All 32 teams are about to embark on the shopping spree that is the NFL offseason.
Trades are probably already being discussed. Free agency is a couple weeks away with seemingly endless dollars to be spent. And the slot machine of the 2023 NFL Draft offers jackpot potential in late April.
Teams looking to improve their roster have plenty of avenues to achieve that goal.
But there is another way that teams can improve their standing and success from one season to the next. It’s through that phrase that third-year Patriots quarterback Mac Jones has spewed endlessly in his two years as a spokesman for the franchise: “Be better.”
Not all improvement has to come from roster changes and additions. Internal improvement, growth and development can lead to massive leaps for both individual players and aspects of a football team from one year to the next. In New England maybe the best example of that is running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who went from an intriguing rookie to a consistently-productive star from his rookie campaign to his 2022 output. Josh Uche made a similar leap in his third season, going from theoretical potential to double-digit sack production over the second half of last fall.
So while many fans and media are clamoring for big trades – Tee Higgins! – or signings or a franchise-altering section with the No. 14 overall pick, maybe the best place to look for upside optimism for the Patriots heading toward 2023 would be potential breakout candidates already on the New England roster.
Certainly the Patriots need to add talent and fill holes at various spots on the roster, but maybe New England can take step toward a return to the postseason thanks to internal improvement. That in mind, here’s a top-5 list of Patriots who just might “be better” in 2023, optimistically primed for potential breakout seasons that could pay massive dividends for Bill Belichick’s team this coming fall.
5 – Pierre Strong Jr.: While Stevenson proved he can do it all in the backfield, actually leaning on him to do so my result in diminishing returns. Strong was the fastest running back at last year’s NFL Combine. He showed flashes of that in limited chances as a rookie. Strong will certainly need to spend the entire offseason working on the passing game – hands, route running and pass protection – as Stevenson did a year ago. If he does that, an impact role on an offense in transition could be there for the taking.
4 – Marcus Jones: Can a second-year player who earned All-Pro status as a rookie really have a breakout season? He can if that impact comes as a wide receiver, a role in which he saw a mere 18 snaps in 2022. Jones has already proven his elite ability with the ball in his hands, evidenced by his long touchdowns on offense, defense and as a punt returner. Given New England’s need for offensive playmakers and his dabbling in that area as a rookie with a lot on his plate, increased opportunities as a receiver might be on the horizon. Teams will probably try to kick away from Jones in the punt game. He had his ups and downs as a cornerback. But more reps on offense mean more guaranteed chances with the ball in his hands. It’s a no-brainer with the potential for massive upside.
3 – Jack Jones: Belichick often talks about players making their biggest jump from their rookie year to their second NFL season. Jones showed flashes of elite cornerback play as a rookie. He certainly brings the swagger needed for that job. Though his curious late-season suspension while injured is concerning, Jones has an opportunity to elevate his role in the back end of a defense that’s lacking a true No. 1 option. The line of cornerbacks going from mid-round talents or worse to the top of the New England coverage depth chart is long and impressive. Jones has a chance to add his name to that list.
2 – Mac Jones: In case you hadn’t heard, Jones had a disappointing second NFL season under some pretty extreme circumstances. Now, though, with Bill O’Brien running the New England offense and theoretically blending all things Alabama and Patriots to magnify his quarterback’s strengths, it’s make-or-break time for Jones. His success at Alabama and as a NFL rookie are reason for hope. O’Brien’s arrival removes excuses. If Jones is indeed a franchise QB, he probably has 17 games in 2023 to prove it.
1 – Christian Barmore: After an impressive rookie season, Barmore’s 2022 was a disappointment. Injury limited him to three starts in 10 games played. His 2.5 sacks and seven QB hits were below his hopes and expectations. Barmore is still learning to deal with the double teams that come his way so often and remains impactful when singled up. His combination of size, length, strength and athleticism give him all the tools to be a dominant force on the interior of the defensive line. He just needs to put it all together for production on the field. No better time to do that than his third NFL season.
Others receiving consideration: Cole Strange, Tyquan Thornton, Kendrick Bourne, Joshuah Bledsoe, Andrew Stueber.