Scott Zolak: Patriots sound like they’re shopping the 3rd overall pick
On Wednesday’s edition of Zolak & Bertrand, Scott Zolak thinks the Patriots are in the process of shopping the 3rd overall pick right now.
Go see what’s out there…
Scott Zolak: No one’s saying anything about one individual player from the quarterback standpoint at three. I’m not hearing anything. I’m not. People thought I was hearing something with the (J.J.) McCarthy thing. I just watched his tape last week. People I talked to are saying they understand it’s what Jerod said and what the owner said. We’d like a guy at three. We’re interested. It’s a priority at quarterback, but we’re open for business guys. I think they’re shopping the pick down here.
What do we start asking for? What are people starting to offer? Then it goes up from there. What’s your basement? What’s your floor? Was it one this year and one next year? Or are you getting two ones this year and a one next year? Is there mystery team like there was with Calvin Ridley where Tennessee came in? There’s always that mystery team, where you get that call and they want a quarterback. Where’s Denver picking?
Phil Perry: Middle of the first round. Sean Payton, you don’t think he’s hot for quarterback?
Scott Zolak: Of course he is.
Phil Perry: You should always be listening, right, Beetle? Always listen.
Beetle: Why are they so open about it? Why are they putting it out there?
Phil Perry: Bill Used to do this all the time. Monti Ossenfort just did in Arizona. Big neon sign on the front door. Give us a call. Because why does it hurt? Then you can at least have conversations.
Scott Zolak: It also helps your convictions too. Like if we’re not getting that much, then we’re picking a quarterback then. If we’re not getting what we want in return and it’s got to be a windfall. If it’s not that, it’s going to push you to quarterback more. Then it gives you more conviction to take a quarterback at three. Hey, we’re open for business but business isn’t great right now.
Beetle: Should that determine whether or not they take the quarterback though, I feel like that’s not the right way to go about it. Your thought should be I want to take the quarterback. I want to use this. But there are of course offers that I wouldn’t be able to refuse.
Scott Zolak: Well, I would say it’s this. There’s four quarterbacks. And like I said, they’re not the same. You need to stack them one, two, three, four and I want to know what your board looks like. I think if you’re a guy that you like is there at three you jump on him. If he’s not, you’re open for business. Then my point is, if you’re not getting a lot in return for the pick, then we’re going the quarterback route.
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (left) announces the hiring of head coach Jerod Mayo (right) at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
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New NFL kickoff rule will change special teams roster building and strategy
Kick accuracy receiving preference over kick power
Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Chad Ryland (37) kicks the ball off to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
In the past, how far the kickoff kicker could kick the ball was the biggest issue for NFL teams. With touchbacks incentivized, teams main focus was kickers who could boot the ball through the back of the end zone.
Now, such a kick gifts the offense an extra 15 yards, with the ball going to the 35 instead of the 20. Plus, putting more hangtime on the ball is no longer an advantage, since the nobody can move until the ball is touched. If anything, line drive kicks may be more advantageous because they would give the returner less time to get lined up.
At the same time, directional kicking may become more important as teams start to draw up ‘plays’ on kickoff returns. Being able to put the ball in a certain spot for the coverage team may now have more value that the outright distance a kicker can get on it.
A more offense/defense split to the kicking units
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 18: Wide receiver Matthew Slater #18 of the New England Patriots runs onto the field for warmups before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 30-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
One major inspiration for this kickoff setup is it mirrors a typical scrimmage play. Given that, it wouldn’t be surprising if the personnel on the field starts to mirror an offense-defense snap too.
On the kicking team, there should now be more of an emphasis on players who can tackle in space. Just forcing a runner into a single lane will be much harder, so players with experience covering more ground and are strong tacklers will have an edge. Think linebackers and safeties.
Return teams in the past may use some defensive players as up-men, just for the physicality of the role. But now, textbook blocking at the point of attack and being able to block on the move will be valued more. That should put an emphasis on tight ends, bigger receivers, and even some more athletic offensive linemen to play up front.
This doesn’t mean the days of special teams aces are over. For one, there will still be a role for them on the punt team. Plus, most specialists played an offensive or defensive role in college. A college linebacker could come into the NFL and certainly find a regular role in kick coverage. But, more of those roles will probably now go to depth players whose skills already transfer.
Returners will be at a premium
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 31: Jalen Reagor #83 of the New England Patriots runs the kickoff back for a touchdown during the first quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
With this rule change, teams will be able to scheme up more designs for kickoff runbacks, allowing explosive players to be a factor more often. For players experience in navigating the chaos of a kickoff return, this presents a tremendous opportunity. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Cordarrelle Patterson signed with the Steelers the day the rule passed.
The Patriots already have a couple of players in place who will most likely benefit from this rule change. Bigger roles could be in store for Jalen Reagor and Marcus Jones this year as the Patriots work on their kick return schemes.
Practice time
The Patriots’ practice fields behind Gillette Stadium before Day 1 of Patriots training camp.
As with any rule change, the new kickoff will take some getting used to. Teams across the league will likely need to devote more time than usual to practicing kickoff coverage and return in spring practices and training camp this year. Right away, first year Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer has a lot of work ahead of him.
