Author: @maxleemcauliffe

Future Patriots? College Players to Watch This Year

Future Patriots? College Players to Watch This Year

Posted by | Jul 22, 2019 | , , ,

While Bill Belichick and the Patriots always seem to find a way, there should be some reason for concern with the future of this team. A bad draft next year would be detrimental to the future of this team and here is why: In 2020 and 2021 several premiere players on the Patriots’ offense and defense will see their current contracts expire. The Patriots will have many key pending free agents coming up. Pending free agents are the last thing a team with a desperate need for a tight end wants to hear. Tom Brady will be a pending...

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Rex Burkhead’s Job is Safe in A Crowded Backfield

Rex Burkhead’s Job is Safe in A Crowded Backfield

Posted by | Jun 9, 2019 | , , ,

No Patriot has received more flack this offseason than Rex Burkhead. The latest buzz on Rex is he will be the odd man out this summer in the runningback rotation. Yet, I am here to pump the breaks on that belief. Uncertainty Creates Opportunity There are large uncertainties at both receiver and tight end. This makes it likely the Patriots will start the season with a few more runningbacks than normal. Ben Watson’s suspension, Julian Edelman’s age, N’Keal Harry’s inexperience, and the current uncertainty the public has with who will be the number three receiver should all indicate that...

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Gerald McCoy Interested in the Patriots

Gerald McCoy Interested in the Patriots

Posted by | May 21, 2019 | , , ,

Sources tell Boston Sports Extra that recently released Gerald McCoy is open to the Patriots because of a potential reunion with Michael Bennett, and money isn’t an issue. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times mentioned this as a possibility yesterday, but it has been confirmed. Adam Schefter also mentioned the Patriots when he reported the news of McCoy’s desire to play for a playoff team. Former Buccaneers' DT Gerald McCoy wants to sign with a playoff contender, and of course make money. But he wants to win. Spots that would make sense include the Browns, the Patriots, the...

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How the Patriots’ Tackle Spots Could Look Very Different This Season

How the Patriots’ Tackle Spots Could Look Very Different This Season

Posted by | May 11, 2019 | , , ,

It goes without saying that the Patriots currently have a large surplus at the tackle position on their offensive line. Funny enough, this strong group is the same group that had plenty of question marks on the first day of free agency when Trent Brown left for Oakland. With all that being said, with all the Patriots’ additions to their tackle posistions, the loss of Trent Brown now seems somewhat insignificant. This is of course making two key assumptions; Jared Veldheer has the ability to start, and Isaiah Wynn has properly healed from his egregious Achilles injury last August....

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Rounds 4-7: Scouting Reports on Patriots Later Round Picks

Rounds 4-7: Scouting Reports on Patriots Later Round Picks

Posted by | Apr 30, 2019 | , , ,

Now let’s take a look at some of the later round picks by the Patriots. These picks, although not as flashy, solidified some positions with question marks. The Patriots certainly solidified the offensive line, at least for now. With Cajuste and Frohodlt, the Patriots now could very well contend for one of the best offensive lines in the league. Even with Trent Brown leaving for Oakland. 101. YONDY CAJUSTE, OT WEST VIRGINIA  Yondy Cajuste said in interviews that West Virginia ran some Patriots plays in their offense. That might be one reason Belichick liked him so much. With Marcus...

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Rounds 1-3: Scouting Reports on Patriots Picks

Rounds 1-3: Scouting Reports on Patriots Picks

Posted by | Apr 28, 2019 | , , , ,

Let’s dive right into the Patriots first four picks in a draft that they absolutely nailed. Stay on the lookout for breakdowns of the later rounds and the UDFAs. 32. N’KEAL HARRY, WR  ARIZONA STATE The Patriots pleasantly surprised on Thursday night. They not only drafted a receiver in the first round, but one of N’Keal Harry’s caliber. The evaluation of the wide receiver class this year was at times murky waters of sorts. Many passionate film buffs, scouts, and analysts had N’Keal Harry fluctuating from the fourth best receiver in this class to the first. After watching a...

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McAuliffe 3.0: Full First Round Mock Draft (With Trades)

McAuliffe 3.0: Full First Round Mock Draft (With Trades)

Posted by | Apr 24, 2019 | , , , ,

Here is my last mock draft before one of the most anticipated and unpredictable drafts in recent memory. Please contact me on Twitter (@max_mcauliffe) with any questions. First Round: 1. Cardinals Quinnen Williams, IDL 2. 49ers Nick Bosa, EDGE 3. Redskins (via Jets) Kyler Murray, QB 4. Raiders Josh Allen, EDGE  5. Buccaneers Ed Oliver, IDL 6. Giants Rashan Gary, EDGE 7. Jaguars Jawaan Taylor, OT 8. Lions Greedy Williams, CB 9. Bills Montez Sweat, EDGE 10. Bengals Devin White, LB 11. Bengals Andre Dillard, OT 12. Packers T.J. Hockenson, TE 13. Dolphins Jonah Williams, OT 14. Falcons Brian...

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McAuliffe 2.0: Full First Round Mock Draft (With Trades)

McAuliffe 2.0: Full First Round Mock Draft (With Trades)

Posted by | Apr 18, 2019 | , ,

32 (Patriots) A.J. BrownWRMississippi Patriots have really made it no secret that they are searching for a top of the line receiver. AJ Brown has made it no secret he wants to be a Patriot. AJ could be this year’s most complete receiver, and he would provide an interesting and exciting twist to the slot position. A bigger slot receiver makes a lot of sense after Belichick recently eluded to bigger receivers becoming more valuable in this league. Cornerbacks are starting to get smaller. Playing AJ Brown in the slot position would create some mismatches in man coverage. A...

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Potential Patriots: AJ Brown

Potential Patriots: AJ Brown

Posted by | Apr 4, 2019 | , , ,

1996 was the last time the Patriots drafted a receiver in the first round. Terry Glenn, a 5’11, 195 pound, Ohio State prospect, was selected with the seventh pick in the 1996 draft and went on to catch 90 passes for 1132 yards and 6 touchdowns. Mutual Interest Now, the Patriots are reportedly eyeing an Ole Miss prospect and he is eyeing them right back. AJ Brown, a 6’0, 226 pound receiver of Ole Miss has already met with the Patriots and has briefly referenced his wish to land in New England on his Twitter account. YES!!! We gotta...

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McAuliffe 1.0: 7 Round Patriots Mock Draft

McAuliffe 1.0: 7 Round Patriots Mock Draft

Posted by | Mar 24, 2019 | , ,

Scroll through to view all the potential picks in this latest Patriots mock. Round 1 32nd overall- T.J Hockenson, TE (Iowa) Round 2 56th overall- Deebo Samuel, WR (South Carolina) 64th overall- Andy Isabella, WR (Massachusetts) Round 3 73rd overall- Dre’Mont Jones, DT (Ohio State) 97th overall- Tytus Howard, OT (Alabama State) 101st overall- Will Grier, QB (West Virginia) Round 4 134th overall- Sutton Smith, DE (Northern Illinois) Round 6 205th overall- Lukas Denis, S (Boston College) Round 7 239th overall- Tre Lamar, LB (Clemson) 243rd overall- Khalil Hodge, LB (Buffalo) 246th overall- Penny Hart, WR (Georgia State) 252nd...

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Patriots Latest Moves and Rumors 3/23

Patriots Latest Moves and Rumors 3/23

Posted by | Mar 23, 2019 | , , ,

Let’s take a look at the latest some Patriots moves and rumors that were surfacing this week. Belichick and the Patriots have been pretty quiet this offseason. However, a few stories this week could help shape this team for next year and years beyond. Move: The Stephon Gilmore Contract  Thursday, the Patriots reworked Stephon Gilmore’s contract for 2019.  Gilmore, who was originally scheduled to have a cap hit of $14,837,500, saw $8.5 million dollars worth of his contract get converted into a signing bonus.  Doing this frees up $5.67 million dollars for the Patriots in cap space. The current...

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Potential Patriots: Dre’Mont Jones

Potential Patriots: Dre’Mont Jones

Posted by | Mar 6, 2019 | ,

The combine has officially ended and now everyone can start to get a better sense on where each player will land in the draft. The value that a scout should hold in the combine is an age old debate that should be left for another time. Not a good day for Mr. Jones Dre’Mont Jones was on my mock draft and big board before the combine. Jones, the Ohio State product, dramatically underwhelmed scouts and evaluators. However, that could be a good thing for Patriots fans, as Dre’Mont could now slide further down draft boards. Sliding down mock drafts...

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Kyler Murray and the Patriots Do Not Mesh

Kyler Murray and the Patriots Do Not Mesh

Posted by | Feb 26, 2019 | ,

Kyler, the Heisman-winning quarterback from Oklahoma, remains the biggest question of this year’s draft. His future landing spot remains completely unknown. And although Murray will certainly be picked in the first round, the question of when remains to be seen. Untraditional Quarterback Murray might be the hardest quarterback some scouts have ever been asked to evaluate. His decision-making and judgement can be so blatantly wrong at times, yet he will still make a play or get a completion. He is the farthest from traditional one could find, yet the most successful out of his class. Kyler Murray holding the...

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Potiential Patriots: TJ Hockenson

Potiential Patriots: TJ Hockenson

Posted by | Feb 17, 2019 | ,

The more film watched on TJ Hockenson, the more it seems he will be long gone before the Patriots pick 32nd. However, one never knows these days as players get injured in practice (like Jeffery Simmons), poor combines or pro days hurt their value, and sometimes guys just slide due to demand. Although historically the Patriots never really trade up in the draft, this Iowa tight end might be worth breaking the trend for. That is of course assuming he doesn’t miraculously fall into their hands at the end of the first round. Here is what makes Hockenson so...

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Patriots Top Three Draft Needs Might Surprise

Patriots Top Three Draft Needs Might Surprise

Posted by | Feb 13, 2019 | , ,

Note: Pre-draft scouting reports on potential Patriots are on their way and will be posted regularly as the draft comes even closer. A stockpile of picks, a bunch of needs, and a much needed injection of youth should make this draft interesting for all Patriots fans. The most interesting aspect of this whole draft for the Patriots will be the direction they take. Do they aim more for day one contributors that can provide value at a second or third spot on a depth chart? Do they aim more for developmental pieces that may take longer to develop but...

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The Genius of Sean McVay and his Upcoming Chess Match with Bill

The Genius of Sean McVay and his Upcoming Chess Match with Bill

Posted by | Feb 1, 2019 | ,

Watching Sean McVay call plays on offense is like watching someone paint. True art, beautiful design, Sean McVay is a true innovator. All someone needs to be a head coach these days is have a cup of coffee with him. Let’s take a look into what McVay does best and how Flores and Belichick can stop him. McVay and his misdirections To start, McVay makes a living off of misdirections and different offensive line shifts. This freezes the second and third levels of the defense. Against the Saints, he called play actions and pulled his guards to one side...

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How Did it Happen? Patriots are Atlanta Bound

How Did it Happen? Patriots are Atlanta Bound

Posted by | Jan 22, 2019 | , ,

At almost every turn this regular season, the Patriots found themselves doubted. Constantly counted out and disregarded, teams went to play them with a higher level of confidence than years prior. Now, they head to Atlanta where they are currently three point favorites against the Los Angeles Rams.  Gameplan Yesterday was a marvelous performance and featured phenomenal execution. The gameplan on offense was really no secret. The plan going in was to establish the run game, create unpredictability in the playcall, and most of all dominate the time of possession to keep the ball out of the hands of...

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The Patriots and the Pony Express

The Patriots and the Pony Express

Posted by | Jan 10, 2019 | ,

Some remember the famous “Pony Express” from Southern Methodist University. This was when Craig James and Eric Dickerson dominated the college football world. Rumblings have indicated the Patriots will unveil their own Pony Express, due to the Chargers weak linebackers, and inabilities to cover running backs in the passing game. The Patriots Pony When saying pony, this means something a little different than just two running backs splitting time. A pony formation entails a two running back set, meaning some combination of Michel, White, and Burkhead. The expectation is that the Patriots will use running back heavy sets to...

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Is a new rival emerging for New England?

Is a new rival emerging for New England?

Posted by | Jan 5, 2019 | ,

As the Steelers appear to be a dilapidated, down the pan team, headed for a fiery, violent crash, it is time to question wether they will be considered a rival of ours next year. Of course, the Patriots’ run should come to a close once their older veterans leave, like Brady, Gronk, Belichick. However, different from the Patriots, the Steelers main problem is keeping their younger stars happy. We all know about the Bell debacle that developed over a two year period. Now, the Steelers are considering exploring the trade market for Antonio Brown this offseason. Big Ben is...

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