The NFL Scouting Combine is coming to a close, and now the Patriots have a week to prepare for their rebuild in free agency.

Loaded with over $100 million in salary cap space, the Patriots have the NFL’s most room in the NFL to spend. And based on some intel out of Indianapolis, the Patriots should be aggressive.

Let’s answer some questions in this week’s mailbag.

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@BenMillett_
What would be the better plan for the new coaching regime…

-Trade for Fields and draft Harrison at 3
-Or draft QB with a WR free agent signing?

PS – What trade value does Mac Jones have… if any

Personally, I believe drafting a quarterback is the better plan for the new coaching regime. I also think there are more realistic veteran quarterback options to pair with Marvin Harrison Jr. than Justin Fields. I do wonder how much Patriots de facto general manager Eliot Wolf would want to pay Baker Mayfield, but I know that there are people in the building who would be supportive of signing him with the vision that he could be their starter in the rebuild.

But in an ideal world, the Patriots won’t be picking No. 3 overall anytime soon. They haven’t had a top 10 pick since 2001, they haven’t picked inside the top five since 1994 and they haven’t been in the top three since 1993. And this is regarded as a strong draft for quarterbacks.

So, there’s no guarantee that they’ll have this opportunity again soon.

If the Patriots don’t want a quarterback at No. 3 overall, trading down to acquire more draft capital would probably be the next smartest option so that would give them the flexibility to move around the draft board next season. But, once again, even loaded with the potential of two first-round picks next season, there’s no guarantee that they would be able to trade up for a quarterback or even be able to take a QB worthy of a high pick.

@jsouth33
Who do YOU want the Pats to pick?

As a media member, it would be fun to cover a rookie quarterback. But ultimately, covering a good quarterback on a good team is more fun.

A rookie quarterback in the top three or a veteran who can make the team better is most compelling.

@Patriot Which pending free agent WR do you think we have a realistic chance to get? Hearing/seeing Pittman most likely to get tagged or extended.

I know there would be some support in signing Buccaneers free agent Mike Evans, but his agent, Deryk Gilmore, told Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz that he doesn’t want to play with a rookie quarterback.

So, the Patriots would have to sign or trade for a veteran to land Evans.

Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins was already tagged, and it does seem most likely that Michael Pittman will return to the Colts. But players who were franchised can always still be traded.

@shawn_norton19
With new Reports about Caleb Williams, and questions seeming to pop up a lot lately. Are these concerns and questions real or are they a smoke screen. Also if he does fall to 3 with these questions do you belive the Pats are in on him?

I’ve heard good things about Caleb Williams as a person. He knows he’s the top prospect, and he’s within his rights to ask for whatever he wants and to not do what he doesn’t want to do.

I talked to a high-ranking Patriots executive who has Williams a tier above Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. So, I would definitely expect the Patriots to be in on him if something unforeseen happens. But I fully expect him to be taken No. 1 overall.

@tonyc3896
Will Pats finally go after a “quick open” slot receiver and a potential “go all the way” receiving back?

They already have a pretty good slot wide receiver in Demario Douglas. I think they should be trying to upgrade the outside roles, X and Z, more.

It was strange that the Patriots went away from prioritizing a pass-catching back over the last few years. The Browns seemed to prefer all-around running backs who can run on early downs and catch the ball out of the backfield, however.

@xZoito
Is there a world where the Patriots trade up to 1 for Caleb?

It would be really fun, but I’m not sure what is the likelihood of that happening. There’s also the issue that if you use draft capital to trade up for Williams, then that prevents you from being able to actually properly build around him in the interim and the future.

The Patriots people I spoke with would be comfortable taking any of the top three QBs with the first three picks. So, it wasn’t as if I was hearing the Patriots were only interested in Williams or anything like that.

@UnofficialJKFC
With Wolfe wanting to weaponize the offense and Mayo wants to have players other teams want to double team, how do they realistically add that player? There has been a huge void of top end talent since Gronk left that theyve failed/ignored to address.

I actually think it will be difficult to find a truly elite pass-catcher this offseason, barring an unexpected trade for someone like Tee Higgins. If the Patriots take a QB or trade down from No. 3 overall, then Harrison won’t be coming to New England. There will be good wide receivers available in the second round, but there’s less of a guarantee that whoever they would take there would be a receiver that defenses need to worry about.

Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams could also shake free as a trade or cut candidate.