Jerod Mayo is stepping into the big shoes in New England isn't just a fresh start; it's a revival mission. Since Tom Brady's departure, the Patriots have been like a ship lost at sea, struggling to find their direction. The once feared dynasty now grapples with the daunting task of filling a Brady-sized void, a challenge that's left fans yearning for the glory days. Enter Mayo, the 37-year old man tasked with steering the ship back to its winning course.
If there is one takeaway from the Houston Texans is that a bad team can turn around quickly with the right guy at the helm, and the Patriots can easily follow suit. With a blend of youth and a deep understanding of the Patriot way, he's poised to reignite the spark in Foxborough. Here's how Jerod Mayo can catapult the Patriots from the shadows of their recent disappointments to the spotlight of victory once again.
4. Hire a quarterback whisperer as the offensive coordinator
Hiring the right offensive coordinator is key for a team with an anemic offense. Jerod Mayo would need to hire a GM to help him with his staff. Sure, they could opt to keep Bill O'Brien, but with the Alabama job opening and the Patriots looking to start over, cleaning house is the best option. Kraft, Mayo, and the new GM should look to build a staff that could help Mayo and their new quarterback find success on offense. There are a ton of guys who would be fantastic fits for Mayo and the Patriots.
One name you'll see everywhere is Eric Bieniemy, the former Chiefs offensive coordinator, who left the Super Bowl-winning franchise for the Commanders. While the Commanders' offense wasn't what many expected, the team was among the best in red zone scoring. At times he had Sam Howell looking like a legit starter in the NFL.
Another smart option would be Kellen Moore, the former Cowboys and Chargers OC, who could help develop a quarterback. He's shown over the years how amazing he is. Byron Leftwich, another former QB, was a guy who had head coaching aspirations, a former OC who worked alongside Tom Brady to help Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl.
Perhaps he wants someone with some head coaching experience; Jim Caldwell serves as a Special Adviser to the Carolina Panthers. He could be a fantastic addition to Mayo's staff. Jerrod Johnson, the Texans' quarterback coach, should be on the shortlist along with Ken Dorsey. So should Eagles offensive assistant and former CFL quarterback, Marcus Brady.
3. Add a Dynamic Weapon at WR
One of the biggest issues with the New England Patriots was their lack of wide receiver depth. If we're being honest, they had very little in terms of production. That has to change if Mayo wants to succeed sooner rather than later. More importantly, they'll need a guy to grow with their quarterback.
Kendrick Bourne, their best wideout is a free agent. DeVante Parker (30) is a boundary wideout with three touchdowns over two seasons. Tyquan Thornton is a young wide receiver with elite speed that hasn't developed into anything special, but it doesn't mean he can't.
Still, the Pats have the opportunity to build their wide receiver room through the draft. If they trade for Justin Fields, taking the 6'4", 205-pound Marvin Harrison Jr. is a no-brainer. He's a can't-miss prospect in a league where wideouts of his caliber can become instant stars. If not, they can wait until the second round to take a quarterback.
Maryland's Kaden Prather, a tall 6'4", 212-pound pass catcher who can play outside, is one option. The matchup nightmare that is the 6'7", 225-pound Johnny Wilson is another option, who can prove to be a fantastic weapon for a young quarterback. Pairing a young wideout with a free agent like Gabe Davis, Michael Pittman Jr., or Darnell Mooney could give them the depth they need.
2. Improve the backfield
No matter what, the Patriots must improve their running game. They'll likely go into the 2024 season with a rookie quarterback, so having a great running game is a necessity. No matter what, Mayo and the Pats must make sure they have a backfield that's a bit more dynamic. Ezekiel Elliot was a solid addition, but he'll be 29 and set for free agency.
Hitting the free agent market for a running back makes sense for the Pats. Rhamondre Stevenson will be back, ready to carry the load as a guy and prove he is worthy of a contract extension.
However, adding someone who could take the running game to the next level could help. The offense should play ball control while their defense does the heavy lifting. Someone like Josh Jacobs adds high-ceiling value as a guy with the dynamic ability to change the scope of an offense.
Jacobs would be worth whatever his asking price is. Another option would be Saquon Barkley, the 26-year-old is a multi-dimensional back who has some injury history. However, the Pats can help him stay healthy by not relying on him as much. He wouldn't have to get banged up as much with Stevenson on the roster and should give the Patriots two 1,000-yard rushers.
1. Building around a young quarterback
This may seem obvious, but it has to be said. We've seen how the perfect pairing of a head coach and quarterback can lead to surprising success. There are two realistic options for Jerod Mayo to achieve immediate success in his first year as a head coach. With the No. 3 overall pick, the Patriots can simply draft Drake Maye, the 6'4", 220-pound signal caller from North Carolina. He's the ideal quarterback for a team desperate for a dynamic leader of the offense.
Maye is a powerful runner who can make plays with his legs, especially in the red zone. They could use him in power running schemes and move the pocket. But he's more than a runner; Maye has fantastic arm talent, second to none in the 2024 NFL Draft, including Caleb Williams. He can come in and make plays right away, especially if the Patriots manage to snag one of the talented wideouts in round two of the draft. If Maye isn't available, LSU QB Jaylen Daniels, a faster quarterback with the same rocket arm, will be there.
Option No. 2 involves trading a second-round pick to the Chicago Bears for Justin Fields. Fields would bring a veteran presence who has shown flashes of brilliance. If he were in the 2024 Draft, he'd be No. 2 behind Caleb Williams. He's a dynamic runner with a big arm who has already proven he plays best in December. With the No. 3 pick, the Patriots could add Marvin Harrison Jr. to pair him with Fields and build around the duo.