If the Patriots follow through on some of the moves I had previously mentioned in the offseason “To Do” list, they should have a decent amount of cap space available. However, with most of the team coming back there are not a lot of holes to fill. The Pats do not need to go out and splurge on a big time superstar so I focused more on solid players that would be a good fit in New England as well as fitting a specific need.
1. Chris Ivory, RB: Dion Lewis will hopefully be healthy and ready to return next season, but he is more of a pass-catching type back. Ivory would compliment him well with his tough inside running. Ivory doesn’t shy away from contact and fights for extra yards.
2. Anquan Boldin, WR: One of the most underrated players in the league. Boldin is not afraid to go up high and fight for the ball. He may be getting a bit older, but he is also a strong leader and is not afraid to get involved in the blocking game. Having a tough outside receiver like Boldin would help open things up for the rest of the offense.
3. Ben Watson, TE: Watson was a valuable Patriot when the team drafted him in the first round in 2004. Since then he has continued to prove that he is a solid all-around tight end who can block and catch the ball. He would be a great candidate to fill the #2 tight end role as a compliment to Gronk.
4. Evan Mathis, OG: The Patriots interior offensive line is full of young bodies. Some of these players may continue to develop, but the Pats can’t bank on that when they are trying to protect their Pro Bowl QB. Mathis brings a steady, veteran presence to the line and he is coming off of a Super Bowl victory with the Broncos.
5. Mike DeVito, DT: A good rotational defensive lineman. With Dominique Easley finishing the last two seasons on the IR it is necessary to get him a reliable backup. DeVito plays with a high motor and he is a big body in the middle. He gives max effort in the snaps he gets and has plenty of experience.
6. Chad Greenway, LB: There’s no question that Greenway’s best days are behind him. However, the Pats already have their top 2 LBs in Collins and Hightower. Greenway brings a strong locker room presence and can fill the role of Jerod Mayo at a very reduced price.
7. Casey Hayward, CB: This year saw the emergence of Malcolm Butler as a true #1 corner and Logan Ryan held his own at the #2 spot. However, the depth behind them was abysmal. The Patriots need a versatile slot corner who can match up all over the field and that is exactly what Hayward brings.
SPORTS TALK! With Mike Kehoe 