The Patriots still have one more game left to play, and it could be an entertaining one if snow forecasts come true.

But fans are already focused on 2024 and beyond.

So, who are the Patriots’ general manager candidates, what should the team do in the 2024 NFL Draft, and why should extending defensive tackle Christian Barmore be a priority?

Those are the questions in this week’s mailbag.

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@yungmacedgod
Thanks for that report Doug!!! You and Andrew do great work!!!!

With how deep this offensive draft class is would you spend every pick on offense?

First off, thank you!

As for spending every pick on offense in the 2024 NFL Draft, probably not every one. The Patriots will need to fill some voids on their defensive line and secondary next year, but yes, there are far more needs on offense heading into the 2024 offseason.

The Patriots need help at quarterback, wide receiver, tight end and two-to-three offensive line spots, as well, before next season starts. Quarterback, wide receiver and left tackle are three of the most valuable positions in football, and the Patriots need help at all three.

@WeAre_Titletown
Will the pats take a first round qb or wr?

That largely depends on where they’re picking in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. If the right quarterback is there, that’s the move. Teams are always looking for spending windows while quarterbacks are on rookie contracts.

But it does seem like one of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels or Michael Penix will be within range when the Patriots are picking.

@JBoss_
It has been reported that Bill wanted to keep Patricia as the OC for a second season. What do you think this year’s offense would have looked alike under that arrangement?

Probably pretty similar to the 2022 season, if not a little bit better.

The way it was described to me is that Matt Patricia and Joe Judge weren’t so much installing an offense as they were running plays to try to score as many points as possible. There weren’t really preconceived notions about what the offense was supposed to look like or biases about certain plays or scripts.

There were elements that probably would have been cleaned up from Year 1 to Year 2 of Patricia running the offense, but he still would have lacked experience in the role. And if we’re assuming that Mac Jones was going to continue to take a step back and that injuries at wide receiver and on the offensive line were still going to be an issue, then I don’t think the offense would have been in much better shape.

@tivs04
Do you see the Patriots prioritizing a Barmore extension this offseason? Feels like forever since we’ve had a drafted player sign an extension early. Would be nice to see them lockup an elite talent.

They definitely should be prioritizing a Christian Barmore extension. He won’t come cheap, though. Barmore will be 25 years old in July, and the top defensive tackles are signing contracts worth upwards of $20 million per year.

Barmore is worth it as a versatile interior defensive lineman who can stuff the run and cause disruption as a pass rusher.

@shawn_norton19
If Bill stays for next year, is Bill O’brien going to stay the OC or do they try a 4th OC in 4 years?

I would be surprised if Bill O’Brien was gone if Bill Belichick sticks around as head coach unless something unforeseen like a college head coaching opportunity that intrigues O’Brien comes around.

@Zac_Hagenberg
Whether bill stays or goes it seems imminent his GM duties will be stripped. Who are some candidates to fill that role and who would you like to see?

The candidates with Patriots ties will certainly be popular like ex-Raiders GM Dave Ziegler, ex-Titans GM Jon Robinson, ex-Lions GM Bob Quinn and ex-Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff. 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters also spent time with the Patriots as a pro and college scout.

Ziegler did a fine job in his post as Patriots director of player personnel. He never got quite a fair shake with the Raiders.

@CoreyDias1
Which BB draft pick was Worse? N’keal Harry or Mac jones?

I’d go with N’Keal Harry. The Patriots at least got one good season out of Mac Jones and started him for most of three seasons. Plus, it’s justifiable to take that shot on a quarterback with the 15th overall pick. Harry managed just 57 catches for 598 yards with four touchdowns in three seasons with the Patriots and then floundered with the Bears and Vikings, as well.