NFL
By Steve Atkinson
It seems the Patriots are heading into the draft with plans to improve their offense by targeting wide receivers and a left tackle. However, this could be a mistake given their recent draft history, particularly last year with Eliot Wolf. Players like Polk and Baker did not live up to expectations after their rookie seasons, and the left tackle position remains a disaster. Now, the team appears to be back to square one, having spent resources on defense while neglecting to support quarterback Drake Maye.
They recently conducted a public relations visit with Stefon Diggs, and the day before, they hosted former Titans linebacker Jack Gibbens, who played for Vrabel. This pattern suggests a clear bias in their decision-making. The team seems to be allowing Maye to fend for himself.
Meanwhile, other teams are adapting to the changing landscape and providing robust support for their young quarterbacks. For instance, the Bengals secured both Chase and Higgins for Joe Burrow, while the Patriots are left searching the clearance rack for receivers. I’m beginning to wonder if the Krafts are hesitant to invest in Maye’s next contract and whether they are intentionally allowing the front office to provide him with minimal assistance.
Vrabel Doesn’t seem to care about helping the Patriots offense
One of the receivers the Patriots are considering in the draft is Travis Hunter, who could fall to the fourth overall pick. Matt Groh, who also scouted fast receiver Tyquan Thornton, is handling Hunter. I have doubts about Groh’s scouting ability, which raises questions about Hunter’s potential. Historically, top college players have often become disappointments in the NFL; while Hunter could defy those odds, it’s easy to worry he might end up being another bust for the Patriots.
Travis Hunter may not work out for the Patriots
If drafted, Hunter could become Maye’s best receiver, but I won’t believe it until I see it. So far, like Mac Jones, Maye hasn’t been given much support. The only positive is that he will always have an offensive coordinator, which may help him improve the talent around him. However, it would be beneficial for the team to secure a veteran receiver, and it doesn’t seem like they are willing to do that.
That’s what they want to do while having PR visits with wide receivers while signing former Titans and Raiders to play defense. This isn’t 2001. Drake Maye isn’t and will never be Tom Brady. The defensive game is gone right now and really an offensive league. The exception might be the Eagles, who just won the Super Bowl, but the Eagles at least have a number one receiver, AJ Brown.
Still a month away from the draft I say the Patriots getting a legit number one receiver is slim.
