The New England Patriots have won Super Bowls only to see Bill Belichick scrap the majority of his roster in the following offseason. They get a good thing going — but then free agency, trades and the NFL draft put an entirely different Patriots roster into motion. And somehow, that new roster appears to be of equal quality.
In the 2019 offseason, New England is experiencing significant turnover among players and coaches, most notably losing tight end Rob Gronkowski, defensive end Trey Flowers, tackle Trent Brown and assistant coaches Brian Flores and Chad O’Shea. But the Patriots have reinforcements. Here are the players who arrived during this offseason and should have an immediate impact.
6. Jake Bailey, P
He’s not filling the role of a departed player, but Bailey, a 2019 fifth-round pick, will likely take over for Ryan Allen this season. Punters don’t get much love — they aren’t the most interesting players in the NFL – but Super Bowl LIII reminded us how important punters can be. New England’s 13-3 win over the Rams was largely about field position. Allen was one of the most pivotal players in the game.
Belichick loves punters, but he doesn’t like paying them. Bailey will get every chance to win this job, because he provides good contract value.
5. Damien Harris, RB
The Patriots love having a big, powerful back that bruises opponents between the tackles, picks up short yardage with efficiency and fights for touchdowns on the 1-yard line. They haven’t really had a player who does that since LeGarrette Blount. They tried Mike Gillislee, and he struggled. Then they tried Jeremy Hill, and he suffered an injury.
This year, Harris will likely take over that role. Sony Michel will be a change-of-pace back, perhaps providing explosive plays. James White will catch passes, just like always. Rex Burkhead will also play on downs one through four (with special teams). But somehow, the Patriots should find ways to get Harris carries.
The running back committee should be back in full force in 2019.
4. Matt LaCosse, TE
Gronk is gone. You’ve probably heard. You’ve also probably heard that he’s coming back in time for the playoffs — and that he’s never coming back. That’s all by design. Gronk is having too much fun pulling heartstrings in New England.
But let’s suppose that Gronk is not coming back. Let’s suppose that his retirement is real. The Patriots will need production at tight end. LaCosse was one one of the team’s highest compensated players at the position, while Ben Watson will be serving a suspension for four games. It’s hard to imagine LaCosse not having a major role. Tom Brady and Josh McDaniels will probably spoon feed LaCosse, if he proves competent.
3. Jerod Mayo, LBs coach
Mayo should be a central figure in stabilizing the Patriots’ defensive coaching staff amid significant turnover. The team lost de-facto defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who is now the Miami Dolphins head coach. He brought two assistants with him. So the Patriots lost their de-facto defensive coordinator, their linebackers coach, their defensive line coach and their cornerbacks coach. They have filled those positions with a handful of first-time coaches.
Mayo may be one of those rookies, but he’s not really getting treated like one. Belichick is already experimenting with Mayo as the defensive play-caller. Mayo probably won’t call plays — that will be Belichick’s job — but it’s notable that Belichick is giving Mayo experience.
2. N’Keal Harry, WR
A first-round draft choice, Harry joins the Patriots, who had a bit of a receiver deficiency in 2018 and will definitely have a tight end issue in 2019 (as I alluded to with LaCosse). New England saw Chris Hogan depart in free agency, and while Phillip Dorsett got every opportunity to shine early in 2018, he lost his job to Josh Gordon,
Harry figures to be Day 1 starter with Julian Edelman. Harry, an impressive physical presence, is also likely to help the Patriots compensate for the loss of Gronkowski, particularly in the red zone. Rookie receivers come along notoriously slow in New England. But the Patriots drafted Harry higher than any receiver — he’ll need to be different.
1. Michael Bennett, DE
Just before Flowers departed in free agency, the Patriots traded for Bennett. It was clear that they anticipated Flowers’ market in free agency being too expensive. And so New England braced for the defensive end’s departure.
Bennett arrived, wanting a new contract — which he got. The Patriots are happy to have Bennett, a versatile defensive lineman who can play defensive end and defensive tackle. Belichick will have fun deploying Bennett, who will probably lead the Patriots’ in sacks in 2019.
