Pats Pulpit
The latest edition of our Patriots mailbag answers questions about roster holes, free agents and more.
The offseason program is officially complete for the New England Patriots as veterans are out of the building while rookies wrap up orientation. Eyes now turn too late July when everyone returns for training camp.
So let’s talk about it all and get right into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
At this point, what do you think or the biggest potential holes in the Patriots roster? Or do you think we are all good? - Sportzballer
Ignoring unforeseeable holes, like ones caused by injuries, what hole or thin spot on the current Pat’s roster has you most uneasy? Which veteran from another team, that might be available for trade, would you most like to see acquired to fill that hole? - WannaBePatsGM
Left guard remains the biggest hole and question mark on the roster. Cole Strange looks like the front runner for the starting job coming out of the spring. Depth options include Sidy Sow, Tyrese Robinson, UDFA Jack Conley, and Layden Robinson, who does not appear to be a favorite of this coaching staff. Caedan Wallace could also factor into this position as could rookie Jared Wilson — if he is not considered for the starting center spot.
The other hole i’d look it is the spine of the defense when it comes to stopping the ground game. Christian Barmore and Milton Williams will anchor the defensive line, but can Khyris Tonga, who has never played more than 23 percent of a team’s defensive snaps in his four-year career, hold up as the unit’s rotational nose tackle?
And at linebacker, New England revamped the unit with Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens but already have suffered injuries to Jahlani Tavai and Marte Mapu. Both are expected back by training camp, but that is a thinner spot if missing one or two options.
What remaining free agents could the Patriots sign? - mathblaster97
Looking at some of the positions above, Dalton Risner and Brandon Scherff are the top two veteran guards remaining on the free agent market. A career left guard, Risner, 29, began last year on injured reserve but started nine games down the stretch at right guard for the Vikings in return allowing just one sack. He plans on playing this season.
As for the 33-year old Scherff, the career right guard has started 17 games for three straight seasons after dealing with injuries from 2018-2021. The veteran may not be the high level guard he was early in his career at Washington, but remains a consistent option along the inside as he did not allow a sack last season.
Elsewhere, if Jahlani Tavai is forced to miss additional time with the calf injury he suffered in OTAs the Patriots could look for additional linebacker depth. Kyzir White is the top name remaining and brings a more physical downhill presence (like Tavai) compared to New England’s other more athletic linebackers. White also was...
