The latest edition of our Patriots mailbag answers questions about Stefon Diggs, the draft, and more.
We are officially less than one month away from the NFL Draft as the New England Patriots are on the pro day trail in between signing wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
So let’s talk about it all and get right into this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag.
Is Diggs on washed watch or can he still give them something on the field? – Mikew.
Diggs may not be the receiver he once was in Buffalo but was still on pace for his seventh straight 1,000 yard season last year prior to tearing his ACL in Week 8.
Playing more inside in Houston as he worked off of Nico Collins, Diggs saw most of his work come along the first and second levels — as his 8.6 yard average depth of target was the lowest of his career and the first time it was sub-10 yards since 2018 (9.8).
Diggs was very successful working these parts of the field, however. He ranked second among 116 qualified receivers in ESPN’s receiver score metric and was on an exact 100 catch pace prior to injury. If he’s used in a similar fashion in New England, Diggs will be a reliable option and chain mover against man and zone for Drake Maye.
Stefon Diggs working the middle pic.twitter.com/WTwlo1k8lX
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 26, 2025
But, Josh McDaniels could also opt to move Diggs around the formation more and will find ways to additionally scheme him open through bunches, stacks, etc. as well.
The big clarifier on all of this is that Diggs is healthy coming off the torn ACL. But if he even just looks like he did in Houston last year, that’s a big-time upgrade for the Patriots on and off the field.
It seems odd to say, but we have a glut of WRs now. Not necessarily in quality, but in quantity. With Diggs and Hollins aboard, who is going to be moving on? I assume there will be at least one more WR added in the draft, so do any holdover WRs have trade value? Maybe a team like Seattle who has lost Lockett and Metcalf would want one? Or are we just going to be having a wife open received competition, and cut it down through the preseason? – Loiosh
Lots of wide receivers. Seven, in fact, that have a shot to make the roster and that’s not counting a potential rookie added in the NFL Draft. Even if Diggs misses the beginning of the season and New England has an additional roster spot to work with, it’s tough to see everyone sticking around.
Here’s how we’d currently look at the top of the depth chart:
- Locks: Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas
- Would bet to make roster: Mack Hollins (they only guaranteed him $3.5m, but releasing free agent signings is very rare while Hollins projects as a contributor), Ja’Lynn Polk (it’s too early to give up on last year’s second-round pick, but he wasn’t Vrabel’s second-round pick)
- Bubble: Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Javon Baker
Assuming they move off at least one of the bubble players, I would see if some team (perhaps one who losses a receiver throughout the summer) has trade interest in Bourne or either of the youngsters late draft capital.
Depending on who’s drafted at #4, there’s talk of trading back into the first for a WR. What about trading back into the first for a TE? Would Allen or Loveland be a better fit than McMillan or Burden? – SoDak605PatsFan
I would guess Tyler Warren would be gone before New England could get in range to comfortably trade up. I am a big fan of Loveland, on the other hand, who could slip into the 20s and become a target. Loveland is an unbelievable route runner and an extremely good separator with burst at the tight end position. He’d be a great fit with Drake Maye and Josh McDaniels.
New England should address the tight end position at some point in a strong class. If they don’t make a move early, I’d eye the group on day two. Mason Taylor (LSU), Elijah Arroyo (Miami), Terrance Ferguson (Oregon), and Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green) project as the top options.
With T-Mac being the same size, faster, and much better college stats than Tee Higgins along with leading most WR draftees in total receiving yards, why is he not being considered more? – 150secenv
I think Tet is definitely in the group of prospects being considered atop the draft especially as the Patriots still need size along the outside. He’s just not viewed as the level of prospect as last year’s group of top receivers (Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, etc.) — or even Travis Hunter as a WR this year — which makes it a harder decision.
What VETERAN do you think the Pats will try to TRADE for on DRAFT DAY?
Is there a team out there that needs a QB or a high draft pick more than they need their reliable, possibly overpriced LT? Someone with depth at LT? Someone with a disgruntled LT? Somebody with an LT on the last year of his deal?
And/or maybe go for another Edge or DL guy that becomes available for a late-round pick because that veteran’s current team drafts a new stud defender? – WannaBePatsGM
We mentioned this idea in last week’s mailbag but I’m still keeping an eye on the Packers. Both left tackle Rasheed Walker and right tackle Zach Tom will need new contracts. They drafted Jordan Morgan in the first-round last year and while many projected Morgan to move inside to guard, Green Bay paid left guard Aaron Banks a big-time four-year, $77 million contract this offseason.
Maybe they ultimately extend both tackles and move off right guard Elgton Jenkins, who will be 30 this season and has an out in his contract, opening the door for Morgan at that spot. But if not, perhaps Walker could be had for draft capital with Tom the likely priority at tackle.
How comfortable are you with the idea of rookie offensive linemen, and especially tackles, starting right away in the NFL? Do you think they need more time or no? – Sportzballer
Truly depends on the player. Most of the options atop the draft who come with plenty of experience at high level college football programs should be able to be counted on sooner in their careers. This year, that includes Will Campbell, Armand Membou, and Josh Simmons (if healthy) while Josh Conerly and Aireontae Ersery should also see the field early.
The mid-to-late round options — especially those from smaller schools — are the ones who typically project more as development players.
How has your wins prediction changed after the free agent signings? – feels like maybe 6? – @75franklin68871
After expecting New England to be active during free agency my thought hasn’t changed too much. I’d pencil them in for seven to eight wins currently based off the new coaching staff and additions. We’ll see what they do in the draft, but too many questions along the offensive line remain at the moment to get up near double digit wins.
Maybe a weird question, but do we have any idea when the NFL schedule release is? I can’t find anything about when it may or may not be.
Looking forward to going to my first Patriots game this season, Patriots @ Jaguars and I’ve been itching to know when I can start planning. – LandenPatz1
No exact release date yet but it typically comes out mid-May.
That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.