YOUNG BUILDING BLOCKS WHO WILL HELP RESTORE THE PATS
Despite draft struggles, there are solid pieces to get team back to top
Rebuild, repair, reload, resurrect. Those four R's sum up the Patriots offseason as Bill Belichick attempts to make the Patriots contenders once again after missing the playoffs for the first time in 12 years.
It's no secret he needs to find a quarterback, better weapons and help on the defensive line. That's a given.
But, it's also fair to say Belichick has some young talent to build around.
While some of his recent drafts haven’t been particularly fruitful, Belichick is not completely devoid of young players who could be significant staples of the future.
The Patriots do have a few socalled building blocks, as well as some who might ultimately develop into prominent players down the road.
Here’s a look at the players who figure to be at the heart of the upcoming rebuild.
RB Damien Harris, age 23
After having essentially a redshirt year as a rookie, Harris finally got his chance in 2020 and showed why the Patriots were so keen to snag him in the third round of the 2019 draft.
The former Alabama back runs hard, finds the hole and blasts through it, running through anything in his path. He had three 100yard rushing games, and finished with 691 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Playing in just 10 games, those numbers stand out.
He was the second-highest graded running back in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus, with a 90.3 overall grade.
Harris dealt with some injury issues throughout, but did take over the lead back role. He and Sony Michel should provide a good 1-2 punch for years to come. Harris is under contract for two more years.
WR Jakobi Meyers, age 24
In reality, Meyers is a third receiver. And if the Patriots actually go out and get a legitimate No. 1 and 2, he’ll be a darn good third receiver.
This year, the 2019 undrafted rookie was the top gun after Julian Edelman went down, and while he led the team, he’ll be better served not having to deal with an opposing defense’s shutdown corner every game.
Meyers, however, did show his mettle this season, both as a receiver, and occasional thrower of the football. The former high school quarterback threw a pair of perfect touchdown passes on gadget plays, hitting Rex Burkhead and Cam Newton.
But, more than anything, in his second season, he established himself as a receiver who understands defensive coverages and knows how to get open. He was Newton’s most dependable target.
While he doesn’t wow anyone with quickness or explosiveness, Meyers is still very good at finding little spaces and creases to get open. He really improved as a route runner. And, he was able to create yards after the catch. He finished with 59 catches for 729 yards, with two 100-yard efforts. He’s a good piece to have in an offense, just not a lead piece.
OL Michael Onwenu, age 23
Big Mike played in every game, and he proved incredibly versatile, filling in at multiple positions (left guard, right guard, right tackle) before taking over as the full-time right tackle.
That versatility leaves Belichick with a good problem going forward. While Onwenu was primarily a guard in college, he transitioned to tackle without any problem and looks more than competent handling either position.
So where will he play in 2021 and beyond?
If Marcus Cannon, who opted out, doesn't return, Onwenu could remain at right tackle for many years to come.
But with left guard Joe Thuney and center David Andrews both hitting free agency, Belichick might think he's better served elsewhere, depending on who is lost. So Belichick has options with Onwenu.
“I think he's shown, maybe a little bit surprisingly to us and him, his ability to play tackle,” Belichick said of Onwenu, who was taken in the sixth round. “That's a great credit to him and it certainly increases his value to our team, and we'll have to take a look at what's best for him, what's best for the team. … He's opened a lot of doors and opportunities for himself and we'll see how he fits into our team concept.”
CB J.C. Jackson, age 25
Whether it was showing great technique, or simply being in the right place at the right time, Jackson was a turnover machine.
His nine interceptions were second in the league to Xavien Howard, who had 10 for the Dolphins. He also had two fumble recoveries, making him responsible for 11 turnovers.
If the Patriots part with Stephon Gilmore, Jackson would likely fill the top shutdown corner role. And even if Gilmore stays, Jackson will still have a prominent role in the secondary. He's a good No. 2 corner in any defense.
Jackson, however, is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason. The Patriots are likely to put a first-round tender on him. That means if another team really wants him, they'd have to part with a first-round pick.
So, chances are, he's sticking around. And, even after enjoying the best season of his career, Jackson is promising greater heights.
“I feel like I'm not even at my highest level yet,” Jackson said. “I've still got some room to
improve and have some things I need to work on.”
S/LB Kyle Dugger, age 24
Making the jump from Division 2 to the NFL didn't seem too daunting for Dugger, who was the Patriots’ first pick in the 2020 draft, arriving in the second round.
He was utilized quite a bit at safety and linebacker. Let's just say his skillset falls in line to be a favored chess piece for Belichick.
While his numbers didn't jump off the page — 50 tackles, one pass defended and one tackle for loss — he was still a significant contributor both on defense and special teams.
He hits like a mack truck, and should be a full-time starter next season. He still has to develop better coverage skills, but he's the real deal and could be an impact player in the defense for many years to come.
LB Chase Winovich, age 25
He's like the energizer bunny, playing with boundless pep from snap to snap.
That trait has certainly aided him as a pass rusher the past two seasons, as he's been one of the team's best disruptors getting to the quarterback.
This year, he led the team with 5.5 sacks. He also had 33 solo tackles, 18 QB hits, and a pick.
Winovich saw more time as an every down player this season, although he didn't always prosper.
On occasion, he wasn't disciplined enough against the run on early downs. He's also undersized as an edge setter and can get moved and pushed around.
Perhaps he'll add some weight to help rectify that issue. He has to be able to take on blocks and be more of an anchor on the edge.
If he can establish himself as more of a dominant defender against the run, he'll stay on the field every down and be the desired edge player.
LB Josh Uche, age 22
Due to various injuries, the second-round Michigan linebacker played in just nine games, but made his mark when he did play.
He had a sack, seven QB hits, nine pressures and seven tackles. It might not seem like much, especially being held for the most part to a third-down role, but his talent is obvious when he's out on the field.
With his speed and athleticism, especially on the edge, the Patriots were able to contain dual-threat QBs Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray.
He appears to have a bright future, and should get more playing time in 2021.
P Jake Bailey, age 23
He was voted to the Pro Bowl in just his second season. He was also named an AP All-Pro, along with special teams returner Gunner Olszewski. Bailey is one of the best punters in the league, and that includes every aspect of the position, be it drilling long bombs with incredible hang time, or perfectly landing situational kicks.
On the year, he made 39 kicks that pinned the opponent inside the 20. That tied him for first in the NFL. His gross average of 48.7 was fifth, and his long of 71 yards tied for third.
He's also been used on kickoffs and was the holder for Nick Folk. In a pinch, he can also kick field goals. Without a doubt, he should be a mainstay on special teams for quite some team.
Five to Watch
CB Myles Bryant — He had some issues against the Jets, but the undrafted free agent showed plenty in games before the finale. His versatility and ability to play any position in the secondary allowed Belichick to move him wherever was needed. And, he acquitted himself quite well wherever he was deployed. He's not a building block just yet, but a player to watch in 2021 for sure.
TE Devin Asiasi — One decent game doesn't make a building block, and boy was he a non-factor until Week 17 when he showed up against the Jets. But let's give Asiasi the benefit of the doubt. Between being setback by the pandemic and dealing with the death of a close friend, Asiasi didn't get off to the best start. Let's see how he fares in 2021.
OL IsaiahWynn— The former firstround pick would be considered a sure-fire building block, except he's spent a ton of time on injured reserve in all three seasons he's been with the team. He's only played in 19 of a possible 52 games. He's been good when he plays, he just hasn't been available. He needs to play before he earns bona fide building block status. And next year will be key. It's possible they'll bump him inside to Joe Thuney's spot if Thuney signs elsewhere, and find another solution at tackle. Or, they'll have him swap sides with Onwenu.
WR N'Keal Harry — The temptation is to stick a fork in him. But, it's still too early. He's a first-round pick and under contract for a couple years. Through two seasons, he has 45 catches for 414 yards and four touchdowns. That's not nearly enough for a first rounder. But he did flash at times, and playing on the inside, with a new quarterback, might help change the bust narrative.
OL Justin Herron — He has potential, and bailed out the Patriots filling in at both tackle spots. If Marcus Cannon returns next season, after opting out in 2020, there will be plenty of competition. He still needs to bulk up a bit and get stronger. But the sixth-round pick should at the very least, be the future swing tackle role.