Patriots’ need serious offensive additions in the draft

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Pro Football Focus (PFF), one of the best football analytical groups in the business, hasn’t been flattering to new Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel’s free agency additions on offense. They knocked Vrabel for his lackluster additions on the offensive line and wide receiver, which are the only offensive moves he’s made to date.

As many have anticipated, Vrabel has centered his efforts on the defensive side of the ball. He’s a defensive coach first and foremost. He significantly transformed that side of the ball in free agency. PFF provided faint praise for those defensive efforts before panning his offensive moves. Here’s what they had to say,

“However, the Patriots didn’t address their biggest needs—offensive line and wide receiver—as aggressively as expected. Mack Hollins is a solid addition, but with high-profile receivers still available, the move left something to be desired. Meanwhile, signing Morgan Moses is a step in the right direction for the offensive line, but more work remains to rebuild the unit.”

Is PFF right about the Patriots’ offensive needs?

PFF is right that Vrabel has focused his free agency on defense. The coach wanted to revamp the defense at all three levels, and he’s done just that. Defensive tackle Milton Williams, linebackers Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens, edge players Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson, and even top cornerback Carlton Davis III fit Vrabel’s new aggressive style to a tee.

Yet, is PFF too harsh on Vrabel’s lack of offensive additions? Yes, they are. Vrabel has added three solid additions to his bottom of the NFL offensive line. Right tackle Morgan Moses, guard Wes Schweitzer and center Garrett Bradbury are all veteran NFL linemen. While they’re transitional guys until the line is fully rebuilt, each is an upgrade over any 2024 players they’ll replace.

The 2024 Patriots fielded an O-line with only one bona fide NFL lineman, guard Mike Onwenu. He had a poor season and was relegated back to guard after signing a huge extension for tackle money. He’s a trade candidate. Absent trades, it now leaves only the draft to fortify the tackle position.

What the Patriots need to accomplish in the draft

PFF hit the nail on the head that the Pats need to bulk up two positions above all others in the draft, the offensive line (left tackle most urgently), and wide receiver. They still have no solid left tackles on the roster, a situation that along with sitting Drake Maye for five games crushed any hopes of a winning team in 2024.

After taking the best player available at a position of need with pick No. 4, perhaps after a trade-down if Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter are off the board, Vrabel would be advised to draft several left tackles. Two should be with premium picks (rounds one through three).

First and foremost, Vrabel needs to grab a left tackle early. He can take Will Campbell, the draft’s best with that top pick at No. 4, or maybe even after a trade down. If not Campbell, he has to add a tackle no later than his second-round pick. He can use pick No. 38, or if the Patriots can trade back up into the first round for a specific top tackle, it would make perfect sense.

He then still has to add another left tackle or two, one earlier and one a bit later. Left tackles can slide over to the right and/or shift inside to guard. They’ll give the coaching staff depth at several positions on the O-line, especially on that critical left side. For too long, the Patriots neglected the position, and the team’s dismal records over the past two seasons reflected it.

If Vrabel lands wide receiver Hunter, he can add two left tackles in the second and third rounds and then another wide receiver, maybe Jaylin Noel from Iowa State, also in the third round. The imperative is to add at least two top left tackles and two starting-caliber wide receivers in the draft’s first four rounds. Free agency has left Vrabel in a bind, and the draft is likely his only way out.

The Patriots improved their offensive line with three under-the-radar veteran signings. They also added a solid No. 2B veteran receiver, Mack Hollins. However, important work still needs to be accomplished in the draft for both wide receiver and left tackle.

Mike Vrabel has high picks, four in the first three rounds, to solidify both positions. He also has tradeable players he can wheel for picks. Vrabel’s imperative is to fix the O-line and wide receiver room to have a chance to accomplish the unthinkable and make the playoffs. With free agency about over, he has to get the draft right or expect another bottom-of-the-barrel season in 2025.