Although players like Parker and Bourne have shown flashes, these types of players are not at the upper echelon of talent that the Patriots need. Thornton is now in his second year, and his ability is also a big question mark. So, what do the Patriots do? I think we need to start figuring out how we can make this WR core better. I haven't heard one inkling of whether we're in pursuit of a number 1, so I'm concerned. Now let me put my GM hat on.

At #14, say we draft Zay Flowers, Jordan Addison, or Quentin Johnston. These are the premier receivers, and are an ideal fit for what I'm looking for in the draft. I can already see the comments "But what about Jaxon Smith-Njigba?". Although I believe he's a fine WR for one, he has had one productive season at the college level. In that productive season, he had the likes of Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave alongside him. And I get it he got injured 3 games in. However, in those 3 games as the premier option, he had 5 receptions for 43 yards and 0 TDs against who? Toledo? Iowa? Notre Dame was the only ranked team, and he did nothing in those games.

What if the Patriots trade a second, and a 5^th for a WR? Jerry Jeudy is rumored to be on the trade block. The Broncos wanted a second and a 5^th last year at the trade deadline and got no bites. If we could get him for a second and a 6^th and low ball the Broncos a little, let's do it. What about DeAndre Hopkins? He is gonna be a hot commodity and him voiding his no trade clause only made this harder. I can see a second and a 5^th because of this draft class lack of WR1 type talent, but because of that lack of talent I can also see a 1st rounder.

Then there is the cut candidates. The Chargers are, according to Spotrac, 20 million dollars over the cap. Keenan Allen's cap hit is going into the 2023 season at 21.7 million dollars. If the Chargers were to cut Allen, it would be post June 1st, saving them 17.5 million in cap space. However, I see the Chargers finding a way to keep him. Even if he does hit the market, I'm not seeing him command less than 25 million, and that may be too steep with his injuries. If Bill Belichick wants to satisfy Robert Kraft’s itch of winning a playoff game and give his now third year QB a real chance (which let's be honest you made a DC an OC), he's going to have to do some uncharacteristic moves.

This is a prove it year for Mac Jones, and what better way to find out if he's got that "it" factor than to provide the kid with some actual talent. You've brought in Bill O' Brien. You've got a new offensive line coach. Now we find out if it's worth signing Mac Jones to that fifth-year option. However, you cannot do that without first giving him the necessary assets.