Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - East Meets West III: Patriots/Rams Crossover - 5/6/2020

Episode Date: May 6, 2020

It’s AFC East/NFC West Divisional Crossover Week across the Locked On Podcast Network.  Joining host Mike D’Abate is Brad “Bear” Mader of Locked On Rams to discuss both the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams’ 2020 NFL Draft report cards, their potential rosters and the personnel turnover for both franchises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patriots fans, you are now locked in to the Locked On Patriots Podcast. I'm going to show you how to make a beautiful and beautiful flower. I'm going to use a small flower pot. I'm going to use a small pot Hello to all of you Foxborough faithful and welcome to day three of Intradivisional Crossover Week here on the Lockdown Patriots Podcast, your daily home for news notes and analysis infused with the occasional opinion on your six-time Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots.

Today's episode is proudly brought to you by Built Bar. Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to BuiltBar.com and use promo code LOCKEDON and you'll get $10 off of your first order. And as always, folks, Locked On Patriots is a proud part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. And because Network, your team every day. And because it's your team every day, that means your questions, your comments, and your feedback, always welcomed, greatly appreciated. And you can share that feedback anytime by reaching out to me and following me on Twitter

at M-D-A-B-A-T-E-F-P-C. And while you're out there traveling through the Twitterverse, please be sure to follow the Locked On Patriots account as well at LO underscore Patriots. Patriots fans, it is Wednesday, May 6th. And as previously mentioned, it is day three of our intra-divisional crossover week here on the Locked On Podcast Network. And because your New England Patriots, as well as the other three remaining teams in the AFC East, will be matching up with teams in the NFC West this year.

All of us across the NFL landscape here on the Locked On Podcast Network are giving you a little preview on the NFC teams that the Patriots will be taking on in 2020. We started on Monday with our old friend Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers. Brian Peacock of Locked On 49ers and myself talked a little bit about this potential matchup coming up in Foxborough this year. And of course, yesterday on Tuesday, Corbin Smith of Locked On Seahawks stopped by and and myself talked a little bit about this potential matchup coming up in Foxborough this year. And of course, yesterday on Tuesday, Corbin Smith of Locked On Seahawks stopped by, and we talked a little bit about another old friend, head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks, and how these two teams might match up when they do battle in Seattle later this year.

But Patriots fans, today is all about Beat LA, as in the LA Rams. It's a franchise we know well without question here in New England. The first Super Bowl title in franchise history, the first Super Bowl title of the Brady Belichick era. Super Bowl XXXVI and a 20-17 victory over the greatest show on turf, the then St. Louis Rams. And you want to talk about plot coming full circle? They couldn't even dream this one up in Hollywood, folks. The Brady Belichick era becomes complete with a Super Bowl victory over the now Los Angeles Rams,

Super Bowl title number six, and a 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 53. Needless to say, the Rams are going to have this one circled on their calendar, and you can imagine that Rams fans are looking for a little revenge. But the squads will definitely look different than they looked the last time these two teams hooked up in Super Bowl 53. But even with the star power absence of Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady, this one still has all the makings of being an exciting matchup between two talented teams. And to help give you a little insight on the 2020 incarnation of the Los Angeles Rams,

is the host of the Locked On Rams podcast, Brad, also known as Bear Motter. And because both the Patriots and the Rams have had several key departures, both on field personnel and on the coaching staff, Bear and I have a lot to discuss. And today we will cover any and all topics when it comes to these two teams and their impending matchup in 2020. So settle in folks, another action packed crossover episode of Locked On Patriots today. Bear Motter is truly a fountain of knowledge when it comes to the Los Angeles Rams, and I have no doubt that he'll be able to give you some very helpful information to help

get you ready for this matchup in the fall in Los Angeles. But first, folks, the Patriots did have some transactional news yesterday, and they officially announced the signing of 15 undrafted rookie free agents. And they were tight end Rashard Berry, defensive back Miles Bryant, tight end Jake Burt, local boy out of Boston College, defensive lineman Nick Coe, Auburn product who we talked about last week here on Locked On Patriots with Zach Blackerby, along with another Auburn product and good friend of our new quarterback,

Jarrett Stidham, and that is wide receiver Will Hastings. Also among the signings were quarterback Brian Lewerke of Michigan State, defensive lineman Bill Murray out of William & Mary, quarterback Brian Lewerke of Michigan State, defensive lineman Bill Murray out of William & Mary, quarterback Jamar Smith out of Louisiana Tech, running back J.J. Taylor of Arizona, wide receiver Jeff Thomas out of Miami, wide receiver Sean Riley, linebacker Keava Tizzino, linebacker Dejon Harris, defensive lineman Courtney Wallace, and wide receiver Isaiah Zuber. Now conspicuous by his absence on the list is Miami defensive end Trayvon Hill, who was reported to have signed with the Patriots.

From what I've heard from sources close to the team, Hill is still expected to sign. His name was not on the list of official transactions released by the team yesterday. But again, the fact that his name was absent, keep a sharp eye out for that one, folks. And keep in mind, especially here in New England, the signing of undrafted free agents is very significant. In fact, some might consider them a staple here in the New England roster. One of them always seems to find its way onto the team. Last year, Jacoby Myers was the one that turned heads. Who will it be this year? And do a few of these guys have a chance to make the roster? Well, throughout the coming days and weeks here on the Lockdown Patriots podcast, we will take a deeper dive into the undrafted free agent class

and really start to delve into the roster. But as Michael Corleone always says, sometimes it's better to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. And this week here on Intradivisional Crossover Week, we do just that by learning a little more about those LA Rams. And in just a moment, Bear Motter of Locked On Rams and I will make this crossover official. But first, I don't need to remind you

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dot com and promo code LOCKEDON for $10 off of your first box. So you too can eat healthy while indulging in a delicious treat. Los Angeles, California and Boston, Massachusetts. Two cities that have a rich history steeped in rivalry when it comes to professional sports. The Celtics versus the Lakers.

The Red Sox versus the Dodgers. But today, we are talking gridiron. And that means the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots. And the last time these two franchises met, it was in Super Bowl 53. And neither side needs a reminder as to how that one turned out. But this matchup is going to be a great one in L.A. And since it's crossover week here on the Locked On Podcast Network, we will give you some insight on that matchup.

I am Mike DeBate, host of the Locked On Patriots Podcast. And I'm Bear Motter of Locked On Rams. They are definitely a pleasure to join you on the microphone today. Talk a little Patriots-Rams in an anticipated and highly exciting matchup, I believe, coming up in 2020 with both of these teams on the schedule. Always a lot of fun when LA and Boston do their thing on a professional sports stage. Yeah, we're definitely ready for a little bit of revenge here. It's not going to have the same meaning. It's not going to have some of the same players or coaches, but excited to get

some live football action again when these two teams match up. No matter where it's going to be, it's going to be a good football game. We know that. Yeah, it definitely will be. It always is when the Patriots and the Rams hook up, whether it had been in St. Louis years ago or since the move back to Los Angeles. It's always a matchup that is circled on the calendar of Patriots fans, and for good reason. It's because these games are always exciting and always good, and the competition level is always there.

Bear, kicking this off, we'll talk a little bit about the Rams first. And your Los Angeles Rams finished 9-7 in 2019. Fairly respectable and a fairly good record. But believe it or not, that was only good for third in the NFC West. And that's in no way an indictment on the Rams at all. That, to me, is a testament to how great this division really is when you talk about the NFC West. But it's been an interesting offseason in L.A., from hiring three new coordinators to releasing running back Todd Gurley,

trading Brandon Cooks, who Patriots fans know very well, and also the key losses of guys like Dante Fowler, Corey Littleton, Clay Matthews, Nickel Roby Coleman. You guys have gone through some exodus throughout this offseason. And believe me, the Patriots know all about exodus in an offseason. And I'm sure we'll get to that in a minute. But Bear, you know this team very well, better than arguably anyone. And when you look at this Rams offseason, what worries you heading into 2020? And what makes you optimistic that the Rams will be in the mix for a division

title when the season kicks off? Yeah, I think it starts with some of that turnover that you talked about, some of the new people coming in, some of the people that we're used to having here now gone. This isn't your normal offseason. You know, we're seeing virtual OTAs and some teams aren't even participating in that. So these are times usually when teams that have had, you know, broken up a little bit or added new pieces, that they have a chance to come together. And the Rams are going to have to do that in a different format, different technologies and ways to get some of these guys up to speed.

So I think that's the biggest thing in this offseason, as we've seen some of these guys leave in free agency. That's where some of the big question marks come. And I think it starts on the defense side of the ball with our linebackers. Dante Fowler had 11 and a half sacks last year. He's gone. Corey Littleton really controlled the middle of that defense. He's gone. Eric Weddle in the back end, he was the quarterback of the defense. He had the green dot on his helmet, calling the plays, all that. He's gone. And who called the plays before that? It was Corey Littleton, also gone. So you're you know a new leader of this defense as far as

getting the plays and you're looking at a new defensive coordinator brandon staley so there's just a lot of question marks as far as how will they gel you know there's some talent there uh aaron donald jaylen ramsey the big name talent is there but they also come with the big contracts uh you know you're looking to extend jaylen Ramsey probably next year on the other side of the ball. You got Jared Goff in place. You got Tyler Higbee, who finished the last five games better than any tight end in football, if you're looking at the numbers. And then Cooper Cupp, who's also up for a contract coming up next season.

So there's just a lot of question marks. It's how will these guys come together? Consistency was the big problem last year. I think that's going to be the big thing coming in to the 2020 season. Yeah, and you mentioned consistency, something that the New England Patriots organization knows quite well. But the insight that you provide into the Rams, I think, is definitely helpful for me, for my listeners at Locked On Patriots, who may not know a lot about the guys over on the West Coast. And look, it is going to be a different season in Los Angeles.

You mentioned the coaching changes. Those can definitely have a big impact, especially when you lose coordinators with the cachet that they've lost this year. You mentioned Staley coming in and having the challenge of having to revamp this defense and move it forward. I really love that you touched on the technological difficulties that could arise from bringing guys up to speed, especially rookies. And I'm going to hold that because I'm going to get back to that in just a moment. But that type of virtual conditioning,

virtual onboarding, almost like an initiation or even an orientation sort of for these players is going to be much different this year. The one thing that I will say is the Rams usually do get an A in high tech, not so much in New England. We saw at one point Bill Belichick's dog was running the draft coming from his home in New York. No, folks, I'm just kidding. I'm kidding. It wasn't Nike Belichick running that draft. But in any case, the Rams usually do have a pretty forward thinking mind when it comes to that technology. So we'll see if it's a hindrance or a help in this case. But ultimately, I think it does play in the Rams' favor to have that savvy on their side.

And one of the big ways that teams build there is through the NFL draft. It's probably the best way to build a 2020 NFL roster. And the Rams had a pretty good draft in 2020. To be honest, the more I look at it, the more I like it. And obviously Cam Akers is the crown jewel. He was their first selection. But there are two guys in particular that we'll call L.A. their home this year that I really liked for the Patriots. I had a real sharp eye on both of these guys. And that's Terrell Lewis out of Alabama and Van Jefferson out of Florida. I thought each of them would make great Patriots, and I was really impressed by the both of

them. But again, you know this team much better than I do. As you look at the Rams draft hall there, what are your early impressions and who has the best chance to impress us all in 2020? Yeah, it's a great question, and I was much like you. At the beginning, I wasn't sure if I loved this draft class. And as I got to kind of dig a little bit deeper and, you know, watch some more film and kind of see how they will fit into where some of the holes were. I am coming around big time on this draft class. You talked about Cam Akers. He was never a guy I

spent a lot of time on during the draft process. but realizing now kind of the durability that he brings to that position, the strength, the power, the speed, all those things. And if you're looking at a Rams running back group right now that had Todd Gurley leave with about 200 plus carries per season, Daryl Henderson was a little banged up last year, a rookie that we got actually traded up in the third round to go get. There was talks of kind of a running back by committee, but usually need, you know, that big bruiser that can handle some of the workload or the major majority of the workload. And I think that's Cam Akers. I'm also really excited about Van Jefferson. He's got a little bit of both Robert Woods and Cooper Cupps. Great route runner. He's faster than I think

people think he is. That was part of the technology side as you're talking about it. He didn't really, he wasn't able to run at the combine or had a bad number there. His speed wasn't really popping off at that point. But they were able to see him at the Senior Bowl. They had technology that was tracking players, and he was the fastest player tracked at the Senior Bowl, something that stood out for Les Snead, the GM, and obviously Sean McVay. So those two guys on the offense side of the ball, getting to kind of work with Sean McVay and Kevin O'Connell, the new offensive coordinator, kind of working into the system.

It's going to be exciting. Obviously Brandon Cooks is gone, so that kind of fills an open space there with Van Jefferson. But you're talking about on the defense side of the ball, really excited about Terrell Lewis and Terrell Burgess because of what they bring as far as day one contributors, we talked about in the first question, Dante Fowler leaving, needing some help off the edge. If Lewis can stay healthy coming from Alabama, he's really exciting.

But you've just got to see the commitment to health, being able to stay healthy and be on the field, and being able to transition into this defense. But then you look at Burgess and where he's going to fit in. Taylor Rapp was the draft pick last year. John Johnson's coming off of an injury, but we're really excited about him. I think he fits into that slot corner where we saw Nickel Robey Coleman leave. But I'm really excited about all these guys.

They're smart players. They're physical. They like to go up and tackle. And I think that's really what the Rams are looking to do. Look at our division. Seahawks pound the football. 49ers pound the football we need guys that are going to go up and be a run stopping defense and I really think that's what they've done since uh this whole offseason there's really you know bringing a new defense coordinator switching a focus to that so I think our first

four picks I'm really excited about because I think they can contribute right away and that was what the Rams needed from this draft find guys that can play you know almost day one and find whether that's you know 10 snaps 15 snaps whatever it is find a role on this team and contribute in year one I think that's what they did in those first four picks and that's why I think it ends up being a successful draft for the Rams absolutely and again I really saw a lot of Patriot-like qualities in the way the Rams drafted this year. And I do mean that as a compliment. I don't mean that derisively either. The Rams obviously have a great amount of savvy when it comes to being able to build a roster. But one thing that I liked about it is I saw a lot about what the team that I covered does in getting guys, like you said, that are ready to come in and contribute day one they're not worried about who has this draft grade who is uh technically a day one player or a day two player or a day three player if they

put a grade on a guy and they feel that it's going to be beneficial for them to take him and they're getting good value out of it they're going to do it and they're not going to think twice about it listen lewis was a guy that I was pretty excited about as a possible pass rush option in New England. You know, racked up 11 and a half tackles for loss, six sacks last year. Really, that jack-of-all-trades type of edge defender that Bill Belichick loves. And let's face it, there is a synergy between the New England Patriots and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Nick Saban and Bill Belichick are pretty close, so you have to think that that transition would have been close. I really like the fit with the Rams, and I think he's going to

fit in very nicely. I think he's got all of the ability necessary to be a good player for this team this year and make an immediate impact. Van Jefferson is another guy, a tremendous and nuanced route runner. The Patriots had such problems with that last year. Guys were not getting open. They weren't running the correct routes. They had a lot of new faces on this team, and it really frustrated Tom Brady at times because he just couldn't get the separation and the players that he needed to run the routes that he needed them to run. They're going to need to shore that up this year with Jarrett Stidham.

But again, somebody like a Van Jefferson is always going to be in the right place at the right time, and I'm glad you mentioned his speed because this kid does have the ability to break people off and get open, something I don't think he gets enough credit for. Albeit, I know there were some injuries, and the foot injury in the surgery was the reason he didn't get the official workout at the Combine, but the Senior Bowl was a place where he really was able to shine. So again, I like these two picks, and I'm glad that you gave some insight on Burgess, on Anchors, a lot of reason to be excited in Los Angeles this year. Bear, you have provided us with a great amount of insight when it comes to the Rams' potential 2020 roster, but this wouldn't exactly

be a true crossover unless we flip the script and you put me on the hot seat. In just a moment, folks, my colleague Bear Motter and I will talk about what the most interesting offseason in Foxborough history means for the Patriots this season, as these two teams prepare to do battle in the City of Angels. But first, guys and gals, let me enlighten you on the latest read from author Alka Joshi. And with Sunday being Mother's Day, start the competition today with people important in your mom's life. Mother's Day is her Super Bowl, so celebrate this Mother's Day by scoring her favorite gift of the day. Your mom will be able to travel in her mind to exotic India, sample the food, and laugh at the perils of raising a teenager in 1950s India through a new book of fiction called The Henna Artist. A highly recommended read. Oh, and by the way, it happens to be Reese Witherspoon's book club's pick for the month of May.

Then, any time during May, post a picture of your mom or you holding the e-book or book on Instagram or Facebook. And either on Instagram or Facebook, tag the author at TheAlkaJoshi. That's at T-H-E-A-L-K-A-J-O-S-H-I. All one word. A donation of four meals per post, up to 10,000 meals will go to Feeding America. So guys and gals, buy the henna artist today at your favorite bookseller, including Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Walmart, Costco, and Target, and make mom the ultimate winner in your family. So it's time to flip the script. We talked about the Rams in the first segment.

I'm Bear Motter of Lockdown Rams. We've got Mike DeBate from Lockdown Patriots with us as well. We kind of covered where the Rams went in this offseason, some of the big issues that they have coming into the 2020 season. But it's time to flip the script, like you said in the last segment, and get over to the Patriots and the very interesting offseason that they had and I think there's only one place for us to start and it starts at the quarterback position us Rams fans we're thinking all right

as you're kind of watching Tom Brady most likely not returning to New England yes you don't have to play Tom Brady then he goes to Tampa Bay now you gotta play him on the road instead of having him here at home the Rams will go down to Tampa Bay this season we don't know to play Tom Brady. Then he goes to Tampa Bay. Now you got to play him on the road instead of having him here at home. The Rams will go down to Tampa Bay this season. We don't know when yet, and we'll find that out later this week when the schedule is released. But you mentioned it earlier with Jarrett Stidham being the starting quarterback. It sounded weird hearing you say it.

Does it sound weird for you to say it? And is that – what is the long-term plan maybe not long-term plan but 2020 plan can you get through the season with winning football with him under quarterback to answer your question it's getting a little more comfortable by the day but it still sounds weird it still sounds what weird what sounds weirder still bear is when you say former patriots quarterback tom brady that really is more weird than saying Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham. But look, bottom line, the team had the opportunity to draft a new signal caller or to go out, trade for one, or snag one on the open market.

They passed at every opportunity to do so. And I know they did bring in a couple of undrafted free agents to compete for some of the backup positions. They brought in Brian Hoyer to be a mentor. But ultimately, all of the moves that they've made this offseason proves that Jarrett Stidham is the guy. And he's the guy that they want to have the ball taking snaps under center when the 2020 season kicks off. I think short of having Tom Brady walk back through that door, this is the option, the only option that they were ready to consider. And there are a lot of reasons for that.

I've had the opportunity to watch Jarrett in practice and watch him evolve from a rookie that came in with a lot of promise, but not a whole lot of pedigree behind him. And I can tell you, he can make the throws. He can step up. He has the ability to put the ball on a dime. He's got very good control. He's got pinpoint accuracy, something that I think really endears him to guys like Josh McDaniels and, of course,

Bill Belichick. He can take care of the football here against the Jets coming in, throwing a pick six and immediately being replaced by Tom Brady. He's going to have to work on that. There's no question about it. His decision making has to get better. And I think one of the big ways for him to do that is to allow his running game to be a crutch for him when he needs it uh there's no shame in that rely on a strong running game and I think that's why you're seeing the Patriots make the moves that they are keeping Sonny Michelle where he is I think they're going to get a lot more from Damian Harris who was the backup running back last year from Alabama. Redshirt in most of his freshman year or rookie year, if you want to say that. It's going to be his first year really taking snaps, so I think he's going to be relied on a little heavier this year.

James White obviously is a great mentor in that backfield. He can catch passes out of the backfield, and he can be a running option as well. Rex Burkett is a guy that is always going to be good to rely on. He may or may not be back in Foxborough. A lot of rumblings that he may be a cap casualty. If he does, J.J. Taylor, who's an undrafted running back that they just brought in from Arizona, might be an option there as well. So the running game they're going to have to rely on, and they're also going to need reliable receivers. i look for two guys first and foremost julian edelman good old reliable whether you love the guy whether you dislike the guy as a

fan of another team you have to give him credit he's a hard worker and he's in every single play every single snap that's not by happenstance folks that's by design he does it because he's just got a heart the size of the football field, and he's going to try to make plays every day out. The other guy is Nikhil Harry, who I expect a big jump from this year. First round pick, a lot of pedigree, a lot of promise, not a lot of production last year. Some of that was due to problems that he had with injuries. I look for that to be shored up this year. Apparently, he's working out very strongly to come back both physically and mentally so with that type of a solid core it's going to allow Jarrett to be able

to utilize his strengths he doesn't have to take the game over he can work into that decision making that could make him a very good dare I say even great quarterback he'll be good this year but I think he's going to have to rely on others to get there and the supporting cast they have around him including the two new tight ends they brought in and Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene are going to help that to happen yeah and that's great that you kind of build some depth there in in our visuals here uh for that Patriots offense because you think every time you looked at you always looked Tom Brady and maybe not the best wide receivers and a couple of running backs that can do it all. But you felt like that was the core of the team.

And then when you kind of peel it back and hear you talk about it, you realize that there still are some really good football players there. And that if they can get some solid to medium performance from their quarterback, that they can find other ways to get it done. They drafted the dual tight end, which I want to talk to you about a little bit here in a second. I'll talk to you about this coming draft. But I also want to look ahead one year because you saw the Dolphins tank for Tua.

Is there any chance that the Patriots look to tank for Trevor or lose for Lawrence? I mean, you can come up with whatever you want to say. It doesn't seem very Belichick-ish-y to me, but you hear a lot of rumors that maybe they passed on this year's quarterbacks because next year is where they want to really kind of go all in and getting their replacement quarterback. In terms of the tank argument, I can say with 99.7% accuracy that that will not happen. It's just not in the makeup of the franchise.

It's not in the makeup of Bill Belichick. I cannot imagine Bill Belichick. I cannot imagine Bill Belichick being willing to take a lost season knowing that his franchise quarterback, the guy who was alongside him for 20 years in an amazing run of success here in New England, is going to be down in Tampa Bay taking snaps and leading that team to a great amount of success. Say what you want. Ego definitely does drive these guys, whether you're a coach, whether you're a player. And I'm not saying that's their primary focus or their primary drive,

but it's just not Bill Belichick's makeup. From a logistical standpoint, it doesn't make any sense. You can tank all you want to. It doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to be in that prime position to get the quarterback that you want. It happened to work out for Miami this year, but let's face it, it almost didn't. If Tua had ascended up those ranks and people had assumed that they were going to take him instead of Joe Burrow at number one, which he ended up going number one to Cincinnati,

that could have been different. If Cincinnati decided that they wanted to take Tua, then all of a sudden, where are you if you're the Miami Dolphins? So taking is never a strategy to me that works. Bill Belichick is too smart for that. I think he's too superstitious, for lack of a better term for that. He realizes that his best opportunity to put the best team out there on the field year after year is to go full on every single season. Now, does that mean you're going to contend for a Super Bowl every season? No, I think there's realistic expectations on both sides when it comes to that. But ultimately, he's going to do what he needs to do to put the best team on

the field. He's not going to tank for Trevor. He's not going to lose for Lawrence. They're going to go out there and they're going to try to win as many games as they possibly can this year and continue to build. I use the old analogy in New England. You don't rebuild. You retool. You reload. And that's exactly what they're doing.

Build a strong defense. They did that in the draft. Build a strong offensive line. Start to plug in pieces on the offensive skill positions that are going to allow you to be able to maximize the strength of your quarterback and then allow your quarterback to grow into his own. I can tell you they're pretty high on Jarrett Stidham. Unless something drastically changes this year to really turn their expectations upside down, then Stidham is the guy that they want to build around. And I think there's a lot more there than people are giving him credit for.

Yeah, and that's a very good point. I think your first point you very mentioned is it's just not built Belichick way, especially if Tom Brady's still in the league. The last thing he needs to hear is, well, look, Tom Brady doesn't need you. You needed Tom Brady. That should be enough motivation right there to kind of move this forward. But I do want to talk about this year's draft. You talked about the linebacker that we got coming off the edge, but you guys got a pair of linebackers that are pretty exciting. In fact, the one of my biggest, you know, 2020 draft crush, if you could say man crush, Josh Uche out of Michigan. That is what I was begging for the Rams to go do in either one of their first

second round picks. They had 52 and 57, I believe. They passed on Josh Uche. You guys got them as well as Anthony Jennings who can come off the edge talk to me a little bit about the draft class you guys got and where maybe did they miss I know you mentioned maybe at quarterback adding some value there but are you happy with the draft class that's coming in to contribute right away I am I'm actually very satisfied with what the Patriots did starting right at the top and I know Kyle Duggar wasn't really a popular choice among a lot of Patriots fans, but he fills a need on a number of different levels.

He's an excellent special teamer, and I'm sorry. I know a lot of fans roll their eyes when it comes to special teams, but it's very important in New England. One of the most important aspects of fitting in here is being able to contribute on special teams as well as to either the offense or the defense depending on where your specialty is Duggar has the ability to do that he covers a lot of ground he has the tools to match up with tight ends and coverage and I think that is one of the big reasons why they chose to bring him in the Patriots had a ton of difficulty defending against prolific tight ends and Duggar coming in allows them to play that three safety set that they love to play. And it allows them to keep three safeties on the field. Daron Harmon did that last year. He's gone. He's been traded to the Detroit Lions. So now all of a

sudden Duggar can fill that role. And I think he can do it very well. He's athletic. He's a good tackler, great blend of speed, length, and size. And I think he's going to pay dividends you mentioned Uche and Uche to me is my favorite pick of the Patriots uh two-day draft talk is technically they didn't make a pick in day one um but to me Uche is the guy that really I think they needed they coveted they wanted and they got I think he may be one of the most underrated pass rushers in the 2020 NFL draft he's got long arms he's got that skill set to make an immediate impact rushing the passer. Got a good combination of initial quickness. He's got that bend to him that I really love in his game.

And his closing speed to me is one of the more impressive things that I've seen about Josh. And the Patriots needed to upgrade that position. They lose Kyle Van Noyte. They lose Jamie Collins. That was a big part of their pass rush. And Ushe comes in. He fits that classic Patriots profile. And I'm really going to enjoy watching him in Foxborough for a number of years to come. Jennings, to me, could be a sleeper pick in this draft. Obviously, there was the injury in 2018. That lessened his athleticism. Anytime a knee

injury to an edge rusher occurs, there's always going to be questions about his long-term durability. But look, he's a strong edge defender. He plays his assignment as assigned. And I think that, to me, is one of the biggest things that's going to endear him to Bill Belichick. He does what he's told. He quote-unquote does his job. And that's going to earn him the praise from Belichick

and the Patriots defensive coaching staff. But look, it's not just about him doing what he's told. He's got a great combination of quickness, power, instincts, and that change of direction ability that the Patriots look for in their edge rushers. So I like both of these selections. I really think they did well here. The two tight ends, Asiasi, Dalton Keene, they fill specific roles within that position.

Patriots got very little to no production out of the tight ends last year. Leglo, 37 catches, tied for last with two touchdowns. When you talk about some of the prolific tight ends that the Patriots have had over the last 20 years in the Brady Belichick era, even dating back to a guy like Ben Coates who played alongside Drew Bledsoe, they always had production out of that position. Last year didn't quite measure up and they needed to go out and do that. I'm not saying that Asiasi or Keene are going to be future Hall of Famers, but I think they have the opportunity to come in and fill big roles on this team. So from a day two standpoint, I think the Patriots did well in the later rounds.

The guy that I have my eye on, and I said this yesterday talking to Corbin Smith from Locked On Seahawks, is Michael Onwenu, the offensive lineman out of Michigan. Has really the opportunity to come in and provide a lot of protection to Jarrett Stidham right off the bat. It's very rare that he's bypassed by a pass rush. And the Patriots needed that this year especially with some of the uncertainty they had on the o-line last year so I look for him to come in and make an impact and some of the other you know the under the radar uh you know undrafted free

agents that they're bringing in guys like Will Hastings at the wide receiver position I mentioned J.J. Taylor earlier these are gritty young players that can come in and fill a role and make a contribution. So overall, the Patriots draft hall may not be quote unquote sexy in terms of the names that they brought in, but the players that they brought in can fill specific roles. And I think they're actually going to pay some dividends this year. Yeah, I really liked their picks that they got. And, you know, I'm a Michigan guy. That's part of my love with Josh Uche. And you talked about the linemen as well.

And then even going back to last year's draft class, Chase Winovich, another guy I was really hoping the Rams would maybe kind of pick up in that draft and ended back with New England Patriots. So you guys got a lot of young, exciting guys. Like you said, maybe not the sexy pick, but at the end of the day, if they're getting tackles and helping the team contribute with some wins, that's all that anyone really cares about. My last question before we get out of here, I was, as you mentioned,

we're kind of doing these lockdown crossovers a lot. I had Joe Moreno of Lockdown Bills, and he said it was their division to lose this year. Do you agree with that, or do you still think it is the Patriots' division to lose? It's been 10 years plus that it seems it's been that way. But is it kind of the changing of the guard at least for one year in that division? Well, Joe is a great friend of mine. And I would say on paper, he's probably right.

But I'm going to pull a quote out here. And I'm going to say that to quote the great rick flair to be the man you gotta beat the man and until they beat the new england patriots i still think this is the patriots division look on paper the bills have definitely uh you know eclipsed the patriots in terms of on-field talent uh they're stacked on the defense they were last year i think they've even improved from last year uh their offense has vastly improved with the addition of Stefan Diggs. You want to talk about the drafting of a running back to go alongside Singletary. They've got tight ends. They've got a good offensive line.

This is a team that is poised to make a huge step this year. So I say that with every bit of reverence to the Buffalo Bills. But again, the Patriots still hold that division crown. And until someone unseats them, I'm not willing to drop it in the bucket and say that the Patriots can't compete. So, uh, you know what, we'll see. It'll be an interesting year in the AFC East and, and I look forward to it, but, uh, we'll see. We'll, we'll, uh, we'll see.

I got another crossover coming up with Joe soon. So, uh, we may have a chat about that. Yeah. You know, I like stirring the pot a little bit over there. You know, we've got some crossovers coming up here in NFC West and it's going to be very competitive out in this division. So it always makes fun. That's what's fun about these crossovers. Always love doing kind of checking in on the host. And I can't wait to check in with you again as we get closer to the season and we start talking about actual real football that's going to be taking place. we don't know when and we don't know when this game's going to be but i can't wait to have that conversation find out where some of these conversations that

we had where they turn up how these rookies go how the rosters fill out and where our teams are when they meet again and just like that patriots fans three down and one to go in our intra divisional tour of the NSC West. And next up here on Crossover Week on the Locked On Patriots podcast is the up and coming Arizona Cardinals. And tomorrow here on the pod, Alex Clancy, host of Locked On Cardinals, will join me and we will break down the likelihood of both teams being able to exceed expectations in the upcoming 2020 NFL season. As always, please be sure to join me each and every day here on the Locked On Patriots

podcast. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Spotify. And don't forget, you can always listen to Locked On Patriots on your smart device. And it's so easy to do so. Simply ask it to play the latest episode of Locked On Patriots. And if you've enjoyed today's podcast, now ask your smart device to play the most recent episode of The Draft Dudes.

Once again, I am Mike DeBate. I thank Bear Motter of Locked On Rams for his time, his insight, and his appearance today, but most of all, I thank you so much for listening and for staying locked in to Locked On Patriots. Stay safe, stay well, and have a great day, everyone.