Loyko: Patriots Defense Has Not Reached Its Potential Yet
BOSTON (CBS) - Mike Loyko of NEPatriotsDraft.com called in to The Adam Jones Show on 98.5 The Sports Hub Thursday night to give us an early look at the Patriots offseason and the 2015 NFL Draft.
After coming off with a win in Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks, the Patriots have a lot of questions going forward into the offseason on whether players like Darrelle Revis, Devin McCourty, and others will return. Whether they do or do not come back, the question is do the Patriots have enough in the tank to repeat and win Super Bowl 50?
Jones: Patriots Can't Be Complacent This Offseason
"Even if the Patriots were to upgrade 10 holes in the offseason, it's just so hard to repeat. So much has to go right. This season came down to one play," Loyko said.
For the holes that the Patriots need to fill or upgrade, Loyko lists several positions that the Patriots should put focus on.
"The Patriots should upgrade the offensive line and retain the original pieces to their defense, as well as add pieces to the defense through the draft. The Patriots defense has not reached its potential yet," Loyko told Jones. "If we assume that Revis and McCourty return, the Patriots biggest need on defense would then be another pass rusher who they could get from the draft. Patriots could also use one more linebacker who could play on the weak side."
Jerod Mayo went on injured reserve for the second straight season after tearing his ACL in Week 6 of the NFL season. When healthy, he contributes substantially on the defense. If Mayo were to return, what would have to be changed around within the defense?
Jones: What's Going To Happen With Jerod Mayo?
"When Mayo is out there, you have to move Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower to roles they're not best at. When Mayo was out, Collins and Hightower were able to slide into the roles that fit their skillset the best," said Loyko, adding, "No way Mayo will come back with $10 million and stay on a hard line. He'll be on the Logan Mankins route."
With the NFL Combine next week, Loyko believes this draft could be one of the best for a few positions.
"This year's draft physically is the deepest on the defensive end. I also think the wide receiver group is going to be deep again along with the offensive tackles," Loyko said.
It's only February and the draft does not start until late April, so it's nearly impossible to project which players the Patriots will select. But as it pertains to the Combine, which starts Tuesday in Indianapolis, Loyko says the Patriots pay most attention to the three-cone drill, short shuttle, and the 40-yard dash.
For those of you who are infatuated with the Combine, Loyko provided Adam Jones with a list of attendees he'll be keeping close watch of.
Listen below for full segment:
