PatsPropaganda

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Round One recap of the 2023 NFL Draft

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There you have it you lovely lot, day one of the 2023 NFL draft is complete! 

I truly hope you have had more sleep than I. I watched until the final pick, as just between you and me, I needed to know where Michael Mayer went, and he hasn’t yet! 

Now, it does feel like the draft sort of began at the number two pick, the Texans. Most of NFL Nation was sure the Carolina Panthers were taking Bryce Young of Alabama. I don’t know about you, but they should have just submitted the pick three weeks ago like they would in the 1984 draft or something, but they were on the clock and made their selection. 

The Texans did the thing that they probably should have done, and scooped up a quarterback in C.J. Stroud. Then they sent the 12th overall pick with the number 33 pick (a first and third in the 2024 draft too) to receive pick 105, and the third overall pick to select linebacker Will Anderson Jnr out of Alabama. 

Another quarterback off the board, Anthony Richardson was selected by the Colts. Followed by another trade with the Seahawks and Broncos. Seattle selected, possibly the top cornerback of this draft, Devon Witherspoon. 

Arizona shifted around the board trading with Detroit, and the Cardinals selected the Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. 

Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson was taken by the Las Vegas Raiders, and then the first running back was picked at 8! Bijan Robinson goes to the Atlanta Falcons. 

As great as the running back is, and he really is, I was kind of relieved that the Falcons scooped up Robinson, I am not sure if Bill Belichick could have passed by the elite running back talent, but I think a lot of us really wanted him too!

Super Bowl runners up the Philadelphia Eagles moved up to nab the defensive end out of Georgia, Jalen Carter. 

The Bears mixed it up with trades and took offensive tackle Darnell Wright. Mike Vrabel and the Tennessee Titans picked one of my favourites at 11 in Peter Skoronski the OT from Northwestern. 

More trades than you could have coffee so late at night and the Lions selected Jahmyr Gibbs the running back at 12. Green Bay drafted Iowa defensive end, edge guy, Luke Van Ness and then the Steelers make THAT trade with New England and hopped up to the 14th pick. 

Patriots fans groaned and held their breath as the Steelers had their choice of talent and chose my favourite OT guy in Broderick Jones. This possibly resulted in the Jets being pipped for their guy, we will never truly know, and the Jets selected defensive end Will McDonald out of Iowa State. 

Washington picked cornerback Emmanuel Forbes at 16 and then… the Patriots had a selection. 

They didn’t trade, they stuck and they picked up a dynamic cornerback that you will hear plenty about today! Yes folks, the Patriots selected Christian Gonzalez out of Oregon. 

The Lions got to pick again and took my favourite line backer Jack Campbell, followed by Tampa Bay selecting defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and then the Seahawks started the run on wide receivers taking Jaxon Smith-Njigba at 20. 

22nd, but technically taken 21st because of those naughty Dolphins, was Quentin Johnston, selected by the LA Chargers. 

Hearts became broken in New England as Zay Flowers from Boston College was picked by the Ravens, and rounding out the stint of wide receiver selections was Jordan Addison who was taken by the Vikings. 

The Giants got antsy and moved up in a trade with the Jaguars to select corner back Deonte Banks from Maryland, then the Bills moved to take one of the top tight ends Dalton Kincaid of Utah. 

To those of you that reached out to ask my opinion on this selection, firstly thank you! Secondly, I wasn’t happy. Obviously I want all the good tight ends to go to the Patriots, but seriously now, did he really have to go to the Bills?! Not exactly looking forward to the Patriots having to face that top talent at least twice a season. 

The Cowboys selected the defensive tackle from Michigan Mazi Smith, followed by the Jacksonville Jags finally selecting, where they took Anton Harrison from Oklahoma. 

Myles Murphy went to the Bengals. New Orleans selected defensive tackle Bryan Bresee. The Eagles picked up another mammoth player from Georgia, and drafted Nolan Smith and, finally the evening rounded out with Felix Anudike-Uzomah of Kansas State going to the Kansas City Chiefs!

So there you have it folks, lots of speculation confirmed, or blown out of the water, and so much talent left “on the board” for tonight! I do hope the Patriots select some of those tight ends I am wanting so much but hey, that’s what it is to be a fan right?

On that note, keep smiling you lovely lot, and Go Pats!

The Pats Propaganda Draft Off!

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It’s that crazy time of year again! Big boards, mock drafts, draft stock movements, all to be finalised in just over a week!

Yes, you lovely lot, soon we will be put out of our misery and we will know who the Patriots take 14th overall… if they do of course. Until then, mock drafts are a-flyin’, player drafts stocks are risin’ and a-fallin’ and draft crushes are formin’!

And so to add to the mania, the fantabulous Tom Shaw-Mellors and myself have done… drum roll please… a mock draft off!

The first ever, (possibly the last, it depends how it goes) Pats Propaganda draft off. And so, not only will you get to see how Tom and I draft, but you will also be able to vote, on Twitter for your favourite mock draft!!

Tom’s draft selection (@ShawMellors)

Ok, so these four picks are players that I would be happy with if the Patriots chose them in the upcoming draft.

Round 1 – (14) – WR Zay Flowers (Boston College)

Zay Flowers could be the answer for the Pats. I saw Zay play for BC in 2021 during a trip to Boston and he was a cut above anyone else on the field in terms of athleticism and IQ as a wideout.

There has been a lot of hype around him due to his local connections at BC, and I also nod that his college career wasn’t plated at the highest level, still, I think he could be a star in this league and would gladly take him at 14.

Round 2 – (46) – CB Julius Brents (Kansas State)

Back-to-back positions of need are being filled in my draft-off selections here!

He has everything I like in a corner, good size at 6″3 which immediately makes me think of all of those mismatches poor Marcus and Jack Jones had last season.

Height is a big factor (reminds me a bit of Tariq Woolen, who I wanted last year) – Brents also has decent speed and would be a solid addition, and perhaps a BB guy too with his build.

Brents also had a decent outing at the Senior Bowl, leading me to think he could follow in the footsteps of a number of current Patriots who took part in that competition. (Cole Strange (2022), Mac Jones (2021), Rhamondre Stevenson (2021), Kyle Dugger (2020)

Round 3 – (76) – TE Tucker Kraft (South Dakota State)

This one’s for your Clare!

It’s been a long time since a Patriots TE draftee actually materialized into anything exciting, but aside from his namesake to our beloved owner, Tucker Kraft could be that man!

Has the size at 6″5/250 lbs to really lend assistance in the run game, he’s also a physical specimen with strong athletic testing performances at the combine.

Alongside Gesicki and Hunter Henry, Kraft would make a healthy addition to the offensive room under Billy O.

Round 4 – (107) – CB Riley Moss (Iowa)

Shoutout to Evan Lazar and Mike Dussault from http://Patriots.com for bringing me around on this final pick.

After watching some of Moss’ tape, I can see why they both are really high on him to be the fourth player added to the Patriots’ 2023 draft class.

At 6″1 he has decent size and has been a strong tackler during his collegiate career which spanned 2,606 snaps over five seasons (per PFF).

I agree that Moss probably wouldn’t come in and settle as an out-and-out traditional CB, perhaps with his size he could transition to safety, but it just screams a cliche Bill Belichick pick.

Clare’s draft selection (@clazzyclare)

I fell down the rabbit hole of mock drafts for almost a day for this. The problem is, I was never quite sure of which position I really wanted to prioritise as there are several important ones this year, and then a random guy would fall and be too good to miss! Not to mention, how it’s ever so annoying when the guys you want keep going just ahead of your pick (am I right?!). But to that end, curtesy of the PFF draft simulator, I produced a draft I think I would be happy with if the Patriots copied it. Whilst I know it’s not going to give everyone tingles, I put on my GM cap and did (to the best of my ability!) what I thought would be best for the team not only for 2023 but going forward too. I may have overdrafted a little, taken a guy a little earlier than he is expected to go, but it depends upon what you read. When I did the simulator it changed significantly, so I have been as realistic as possible. Here goes!

Round 1 – (14) – T Broderick Jones (Georgia)

At this pick I was increasingly torn as to which position to take, but I just couldn’t ignore the high end offensive line guys. To be honest Jones is an easy switch out for me with Peter Skoronski of Northwestern, both are early to mid first rounders off the board and for me one or the other would be awesome. I chose Jones over Skoronski just because of the edge he seems to have. To be honest there isn’t much in it, with Jones measuring at 6’5″ and 311, and Skoronski 6’4″ and 313. Even though he is lacking in experience, Jones threw a coach out of the club at a skill drill in the combine, and has sheer explosiveness I would love to see on the Patriots offensive line.

Round 2 – (46) – TE Sam Laporta (Iowa)

I couldn’t help myself, the talent in the tight end class is so delicious I had to draft one of the higher class guys. By 46 the top wide receivers are long gone so I decided to utilise the offensive weapon skill set over on my favourite position. LaPorta has been one of my favourites for a while now and whilst he didn’t hold the official title of “draft crush” he came darn close. LaPorta is a solid framed, 6’ 3.5” versatile pass catcher with a powerful looking lower body. Electric after the catch LaPorta has many strengths but there is a little work to be done with his contested catches. Definitely a good choice for the Patriots as a rookie starter behind two experienced tight ends in Henry and Gesicki, and stocking the cupboard for a TE1 of the future.

Round 3 – (76) – CB Riley Moss (Iowa)

Cornerback is definitely a position that I hope the Patriots address this draft and, whilst it’s not possible to take the top tackle, wide receiver AND cornerback, I did what I could with the board that I was dealt. After I did my mock I read Tom’s and realised he has also taken Moss but with the 107 pick, so I may have played it a little safe and selected the cornerback I wanted, but some mocks have him going in round three and that’s when I scooped him up. Moss is productive, experienced and an elite athlete with great coverage instincts, worth the 76th selection in my humble opinion.

Round 4 – (107) – TE Luke Schoonmaker (Michigan)

I had to do it, all my other positional preferences had gone by 107 and so I had to grab some more future tight endage. A lovely blend of size, athleticism and blocking ability Schoonmaker is a tall, lean built, inline Y tight end with the room to add weight. He is good in the run game, and whilst not necessarily dynamic, he shouldn’t be overlooked as playmaker.

Don’t forget to chose your favourite draft selection in the Pats Propaganda twitter poll!

Draft Prospects: Tight End

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This year the wide receiver depth seems a lot less than the previous few years. Just a couple of guys projected to go in the first round, however, as you are probably aware the one skill position that seems to have depth, the best in a decade in fact, is the tight end one. It really is a serious, athletic filled, draft class this year. 

You lovely lot didn’t actually think there was going to be a draft with so many tight ends, and I wasn’t going to cover it?!? Don’t worry, I’m just going to give you a little taste of what there is because I know you aren’t all quite as enthusiastic as I am. But there are some (maybe!) later round tight ends that the Patriots might target to fill the cupboard for the future.

Generally, first round tight ends haven’t worked out quite to the expected level. The most recent one is Kyle Pitts, selected fourth overall in the 2021 NFL draft. Now, I fully appreciate he has talent and athletic ability but he didn’t catch my eye for some reason and he hasn’t quite performed to what was expected from those that championed him.

Thus, many Patriots fans are rather against that first round selection for a tight end, and that’s fully understandable. Even I, a tight end enthusiast, is swaying towards a later round kinda guy. For me the top need is tackle, tackle, tackle, oh and a large cornerback too! Besides, how can I judge when I am tainted with superstition to not take a wide receiver in the first round, following a certain 2019 first round draft selection, even if it was the 32nd pick. 

Anyways, moving along!

Michael Mayer of Notre Dame is my draft crush but deep down I know he won’t be a Patriot. Dalton Kincaid and even Darnell Washington may be a little “too rich”, but with such a cacophony of athleticism, later round selections could still have some serious promise in a position that really is a difficult one to play in this sport today.  

With players draft stocks moving up and down, particularly following the combine and pro days and also the team visits, it is becoming increasingly tricky to assess the round in which a guy may go. But, to that end I have selected a few names that may be possibly a little more realistic for the Patriots. 

Sam LaPorta is a solid framed, 6’ 3.5” versatile pass catcher with a powerful looking lower body out of Iowa. 

Luke Schoonmaker, is a name I am hearing more and more, which worries me as he may become too much in demand for the Patriots! From Michigan, a tall, lean built, inline Y tight end with the room to add weight, Schoonmaker is good in the run game and whilst not necessarily dynamic, he shouldn’t be overlooked as playmaker.

Tucker Kraft of South Dakota State may not be unfamiliar to you either. The surname is a big one in New England, and this 6’ 5” combination tight end has good body skills and acceleration. Clocking up a 7.08 second three cone drill, this big guy is smooth. 

Brendon Strange, Penn State’s own, is perhaps more of a developmental player than those mentioned above. A great blocker on the outside, good hands and his sledge work at the combine warranted a nice job in the Clazzy Clare tightendage notebook! Plenty of strengths when it comes to blocking and the run game, Strange has a few problems with drops, his pass catching and route running need sharpening up. A solid 6’ 4” good tight end that would benefit from a year of developmental time behind say two starter veteran tight ends?

Whichever type of tight end takes your fancy, this draft class is almost dripping with them, I just hope the Patriots pick one!

Tight Endage!! Unisex T-Shirt

The Combine Cometh!

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from the notebook of Clare “Clazzy Clare” Cooper

Firstly, I just want to give a big thank you to everyone who reads my work and supports Pats Propaganda. I have been writing for this fabulous site for over two years now, two years on Tuesday 7th March, and I am so blessed to be able to do so. So, a huge thank you to YOU who is reading this, as well as my awesome colleague (and buddy) Tom Shaw-Mellors, and the founder and chief Mike Dussault. I appreciate you all!

And so, another combine has wrapped up, pro days on the horizon, but many of us are still chewing over the tape, reading the statistics, and checking the interwebs for highlight reels in order to get our draft prospect fix. 

Now, I know many may say that the combine is just a media event and the teams have no real value to it, and whilst that may be somewhat true, there is still plenty to champion, especially as a fan for the event that is held near St Elmo’s with its fabulous shrimp cocktail (as I have been told, I am yet to sample personally). 

The interviews and medicals are something that I have heard have value for the teams, and this makes complete sense, and the interviews are what the sports media roll up to Indianapolis to indulge in. 

But, the 50 hours of “on field” coverage is what the fans get when they turn on their televisions, and whilst that’s a lot for a small brain like mine to contend with, it is great to be able to find the player classes that you are most interested in, and spend some time doing that eyeball testing. 

I fully appreciate that the combine is only a sample of what these players can do, but for someone who doesn’t watch much college football, and has never been shy in admitting that I don’t, mostly for access reasons, having the opportunity to see these players “in the flesh” is definitely of an advantage. 

You can make reasonable assessments from an individual’s performance, and you can also make those “gut feeling” choices that may come back and severely bite you in the behind when the guys absolutely sucks, but hey that’s half the fun… Right?

I am rarely shy in admitting my draft crush (I am shy generally, but not when it comes to that!) and if you are a regular reader or listener of my work, you will be able to confirm as such. To me, a draft crush is that “gut feeling” one, not necessarily the sensible one, or the one that fits your team the best, it’s the one that you’re just like “Oh I want that guy!!”. 

It will not surprise you that my draft crushes are pretty much always tight ends, what can I say folks, I like to live up to the nicknames I have been given. 

However, the Patriots have significant needs, and the two that most of Patriots Nation agree with are offensive tackle and cornerback. 

The only thing is… free agency happens before the draft, and there appear to be a few rather decent names suddenly potentially available. Does that mean that with the number one pick in the 2023 NFL draft the Patriots may not need to take a tackle? 

Whilst there is a potential for that, and I am so looking forward to bringing you a bit of free agency fun soon, lack of depth at that position really hindered the Patriots in 2022, and so, even if it isn’t number 14, I am pretty darn certain we will be hearing “and the Patriots pick *insert name and collage* offensive tackle”. 

But to that end, I thought I’d give you a sneaky peak at the names of some of the top offensive tackle draft prospects, and how they faired at the combine, should you so fancy.

First off is the one who seems to have plenty of controversy around him, because of… an inch. Yes folks, Peter Skoronski has 32 1/4 inch arms which is, reportedly, short for a tackle. However, he is an exceptional player who lined up as a left tackle for three years at Northwestern. Rashawn Slater, who plays left tackle for the LA Chargers, has been proving this size “requirement” wrong for a season. And with the wealth of experience Skoronski has, it does feel a little crazy to miss on a proven quality player because of, about this ___________ much. 

For the sake of stats, I can advise the NFL has Skoronski running a 5.16 seconds 40 yard dash, bench press of 30 reps, a 34.5 inch vertical jump and a 7.8 second three cone drill. And from the notebook of one Clare “Clazzy Clare” Cooper, I can confirm: nice strong base, big guy, nice footwork on the fold block, versatile, NICE.

The next two prospects are both much larger athletes, but are a lot lighter on experience than Skoronski. 

Paris Johnson Jr of Ohio State comes in at 2 inches taller and with arms almost 4 inches longer, but with only one year experience at left tackle. Johnson didn’t undertake many of the drills at the combine, bench pressing 29 reps is pretty much all that I can report. 

Broderick Jones from Georgia drops size wise in between Skoronski and Johnson with 34 3/4 inch arms. His NFL combine results were a 4.97 seconds 40 yard dash (!) and a 30 inch vertical jump. The “Clazzy Clare” note book can confirm: Wave drill: wide base, legs wide – athletic – nice!, good feet, good athleticism. And my personal favourite: DISPATCHED the coach wearing the pad in the screen drill, threw that guy outta the club!

So there you have it you lovely lot, a sneaky glance at the combine! Keep your eyes on us for more content, and also listen out for a special episode of A Clare Perspective, a Patriots podcast that delves into a few behind-the-scenes bits of the NFL combine, coming soon!

A five-step New England Patriots 2023 offseason plan

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 26: during the second half of a preseason game between the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada (Photo by Chris Unger)

Even though the Pats didn’t manage to make it through to the playoffs this year, there are plenty of Super Bowl betting promotions to take your mind off of it until Belichick can get New England back to their winning ways. Coming off an 8-9 season, it’s a third-straight year around .500 with just one trip to the playoffs for New England. With a clearly defined power structure in the AFC becoming more and more defined during the playoffs, the Pats must figure out a way to first crack the bottom three playoff spots, which feature the Chargers, Dolphins and Ravens, before then tackling the next group, the AFC’s final four, Kansas City, Buffalo, Cincinnati and Jacksonville.

Here are five quick steps on how the Patriots should approach the offseason to re-emerge in the AFC.

  1. Revamp the attack: With reports that the team will begin meeting with offensive coordinator candidates this week, it seems the Patriots are already focused on taking the most important step, installing a better offensive approach from a coaching and schematic standpoint. Many signs point to Bill O’Brien as being the best candidate given his experience in New England and some familiarity with Mac Jones. Regardless if it’s O’Brien or someone else, the team needs someone like Josh McDaniels to get their offense humming at a high level.
  2. Reinforce Protection: With Isaiah Wynn due to hit free agency, the Patriots have at least one starting-level need at tackle and might even need two as Trent Brown enters the final year of his deal. The consistency from the tackle spots was spotty at best in 2022 and it’s a critical position of long-term stability. If the team can have confidence in their edge protectors the whole offense should benefit.
  3. Repeat weapons search: Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor are free agents so the team will also have some turnover at receiver position, another spot where a key addition or two could help elevate the attack. Can Tyquan Thornton take another step forward and be a consistent threat? DeVante Parker had quite a few flashes late in the year and is a player to build around, as the team should be aggressive in the draft to continue stacking speedy talent.
  4. Real cover corner: Injuries hammered the Patriots cornerback depth this season, by the end they were on fumes, but that only highlights the need to restock the position as Jonathan Jones heads for free agency. The team has lacked a true number-one corner since Stephon Gilmore’s departure and the effects against the top receivers in the league have been obvious. Finding another number-one corner, whether in free agency or with a first-round pick seems like one of the most critical additions to the defense that needs to happen in the spring of 2023.
  5. New leadership: With the potential retirements of Matthew Slater and Devin McCourty, the team could have significant role to fill on the field on defense and special teams, as well as inside the locker room, where the duo has been critically important with their experience and leadership. Finding a new identity post Slater and McCourty figures to be a significant storyline this season as the team continues to find themselves further away from their last Super Bowl title. Free safety could be a sneaky big need, while the team already found a gem on special teams in Brenden Schooler.

The Patriots conclude the season with an emotional loss at Buffalo

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(Photo by Chris Unger)

As the Patriots 2022 season comes to a close, it is difficult not to reflect on what might have been. The craziness of the game in Las Vegas, the almost win against the Bengals, those poor officiating calls that pulled the legs out from under the Patriots, I could go on, but I won’t. 

What you lovely lot are here for today, is the game recap against the Bills in Buffalo, and so that is what I shall bring you, and with it, hopefully a little hope!

Or at the very least, a smidge of positivity!

It may have been his last game as a Patriot, (wow, it’s really dusty in here today…) but Devin McCourty proved, even if he is a little older and a little slower, he still knows how to read a field with his end of the first quarter knock away in the end zone, preventing the Bills from a touchdown. Oh, then there’s the end of the second quarter interception, and that early third quarter fumble recovery!

Names I continue to use in these recaps are the likes of Matthew Judon, Joshua Uche and today I add to that Jahlani Tavai, with some great tackles and his great read to tip the ball at the two minute mark of the first quarter. 

Whilst the defense has been the strength of this team this season, a sentence I’m glad I don’t have to pay for as I am sure I have used it a-plenty, this game had the offense show up a lot more than we have witnessed in many weeks. Unfortunately, it was the special teams department that was the weakness this Sunday, allowing the Bills to return two kickoffs for touchdowns.

However, I am attempting to stick with the positive on this ‘Monday after the day before’.

We saw Jakobi Meyers make another great air catch with beautiful control mid first quarter, not to mention a touchdown!

DeVante Parker had a great game with two receiving touchdowns, and we saw Kendrick Bourne in some glorious play action down the middle, mid second quarter, for a first down.

Hunter Henry was being utilised way too much for blocking and you know, when they use that guy properly they win games! He did, however, notch up 6 receptions for 7 targets. 

Okay, as we go into the off season we know the Patriots have a lot to sort out, especially the tackle and punter positions, but Patriots Nation are on tenterhooks with all that is going on at coaching. This season has been strange in many ways, but none more than with the lack of quality and depth at coaching. 

Around we go again with the coaching carousel, free agency, and the draft! So much potential! 

And so, that is it for the 2022 season ‘Clazzy Clare Pats Propaganda game recaps’ you lovely lot. It may be the offseason but Tom and I aren’t going anywhere, so keep your eyes on patspropaganda.com and we shall see you all soon!

Go Pats!

PatsProp Preview – Regular Season Finale In Buffalo

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Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

A brighter end to the week than how it began following one of the scariest moments in NFL history on Monday night. Thankfully, as this preview goes out, Damar Hamlin is awake and recovering well in a Cincinnati hospital following his cardiac arrest during the game.

With the best news possible on Hamlin’s condition now known, the Patriots 8-8 Patriots and the 12-3 Bills face off in Buffalo NY with the Pats needing a win to extend their season into the playoffs. Here’s your week 18 preview!

Injury Update

Patriots To Watch

Rhamondre Stevenson

The Pats will need their best players in the groove if they’re going to make it to the playoffs, which means Stevenson will need to put in a big shift in Buffalo. The Bills are ranked fourth in the NFL on average rush yards allowed per game with 104.4, meaning it won’t be an easy task to get the ground game moving.

Even with a couple of embarrassing moments late on in the season, Stevenson still has been the best player on offense, and here’s hoping he can finish big on Sunday.

Matt Judon

Judon has kept his quality of play up down the stretch this season, and he’s vital to the playoff hopes in this one. Allen for sure can be forced into mistakes, Judon should be the one forcing them.

He remains on 15.5 sacks, just 3 shy of the current Patriots season sack record of 18.5, held by HOF’er Andre Tippet. Judon will be wanting to get close to, or equal that number on Sunday, hopefully aiding a must-win for the team.

Mac Jones

Mac has been a lot more secure with the ball in the second half of this season as turnovers have come way down, but a negative downside is that the amount of touchdowns he’s thrown is shamefully low. The offensive has to have productive drives against Buffalo, otherwise, it’ll be over before halftime. Let’s go Mac!

Marcus Jones

Marcus Jones was a noticeable absence last week against Miami, weirdly on all three sides of the ball. The rookie has emerged as a swiss army knife this season and I’m excited to see what he can bring to the team on Sunday. Remember, it was against the Bills back in Week 13 that Jones scored his first career offensive touchdown. #25 is a must-watch.

Devin McCourty & Matthew Slater

This is likely the final game for these two future Patriot Hall Of Famers, not saying they’ll have a massive bearing on the game, but enjoy one final time seeing two Patriots legends.

Nick Folk

If the Pats come out of Buffalo with a win, it will have come down to the very fine margins, meaning that Nick Folk will have played a role in the victory. Folk has missed a bunch of kicks in recent weeks, he needs to be 100% on Sunday regardless of if it’s for 1 or 3 points.

Bills Blizzard

Josh Allen

Allen has shown his human side a few times this year, throwing quite a few picks when he’s not fully focused. With everything going on this week, we could see anything from Allen on Sunday, his best version, or, he could leave things open for the Patriots to earn a win. A must-watch.

Stefon Diggs

Unsurprisingly, like Allen, Diggs is a must-watch too, he’s having his second-best career season with 1325 receiving yards, and a joint career-high 10 touchdowns. The Pats have some secondary depth back with Marcus Jone returning, but, they’ll have their work cut out trying to stop the main Bills target who caught 9 passes for just shy of 100 yards and a touchdown back in Week 13 on TNF.

Ed Oliver

One of the reasons the Bills have been so good against the run this season is Ed Oliver, the former 9th overall pick in the 2019 draft has been a quality defensive line addition for them. With the Pats’ offensive front struggling to get consistency in either blocking game, the interior will need to be solid Sunday.