disagrees on Maye, are the Patriots really going to subject themselves to a hung jury? And not pick a quarterback?

It’s understandable Wolf, Mayo and others want all voices heard. But it sounds like insisting on consensus may keep the Patriots from making the right pick, let alone a pick at all. And this idea of consensus first, getting it right second feels like a version of the perfect being the enemy of the good.

5. QB batting practice

Speaking of Pro Days, no need to evaluate from your couch.

Pro Day passing sessions are essentially batting practice for quarterbacks. There is nothing about those sessions that simulate a game environment. Every quarterback looks his best on his Pro Day, calm, confident and capable.

That is by design.

6. Delay of game?

The Patriots are opening their offseason program on April 8, six days later than teams with first-year head coaches are allowed to invite players back for initial voluntary workouts and meetings.

Most first-year coaches are doing the same (in Carolina, Seattle and Tennessee). Here was Mayo’s explanation at the NFL Annual Meetings: “I just want to make sure that we as coaches are all on the same page before we get with the players. We’ve been a part of situations where you bring different coaches in and this guy has one philosophy, this guy has another philosophy. I just wanted to make sure that the coaches, the staff, we’re all on the same page going forward.”

Considering the Patriots’ crunched schedule and long to-do list — identify a franchise quarterback, wide receiver and left tackle, build an offensive system without those players and minimal available talent, align all underlying techniques and fundamentals for that system taught by assistants pulled from various staffs, establish a new philosophy, roles and more — fine by me.

7. Barmore extension framework

The Patriots are working on a contract extension with fourth-year defensive tackle Christian Barmore, and Jacksonville nose tackle Davon Hamilton’s recent deal may offer a framework.

The comparison is far from a one-for-one, but Hamilton was drafted a year before Barmore (2020), went on Day 2 of his draft and received his extension around this time last year. Like Barmore, Hamilton was not a regular starter prior to his extension. That extension was a three-year, $34.5 million deal, including a $20 million signing bonus and two extra void years for salary cap purposes.

Barmore has several edges over Hamilton at the time of his deal — statistical production, age, draft status — so let’s give him a bump overall. Three years, $41.5 million, including a $23 million signing bonus.

That would make him the 16th-highest paid defensive tackle by total value and average annual value. Win-win.

8. Matt Judon extension

Tack on an extra year, guarantee his $6.5 million salary, add another $3.5 in signing bonus and another $7 million in incentives.

Done deal.

9. Underrated roster need: corner

This group remains too small, too shallow and too reliant on Christian Gonzalez emerging as the No. 1 corner we all saw for three-plus games last year.

Three games is a tiny sample, and with Jonathan Jones’ best days behind him, the Patriots probably need a steady No. 2 corner. If Gonzalez gets hurt, or suffers from Year 2 regression, this corner corps is in big trouble.

10. Would the Patriots trade Kyle Dugger?

Dugger remains dissatisfied with the transition tag, a one-year, $13.2 million placeholder that will keep him here in New England. As of late this week, he had not signed the tag.

So what might he fetch in a trade?

Ex-Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, younger, better and playing a more premium position, only fetched a 2025 third-round pick. Part of the trade return includes expected compensation, and Sneed got a $76.4 million bag.

It’s unlikely Dugger commands more than a fourth-round value, but if dealing him closes the gap in a draft-day trade that allows the Patriots to add an extra first- or second-round pick, would they do it?

(This would be a non-starter were it not for Jabrill Peppers coming off a career year and Marte Mapu waiting in the wings. But there are three box safeties with space for one or two on the starting defense.)

11. Early breakout player pick

Defensive lineman Keion White is a a second-year edge defender with elite athleticism, a sure path to playing time and a deeper repertoire of pass-rush moves than he started with last season. He is a logical, if not obvious, pick.

Still, I bet he delivers.

12. Breakout player, brave edition

OK, stepping a little further out on the branch: wide receiver Tyquan Thornton.

Another former second-round pick, yes. But Thornton has done nothing, zero, as a pro to prove he’ll live up to his draft status. So why do I kinda, sorta, maybe, maybe not believe?

Thornton has added notable muscle this offseason, and must produce if he hopes to stick in the league past Year 3. A 4.2-second time in the 40-yard dash can only get you by for so long.

13. ‘The Dynasty’ a downer

You’ve heard from Devin McCourty and Rodney Harrison. Matthew Slater and Julian Edelman. Critics, all of them.

Robert Kraft chimed in Tuesday, co-signing on their sentiments, except the unfair portrayal of Bill Belichick. That spoke loudest. And yes, Belichick’s portrayal was, to a degree, unfair.

But here’s the best way I can put it: I looked forward to introducing my wife to the early Patriots dynasty via this docu-series. To explain how and why I got into this business, the teams I followed and the stories I absorbed. I screened the first half of the series myself, and decided I’d continue watching solo.

The doc only got worse. A transparently slanted production with gaping holes. For the fans, ex-Patriots players and coaches, for outsiders, it’s all, simply, too bad.

14. Take it from Scar

Don’t agree?

Here was Patriots Hall of Famer and ex-offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia speaking on “The Dynasty” during a Friday interview with SiriusXM radio: “When I had heard after the first couple of episodes that they had talked to one coach, I started texting guys and asked Charlie (Weis) if he had been (interviewed) and he said ‘No.’ Then Romeo (Crennel). Then Brad Seely. Those three guys came there and, in the first year, implemented systems on offense, defense and special teams that essentially transcended the next 20 years. … There is some selective journalism here and I don’t like it.”

15. Cash spending check-in

Overall 2024 cash spending: 25th

Overall 2025 cash spending: 31st

Overall 2026 cash spending: 26th

Free-agent total spending: 13th

Free-agent guaranteed spending: 10th

Free-agent first-year cash spending: 7th

Callahan: Jerod Mayo’s growing pains are coinciding with the Patriots’

16. Over-under oof

After free agency, oddsmakers have posted the Patriots' over-under win total for next season at 5.5 or 4.5, second-lowest in the league.

Prepare for pain.

17. Top-10 rookies on the schedule

Running through a last-place schedule, the Patriots should face seven of the top 10 players selected in the draft next season: *Chicago (away), Arizona (away), Los Angeles Chargers (home), Tennessee (away) and New York Jets (home/away).

*The Bears own the No. 1 and No. 9 overall picks.

18. Way-too-early 2025 free agent look-ahead

Who will the Patriots target next offseason, when they're scheduled to lead the NFL in cap space?

Understanding that most free agents at the top of the market are usually removed via the franchise tag or preceding extensions, here are the best free agents the Patriots might pursue based on their current needs and potential interest: quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Tee Higgins, Brandon Aiyuk, Amon-Ra St. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, Chris Godwin, Marquise Brown and Diontae Johnson, offensive tackles Tristan Wirfs, Garrett Bolles, Carm Robinson, Taylor Decker, Jedrick Wills and Joseph Noteboom, edge rusher Josh Allen, cornerbacks A.J. Terrell, Calrton Davis, Charvarius Ward and D.J. Reed.

How Robert Kraft plans to fix Patriots’ low marks in NFLPA report card

19. No excuses

Robert Kraft claimed he was "unaware of how bad" the team's weight room and treatment of player families have been, according to the Patriots' latest NFLPA report card. One problem with that: the Patriots received similarly terrible marks last year.

So there are only two explanations then on Kraft's answer: he truly didn't know, or he knew and didn't care. Either way, it's bad look, and inexcusable for someone presiding over a supposed first-class organization.

Kraft did say the team is working to address both issues.

"We’ve had a plan that we put in place where we’re committing to a whole new facility adjacent to ours," Kraft said. "That has been discussed with the leadership team and a building that will be in excess of $50 million. We have to correct everything."

20. Sign Wolf long-term

The Patriots should keep their front office together post-draft. The notion that Kraft will evaluate Eliot Wolf after he's used the No. 3 overall pick and spent hundreds of millions of dollars this offseason — even if that notion only serves to protect the reality the team postponed a "GM" search to satisfy the league's diversity hiring rules later on — is ridiculous.

Ink Wolf to a long-term deal, and let him continue his rebuild past mid-May, when most key front-office members have expiring contracts.

What we learned about the Patriots at the NFL Annual Meeting in Florida

21. Return the silver pants

Jerod Mayo told reporters he will be introducing the "C" patch on captains' jerseys this year, a first for the Patriots since the league introduced them more than a decade ago. The Pats shouldn't stop there.

To mark the start of a new era, as they did after Tom Brady left, they should alter their uniforms. The current set is too bland. Nothing pops. It's a simple sandwich.

Spice up the jersey and return the gray or silver pants, like the Patriots wore last year in their home upset of the Bills. And bring back the Bledsoe Blues as an alternate!

22. Captain predictions

Kendrick Bourne wants to be a captain next year, and the bet here is he earns the honor as part of Mayo's culture shift.

Full captain predictions: center David Andrews, tight end Hunter Henry, defensive lineman Deatrich Wise, linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley and safety Jabrill Peppers.

23. Troy Brown, demoted?

The Patriots replaced Troy Brown as their receivers coach with Tyler Hughes, a former quality control assistant (2020-22) who left to take the same job with the University of Washington last year. Brown will now be working in skill development, according to Mayo, who said Monday: "He’ll work with the players. He’ll work with the skill players and also work with the scheme and the offensive side of the ball."

24. The Book of Belichick

Bill Belichick is reportedly writing a book. The rumor at the NFL Annual Meeting was it would be about leadership, according to NFL reporter Mike Giardi. It doesn't matter the subject. I'll put in a pre-order.

Right now.

25. Quote of the Week

"Shout-out to orange juice." — Patriots coach Jerod Mayo at the NFL Annual Meeting on Monday, referencing a viral 2015 photo of Bill Belichick sipping OJ at the same event

Patriots fans have plenty of questions about what the team will do and what’s real and what’s not. Let’s dig into them.

@godiroc
Are you team QB at 3 or team let’s add 4 players in the top 45 this year and get a few more picks next year too?

I’m Team QB at 3.

Get the quarterback when you have the chance, because you don’t know when that opportunity will arise again. The Patriots have the third overall pick, and there are at least three top quarterbacks in this class worthy of a top-five pick in USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels.

I don’t think there should be any expectations for the Patriots to be overly competitive in 2024. They know they can get a quarterback in this year’s draft. They can try to fill needs at wide receiver and left tackle in the second and third rounds. And if they can’t, then they can always sit their rookie quarterback for a year and grab those players early in 2025.

It just seems like too big of a risk to pass when they’re in the perfect opportunity to get a franchise QB, because there’s always the risk that they won’t have this chance in 2025.

@TheDTSB
Do you believe the Washington/Daniels hype or do you think they’re still taking Maye? I won’t be convinced they’re going Daniels until his name is announced. Also do you stay at 3 and pick JD if they take Maye?

The latest hype at the NFL Annual Meeting, courtesy of my buddy Tom Pelissero from NFL Media, was that the Commanders could take Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy at No. 2 overall.

So, it’s really anyone’s guess where the Commanders will go at No. 2. I think some people in the Patriots’ organization would enjoy getting to pick between Daniels and Maye at No. 3 overall.

If Maye is picked No. 2 overall, then I know there are fans of Daniels in the organization.

@littleashtag
What wide receiver do you personally want the Patriots to draft? Would they have to move back into the end of the 1st round before KC or Buffalo get can get them?

They need an “X” receiver, since they’re currently loaded with slot and “Z” receivers. LSU’s Brian Thomas is a good fit, but they might need to package their second- and third-round picks to move up high enough to take him in the middle of the first round. Florida State’s Keon Coleman could be in range when the Patriots are picking 34th overall.

Unfortunately, most of the receivers in that second- or third-round range are “Z” or slot receivers. It would be interesting to package Maye and UNC’s Devontez Walker.

I like UCF’s Javon Baker too.

@Taco_Stevep
What would a successful rest of the off-season look like?

Draft your future starting quarterback, “X” wide receiver and left tackle with your first three picks.

It’s interesting to look at the Patriots’ roster and see who would be their top players at those positions right now. It would be Jacoby Brissett at QB, either Jalen Reagor or Kayshon Boutte at “X” receiver and either Chukwuma Okorafor, Calvin Anderson, Vederian Lowe or Tyrone Wheatley Jr. at left tackle.

It’s funny that of those three, the quarterback situation would be the least concerning. But I do still believe it’s a must to take a QB at No. 3 overall, because this draft isn’t about the 2024 season. It’s about the future of the franchise.

Wide receiver might actually be more troubling than left tackle. But it’s not ideal to head into the draft needing starters at those three positions.

There is still the possibility of a trade or add in free agency, but I don’t believe the Patriots are looking for one-year fill-ins.

@TrevorJayCFB
As of right now on March 29th, what is the likeliest scenario: pick QB at 3, pick WR at 3, or trade down?

League executives expect the Patriots to take a quarterback at No. 3 overall. So, I think that’s the likeliest scenario. I do truly believe the Patriots need to be “convicted,” as head coach Jerod Mayo said this week, to take a QB at No. 3. I don’t believe they’ll force it.

@SportsFellow_
If the Pats trade down, should they aim at taking Michael Penix Jr at QB?

I’d personally be surprised if Michael Penix was the quarterback that winds up in New England, barring him falling pretty far.

@KevinPOBrien
Do the patriots really believe there are 5-6 franchise QBs in this draft instead of 3-4?

Not from most people I’ve spoken to.

@FFFTakes
Is there a world where the Pats trade back with the Vikings for a haul including 11 & 23 for this year, then use 11 and change to move back up with Falcons or Titans to jump Chicago for one of the three top WRs? Cardinals of last year scenario…

Thanks Doug.

It’s possible, that’s almost too complicated to predict.

I do think one of the issues with trading back with the Vikings is that the drop from No. 3 to No. 11 is too far. If the Patriots were to accept that deal, they would almost need another trade agreed to in order to move back up.

@ronnie09795147
Do you get the sense the Krafts realize the fan base is not happy with “Dynasty” and the lack of spending in FA?

Based on his answers at the NFL Annual Meeting about free agency and “The Dynasty,” yes.

Here’s everything we learned from Mayo and owner Robert Kraft about the future of the Patriots before the league meetings wrapped up Tuesday afternoon.

1. Patriots need ‘conviction’ with QB at No. 3

Mayo said the team will need to feel “convicted” to take a quarterback at No. 3 overall. Executives around the NFL do expect the Patriots to select a quarterback in that spot, and with USC’s Caleb Williams expected to go to the Bears first overall, the top options remaining will be UNC’s Drake Maye and LSU senior Jayden Daniels.

Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy has entered the early-round mix, as well, recently. One scout told the Herald this week that while there’s a lot to like in McCarthy’s game, he’s a step below the top three.

Mayo also referenced there being five players in this class who could be solid quarterbacks in the future. One scout said Bo Nix was the fifth-best QB in this draft class while another executive told the Herald that there are a couple of different players who could hold that title of fifth QB.

The Patriots met with Williams, Maye, Daniels, McCarthy and Nix at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The team has preached a collaborative approach all offseason. While talking about QB prospects, Mayo referenced something senior personnel executive and longtime scout Alonzo Highsmith told him.

“He’s been doing it for a long time, and he said all the bad picks that he’s seen, it’s really been where everyone wasn’t on the same page,” Mayo said. “And you would hope that you could get everyone on the same page, coaches and also scouts.”

So if Mayo, Highsmith, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, de facto general manager Eliot Wolf and other top executives like Matt Groh and Pat Stewart are all sold on a quarterback, then the Patriots should feel comfortable taking him third overall.

A large contingent — nine overall, per Sports Illustrated — of Patriots staffers were at LSU’s pro day on Wednesday to watch and meet with Daniels. Mayo also attended Michigan’s pro day to watch McCarthy and planned to travel to UNC on Thursday to watch Maye at his pro day, as well.

2. Patriots see value in trading down

The best argument for taking a quarterback third overall is that this is believed to be a good quarterback class, and there’s no guarantee the Patriots will be picking as high as third overall again soon.

But the team has more needs to fill than just at quarterback, and there is significant value in acquiring more first-round picks, including ones in the future.

Mayo and Kraft both know that.

“Honestly, the guaranteed way to win is to accumulate more picks,” Mayo said. “So if we don’t feel convicted at No. 3, to your point, like we are willing to do that, as well.”

Kraft said he would like to see the Patriots “get a top-rate young quarterback,” but he’s going to leave it up to the “team” to make that decision. He also sees the value in moving down.

“We’ve never been in the third draft position since we owned the team,” Kraft said. “What happens, a lot of people behind are really desperate to move up. We’re going to be open to whatever can come our way.”

Ultimately, Mayo said it would take a lot to move down.

“We sit at a very enviable spot at No. 3 where we can take someone at three or if someone offers a bag, as we would say — you know a lot of first-round picks — we definitely have to talk about those things,” he said.

3. Patriots wanted to set the free agency record straight

On Monday, Mayo said five separate times that ownership is committed to letting the front office spend as it sees fit in free agency. He was not asked once about spending or the Krafts’ willingness to invest.

On Tuesday, Kraft singled-out Calvin Ridley’s wife (referring to her as “his girlfriend”) as the reason Ridley didn’t sign in New England. He admitted the Patriots made a hard push to sign Ridley, then the best receiver in free agency, and finances were not an issue.

Those were the sounds of a Patriots team that has heard the criticism about the team’s lack of free-agent activity. Specific to Ridley, it’s likely the Patriots’ quarterback situation and the Titans’ more favorable tax situation factored as heavily, if not more so, than his wife’s say. However, the Pats remain the NFL leader in cap space available, and are aware enough of their surrounding narratives that their head coach and owner wanted to set the record straight in their eyes.

Mayo also shared his view on free agency in general, a way to provide clarity on the team’s approach.

“I know we have a lot of cash to utilize, but we are going to utilize it the right way,” he said. “We have to be very convicted when we do spend that cash. But ownership has done a good job of just letting Eliot and I know that we have the cash to spend — just try to spend it smart.”

4. Kraft disappointed in ‘The Dynasty,’ dodges criticism

Speaking on “The Dynasty,” a 10-part docu-series about the Patriots’ championship years, Kraft echoed a common fan sentiment, saying he was disappointed in the amount of time dedicated to the team’s controversies versus its on-field success.

“I felt bad that there was so much emphasis on the more controversial and, let’s say, challenging situations over the last 20 years. I wish they had focused more on our Super Bowl wins, our 21-game win streak,” Kraft said. “I felt bad there were players who gave hours and hours of interviews, and they felt only the negativity — people like Devin McCourty and Rodney Harrison and Matthew (Slater). Although, I didn’t — I just heard quietly that they’ve all felt that way.”

Kraft split with one common criticism of the docuseries, however, when asked whether Bill Belichick had been unfairly maligned. Kraft said he felt privileged to have Belichick coach his team and looks forward to one day inducting him into the Patriots Hall of Fame, but did not mention Belichick’s portrayal in the docuseries specifically.

5. NFLPA report card applies pressure

In the latest NFL Players Association survey, the Patriots ranked 29th out of 32 teams and were downgraded for having what players regarded as the league’s worst weight room, plus no daycare available on game days. Kraft said the team is working to improve in both areas, citing a $50 million facility adjacent to the team’s current headquarters for football operations.

“We have to correct anything. I was not aware, even of this daycare issue. That’s something that’s fixable and we want to do. Look, the players are the heart and soul of the business. I’d be very surprised if that didn’t improve,” he said.

6. Kraft will evaluate Wolf’s position after draft

Wolf will have final say over the roster until the draft, at which point Kraft will decide whether or not to make his role permanent.

Wolf’s current title is director of scouting. The Patriots did not hold a general manager search after parting ways with Belichick, and no one’s title in the front office changed.

“I’m excited with what I’ve seen so far, and we’ll evaluate after the draft and see how that’s gone and decide where we go from there,” Kraft said of Wolf.

Kraft has received positive feedback about Wolf dating back to the combine, and the belief is that if all goes well during the draft, he’s the odds-on favorite to land the top role in the front office moving forward.

The Patriots have never used the title of “general manager” since Kraft bought the team in 1994, so even if Wolf is the top dog in the front office, that might not necessarily be his title. The team has used “vice president of player personnel” and “director of player personnel” in the past.

It’s unclear whether or not the team will need to hold an official search if Wolf’s title is not officially “general manager.”

Currently, there is a lack of clarity moving forward for those in the Patriots’ front office with expiring contracts. Their future has not been communicated, and at this point, they’re planning to learn their future after at some point after the draft.

Butler, whose late-game interception clinched New England’s fourth Super Bowl in 2015, was reportedly observed blocking a lane of traffic in a stopped car in Providence around 3:30 a.m. on March 16. An officer, according to court documents cited by CBS News, noticed “a strong odor of alcoholic beverage” coming from Butler’s breath when speaking with him.

The former defensive back was also reportedly “sweating profusely” with “slurred and delayed speech” and “severely bloodshot watery eyes.” Butler allegedly told police he was “coming from a studio in Providence where he was making music,” according to reports.

Asked by the officer if he had been drinking, Butler reportedly told the patrolman “just take me to jail.” The Texas native allegedly refused to take field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer back at the police station following his arrest, according to reports.

Butler’s attorney, John Harwood alleged that the ex-Patriot’s “Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and 14th Amendment” rights were breached. He was allegedly charged with stopping at a prohibited intersection and refusing a chemical test.

Butler announced his retirement six days before his arrest.

“I am retired,” Butler said, via NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. “I did the best I can do. Walking away from the game feeling comfortable. Everybody can do more, but I’m satisfied with my career. It’s time to move on and transition.”

Butler entered the league as an undrafted rookie in 2014. He hadn’t appeared in an NFL game since 2020, but attempted comebacks with the Cardinals and Patriots in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Aside from his game-saving, goal-line interception at the end of Super Bowl XLIX, Butler was notably benched during a Super Bowl LII loss to the Eagles.

Why he promoted de facto GM Eliot Wolf. Possibly drafting a quarterback. Fan frustration. “The Dynasty” docu-series, and “The Dynasty” backlash.

Yet of all the comments Kraft made in his meetup with reporters at the NFL Annual Meeting — including an unexpected shout-out for Calvin Ridley’s wife — the largest leap was this: “My hope and expectations are to make the playoffs.”

Uh, come again?

A 4-13 team saddled with a rookie head coach, a GM they can’t name officially, no starting quarterback and weapons that are more likely to backfire than wound a defense is expected to make the postseason? Did Kraft stop at the mimosa bar on his way over?

Minutes later, the even-keeled owner seemed to straighten himself out. He took off his oft-referenced “fan hat” when speaking to the balance of instilling an urgency while also acting with the required patience of an NFL rebuild.

“We know we have to be patient. Everything is new,” Kraft said . “I think we have 20 new coaches. … I think (front-office executives) Eliot (Wolf) and Matt (Groh) have really good knowledge of our product and what has to be done. I’ve told them, ‘Look, I don’t want to do splashy things just to get attention and get good headlines one day.

“I want us to do the things that are substantive and good for the short term and long term.”

That’s better. Much better.

Jerod Mayo wisely reset his own messaging and expectations Monday morning, asking fans for their patience as the Patriots try to “build this the right way.” He again backed away from burning cash, and said while his new leadership has money to spend, they will do so wisely.

Translation: for your own sake, stop kicking the seat. Don’t ask “are we there yet?” Just buckle up.

Why Robert Kraft believes Patriots didn’t close deal with Calvin Ridley in free agency

This is going to be a long Sunday drive before Sundays count toward contending again in New England.

Because if nothing else, the Patriots' offseason has proven they're aiming for 2025 and beyond. This year is about laying a foundation.

Now, go ahead and quibble with the amount of investment made and concrete laid. No objections to those objections here. Zero.

Personally, I would have installed a L'Jarius Sneed sunroom, even at the cost of a third-round pick in a trade with Kansas City. That's a blue-chip player at a premium position, the type the Patriots not only don't have and should chase, but fits their overlapping short and long term visions.

In the meantime, Mike Onwenu, Hunter Henry and Kyle Dugger are back for the dawn of a new era that hasn't been lit with emerging sunlight, but clouds of gray uncertainty. These clouds cover the Patriots' roster, front office and coaching staff, all of which are under a time crunch to establish themselves this offseason.

Though Kraft, ever the optimist, sees sunlight shining through.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft reacts to ‘The Dynasty’ criticism

"I think we’ve actually made some improvements," he said. "I think we’re getting the system of functioning. ... We signed a number of younger players that we had drafted or have been in our system. As a foundation, if you want to win consistently, you have to draft well and then get those players on the second contract. We started to do that this year."

And if you really want to win, you nail the quarterback position. Kraft, of course, knows this. He also wouldn't commit to drafting one Tuesday, the start of the NFL's silly season, when lies flow from the mouths of league coaches, executives and owners as easily as hello and goodbye.

And that's good. Public leverage and keeping secrets are important. So is messaging. And maybe I've spilled too much ink and taken up too much internet space dissecting the Patriots' messaging at the owners meetings, where Mayo's growth in that area, and expectation management, has become evident.

But messaging is all we have in late March. Free agency is over. The Patriots aren't playing games, let alone practicing. They can't even make a draft pick yet.

What they can do now is prove to their fans they understand where they are — the bottom of the league — and show they're capable of charting a reliable path out. Slowly but surely, and painfully for some, that plan is coming into focus. It's a multi-year rebuild ahead.

So any talk of making the playoffs with this talent-starved, quarterback-less roster being molded by new hands is foolhardy. It will lead fans, and perhaps the Patriots, astray. Mayo, Wolf and others have already shared their plan: draft, develop, repeat.

And wait.

Patience will light the way back to the Promised Land.

Patience.

The Patriots scored low in their treatment of families (F-) for their lack of a gameday daycare, weight room (F) and ownership (D+). Kraft addressed the report card for the first time Tuesday at the NFL Annual Meeting.

“I must tell you, I was unaware of how bad that was,” Kraft said. “We’ve had a plan that we put in place where we’re committing to a whole new facility adjacent to ours. That has been discussed with the leadership team and a building that will be in excess of $50 million. We have to correct everything. I was not aware of the daycare issue. I mean, that’s something that’s fixable. The players are the heart and soul of the business. I’d be very surprised if that didn’t improve. That was done during the fifth week of the season.”

The Patriots didn’t rank above 15th in the league in any category. They received a D in team travel, a C- in locker room and strength coaches and a C in training room. Their highest marks were in food/cafeteria, nutritionist/dietician and head coach, all B-minuses.

Ridley signed a four-year, $92 million contract with the Titans despite having an offer on the table from the Patriots. The Jaguars were also interested in bringing him back.

Owner Robert Kraft said Tuesday at the NFL Annual Meeting that the reasons Ridley signed elsewhere were out of the Patriots’ control.

“There was one outstanding receiver that unfortunately we couldn’t close. It was not because of finance,” Kraft said. “Clearly, his girlfriend wanted to be in the South. We had a situation where the taxes were, like, almost 10% higher. We offered — we were willing to keep going at that premium. But he didn’t want to be in the Northeast. And part of it might be the quarterback situation as well.”

The Patriots will likely take their quarterback of the future in the 2024 NFL Draft, and they had signed Jacoby Brissett to be a bridge option before Ridley signed. The Titans’ starter is Will Levis, a 2023 second-round pick who went 3-6 as a starter last season.

Kraft said he feels bad that certain Patriots fans don’t feel optimistic about the 2024 season.

“I think we’ve actually made some improvements. I think we’re getting the system functioning the way we did where this year we signed a number of younger players that we had drafted or have been in our system,” Kraft said. “As a foundation, if you want to win consistently, you have to draft well and then get those players on the second contract. We started to do that this year. We pursued the people we wanted in free agency.”

The Patriots were busy in free agency but didn’t make any splash additions. They re-signed wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Reagor, tight end Hunter Henry, offensive tackles Mike Onwenu and Tyrone Wheatley Jr., cornerback Alex Austin, quarterback Nathan Rourke and linebackers Christian Elliss, Anfernee Jennings and Josh Uche and placed the transition tag on safety Kyle Dugger. They added quarterback Jacoby Brissett, offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, running back Antonio Gibson, wide receiver K.J. Osborn, tight end Austin Hooper, guard Nick Leverett, linebacker Sione Takitaki, defensive tackle Armon Watts and safety Jaylinn Hawkins.

They still enter April without a future starting quarterback or obvious starters at “X” receiver and left tackle.

On the final day of the NFL Annual Meeting, Kraft said he “loved” the first three episodes of the 10-part series, but took issue with its focus on controversies and its exclusion of certain interview footage.

“I felt bad that there was so much emphasis on the more controversial and, let’s say, challenging situations over the last 20 years. I wish they had focused more on our Super Bowl wins, our 21-game win streak,” Kraft said. “I felt bad there were players who gave hours and hours of interviews, and they felt only the negativity — people like Devin McCourty and Rodney Harrison and Matthew (Slater). Although, I didn’t — I just heard quietly that they’ve all felt that way.”

Kraft’s comments echoed comments McCourty and Harrison made in a video that went viral on social media last week and criticized “The Dynasty” for only including their negative comments or those pertaining to various scandals. Kraft also claimed there were “really prominent” interview subjects whose hours of contributions never made the series.

“So (I’m) little disappointed that there wasn’t more of a real positive approach,” he said. “Especially for Patriots fans who have lived the experience with us.”

As for the series’ most common criticism, that it unfairly maligned former head coach Bill Belichick and laid too much blame at his feet for the end of the Patriots’ legendary 20-year run, Kraft responded that he looks forward to honoring Belichick one day.

“I feel so privileged that we had Bill here. And you know, we hope when he’s finished that we’re gonna have a chance to honor him the way we did — we will do with Tom Brady this year,” Kraft said. “You know, we did this little ceremony at halftime of the Eagles game, but it was not adequate. And we look forward to being able to celebrate putting him into the Patriots Hall of Fame: six, twelve, twenty-four (June 12).

“And, you know, I look forward to the privilege of putting Bill into the Patriots Hall of Fame one day in the future.”

“The Dynasty” shares a name with its source material, a New York times-selling book sold available in the Patriots Hall pf Fame.

Head coach Jerod Mayo said Monday at the NFL Annual Meeting that the Patriots are open to trading down, but owner Robert Kraft confirmed Tuesday that his preference is still to take a QB at No. 3.

“You know, I guess as a fan, I put my fan hat on, I definitely would. In the end, you can’t win in this league consistently unless you have a first-rate quarterback and a first-rate coach,” Kraft said Tuesday morning at the NFL Annual Meeting. “On the other hand, you’re in a different position, and we’ve never been in the third draft position since we owned the team. What happens, a lot of people behind are really desperate to move up. We’re going to be open to whatever can come our way, but in the end, I’ll let the team make the decision with what they think is best. One way or another, I’d like to see us get a top-rate young quarterback.”

For months, USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels have been regarded as the top three quarterbacks in the draft. But J.J. McCarthy has generated buzz with NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reporting this week that executives around the league believe the Michigan QB prospect will be the Commanders’ pick at No. 2 overall.

De facto general manager Eliot Wolf will have final say in who the Patriots draft at No. 3 overall. But Kraft didn’t commit to Wolf, whose official title is “director of scouting,” keeping the top job after the draft.

“I think Eliot has good training, good pedigree. And we actually have a good group of young people. We’re starting new chapters in our development as we evolve here. I like the young people we have doing this,” Kraft said. “We were in an environment where everything really funneled to the top. And maybe some of the young people that have worked real hard didn’t get a chance to have their position heard. Or maybe didn’t speak up as much. I’ve encouraged them to be collaborative and I think the combination of Jerod and Matt (Groh) and together with Eliot, I’m actually excited what I’ve seen. And that also sort of ties in with how players have changed too really over the last 10-15 years, and how systems have changed. So I think they’re in tune, and I’m excited. I mean, some people call me an eternal optimist, so I don’t know how much you should take what I say, but I’m excited about what’s going on and the process. And they’re through. They’re very thorough.

“I’m excited with what I’ve seen so far, and we’ll evaluate after the draft and see how that’s gone and decide where we go from there.”

He eased into the AFC coaches breakfast Monday, seated at a large round table inside a beige-colored hotel conference room at the NFL Annual Meeting. He placed a glass of orange juice on the table and eyed his audience of a dozen reporters and two cameras.

“Shout-out to orange juice,” he said, smiling.

Mayo’s crack gave reference to a viral photo of Bill Belichick taken at the 2015 league meetings, where Belichick held a cup of OJ to his lips and sipped through a now famous frown.

Ten minutes later Monday, after more smiles and cracks, Mayo knocked his glass over and spilled juice all over his shorts.

This has been the start of the Mayo era.

The affable Mayo charms his audience and delivers a memorable quote. It’s an instant PR win because every word he utters and every move he makes is contrast against Belichick’s cold, muted style. Then time passes, and Mayo sits in a minor mess of his own making.

Remember the wink-and-nod commitment to drafting a quarterback in an interview with WBZ after his introductory press conference? Now, Mayo insists, all options are available with the No. 3 pick.

Remember the “burn some cash” remark on WEEI in late January? Now, after an underwhelming free agency, the Patriots still rank bottom-10 in cash spending for three years, and the topic remains a sore spot among fans.

Then finally, the OJ joke and spill.

What Patriots HC Jerod Mayo has to say about QB draft prospects Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels

Mayo cannot soak up the sting of a disappointing free agency as easily as that juice. He alone said the team would spend big. He alone named quarterback, receiver and offensive tackle as major needs the day he was introduced as head coach, and then the Pats patched those positions with Jacoby Brissett, KJ Osborn and Chukwuma Okorafor.

That is the football definition of over-promising and under-delivering. That's an unforced error. That's on him.

Now, maybe there's no need to cry over spilled juice. Who doesn't speak out of turn now and then? Let's take a breath.

Here's the thing: this is about expectations. Mayo set poor expectations publicly for the draft and free agency during the franchise's most critical offseason in decades. That is a mistake in isolation, and a major problem if it becomes a habit.

Because in no universe were the Patriots ever, ever going to U-turn back into contention — except the one Mayo created with his comments over the last two months. Burning cash on top free agents. Drafting a top quarterback.

Patriots have discussed contract extensions with Christian Barmore, Matt Judon

The vision materialized the moment it left his mouth, and we lived in that vision until the reality of the Patriots' situation and their inability to sign top-tier players burned it away. The next time Mayo proclaims the Pats will extend themselves or he lays out a grand vision, who won't pause before believing him?

The danger is not in deceiving or angering fans. No love is as conditional as the casual fan's: win and they're in, no matter what's been said, done or contradicted.

The danger lies in how Mayo's messaging reaches his players, assistants and front-office members, especially as a new head coach. How did they receive their new leader reversing course on burning some cash or committing to a quarterback? If he's already walking back comments to the media, during what he accurately described as a Honeymoon phase, how firm will the expectations be inside his building?

Can you build trust like that?

Mayo seems eager to win over outsiders; namely, fans and media. But lately, he's been throwing hurdles in the path of anyone trying to follow him via his public comments.

So on Monday, Mayo stopped in his tracks and reset with 30 minutes of forced reflection over breakfast.

Why would the Patriots trade the No. 3 overall pick? Jerod Mayo explains

Does he really believe, after whiffing in free agency, he can add difference-makers at quarterback, receiver and offensive tackle in the draft?

"I'm confident that, yeah, we can absolutely fill those roles. In saying that, though, it's going to take time," Mayo told reporters. "It's going to take time."

There it was: the hard, tough truth of an NFL rebuild setting him free. No PR win, but realistic expectations set for all to hear. Progress.

Mayo then stressed the core tenets of the Patriots' roster-building philosophy: draft and develop. The draft-and-develop mantra echoed comments Eliot Wolf made back at the combine. The two are aligned publicly now. More progress.

Did Mayo regret the burning cash comment?

"No, I don't regret it," he said. "Look, I'm a first-year head coach. I didn't mean, like, burn some cash. I know we have a lot of cash to utilize, but we are going to utilize it the right way."

Off the top, an NFL coach should always mean what he says publicly. Especially in a market like New England. Mayo should know better.

He knows this market. He played here, coached here and rooted as a fan here between the end of playing days and start of his coaching career. But the rest of his comments?

Fine.

Regret is a waste of time and energy. Learn the lesson, apply it forward and move on. Mayo did that to a degree Monday. He will take his lumps on radio and TV, as he should, and we'll move on because the draft is around the corner.

Until then, watch your OJ, Jerod. And less is more.

Bryant, 26, is coming off a career year, when he posted 77 tackles, an interception, one sack, six pass deflections and two forced fumbles. He played 75% of the Patriots’ defensive snaps, bouncing between nickelback and safety drive to drive and play to play. He originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Washington in 2020, when current Texans GM Nick Caserio spent his final year as an executive in New England.

Bryant’s role in the Patriots defense grew every season, rising from zero starts and roughly one-quarter of snaps played to starting nine games last year. He also served as a backup punt returner. Bryant finishes his Patriots career with 17 starts in 55 regular-season appearances.

Bryant’s departure cuts into the Patriots’ secondary depth, though 2022 third-round pick Marcus Jones is a logical choice to replace him. Jones, like Bryant, is an undersized cornerback with experience at safety.

The Patriots’ remaining corners are Jones, Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Alex Austin, Shaun Wade, Marco Wilson, Isaiah Bolden and Azizi Hearn. Their safety depth chart consists of Kyle Dugger (unsigned transition tag), Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Jaylin Hawkins, Joshuah Bledsoe and Brenden Schooler.

The Patriots submitted a proposal and were awarded Brazil as their newest global territory, the team announced Monday.

This allows the Patriots to participate in “in-person and digital marketing, corporate sponsorship sales, fan events, activations, merchandise sales and co-marketing relationships with other sports and entertainment properties in Brazil,” per the team’s announcement.

The Patriots already had Germany, Austria and Switzerland as Global Markets Program territories.

“Our organization has been committed to expanding our reach and our brand globally since we bought the team in 1994,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “We have used our internet and social media platforms to reach millions of fans around the world and are proud to have played regular season games in the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Germany. More recently, the development of the NFL’s Global Markets Program has allowed us to show an even stronger commitment to developing deeper connections in other countries by providing additional rights that allow us to both market our team and promote the great game of American football. We know some of our most passionate fans are in South America and we are excited to expand our international home market to Brazil.”

Massachusetts has the second-highest Brazilian population behind Florida in the United States.

The Patriots played a game in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2023.

That means potentially extending defensive tackle Christian Barmore and outside linebacker Matt Judon.

Barmore, a 2021 second-round pick, is entering a contract year. Extension talks started at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to a source.

“One thing about Barmore, he’s one of those players, he’s developed here. There were some questions coming out of college, obviously, you know, his potential. He’s done a fantastic job really growing up,” head coach Jerod Mayo said Monday at the NFL Annual Meeting. “I think DeMarcus (Covington) and Joe Kim have done a good job really helping develop him. Once again, it goes back to — we want to keep our own. We want to keep our own players. We have had talks with Barmore. Hopefully, it works out.”

Covington previously served as Barmore’s defensive line coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator this offseason. Kim is the Patriots’ director of skill development, specializing in pass rushers.

Judon’s situation is a little bit different. The Patriots borrowed $3 million from his 2024 salary to give him a pay raise in 2023. That leaves him due just $7.5 million in cash this season.

“There’s no question we want a guy like Judon. And going back to keeping our own, when Judon was in Baltimore, he just happened to be this great guy and a great fit, a culture add for us,” Mayo said. “And we want to keep Judon. We want to keep him, but that’s more of a question for (de facto GM) Eliot (Wolf). But those conversations have started. We know he’s still a premier rusher in this league. As we continue to go forward, we want him to be a piece of the puzzle.”

Barmore, 24, had a breakout campaign in 2023, setting career highs with 8.5 sacks, 16 QB hits, 13 tackles for loss, 64 tackles, six pass breakups and one forced fumble in 17 games with six starts.

Judon, 31, suffered a season-ending torn biceps four games into the 2023 season. He has 32 sacks in 38 games with 33 starts in three seasons with the Patriots, garnering Pro Bowl honors in 2021 and 2022.

The NFL approved a rule banning hip-drop tackles. Here’s the official wording from the league:

“It is a foul if a player uses the following technique to bring a runner to the ground:

“(a) grabs the runner with both hands or wraps the runner with both arms; and
“(b) unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.”

A penalty will result in a loss of 15 yards and an automatic first down.

The NFL Players Association released a statement opposing the ban two weeks ago, calling it “unfair to players and unrealistic to implement.”

“It places defensive players in an impossible position by creating indecision in the mind of any tackling player, puts officials in an unreasonable situation that will result in inconsistent calls on the field, and confuses our fans,” the NFLPA included in its statement.

Patriots linebacker and defensive captain Ja’Whaun Bentley was not pleased with the change, taking to Twitter to say, “Eliminate the CHOP BLOCK too if we care so much about Player Safety.”

He also tweeted:

“*No HorseCollar
*No Ducking the Head
*No Hip Drop
*No Slamming
*No Big Hits on Defenseless Receiver
Y’all must not have had to tackle these dudes before”

“Be Safe Not Soft.”

He concluded his tweets with, “Add it to the List of Ways to Get Fined.”

Eliminate the CHOP BLOCK too if we care so much about Player Safety. https://t.co/t616LhsCJQ

— JB (@NVBentley33) March 25, 2024

*No HorseCollar
*No Ducking the Head
*No Hip Drop
*No Slamming
*No Big Hits on Defenseless Receiver
Y’all must not have had to tackle these dudes before

— JB (@NVBentley33) March 25, 2024

Be Safe Not Soft

— JB (@NVBentley33) March 25, 2024

The NFL also granted a third challenge to coaches if they are successful on at least one of its previous two challenges.

A third rule by the competition committee amends Rule 14, Section 5, Article 2, to allow for an
enforcement of a major foul by the offense prior to a change of possession in a situation
where there are fouls by both teams.

Boutte, a 2023 sixth-round pick, was arrested on a felony charge of computer fraud and one misdemeanor count of Gaming Prohibited for Persons under 21, Louisiana State Police announced in January.

“We’re continuing to gather information on that. He’s still on the team,” Mayo said Monday. “Hopefully, we can continue to develop this player but also develop him as a man as well going forward. I think it’s important to remember some of these guys are very young and they’ve made mistakes in the past. It’s easy to just throw them away but there are certain instances where you can help somebody out and I feel like we have a good player development group there that will definitely help us going forward.”

According to officials, Boutte used an alias account to circumvent the age requirement for placing sports wagers in Louisiana from April, 6, 2022, through May 7, 2023, the date of his 21st birthday. Boutte is accused of placing more than 8,900 wagers, including at least six on LSU while he played for the school’s football team. He allegedly created the alias account, username “kayshonboutte01,” under the fictitious identity “Kayla Fortenberry.”

Boutte’s activity was flagged after he allegedly created a second account, username “kayshonboutte07,” last June from Massachusetts. The second account used a Regions Bank Visa card that once funded the Fortenberry account, authorities said. According to the warrant, the Visa card belonged to his mother.

Boutte was a five-star recruit before committing to LSU, where he played three seasons for the Tigers. He caught two passes for 19 yards in five games as a rookie with the Patriots after making the team’s initial 53-man roster.

The Patriots’ wide receiver room is currently loaded with players who primarily line up at the “Z” or slot positions with Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton. Boutte and Jalen Reagor are two of the players on the roster who have experience playing “X” receiver.

WAFB in Baton Rouge reported Boutte turned himself in to authorities, and arrangements were made for him to post a $6,000 bond and receive his release from the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges could follow, according to state police, who claim they were first contacted in July 2023 about a “prohibited person” possibly making several sports wagers.

According to the warrant, authorities were granted a court order in September for a list of LSU football personnel with access to the team’s facility at the time and place Boutte allegedly made his bets in 2022, when he was underage. Following that list and GPS tracking data from FanDuel Sportsbook, plus court-ordered user information from Cox Communications and AT&T, police were able to identify Boutte and charge him.

Authorities claim Boutte deposited a total of $132,147.53 into the account and won $556,267.58, but used most of the money to fund other bets. He ultimately withdrew $50,282.36 from the account, according to the warrant.

De facto general manager Eliot Wolf spoke of “weaponizing” the offense at the NFL Scouting Combine, and head coach Jerod Mayo said the team had cash to burn shortly after being hired with the league’s most salary cap space.

Mayo laughed about that comment Monday at the NFL Annual Meeting, saying it was “terrible” but that he didn’t regret it.

“Look, I’m a first-year head coach. I didn’t mean, like, burn some cash,” Mayo said. “I know we have a lot of cash to utilize, but we are going to utilize it the right way. We have to be very convicted when we do spend that cash. But ownership has done a good job of just letting Eliot and I know that we have the cash to spend — just try to spend it smart.”

The Patriots were busy in free agency but didn’t make any splash additions. They re-signed wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Reagor, tight end Hunter Henry, offensive tackles Mike Onwenu and Tyrone Wheatley Jr., cornerback Alex Austin, quarterback Nathan Rourke and linebackers Christian Elliss, Anfernee Jennings and Josh Uche and placed the transition tag on safety Kyle Dugger. They added quarterback Jacoby Brissett, offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, running back Antonio Gibson, wide receiver K.J. Osborn, tight end Austin Hooper, guard Nick Leverett, linebacker Sione Takitaki, defensive tackle Armon Watts and safety Jaylinn Hawkins.

But they still enter April without a future starting quarterback or obvious starters at “X” receiver and left tackle.

“The media, the fans, everyone wants that big signing. But at the same time, as we continued to put this team together, I think there has to be a process,” Mayo said. “It has to be a methodical process. Look, when there is a guy we want to get, the Krafts have already told us they’ll spend the money. I would say offensively this year, we were very picky as far as the players we were getting. At the same time, that wasn’t really a really deep offensive free-agent class to even make that type of splash. Now in saying that, the draft is coming up. There will still be conversations as far as trades and things like that. And guys will be released. So this is a process that’s going to go on all the way until after the draft.”

Mayo said he’s confident that the Patriots can still fill needs at quarterback, wide receiver and offensive tackle before the season begins. He also said the team had targets that they wanted in free agency that didn’t work out.

One of those was free-agent wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who accepted a four-year, $92 million offer from the Titans instead. The Patriots obviously wanted to sign Ridley, but the feeling has to be mutual in free agency. And beyond cash, there’s not much the Patriots can currently offer to draw players to New England.

Mayo is aware of that and knows the organization has to rebuild to become a destination.

“One thing I would say is you go through the draft, you want to get guys that are magnets,” Mayo said. “I played the ultimate magnet in Tom Brady, where guys wanted to play for Tom, with Tom, and with the team. So it kinda gets skewed. It’s kind of now at the other end of the spectrum. What pieces do we have to attract those outside guys? Once again, if we draft a guy, you come here. So that has to be our philosophy as we continue to put things together.”

The Patriots currently own the Nos. 3, 34 and 68 overall picks in the first three rounds of the draft. In an ideal world, they would hit on a quarterback at No. 3, and then fill those needs at wide receiver and offensive tackle with their next two picks. But there’s no guarantee that the right players will be available in those spots.

Mayo believes a trade is still on the table to land a wide receiver after missing on Ridley.

“One hundred percent. We’re still open on the trade market,” Mayo said. “But I would also say this is a pretty deep class as far as receivers are concerned. So It’s all on the table right now and hopefully, as we continue to get closer to the draft, Eliot is fielding calls, the scouts are fielding calls. As we get closer to the draft, it starts to be a clearer picture. That’s really the goal.”

Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins has requested a trade after receiving the franchise tag. 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has also been a subject of trade rumors.

Nowadays, fans are wondering if the Patriots will ever get around to lighting a match.

Mayo, speaking Monday morning at the NFL Annual Meeting, has heard their cries. While he said he has no regrets about his cash comments, the Patriots’ young head coach did expound on those remarks and spoke directly to fans about their frustration.

“No, I don’t regret it. Look, I’m a first-year head coach. I didn’t mean, like, burn some cash. I know we have a lot of cash to utilize, but we are going to utilize it the right way,” Mayo said. “We have to be very convicted when we do spend that cash. But ownership has done a good job of just letting Eliot and I know that we have the cash to spend — just try to spend it smart.”

As for his message to fans underwhelmed by the team’s free agency, Mayo said: “For Patriot fans, look, I understand the frustration. I understand the expectation that was really built over the last 20 years. But at the same time, hopefully the fans understand that we’re trying to build this the right way. And we’re trying to bring in pieces that we think are for the long-term. I think there’s a combination between bringing people in for the short-term, and you also have to think long-term and that’s always a hard thing to do.

“I would just ask Patriots fans for patience. Once again there will be players that hit the wire, free agents — guys that are explosive, whatever you want to say — there will be guys in the draft, there will be guys after the draft. So just kind of sit back and let us do our jobs going forward.”

As of Monday morning, the Patriots ranked 25th in cash spending for 2024, 31st in cash committed for 2025 and 26th for the 2026 season.

“I know everyone likes to think they have the special formula to picking players. But honestly, the guaranteed way to win is to accumulate more picks,” Mayo said at the NFL Annual Meetings. “So if we don’t feel convicted (about whom to draft) at No. 3, we are willing to do that, as well.”

Mayo opened up about the team’s thought process, confirming the Patriots have spent time with top quarterback prospects Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy. He also shared a personal belief that five prospects in this year’s draft could become starters, but declined to specify the fifth player after mentioning USC’s Caleb Williams, the presumed No. 1 overall pick. If they trade back, Mayo acknowledged the Patriots could regret passing on a quarterback and one of them develops into a star.

“I wish I had that crystal ball. You never really know,” Mayo said. “You’re going to find gems throughout the draft. Once again, as we continue to go through the process and look at these players, really, it’s about trying to find those gems later in the draft. Now, sitting at No. 3 is very unique because whatever happens at 1 and 2 — like, if you’re convicted on three or four quarterbacks, then I feel like we’re in a good position.”

Multiple members of the Patriots’ staff are comfortable Williams, Daniels or Maye sources told the Herald at the NFL Scouting Combine. If the Patriots do draft a quarterback, Mayo said he first wants to establish a consensus among scouts on the player. As of Monday, he revealed the staff is “close” to finding common ground on how its views the best available quarterbacks.

What Patriots HC Jerod Mayo has to say about QB draft prospects Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels

"What you guys have heard me say a lot, it's about collaboration. And one thing that (senior personnel executive) Alonzo Highsmith one of our scouts told me and I truly believe it -- he's been doing it for a long time -- he said all the bad picks that he's seen, it's really been where everyone wasn't on the same page," Mayo said. "And you would hope that you could get everyone on the same page, coaches and also scouts."

Over the next month, Mayo and Wolf will attend Pro Days at LSU and North Carolina to see Daniels and Maye, respectively. Mayo also expects both of them, and McCarthy, to visit Foxboro on three of the 30 in-person visits teams are allowed with prospects. In the meantime, the team will be dedicated to filling out a few final details on all three quarterbacks' scouting reports.

"The work is, ‘How does this guy learn? How does he deal with adversity?’" Mayo said. "Once again, you can go to the film and kind of gauge retention, like, what does he remember about this game here? And as they continue to talk and it continues to come together, that’s always the information that is added as we talk about them.”

If the Patriots aren't completely sold, however, Mayo said he is open to first building out the rest of the roster and indicated the team is inclined to move back to achieve that goal.

"If we take a quarterback at three, that means we are (convinced) that this player is really the future of this organization. ... Going back to your point that we said earlier, there are multiple pieces on this team that we want to fill," Mayo said. "So if you can gather more picks, that definitely helps you out. I can put more chips on the table.

"Probably shouldn't have did a gambling reference right there. But the more picks that you really have, the more likelihood you have to really hit on them."

The consensus top three quarterbacks in the draft are well known: USC’s Caleb Williams, who Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo seems to believe will be picked by the Bears, and then LSU’s Jayden Daniels and UNC’s Drake Maye. But Mayo would extend his top QB list to five players.

“When I first started watching these guys, it was that three-man race,” Mayo said Monday morning at the NFL Annual Meeting. “And now as you continue to go to the combine or the pro days and bringing guys in on the 30 visits and having time to spend with those guys to really get to know what makes them tick. I mean, it’s about five guys honestly that could come in and be a solid quarterback in the future.”

The Patriots, led by de facto general manager Eliot Wolf, held formal meetings with Williams, Daniels, Maye, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and Oregon’s Bo Nix. Mayo said he expects the top QBs to come to Foxboro for official visits before the draft.

Mayo was asked directly about what the team liked about Maye after meeting with him in Indianapolis.

“Drake Maye had a fantastic interview at the combine. He brings a lot of energy,” Mayo said. “You can tell he has that leadership ability. And also the exciting part about a guy like Drake Maye is the ceiling. Like, there is really no ceiling with a guy like that. Now, in saying that, when we’re trying to put together this roster, I know a lot of people look at the ceiling, but you also got to kind of see how low is the floor?  And I would say that a guy like Drake Maye, he has a lot of room to grow. He’s a young guy. Honestly, he hasn’t played football nearly as much as these other guys. So that’s definitely something that we’ve looked at, but he definitely is going to develop.”

Mayo was less expansive when asked about Daniels.

“Yeah, so Jayden Daniels I was on a Zoom with him. I met him before. Look, those guys have pro days coming up here soon,” Mayo said. “So when you think about the process, like when I leave here, I’m going to LSU and then when I leave LSU I’m going to Carolina before I get back home. But you have to do your due diligence. And once again it’s not all about me it’s not all about Eliot. What you guys have heard me say a lot, it’s about collaboration. And one thing that Alonzo Highsmith, one of our scouts, told me and I truly believe it. He’s been doing it for a long time, and he said all the bad picks that he’s seen, it’s really been where everyone wasn’t on the same page. And you would hope that you could get everyone on the same page, coaches and also scouts.”

If the Patriots don’t take a quarterback at No. 3 overall, they do have the option to trade down. One obvious team that appears to be looking to move up with the Vikings, who own two first-round picks next month after trading up to No. 23 overall.

Mayo said the Patriots are “open to trading the pick.”

It appears he wanted to get something off his chest first.

In a Sunday interview with the NFL Network, Mayo said the Patriots’ “priority” is to take a quarterback with the third overall pick, but they continue to weigh their options a month out from the NFL Draft.

“It’s the priority right now,” Mayo said. “But with that being said, you have to really be in love with the guy to take him at No. 3. So really all the options are still open for us.”

Mayo has previously said the Patriots will take the best available player, likely a quarterback, receiver or offensive lineman. He identified all three positions as major needs after his introductory press conference in mid-January. The Patriots have since added external free agents to each position, though none of them are regarded as impact starters.

Once they’re on the clock, the Pats will be able to select one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s class: USC’s Caleb Williams, LSU senior Jayden Daniels or North Carolina’s Drake Maye. Williams is widely projected to be the Bears’ choice at No. 1 overall, and Washington is expected to add a quarterback with the second pick.

Mayo and Patriots de facto GM Eliot Wolf are reportedly scheduled to see Daniels and Maye throw in-person at their respective Pro Days next week. Wolf led a contingent of Patriots evaluators to see Williams, among others, at USC’s Pro Day last Wednesday. The team also met with all three quarterbacks at the NFL Scouting Combine, and attended Michigan’s Pro Day last Friday, when Mayo and Wolf watched quarterback J.J. McCarthy work out, among other prospects.

If the Patriots select a quarterback, it’s unclear whether he would start right away. The front office signed veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett, a 2016 Patriots draft pick, to a 1-year, $8 million contract in free agency. In his Sunday interview, Mayo suggested Brissett might start next season.

“A guy like Jacoby, he’s a great leader. Everyone loves him. To get him back in the building is definitely helpful for us. And honestly, look, he could absolutely be our starter this year,” Mayo said. “We’ll have to see. Like I said, we’re not dead-set at taking a quarterback at No. 3, but we do feel good having a guy like Jacoby ready to go.”

Brissett’s last season as a starter came in 2022. Under ex-Cleveland assistant and new Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, he enjoyed a career year with the Browns, completing 64% of his passes for 2,608 yards for 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. Among starting quarterbacks, Brissett finished eighth by QBR that year, and in the top half of most other passing metrics.

Despite his production, Brissett landed his next contract with Washington, where he served as the backup last season. The 31-year-old is a fringe starter, with three starting seasons under his belt, including two with the Colts. He owns a career passer rating of 85.3.

Brissett returned to New England shortly after the Patriots traded former starting quarterback Mac Jones to Jacksonville for a 2024 sixth-round pick. Jones left backup Bailey Zappe and ex-CFL product turned NFL journeyman Nathan Rourke in the team’s quarterbacks room. Whether the Patriots draft a quarterback at No. 3 overall or not, the team is expected to add another quarterback in the draft.

The Patriots’ No. 3 overall pick is their highest since the franchise selected Drew Bledsoe first overall in 1993. Owner Robert Kraft said last month he hopes the team’s next draft class “positions us for the next few years beautifully.”

At the combine, Wolf spoke highly of this year’s quarterback crop and specifically noted the toughness of the top prospects.

“I think it’s a really good year for quarterbacks,” Wolf said. “It’s a really good year at a lot of positions. … One thing about the quarterbacks in this draft specifically that I’m excited about is that they all look like they’re really tough guys, which is obviously great at any position, but the quarterback position especially.”

As for what he’s seeking in the team’s next quarterback, Wolf added: “First of all, being someone that can elevate his teammates, someone that your teammates want to play for. I think that’s an extremely underrated thing that people don’t really talk about that much. Leadership is important and obviously, you know, physical talent — we wouldn’t be talking about these guys if they weren’t physically talented.”

The NFL Draft will open Thursday, April 25, at 8 p.m.

In a trade with Houston, the Vikings acquired the No. 23 overall pick, giving them two-first round selections and two major building blocks for another move up into the top five. Minnesota, theoretically, could now approach the Patriots about the third overall pick or Arizona at No. 4 after letting starting quarterback Kirk Cousins walk in free agency. Do they want to trade up for Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels? Maybe J.J. McCarthy?

Should the Patriots engage?

Flatly, no.

A franchise quarterback is the rarest, most valuable commodity in the sport, and the only reliable place they can be found on earth is the top five of the NFL Draft. Unless Patriots de facto GM Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo are sure to their core that Maye and Daniels are unfit to become their next face of the franchise, they should stay put and pick one after Washington and Chicago presumably take quarterbacks. Then, develop him.

Franchise quarterbacks are not just game-changers, they are world-changers. Forces strong enough to reshape legacies, local economies and the sports identity of a region. Just ask Buffalo about Josh Allen. Or Cincinnati about Joe Burrow. Or Baltimore about Lamar Jackson. Or, of course, Kansas City about Patrick Mahomes.

All of them became playoff teams by Year 2 of their quarterbacks’ careers. Naturally, none of these players were guaranteed to find greatness at the time of their selection. No kidding.

The NFL Draft is a series of bets, pick by pick, prospect by prospect. The risk of the draft is as obvious and established as real gambling (ask your friends and fellow fans about Mac Jones). It needs no further explanation, though for our purposes it’s worth remembering the hit rate on first-round quarterbacks hovers around 30%.

But again, the payoff is substantial. Life-changing. And the only other roster-building avenues available — trade and free agency — don’t lead to top-10 quarterbacks. No team in its right mind is trading such a player, especially with the franchise tag available. As for free agency, over the past four offseasons, the best quarterbacks to sign on the open market have been 35-year-old Kirk Cousins coming off a torn Achilles, Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

If you want to roll the dice with them, good luck.

Furthermore, the Patriots are in no rush to actualize Daniels’ potential, or Maye’s, at the risk of ruining them. This rebuild will be a slow burn, as foretold by Wolf’s comments at the combine, and the front office’s actions since then. If the team isn’t ready for the rookie, or vice versa, they’ll sit him in favor of Jacoby Brissett. Brissett is here to take the hits until the kid can.

Still, the Pats can raise their next quarterback’s odds of hitting by bolstering the talent around them.  That starts with a trade.

Not a trade back from No. 3 overall, but a move up into the back end of the first round.

How Patriots RB Antonio Gibson could change the new offense

The 2024 draft class is rich with wide receivers and offensive tackles, the two biggest holes on the Patriots' roster. The front office must, must draft at least one Day 1 starter at either position, or ideally both.

Upwards of 11 wide receivers could go in the top 50, according to draft experts, but only a few fit that mold and the type of wideout the Patriots need: an "X" receiver. A big-bodied weapon who can win in isolation, and isn't scheme dependent to get open. Not a slot receiver (DeMario Douglas and K.J. Osborn) or a slot/Z target without game-breaking speed or quickness (JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kendrick Bourne).

This "X" receiver can defeat man coverage and inhale high-leverage targets, even when the defense knows the ball is going to him on third down and inside the red zone. The Bengals paired Burrow with a receiver like this, fellow 2020 draft pick Tee Higgins, and accelerated his timeline. Mahomes had elite weapons from the get-go, and the Bills gifted Allen one of the league's best "X" receivers, Stefon Diggs, right as he took off and took Buffalo with him.

Of course, the Patriots could hope and wait until their second-round pick at 34th overall for a receiver like that. But there are two projected Day 1 starters within striking distance at the end of the first round who fit that exact mold: LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. and Texas product Adonai Mitchell.

Patriots TE Austin Hooper provides behind-the-scenes look at OC Alex Van Pelt

Here's NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, a former scout for the Eagles, Ravens and Browns, on Thomas: "Thomas is a big, explosive wideout. ... He easily defeats press coverage with his quickness. He is very sudden in his release and can find another gear once the ball is up in the air. He is very loose and fluid as a route runner. ... He has a very large catch radius because of his frame, leaping ability and ball skills. After the catch, he has some wiggle to make defenders miss and also boasts home run speed. Overall, Thomas is a big-play machine and has the upside to develop into a No. 1 receiver for his drafting team."

Thomas stands at 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds. He clocked a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. He scored an FBS-leading 17 touchdowns last season. Sold yet?

Now, Thomas is projected to go in the top 15 to 25, meaning it would cost the Patriots their second- and third-round picks at No. 34 and 68 overall, respectively, to jump into the middle of that range and another pick or two to get closer to the top. Too rich?

Try Mitchell, who's expected to hear his name called between picks No. 20 and 30, and may be the most physically gifted receiver in the draft at 6-2, 205 with 4.3 speed and a 40-inch vertical.

WR K.J. Osborn ready to join Patriots’ rebuild: ‘I know what I signed up for’

Here's Jeremiah on Mitchell: "(He) has outstanding size, toughness and polish for the position. He is fast and has a long stride. He has surprisingly good route polish for a bigger receiver. He understands how to change tempo, and he's clean getting in and out of breaks. ... He can climb the ladder, hang and finish (SEE: his TD grab against Washington in the College Football Playoff). It looks like he gets a little lazy at times on the back side of routes, assuming the ball is going elsewhere. He doesn't have a ton of production after the catch. Overall, though, Mitchell is an ideal X receiver. He can make plays when covered, and he's a real weapon in the red zone."

The other bonus to moving up for a first-round receiver: the fifth-year option. All first-round picks sign four-year contracts including a fifth-year team option, whereas all other prospects ink straight four-year deals. The Bengals were forced to use the franchise tag on Higgins last month in order to keep him because they drafted him in the second-round.

If the Patriots aren't sold on Thomas or Mitchell, offensive tackle makes as much, if not more sense, for a trade back up. They have no identifiable starter at left tackle, and cannot protect any quarterback like that, let alone a face of the franchise.

Enter Washington's Troy Fautanu, Georgia's Amarius Mims or Arizona's Jordan Morgan, all projected first-round picks and rookie starters. Oklahoma right tackle Tyler Guyton offers another option, though he spent most of his college career at right tackle. All of them are expected to come off the board in the back half of the first round.

BYU left tackle Kingsley Suamataia is a borderline Day 1/2 pick, someone whose ceiling has been questioned as a franchise left tackle. There is a significant drop-off from that group to the next tier of offensive tackles, including a myriad of developmental prospects. The same goes for wide receiver, where Day 2 prospects South Carolina's Xavier Legette or Florida product Ricky Pearsall might, might, grow into No. 1 or No. 2 options after going in the second round.

If the Patriots wait too long, the best of the draft will pass them by. They should aggressively pursue these positions in a way they failed to secure Calvin Ridley, locking up a new No. 1 receiver or left tackle for an extra year, even if it comes at an extra cost.

The supply of this draft meets their exact needs. These are premium positions. You must pay a premium to fill them.

It's time.

Quote of the Week

"If you’re in the right spot at the right time, the quarterback loves that. If you do that consistently, he’ll like you more.” — New Patriots tight end Austin Hooper, playing for his fifth team in nine years, on the key to developing chemistry with new quarterbacks

Hooper spent the 2020 and 2021 seasons with Van Pelt in Cleveland and can still attest to the following: Van Pelt is consistent, likable, intelligent and fun. And that’s about all you need to know.

“Good energy in the building. That’s a huge part of it,” Hooper told reporters Thursday via video conference. “Most people just think of the three hours you see on Sunday, but there’s many more hours throughout the week where you’re spending a lot of time together. And it makes work so much better when you enjoy the people you work with. It makes sense, right?”

Hooper, 29, is set to play for his fifth team this upcoming season in New England, and indicated Van Pelt has distinguished himself from other coordinators over the years.

“His style, his approach, his offense, his understanding of his personnel, and who he is as a man and coach, it’s going to make it really fun to be in the building every day,” Hooper said.

The Patriots signed the veteran tight end to a 1-year contract last week. Hooper is expected to serve as their No. 2 at the position, behind returned starter and captain Hunter Henry. Hooper said he was familiar with Henry, having both been drafted in 2016.

He originally entered the league with the Falcons, spending four years with the Falcons, including a couple Pro Bowl campaigns. Hooper then left for a big free-agent deal in Cleveland, where he met Van Pelt and began to play more in-line as opposed to split out wide. That forced Hooper to adapt his game to a more physical style.

As for what he expects in New England, Hooper, who is now on his fourth team in as many years, declined to speak on anything specific about Van Pelt’s offense. However, he suggested Van Pelt will be willing to adapt to the team’s personnel based on experience coaching several different offenses around several different types of players.

“Just a guy who’s played a lot, been through a lot, coached a lot, and has seen the game from every angle,” Hooper said of Van Pelt.

Earlier this offseason, Van Pelt said he would adopt most of the Browns offense, having served as their offensive coordinator from 2020-23. During his tenure, Cleveland ranked among the league leaders in snaps played with multiple tight ends, a likely reason Hooper has reunited with his old coach in Foxboro.

The 26-year-old split last season between the Chargers and Falcons, totaling 14 tackles and one pass deflection. Atlanta made him a surprise cut in mid-October, which allowed Los Angeles to claim him the following day off waivers. Hawkins primarily played on special teams and projects as a backup safety in New England, where the Patriots recently released veteran Adrian Phillips and saw fellow safety Jalen Mills walk in free agency.

Hawkins entered the league as a fourth-round pick in 2020 out of Cal and spent the first three seasons of his career with the Falcons. He enjoyed his best season in 2022, starting 16 games while racking up 84 tackles, six pass deflections and a force fumble. Last year, he saw most of his snaps on special teams (125 to 29 defensive snaps in Atlanta) before the Chargers used him as a defensive backup and special-teamer in the second half of the year.

MassLive reports Hawkins agreed to a 1-year deal with the Patriots. He joins Kyle Dugger (who has yet to sign his transition tag), Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Joshuah Bledsoe and Brenden Schooler in the team’s safety room.

The Celtics led by 11 within minutes and 21 in the fourth quarter after Payton Pritchard splashed an above-the-break 3 to the delight of a sold-out crowd. Pritchard had already set Bucks instigator Patrick Beverley on fire in the second quarter, scoring or assisting on 15 straight points after Beverley had gestured Boston was “too small” defensively.

A big Pritchard performance is as sure a sign as any these days that the Celtics will hit cruise control en route to a blowout win. But then, Milwaukee fought fire with fire — and a familiar formula.

Zone defense, hot 3-point shooting and a surprise standout.

The Heat infamously followed that recipe to an upset in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals and a near upset in 2022. The Celtics survived Wednesday, 122-119, something they may not have done were Antetokounmpo available. The Bucks rode a 21-6 run in the fourth quarter to cut their deficit to three at 2:56 left, then closed the gap to one possession twice more before getting closed out themselves.

Most Celtics veterans dismissed the impact of Milwaukee’s zone, saying they simply missed open shots against it.

“We got some good looks,” Jayson Tatum said of the zone post-game. “I say it all the time: it’s a make-or-miss league, right?”

“I thought we had it pretty good tonight,” Jaylen Brown added. “I thought that we got to our spots, we took our time.”

The raw numbers offer a lukewarm endorsement of the stars’ assessment. Overall, the Celtics shot 2-of-10 against the zone in the fourth quarter and coughed up three turnovers. On those turnovers, Al Horford got stripped on a late, unplanned post-up, Brown let the ball slip on a drive to beat the shot clock and Kristaps Porzingis chucked the ball out of bounds after Derrick White unexpectedly relocated across the court.

Celtics survive late scare from Bucks for seventh straight win

Those mistakes were all preceded by late-developing action; the Celtics dilly-dallying or simply taking far too long to chart their path through the zone before finally attacking it.

As Boston's offense stalled out, Damian Lillard (11 points, 3 assists) and Bobby Portis Jr. powered Milwaukee back to life in the fourth quarter. Portis Jr. had what can only be described out-of-body basketball experience, scoring 14 points and snatching seven rebounds in the final minutes; numbers that matched his per-game averages for the season.

Now, offensive eruptions like the one Portis had will happen from time to time. In Tatum's make-or-miss league, randomness is always lurking around the next corner, quarter or series to upend expectation. The Bucks know all too well how a hot-shooting bench forward can change their fate in Boston. (See: Grant "Curry" Williams in Game 7 of their shared 2022 second-round playoff series.)

Back to the Celtics.

Of their eight misses versus zone in the fourth quarter, four were wide-open 3s, most on the wing or out of the corners. That's mostly pure, no-good, very bad luck. Pritchard, Derrick White and Porzingis all misfired despite ample time and space, though their inability to force errant shots on the other end hurt more than their own misses.

The Bucks shot 56.5% overall in the fourth quarter, allowing themselves to routinely jog back on defense, where they sprinkled occasional ball pressure and double teams into their sticky zone and even flipped back to traditional man-to-man.

"The toughest part was we weren't getting any stops and we were allowing them to set their defense," Tatum said. "They got hot, they made some shots. Credit to them."

Milwaukee's initial zone possessions on defense all immediately followed made baskets and baited the Celtics into a couple bad mid-range misses, then Horford's turnover. After a rare Portis miss, Tatum finally stopped the Celtics' hemorrhaging at 2:06 left, driving at Milwaukee's man-to-man defense and drawing two foul shots, which he drained.

Ahead by five, Boston survived another 3-point miss, this time from Lillard, and Tatum cooked Malik Beasley off the bounce again for a layup on the next possession. Tatum's downhill drives embodied what Brown identified as a key post-game versus the frisky, undermanned Bucks.

"We just have to match their physicality a little bit more, getting used to how they're calling the game and the whistle. We feel like we're the better team," Brown said. "But if teams are trying to out-physical us, we gotta be ready to take on that each and every night out."

Another key? Brown's free throws.

Brown went 0-for-2 at the line with above the 3-minute mark, then hit two foul shots while leading 116-114 at 0:20 to play. More late-game Brown misses will lead to more trouble down the road, maybe even defeat. But his final makes Wednesday provided enough breathing room for the Celtics to finish the Bucks, despite their offensive miscues.

So yes, in concert with Milwaukee's hot shooting and their own cold touch, the Bucks' zone defense tripped up the Celtics. It briefly dragged their offense into the mud, then prompted poor shots and worse luck. The Celtics can initiate their offense faster to fix this and practice more against zone variations. More 3-pointers, especially after the corner, will fall.

In the meantime, Brown believes Wednesday's tight win will ultimately benefit the Celtics; a rare test of their mettle and late-game offense before the playoffs are sure to stress them again with that old familiar formula.

"It’s something we’re going to look at," Pritchard said, "and we’ll get better at.”

In the aftermath of David Ortiz’s “F-Bomb Heard Around the World” post-Boston Marathon bombing, I put together a “listicle” for their free Boston Globe-affiliated website detailing some memorable quotes in Boston sports history.

The story remains on the interwebs. It’s been cited frequently as a baseline by those updating the list. History never stops.

Most notable about these proclamations is that they were all rooted in truth.

Almost.

That’s what makes them infamous.

Red Sox GM Lou Gorman was never more sincere than when he said: “The sun will rise, the sun will set, and I’ll have lunch” following Roger Clemens’ unplanned exit from Chain O’Lakes Park in Winter Haven in 1987.

Ted Williams saw the future back in 1939 when he declared: “All I want out of life, is that when I walk down the street folks will say, ‘There goes the greatest hitter that ever lived.’ ”

Then-Patriots-coach Bill Parcells carried the seriousness of a heart attack when he quipped: “If they want you to cook the dinner, at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries.”

Gisele Bundchen spit nothing but facts when she informed everyone within earshot that “you (have) to catch the ball when you’re supposed to catch the ball. My husband cannot (expletive) throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time. I can’t believe they dropped the ball so many times.”

That would be her “ex-husband” these days.

In 2024, Fake News has spread to the wide, wide world of sports.

The cataclysmic state of Red Sox and Patriots these days has spawned a level of deceit and deception not seen since the Bruins won the Presidents’ Trophy last spring.

“The Big Lie” has given birth to triplets.

They are:

“Full throttle.” – Tom Werner.

“Burn some cash.” – Jerod Mayo

“Weaponize the offense.” – Eliot Wolf

All three are borderline submissions to the Attorney General’s consumer fraud department.

The one constant is these were said by people who did not have the authority to act upon them.

Werner spoke without the blessing of the Fenway Sports Group Star Chamber that determines the 2024 Red Sox roster budget. Mayo and Wolf forgot to check with the guys who write the checks: Robert and Jonathan Kraft.

First up: “full throttle.”

The Red Sox promised us they were going all-in this offseason to retool, rebuild, and recreate a team that is focused more on finishing in first place, rather than avoiding last.

Was it mere coincidence that the Red Sox went “full throttle” in November, ahead of their season-ticket sale push and the holidays?

Turns out “full throttle” meant “in reverse.”

“Maybe that wasn’t the most artful way of saying what I wanted to say, which is that we’re going to be pressing all levers to improve the team,” Werner told Masslive’s Sean McAdam in walking back his decree.

Imagine Larry Bird telling those poor souls in the locker room before the 1986 All-Star Weekend long-distance shootout: “I’m just looking around to see who is going to finish second … but I wish you all the best.”

Not owning what one says is the newest pandemic.

Never mind politics, where truth was always a relevant concept, we’re seeing this way too much in sports.

Trash talk has been neutered.

Brash “guarantees” have given way to “heart” emojis.

Bold claims end up being explained away days or week later.

That brings us to “burn some cash.”

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo. Wait a minute. We have to let that sentence breathe. I typed “Patriots head coach Bill Belichick” the first 32 times.

Mayo told WEEI’s Greg Hill Show in January that his team was going all-in back to “Dynasty” mode after he was named Belichick’s replacement.

“We’re bringing in talent, 1,000 percent,” Mayo said. “Have a lot of cap space, and cash. Burn some cash.”

Mayo put way too much mustard on that one.

The only cash the Patriots set aflame was previously scorched by the metaphorical flames of $250 million in Gillette Stadium upgrades.

“You know, I kind of misspoke when I said ‘burn some cash’ but I was excited when you see those numbers,” Mayo told former Herald scribe Karen Guregian of MassLive.com. “But when you reflect on those numbers … you don’t have to spend all of it in one year. This is going to be a process.”

Except when it comes to scoreboards and lighthouses.

Then spend like you’re in Congress.

Patriots GM-In-Everything-But-Name-Only Eliot Wolf had his own Chaim Bloom moment.

“In terms of physical skills, we need to weaponize the offense,” Wolf said.

“Weaponize the offense.”

Once free agency arrived, the “Wolf Of Route One” became the “Sheep Of Foxboro.”

Robert and Jonathan Kraft quietly passed their own unilateral disarmament treaty when it came to spending on top-level offensive talent in free agency.

Peace now.

Stop war.

Start Jacoby Brissett.

If Robert Oppenheimer was working for the 2024 Patriots instead of the 1945 Patriots, the scientists at Los Alamos would have been given four sticks of cartoon dynamite and an ACME anvil.

The only “Big One” dropped in Foxboro this offseason came in the form of “The Dynasty” on Apple+ TV. Robert Kraft turned the serialization of Jeff Benedict’s book into a seven-hour clinic on self-aggrandizement. And his former players were left holding the bag in what became a 10-episode hit piece on their GOAT of a coach.

Don’t kid yourselves. There is zero chance Kraft would have had the stones to blame the Super Bowl 52 loss on Belichick on camera, had he believed Belichick would be coaching his team this season.

It just goes to show you can’t believe everything you hear these days.

Especially from Foxboro and Fenway Park.

Bill Speros (@RealOBF & @BillSperos on X) can be reached at bsperos1@gmail.com

According to Sports Illustrated, Jerod Mayo will join them at Michigan’s Pro Day on Friday and travel to Pro Days at North Carolina and LSU to see quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels, respectively, next week. Oddsmakers expect the Patriots to draft either Maye or Daniels with the No. 3 overall pick in late April.

Wolf spoke to the quality of this year’s quarterbacks class last month at the NFL Combine, where the Patriots met with Williams, Maye and Daniels, according to Herald sources.

“I think it’s a really good year for quarterbacks,” Wolf said. “It’s a really good year at a lot of positions. Like any position we’re going to valuate their strengths and weaknesses, determine who fits (best) for us. We’re pretty early in the process here.

He continued: “One thing about the quarterbacks in this draft specifically that I’m excited about is that they all look like they’re really tough guys, which is obviously great at any position, but the quarterback position especially.”

Wolf also addressed what he’s learned about evaluating quarterbacks since the Patriots selected Mac Jones with the 15th overall pick in 2021.

“I think the main thing is just trying to do everything we can to support that person once we get them in the building,” he said. “We’re going to make the best decision we can in terms of who that person is – if we decide to go quarterback at No. 3. But really putting every resource into everything we have into that person to support them and make sure that we get the best version of themself,” he said.

He averaged 615 receiving yards eating leftover targets behind All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson and a former Pro Bowler in Adam Thielen, whom Minnesota replaced last year with first-round pick Jordan Addison.

Now, Osborn wants more, and he believes he’ll find it in New England.

“I’m excited to show the type of player I am,” Osborn told reporters via video conference Wednesday. “I’ve played with some great players – Adam (Thielen) and (Jefferson) and (T.J. Hockenson) and (Addison) and Dalvin (Cook). I’ve played with some great players. I’m excited to get some more opportunities and be able to really help this team win.”

Osborn said the Patriots made his Tuesday visit to the facility “feel like home.” He met with new head coach Jerod Mayo and owner Robert Kraft, among others. Before he agreed to terms on his 1-year free-agent contract Sunday, Osborn said he with Mayo about the team’s plans at quarterback, and became comfortable with the idea of joining a rebuilding team.

“I know what I signed up for,” he said. “It’s going to be a grind, and I want to be a person that helps get this organization back to where it needs to be.”

Last season, Osborn finished with 48 catches for 540 yards, more than every other Patriots receiver except then sixth-round rookie DeMario Douglas. Osborn has played most of his career in the slot, where Douglas lines up, so it appears the two will split time there in 2024. The 26-year-old said he’s open to filling any role with the Patriots, including serving as their No. 1 target.

Two years ago, Osborn enjoyed his best season during a Vikings playoff run, totaling 650 yards and five touchdowns. The only Patriots receiver to top those numbers the past two seasons is Jakobi Meyers, now a Las Vegas Raider. The key to repeating that production, Osborn indicated, will come down to extra practice reps and timing with his new quarterback.

“Just being on the field more,” he said. “I would think that comes with the reps and just seeing the game plan, the mental side of it. We’re all in the NFL. There’s a lot of talented players but the talent will only take you far. So, the mental part of the game, being on the same page with your quarterback; something I loved with Kirk (Cousins).”

As for who that quarterback will be, the Patriots signed veteran Jacoby Brissett to a 1-year contract this offseason. Brissett is expected to serve as a bridge to whomever the front office drafts next April. Following his comments Wednesday, Osborn sounds comfortable with that plan.

“(The quarterback situation) definitely went into the decision,” Osborn said. “I spoke to Coach Mayo, (offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt) and (others) like that for the plan going forward. I trust them that everything will take care of itself.”

It was Antonio Gibson.

A young Commanders running back with as much natural pass-catching talent as most any back in the league. A 6-foot-2, 220-pound runner who plays with both power and fire, given his fumbling history.

Here’s the statistical skinny on Gibson: he rushed 65 times for 265 yards and a touchdown last season, and caught 48 passes for 389 yards and two more scores. He led Washington in rushing as a rookie in 2020 and posted a 1,000-yard season in 2021, then lost playing time and carries over the next two seasons.

In New England, Gibson’s three-year contract all but guarantees he’ll make the 2024 roster, but he will need to prove himself over the final two seasons to stick. At a minimum, Gibson should become the team’s true first third-down back since 2021, when the Patriots ran into an early-season injury emergency without James White, broke glass and pulled out Brandon Bolden to replace him. But Gibson has bigger plans than that.

“I’m not going to stick myself to just a third-down back,” Gibson said on Monday. “I want to compete just the same as everybody else. I feel like that’s only going to make the running back room better. I’m not here to step on anybody’s toes, but at the end of the day, we have to compete. I’m not just here to take the backseat.”

Gibson’s film shows he has more to offer than his traditional numbers would indicate, even as a player still best described as a super-sized jack-of-all-trades with one fatal flaw and a soft set of hands.

Strengths

Gibson is a rare pass-catching power back, someone capable of running between the tackles and splitting out wide as a receiver. He’s a one-cut rusher with excellent vision who’s best suited for zone schemes, as reflected in his usage last year (45 runs behind zone-blocking to 19 behind gap schemes, per Pro Football Focus.) Gibson can also get skinny in tight quarters, slipping through closing holes and pulling into the second level.

Gibson boasts strong contact balance, often absorbing hits near the line of scrimmage and shaking off would-be tacklers mid-juke before gaining extra yards. Half-hearted tackles aren’t taking him down.

Gibson’s strength is most evident in these moments, as he rarely lowers the boom on defenders at 6-foot-2. Though he will weaponize a mean stiff arm, which most often helps him extend perimeter run. Overall, he averaged 3.51 yards after contact last season, fourth-most among running backs with 60-plus carries, per Pro Football Focus.

In pass protection, Gibson is consistently effective within a variety of assignments: single-blocking interior blitzers, scanning the front and taking edge blitzers opposite his pre-snap alignment in shotgun and chipping or double-teaming defensive ends. His route tree was limited in 2023, but earlier tape and college film suggests he’s capable of more. Gibson is also an above-average kick returner.

Weaknesses

Fumbling.

Gibson fumbled four times last season, and six times in 2021, when he was Washington’s lead back. He has a tendency to get casual with the ball in space, extending it low and away from his body while sprinting ahead. Gibson will also expose the ball on second efforts that amount to high-risk, low-reward plays (see: Week 3 fumble vs. Buffalo).

This is crippling to his potential as a lead back, and explains his decline in usage last year and generally the last two seasons. Specific to last year, two of his fumbles stemmed from poor technique, while another was the result of a dropped pitch he immediately recovered, and the fourth from bad luck (a blind-side, bang-bang tackle versus Miami).

Gibson’s lack of goal-line usage, especially for a 220-pound back, highlights occasionally poor pad level, and perhaps his former coaching’s distrust of putting him in these scenarios. He’s also not particularly explosive, which places added importance on his initial cuts to set up further gains. And despite running a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash as a prospect, Gibson’s speed doesn’t translate at an elite level game field, though he can pull away from defenses with enough time and space.

Scheme fit

Gibson is a solid No. 2 back worthy of making spot starts in Rhamondre Stevenson’s absence and soaking up to 40 or 50% of snaps in the backfield. He could also unlock more two-back personnel in New England, provided the coaching staff trusts him enough to protect the ball. Gibson and Stevenson are both plus pass-catchers for their position, and rank among the Patriots’ best playmakers on offense.

There is one catch: new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt did not utilize two-back personnel at all in Cleveland last year, according to Sports Info. Solutions. The Browns were one of two teams not to attempt a pass out of two-back (21) personnel, and didn’t deploy 21 personnel for a single hand-off. The Patriots also ranked near the bottom of the league in two-back usage the past two seasons, though they will be installing an entirely new offense under Van Pelt this year.

Projected role

No. 2 running back/third-down back

With the first week of free agency in the rearview, let’s take a closer look at the Patriots’ depth chart to see where needs still exist with the draft still over a month away.

Quarterback

Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe, Nathan Rourke

The obvious need here is for a rookie quarterback — preferably one selected No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Depending on how that player performs in training camp and the preseason, he could overtake the starting spot from Brissett.

Running back

Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Kevin Harris, JaMycal Hasty, Ke’Shawn Vaughn

The Patriots could head into the 2024 season with this group. Ideally, however, they’d add another early-down back with a veteran free-agent signing or late in the draft to compete with Harris. Vaughn, a Buccaneers 2020 third-round pick, will be an interesting player to watch in training camp if he lasts that long on the roster.

Wide receiver

Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Reagor, Kayshon Boutte, T.J. Luther, Kawaan Baker

The Patriots currently lack a starting-caliber “X” receiver. If the season started today, either Reagor or Boutte would need to fill that role, or the Patriots would need to exist in tight formations. The top five wide receivers on the depth chart are either “Z” or slot receivers. Osborn, the Patriots’ most recent wide receiver signing, fits into the same “Z”/slot roles as Bourne, Douglas, Smith-Schuster and Thornton. He doesn’t necessarily make the Patriots better, just deeper. The team does feel like they got a bargain on Osborn after a down year and that he was cheaper than his 2021-22 numbers suggest.

If the Patriots can’t sign a player like Mike Williams to play “X,” then they’ll need to make a trade or draft a wide receiver high next month.

Tight end

Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, La’Michael Pettway

The Patriots should look to add more depth during the late stages of free agency or in the later rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. Henry and Hooper are a nice start, however.

Offensive line

LT Chukwuma Okorafor, LG Cole Strange, C David Andrews, RG Sidy Sow, RT Mike Onwenu, G Nick Leverett, G Atonio Mafi, C Jake Andrews, OT Vederian Lowe, OT Conor McDermott, OT Calvin Anderson, G Michael Jordan, OT Andrew Stueber, OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr.

This unit still lacks an ideal fit at left tackle. The options are dwindling in free agency, so the Patriots might need to head into the 2024 NFL Draft with needs at quarterback, wide receiver and left tackle, which isn’t ideal. If this is the group the Patriots took into training camp, it would essentially be an open competition at left tackle between Okorafor, Lowe, McDermott, Anderson, Stueber and Wheatley.

Defensive line

Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Daniel Ekuale, Armon Watts, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Sam Roberts, Trysten Hill

This is one group the Patriots could take into the 2024 season without a problem. They could use one more upside addition, but it’s not necessary.

Edge defender

Matthew Judon, Deatrich Wise, Anfernee Jennings, Josh Uche, Keion White, William Bradley-King

After bringing back Jennings and Uche, the Patriots’ next step is to rework Judon’s contract since he’s set to earn just $7.5 million in cash this season. The hope here is that White takes a major step forward in his second season.

Linebacker

Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Sione Takitaki, Raekwon McMillan, Christian Elliss, Joe Giles-Harris

The Patriots have traditionally liked to play big nickel and dime sets with three safeties on the field. A player like safety Marte Mapu could be included in this group for that reason. Takitaki was a nice signing to replace Mack Wilson as linebacker depth. McMillan has only been healthy for one of the three seasons he’s been with the Patriots. Elliss will compete for a role via special teams.

Cornerback

Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, Marco Wilson, Shaun Wade, Isaiah Bolden, Azizi Hearn

Perhaps the Patriots’ biggest defensive need is another taller cornerback to play opposite Gonzalez. L’Jarius Sneed is still available via trade, and Stephon Gilmore has yet to sign as a free agent. Austin and Bolden, both rookies in 2023, have potential.

Safety

Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Marte Mapu, Brenden Schooler, Joshuah Bledsoe

Dugger has yet to sign his transition tag, but we’ll still include him in this group. If for some reason the Patriots lose Dugger, then safety becomes a giant need. The Patriots ideally would find one more safety to add to this group in front of or behind Mapu since they like playing so many safety-heavy defensive sets.

Specialists

K Chad Ryland, P Bryce Baringer, LS Joe Cardona

It would make sense to add competition for Ryland in free agency, the draft or undrafted free agency since he struggled so much in his 2023 rookie season.