As a rule I try not to jump into mock drafts or big name free agents as the offseason begins. The priority must start with the Patriots internal free agents because those holes would be best filled by players who have already been groomed in-house. Sometimes you hope that certain players make a leap otherwise you’re forced to dip into external free agency where you spend more for players you know less about.
But by now we know how the Pats operate — bargain free agents and mid-round draft picks. Don’t expect a monumental departure from that philosophy this season no matter how bad the defense looked in the Super Bowl.
Here are the current depth charts (not really in true depth-ranked order so don’t @ me!) and what the overall plan should be on both sides of the ball. Players likely to be cut have a strikethrough.
Offense
Holes — Left Tackle, Running Back
Strength — Quarterback, Wide Receiver
[Read more…] about Patriots Internal Free Agents and Philosophy Re-Group