New England Patriots stock up, stock down

Organized team activities (OTAs) are in full swing, and there are plenty of storylines and position battles to monitor for each team. Here is how the stock for four Patriots is shaping up heading into this season:

Stock Up

Rhamondre Stevenson, running back: The 2021 fourth-round pick broke out last season, establishing himself as a dual-threat talent with workhorse potential after his backfield mate, Damien Harris, suffered various leg injuries. Stevenson was 12th among running backs in rushing (1,040 yards) and averaged five yards per carry. 

Additionally, Stevenson caught the seventh-most passes by a running back (69 for 421 yards).

New England has made it abundantly clear that Stevenson is the lead man in its rushing attack. Harris, the goal-line back last season, has since signed with division rival Buffalo, and James Robinson was the only tailback New England added during the offseason. 

With the potential for an improved offense and likely more scoring opportunities, Stevenson is well-positioned to establish himself as a top-five running back this season.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, wide receiver: Smith-Schuster gambled on himself after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in 2021, signing a one-year "prove it" deal with Kansas City that ultimately served him well. The 26-year-old had a resurgent year and played a major role in Kansas City's Super Bowl LVII win against the Eagles. 

While Smith-Schuster wasn't the No. 1 option in Kansas City, he led Chiefs wideouts in receiving with 933 yards, the most he has had since his second season with Pittsburgh in 2018.

In free agency, Smith-Schuster signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Patriots. He figures to become a focal point in the offense that many thought he'd become earlier in his career.

Stock down

Bill Belichick, head coach: Although New England lacked talent last season compared to its teams in years past, the greatest coach in NFL history is largely responsible for the results on the field.

After OC Josh McDaniels left to become Las Vegas' head coach, Belichick called on his former DC Matt Patricia and special teams coach Joe Judge to run the offense. Unsurprisingly, the unit faltered, ranking 26th in yards, and tempers flared between Patricia and QB Mac Jones.

Belichick has begun to correct his mistakes, appointing former assistant and Texans HC Bill O'Brien to lead the offense. The Patriots haven't missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons since Belichick took over, but with the AFC East as loaded as ever, 2023 may mark the first instance. 

Mac Jones, quarterback: Due to the coaching environment, Jones failed to build on a promising rookie season in which he was named a Pro Bowl alternate. Last season, Jones threw for 2,997 yards and 14 touchdown passes, a significant drop from his first-year totals of 3,801 and 22 touchdowns. He also missed three games due to injury.

The former first-rounder had issues with New England's play-calling in 2022, which affected his relationship with Belichick. The sudden emergence of rookie backup Bailey Zappe when Jones missed time with an injury didn't bode well for him either.

Apparently, the Belichick-Jones situation prompted the coach to shop his quarterback multiple times this offseason, per ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio. The Raiders, Texans, Buccaneers and Commanders were among the teams Belichick reportedly contacted. 

Considering the draft has passed and offseason workouts have begun, Jones will likely remain in New England this season. However, even though Jones appears to be the front-runner for the Patriots starting job, there’s some belief that Zappe is a legitimate contender for the role.