More on the NFL Draft, value of Dugger and White
Good questions in the Patriots mailbag this week, including some thoughts on possible draftweekend trades, the best things to write about in the offseason, and what to expect from Keion White. Let’s get to it.
What kind of value might the Patriots get in bundling Kyle Dugger with the secondround pick to get back into the first round for a left tackle or wide receiver?
— Josh Kelton, Maine
I would have been more inclined to look for Dugger in a draft-weekend trade if they hadn’t been able to sign him to a long-term deal. (You can never be sure about bruised feelings when it comes to the transition or franchise tags.) As it stands, I’d be shocked if they moved him.
As an NFL beat writer, might you have a preference on what to write about in the offseason? And what are your thoughts on writing mock drafts?
— Ed Helinski, Auburn, N.Y.
Best thing to write about during the offseason is the combine and everything that happens that week. A ton of stories, all sorts of contacts in one place, all in a city that’s welcoming and easy to get around. If you don’t get a ton of stories out of your time in Indy, you’re not trying.
As for mock drafts, I understand their importance. They drive traffic, generate debate, and get people talking. As for me, I always have a hard time determining between what I think will happen and what should happen when it comes to my mocks.
What are the expectations for Keion White in Year 2? He’s kind of an afterthought this spring.
— Steve Balestrieri, via X
Great question, Steve. I think some of his future is tied up (at least when it comes to this year) in a couple of other guys, Deatrich Wise and Matthew Judon. White saw a spike in playing time last year when those guys were on the shelf. If both of those guys are healthy, the Patriots might be more inclined to use White as a situational guy — third downs and other passing situations.
But I agree; he’s one of those guys we should be talking more about this spring, part of a group that includes Marcus Jones.
What’s the most important trait for the Patriots’ next quarterback?
— Bob Smietana, via X
I’ll presume that anyone available to them at No. 3 (or anywhere in the top 34 picks) would have all the physical tools needed to succeed in the NFL — strong arm, speed, size, etc.
For me, it would be two other things.
One, the ability to process and make decisions quickly and decisively. Break the huddle with a plan. Make your reads, get the ball out, and go.
And two, being confident in the guys around him — particularly the offensive line — to execute and be where they need to be when they need to be there. For the line to maintain their blocks. Last season, there was zero confidence that the offense could generate any sort of rhythm, and a lot of that came as the result of the quarterback being shell-shocked.
What member of the roster who ended last season on IR is going to have the greatest impact on the 2024 roster?
— James, Brighton, via email
There’s a good list of guys, including Judon, Calvin Anderson, and Marcus Jones. But I’m going to go with Christian Gonzalez. The young cornerback was absolutely electric in his relatively brief time in the lineup, and there’s every reason to expect him to continue to ascend in 2024.
All right, smart guy: What’s your pick for the best Patriots road trip for 2024?
— Charles, Maine, via e-mail
We don’t know the specifics yet — the schedule should be announced early next month, I’m guessing — but there are a few tantalizing options. Tennessee is one I’m looking forward to, as last summer in Nashville for the preseason contest against the Titans was a lot of fun. Flights and hotels are also reasonable when stacked against some of the other options.
Chicago is always a good destination, particularly if you want a great October setting. (I’m still lamenting the Bears’ absolutely awful redesign of Soldier Field.) San Francisco is one stadium that I can’t wait to check off my bucket list.
Given that the Patriots are set for road games in San Francisco and Arizona, it’s worth speculating about the league scheduling those back-to-back so the team has the option of staying out West.