Patriots mailbag: What are the remaining offseason priorities?

The New England Patriots have ended their offseason program and now break until training camp later this month. While players are out of the facility, plenty remains to break down.

So, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.

Ricky Hot Pants:
What are ( or should be ) the Patriots’ priorities?
– Gonzalez extension
– Jacus signing
– linebacker depth
– tight end depth

The top two are already in order. Signing Gonzalez to a long-term contract is the No. 1 thing left on the to-do list after completing the A.J. Brown trade. The Patriots have reiterated throughout the offseason that that is their plan, and the hope is that is completed soon so Gonzalez can participate for the entirety of training camp.

Jacas, then, is No. 2 as the lone second-round pick left unsigned. The pre-draft injuries appear to be the holdup as second-round picks are now looking for fully guaranteed contracts, but the Patriots need immediate help on the edge which Jacas provides.

To complicate matters No. 1 and 2: Gonzalez and Jacas share an agency.

Adding depth then rounds out the list, but I’d target tight end over linebacker — especially as Mike Vrabel alluded to them adding at that position.

1. When should we expect a TE2 candidate to be obtained (my guess soon)
2. Adding another vet MLB added (my guess – late Aug/Sep)
3. If Jacas isn’t going to be of use this year, is there enough in house, or do they get someone? – bags368

1. I would guess shortly before or after training camp begins.
2. I’d wait until around cutdown day. See what you have in Chad Muma, K.J. Britt and Namdi Obiazor.
3. Jacas will be behind, but I still believe he can be a contributor this season (unless he is not on the field for training camp). Even then, they might still need someone else on the edge.

Bradyn Swinson was considered a steal when selected in the 5th round, as some “experts” had him in the top 100. Why did he drop so far in the draft and is there a good chance that he can live up to his top 100 potential? – MySoxAreRed

The main issues were off the field. That led to him getting cut out of training camp last year and Swinson himself admitting he needed to learn how to be a better pro. The coaching staff has spoken highly of him this offseason and he clearly has the talent, so I would not completely rule him out becoming a rotational piece in Year 2.

The run defense really fell off when Williams and Spillane were hurt last season and now the team is without Tonga or any linebacker depth – with a tougher schedule this year can the run defense still be counted on as a strength? – slunkywontergreen

After a poor showing in the Super Bowl, a big point of emphasis this offseason was improving their run defense along...