Flagg the Wanderer
Mourning Algernon
Who are you targeting? Here's a few to start with, mostly higher-end guys that I found particularly interesting.
Defensive Backs:
If the brass is sold on needing a boundary corner with size and speed, Tampa CB Jamel Dean might fit the bill. He's 6'1", ran in the 4.3 range at the 2019 Combine, and PFF gives him high marks on various coverage metrics. That said, his raw COD isn't great for a CB, but as he gets experience his instincts have helped cover that physical weakness.
Shutdown? No. But solid, and would solve the problem the Patriots have had matching up with larger WRs and burners. My guess is that would push one of Jon or Marcus Jones to the McCourty role of coverage/range safety, or possibly Mills.
PHI safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson has potential as rangey coverage safety with a nose for the ball I need to see more film of him and think about the fit.
Cincinnati safety Vonn Bell is interesting, I'd say possibly the most likely single player to be added at DB. A smart and highly respected veteran leader who could lend experience and gravitas to a young and talented DB group. Seems like a Belichick-y sort of guy, and isn't as much marked by specific areas of strength as much as brains, discipline, and limited weaknesses.
Offensive Line:
SF OT McGlinchey has been discussed quite a bit, so I'll put a pin in that for now. I'm not as big a fan as many here, but it would be a message. He'll be expensive.
Atlanta OT Kaleb McGary is an absolutely elite run blocker, and his pass pro is developing. He has the physical tools to be absolutely elite in pass pro, so could surprise with some good positional coaching. His run blocking excellence is technique-based; his lighter, lanky build (~6'7" and 310-ish) is that of a pass pro specialist. Might be too expensive as a bet, but could have the biggest payoff of all the OTs in this FA class.
KC OT Orlando Brown is big and slow, yet consistently successful. It's kind of a mystery. I like him. His technique is excellent, and he just knows the game. Apparently his father played the position at a pretty high level or something?
Other:
Buffalo LB Tremaine Edmunds would be an amazing add. It's not an area of critical need on one sense, but if we're willing to commit the cap, he's an elite coverage LB with speed, and would make Wilson and McMillan afterthoughts. I was amazed that he's still in his mid-20s, and that he's got so much weight on him, in the 250 range. He can be a TE-eliminator, and adding him into the mix with the multi-safety big nickel would cause some serious problems. Edmunds and Dugger patrolling the middle of a defense would be nightmare fuel, especially with the Patriots CBs so dangerous from a big-play/INT perspective. Problems handling elite rushing QBs would be over if we throw Edmunds-Dugger-Peppers out there.l, and his intimate knowledge of Josh Allen would be a nice bonus.
...more to come.
Defensive Backs:
If the brass is sold on needing a boundary corner with size and speed, Tampa CB Jamel Dean might fit the bill. He's 6'1", ran in the 4.3 range at the 2019 Combine, and PFF gives him high marks on various coverage metrics. That said, his raw COD isn't great for a CB, but as he gets experience his instincts have helped cover that physical weakness.
Shutdown? No. But solid, and would solve the problem the Patriots have had matching up with larger WRs and burners. My guess is that would push one of Jon or Marcus Jones to the McCourty role of coverage/range safety, or possibly Mills.
PHI safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson has potential as rangey coverage safety with a nose for the ball I need to see more film of him and think about the fit.
Cincinnati safety Vonn Bell is interesting, I'd say possibly the most likely single player to be added at DB. A smart and highly respected veteran leader who could lend experience and gravitas to a young and talented DB group. Seems like a Belichick-y sort of guy, and isn't as much marked by specific areas of strength as much as brains, discipline, and limited weaknesses.
Offensive Line:
SF OT McGlinchey has been discussed quite a bit, so I'll put a pin in that for now. I'm not as big a fan as many here, but it would be a message. He'll be expensive.
Atlanta OT Kaleb McGary is an absolutely elite run blocker, and his pass pro is developing. He has the physical tools to be absolutely elite in pass pro, so could surprise with some good positional coaching. His run blocking excellence is technique-based; his lighter, lanky build (~6'7" and 310-ish) is that of a pass pro specialist. Might be too expensive as a bet, but could have the biggest payoff of all the OTs in this FA class.
KC OT Orlando Brown is big and slow, yet consistently successful. It's kind of a mystery. I like him. His technique is excellent, and he just knows the game. Apparently his father played the position at a pretty high level or something?
Other:
Buffalo LB Tremaine Edmunds would be an amazing add. It's not an area of critical need on one sense, but if we're willing to commit the cap, he's an elite coverage LB with speed, and would make Wilson and McMillan afterthoughts. I was amazed that he's still in his mid-20s, and that he's got so much weight on him, in the 250 range. He can be a TE-eliminator, and adding him into the mix with the multi-safety big nickel would cause some serious problems. Edmunds and Dugger patrolling the middle of a defense would be nightmare fuel, especially with the Patriots CBs so dangerous from a big-play/INT perspective. Problems handling elite rushing QBs would be over if we throw Edmunds-Dugger-Peppers out there.l, and his intimate knowledge of Josh Allen would be a nice bonus.
...more to come.
