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Patriots Three Round 2023 Mock Draft Predictions

The 2023 NFL Draft is three weeks away. The Patriots have several holes to fill. With Bill Obrien returning, as Offensive Coordinator, we will predict who the Patriot’s brain trust will select. With the team thin at receivers and linemen head coach, Bill Belichick will certainly be wheeling and dealing his picks.

Round 1 Pick 14 Zay Flowers/WR Boston College

All signals point to the Patriots picking a wide receiver in round one. A perfect fir would be Boston College’s Zay Flowers. Out of all the receivers in this year’s draft, Flowers is the swiftest. An elite route runner, Flowers breaks for huge gains after the catch. He has unique open- field moves.

Flowers have all the tools to be a number- one receiver on any NFL team. The knock on Flowers is his height and weight 5″ 185 pounds. He is the ideal wideout and would change the complexion of the Patriot’s offense. He rarely drops passes, which is a huge plus in New England.

Round 2//CB/Safety/Jartavious Martin/Illinois

This pick can go either way. This is where the draft gets interesting. I have the organization selecting cornerback Jartavious Martin. Martin’s trait is his versatility. He can play either corner or safety. This a trait Bill Belichick relishes.

Martin stands at 6’195 lbs. He registered 51 tackles last season and had 3 interceptions. Martin is an exceptional l tackler. A feisty player, he will depth and intensity to the defensive backfield.

Round 3 Pick 116/ Tyler Steen/OT/ Alabama

Tyler Steen is a mammoth 6′ 6″ 320lb tackle. The advantage of drafting Steen has started since his freshman year. A powerful blocker with good footwork. He takes his blocks to the next level and moves down the field well. With Bill Obrien, the offensive coordinator Steen will settle right in.

Conclusion

This is Bill Belichick’s most important draft. With no playoff wins in four years, rumors are floating around of a possible firing Patriots fans are desperate for a return to post-season. Quarterback Mack Jones and Bill Belichick are at odds Belichick did not like the way Jones sought outside help. That’s why Belichick needs to hit a grand slam in this year’s draft.

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Latest Bruins Moves Entice Bruins Nation

 The recent flurry of moves has enticed the Bruins nation. General manager Don Sweeney gained defenseman DimitriyOrlov and forward Garnet Hathaway. Also, swapping jerseys were Red Wing forward, Tyler Bertucci. All three players bring needed grit to the roster. In return, the Bruins gave up a slew of draft picks over the next several years. In this post, we will review three reasons why these moves will entice the Bruin nation.

In, Dimitry Orlov, the Bruins received a scrappy defender. In his first few games, Orlov has figured in the scoring netting two along with two assists. Orlov provides significant depth to go along with Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, Brandon Carlo, Derek Forbot, and Connor Clifton.

Offensive Punch

In, Garnet Hathaway, the Bruins receive depth on their fourth line. Hathaway adds grit and toughness to the lineup. Tyler Bertuzzi, the long =time Red Wing brings added scoring. With Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno injured, Bertuzzi is a welcomed addition.

Hathaway provides grit and energy to the fourth -line. This is what the Bruins have lacked in previous playoff runs. With more physical talent, opposing teams will fear the Bruins in a seven- game series.

MVP Goaltender

The third reason the Bruins will succeed is goaltender Linus Ullmark. Ullmark signed as a free agent from Buffalo two years ago. With 17 games remaining, Ullmark’s record is an impressive 33-4 with a 938 save percentage. He scored an open net goal earlier in the season.

Many people around the NHL feel Ullmark is an MVP Goaltender Backup goalie Jeremy Swayman has been inconsistent. Look for head coach Jim Montgomery to rest Ullmark and use Swayman down the stretch.

Conclusion

Winning the Stanley Cup is a long way off. In order to win the cup, the Bruins need solid goaltending from both Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark. Counting on one goalie will put pressure on the team and coaches.

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A Look At The 2023 Red Sox Opening Day Lineup

The 2023 Red Sox roster is questionable. In this post, we will review the 2023 Red Sox opening day lineup. Losing Xander Bogaerts is significant. General manager Chaim Bloom was busy but lost a major piece of the organization. Replacing him will take time. The core of the roster is past its prime.

Top half Of The Order

The Red Sox are banking on Enrique Hernandez to replace Bogaerts. Expect Hernandez to be the leadoff hitter. The knock on Hernandez is he only played 94 games in 2022. When healthy, his versatility is valuable. In 2022, he hit 222 hitting 6 home runs and knocking in 45 RBI’S. He played a stellar centerfield last season. Overall, he has played 100 games at shortstop in his career.

Rafael Devers will bat second followed by either Adam Duvall or Justin Turner. Devers had a career year batting 295 with 27 home runs and driving in 88 runs. Devers signed for eleven_ years 313,000,000 with a 20,000,000 signing bonus.

Following Devers will be Justin Turner or Adam Duvall. Both players signed one-year deals. Turner brings power and defense to the team. Duvall is overcoming wrist surgery and is still a solid center fielder. Both players bring experience and leadership to the organization.

Middle Of The Order

This is where it gets tricky. The club will miss Bogaert’s power. They signed Japanese star Masataka Yoshida to a five-year deal. Yoshida is a solid player who brings quality at- bats to the order. In seven seasons in Japan, Yoshida hit 135 home runs, drove in 400 RBIs, and batted an impressive 326.

Filling out the middle of the order will be Triston Casas and Alex Verdugo. Casas played in 27 games belting 5 home runs and driving in 12. He hit 197 but show good patience at the. Verdugo is in his third season and avoided arbitration. The team is hoping for more production from him offensively. Solid in the field, he can play both right and left field.

Lower Half Of The Order

Depending on who the designated hitter is Reese McGuire and a shortstop will round out the order. I look for JT Turner to be the DH. McGuire was gained midway through the season. In 36 games, McGuire hit 3 home runs and drove in 12 runs. He hit an impressive 337. He is a solid catcher, both defensively and offensively.

General Manager Chaim Bloom has yet to fill the shortstop position. Look for more moves before spring training.

Conclusion

This is a roster of speculation. Except for Rafael Devers, this team is questionable. Most of the players they signed are in the latter part of their careers. Looking at this roster I predict the Red Sox will finish fourth in the competitive American League East.

If Bobby Dalbec or Jarren Duran are not traded they could be in the mix for first base and a fourth outfield spot, along with RobRefsnyder.

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Resigning Pastrnak Is A Priority For The Bruins

The Boston Bruins are enjoying early season success. And resigning David Pastrnak is a priority. Pastrnak has been an integral facet of the Bruins since 2014. Outside of William Nylander, ofToronto Pastrnak has been the most productive player in his 2014 draft class. In eight seasons, he has an impressive 282 goals. 600 assists and a plus -minus of 96 rank him as an elite player. In this post, we will review three reasons why the Bruins must sign David Pastrnak as soon as possible.

Team Leader

Since being drafted in 2014, Pastrnak has been special. Night in and night out Pastrnak figures in the scoring. At this juncture, Pastrnak is on the verge of leaving. If the team does not come to terms the organization will be dealt a severe blow.

Not resigning Pastrnak will be a public relations fiasco for the Bruins. With one blunder in the Mitch Miller signing the team needs to rebound. Getting a deal done is imperative. With Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retiring after the season time s of the essence. The organization cannot afford to lose h

Bergeron And Krejci Retiting

When the 2022/23 season ends Bruins fans will severely miss Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. The two have been the face of the club for many years. As of now, Pastrnak is the team’s leading scorer with 14 goals and 19 assists, and a plus-minus of 10.

New head coach Jim Montgomery has Pastrnak skating on the second line. Pairing with Taylor Hall the two have been clicking. With Bergeron and Krejci at the end of their careers, the Bruins need his goal- scoring.

Time Is Running Out

Time is running out for the club to resign David Pastrnak. The deal should of gotten done long before now. The longer the team drags their feet the more Pastrnak and his agent get impatient. Bruins fans will suffer and be disappointed. general Manager Don Sweeney is facing backlash after the Mitch Miller deal. Losing Sweeney will be disastrous to the fan base.

Conclusion

With the Bruins making history with their home unbeaten streak management must sign Pastrnak. He is an elite NHL player with a special skill set. With the loss of Bergeron and Krejci, the Bruins will suffer immensely.

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3 Possibilities For The Red Sox In The 2022 MLB Draft

This weekend is the MLB draft. The three possibilities for the Red Sox in the 2022 MLB draft will be interesting In three Years Chaim Bloom has selected high school infielders. Will this year be any different? My gut feeling is yes. Personally, I would like to see the organization draft starting pitching. Another area of need is a closer. Outfielders with power are always an interesting choice. In this post, we will review three players that may be available with the twenty_fourth Pick.

Dylan Beavers/OF/ California

A towering 6’4″ 295 power hitter. Can play left field, center field, and right field. Would be ideal in Fenway Park. The only issue is will he be available at 24? The team lacks outfield prospects in the system, A native of San Luis Obispo, California.

In two years with the Golden Bears, he has 36 home runs and 107 runs batted in. Plus a 294 batting average. His bonus pool would be over $6,000,000.

Justin Campbell/RHP/ Oklahoma State

A 6’4′ righthander just started to make a name for himself in 2022. Campbell relies on three pitches, a changeup, fastball, and slider. Although he is not known for his velocity, his command deserves respect. He pitched a no_hitter vs Kansas in 2021.

Campbell finished the 2021 campaign going 7-2 with a 2.57 ERA, The enticing thing about Campbell is he is two_way. He also serves as the team’s DH. This would be awful intriguing for Chaim Bloom to consider at 24.

Sterlin Thompson/OF/ Florida

Thompson is your typical Florida product. A versatile athlete with a wealth of upsides. First, he can play both right field and left. also, has spent some time at third base. With the Red Sox thin at the outfield position Thompson would be perfect. a left _handed hitter with a wide _open stance who can hit.

In two seasons with the Gators, Thompson batted 334 with 16 home runs and 78 runs batted in. He also has some speed. Although he is still raw,, they do not have many corner outfielders on the way up.

Conclusion

In, three years, General manager Chaim Bloom has an excellent track record. Whether he drafts another high school prospect remains to be seen. The organization could use an upgrade in the outfield and catching department. Preferably, candidates with, power.

Other notable candidates on the radar are Logan Tanner C Mississippi State, Kevin P Parada, C Georgia Tech, Blake Tidwell RHP Tennessee, and Peyton Pallette RHP Arkansas.

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Three Bargains For The Bruins At The 2022 Deadline

The NHL trade deadline is in one week. Three bargains for the Bruins at the 2022 deadline are thin. My issue is, with nineteen games left after the deadline, is it worth giving up a draft pick or quality player. At this stage, the organization needs a second_ line center and defense. In this post, we will review three players who would be a bargain for the Bruin.

Zdeno Chara/ Defenseman /Islanders

The towering defenseman is available. For the right price, he would be a logical solution with Charlie McAvoy. With a cap hit of 750,000, the Bruins would be a perfect fit. He would add a physical presence and bring toughness to a passive team.

At thirty_ eight years old, he is still productive. In 48 games he has 0 goals and 9 assists. The Bruins need more muscle on defense and his experience would be welcomed. The Bruins need a big body heading into the playoffs and Chara would be the perfect fit.

Mark Giordano/Defenseman/Seattle

Another valuable piece that could help a team down the stretch. Has a ton of playoff experience and brings a needed toughness. Would be a great addition to a young defensive group.

At thirty _eight, he is still productive. In forty_four games he has 4goals and 17 assists. A hard_ nosed player who would be an immediate upgrade. With a cap hit of 6.75 million, he would cost you a low_round draft pick. A valuable player for any team.if they have the right player in return.

Jakob ChyChrun/D/Arizona

This player will not be a free agent until after the 2025 season. That means a team can have his services for two years. For 4.6 million dollars, he is the best deal on the market.

This player brings a toughness that the Bruins lack. A left_ shot defenseman he would be a home run in a trade. The Bruins are front runners to land his services. In 47 games this year, he has 7 goals and 14 assists. With decent size 6’2″ 215 pounds, Chychrun would be a welcomed addition in Boston.

Conclusion

With the season winding down, the Bruins are sitting in fourth place in the NHL Atlantic Division. As of late, the club has been getting balanced scoring from all four lines The team lacks toughness. Surviving in the playoffs requires patience and toughness. Any of the players mentioned above would be a valuable acquisition to the roster.

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Three Prospects That Could Help The 2022 Red Sox

With opening day slated for April seventh, the Red Sox will begin spring training on Monday. Three prospects that could crack the 2022 opening day roster. Presently, there are several prospects to keep a close watch on. In this post, we will review potential opening day surprises.

Triston Casas/First Baseman

This prospect has risen through the system. This prospect has risen through the system. Drafted in 2018, Casas stands 6’4″ and weighs 252 pounds. What makes Casas stand out is his ability to hit all fields, Only, 22 he has great length. A gifted athlete is he can impress in spring training, he will be the starting first baseman.

If the team fails to resign, Kyle Schwarber Casas does not have much competition. With the strike over, first base is an area the organization needs to address. I look for General manager Chaim Bloom to keep the payroll thin and go with the young players.

Durbin Feltman/ Righthanded Pitcher

The Red Sox bullpen needs an upgrade in 2022. One prospect who may fill that role is Durbin Feltman. Selected in the third round in 2018 by the Red Sox, Feltman had his best season in 2021.

Splitting time between Worcester and Lowell, Feltman compiled a 6-0 3.29 and 2-1 2.59 record respectively. If Feltman can stay on the pace, he will be a big help for the organization. His arsenal includes a slider, curveball, and fastball.

Jay Groome/ Lefthanded Pitcher

Jay Groome has been in the Red Sox organization since 2016. Injuries have hindered his career. Only 23 he is finally healthy and ready to take a step forward. His massive 6 6′ 262 _pound frame makes him the perfect power pitcher.

He had a successful season in 2021 while at Portland. If he can stay healthy, and regain his confidence, he is a long shot to be in the team’s starting rotation in 2022. The key variable for Groome is staying healthy. With Eduardo Rodriguez signing with Detroit, Groome could be the perfect replacement.

Conclusion

With the strike over, the club has several holes to fill. With the tax threshold at 230 million, the Sox stands at 206 million. They are still paying David Price’s salary. Do not expect Chaim Bloom to be generous with his payroll.

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Revolution Preparing For Another Successful Season

The Revolution is preparing for another successful season. They have been one of the busiest teams in the MLS. Adding depth to the defense and drafting a goalkeeper, the Revolution is poised for a big year. New England suffered a loss to New York in the 2021 Conference semi _finals. The loss was disappointing for Revolution fans. The Revolution finished with 73 points the most since the LA Galaxy scored in 2019. In this post, we will review three reasons to see if the club improved since the last season.

Depth On Defense

The club has vastly improved since last season. The only question is will they survive with the loss of goalkeeper Matt Turner? The team drafted Loyola Marymount goalkeeper Jacob Jackson with the 24th selection in the 2022 MLS draft. Jackson has a reputation that is very coachable and possesses a strong work ethic.

During the offseason, the organization signed veteran defender Omar Gonzalez.Gonzalez. played in twenty_ seven games last season for Toronto. He started in every game but three scoring three goals.

He adds ten years of experience to a veteran group led by Andrew Farrell and Brandon Bye.

Goalkeeping Concerns

Losing Matt Turner to the English Premier League will hurt. New England resigned Brad Knighton to a one _yeardeal Knighton has fifteen seasons of experience. Over that span, he has posted a 36-26-20 record. He’s no Matt Turner but a nice piece to have.

Backup Earl Edwards will platoon with Knighton. Unlike Knighton Edwards has not appeared in as many games over an eight_ year career. Still, an adequate veteran until rookie Jacob Jackson is ready.

Compared To The Rest Of The League

The Revolution was one of the league’s busiest teams adding Ryan Spaulding, Omar Gonzalez, Edgar Castillo, and drafting Jacob Jackson is a step to a solid year. Teams like Seattle, Portland, Nashville, Atlanta, and the La Galaxy went out and spent. Drafting a young goalkeeper is keeping the club in the conversation.

Conclusion

Head Coach Bruce Arena is building towards the future. It will be hard to replace Matt Tur They may not record seventy _three points, but they are better on paper.

Offensively the club will be the same. Defensively Gonsalvez adds depth. Jacob Jackson will take time but then again the Revolution has Bruce Arena as a coach.

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Celtics Playing Like Contenders In The NBA East

The Celtics are playing like contenders in the NBA East. Boston has been one of the hottest teams in the league as of late. With, the trade deadline hours away, the Celtics will be buyers. For the first time in two years, the Celtics are the talk of the town. In this post, we will review three areas the club needs to focus on to stay, in the hunt.

Number One Defensively

The Celtics are number one defensively in the NBA. They are currently riding on a six_ game winning streak. Their longest winning streak this season. Basketball has resurrected again in Beantown.

Not as popular as the Bird era, the team is getting a lot of attention. Led by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the Celtics have one of the toughest clubs defensively. Jayson Tatum was selected for his third straight All_Star appearance.

Head coach Ime Udoka has the club believing in one another. The results have been positive as the team sits as a seventh seed in the East. Playing defense is been a priority for Udoka. Winning in the playoffs will depend on playing together and defense.

Consistent Ball Movement

Consistent ball movement has been another bright spot for the Celtics. The team has been passing more than in previous seasons. Jayson Tatum has a total of 203 assists. Point guard Marcus Smart has a league_ high of 249 assists.

Playing together and strong communication are essential tools for winning. The group is likable and it shows on the court.

Creating Less Turnovers

The Celtics are still committing unnecessary turnovers. Making lazy passes is still a problem. Communication is important in order to pull out close games. Winning close games will determine how far the Celtics finish this season. Blowing large leads will only cause disappointment. Being patient is a sign of an intelligent playoff team.

Conclusion

If the team expects to keep winning, playing together is a must. Having trust in one another and strong defensive stands are two ingredients for success. With, the trade deadline here, adding another role player is important for the chemistry. I like the Celtics winning two rounds in the playoffs.

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Life For The Red Sox After The Work Stoppage

Life for the Red Sox after the work stoppage will be interesting. The team has currently added Rich Hill, James Paxton, and Jackie Bradley Jr. Still a long way to go. Currently, the organization has spent 190.000 000 on next year’s salaries. They still have to solve the second base dilemma. In this post, we will explore available options for next season.

Roster Chaos

One obvious answer is roster chaos. With Chaim Bloom already committing to washed _up veterans, one has to wonder what direction is next. Pitcher Michael Wacha is not the pitcher he once was. Rich Hill is in his third stint with the Red Sox. And Jackie Bradley is coming off his worst season ever.

In 2021 Bradley hit a disappointing 163 6 home runs, and 39 rbi’s. Plus an OBP/236, OPS/497, and 261 slugging percentage. Certainly not marketable numbers. No doubt the club will miss Renfroes production. His 14 assists were tops in the league. His postseason performance is what got him dealt. With, not much cap space left, Chaim Bloom’s options are minimal.

Number Three Starter And Closer

Replacing Eduardo Rodriguez is a priority. Michael Wacha and Rich Hill aren’t the answers. James Paxton is a reclamation project who we won’t see until 2023. That leaves only help in the farm or another free agent.

Notable free agents still available are Carlos Rodon, Alex Wood, and Michael Pineda. The most attractive name is Rodon. He had his best season in 2021 winning 13 games and losing six posting a 2.37 ERA. At 29 years old he would be the perfect fit for the Red Sox. A dependable lefthander who is still in his prime.

Another avenue to explore is the fam system. Two pitchers I like are Jay Groome and Chris Murphy. Groome is a monstrous 6’6″ weighing 262lbs. A slider, curve, and fastball are his best pitches. Murphy was 3-2 at Portland last season and throws 94 mph. Reliever Durbin Feltman went 7-0 at AAA Worcester

Outfield Depth

Replacing Hunter Renfroe will not be easy. Renfroe is coming off a career year, slamming 36 home runs. With Alex Verdugo in left and Jackie Bradley in centerfield, the club. is better defensively. With no help on the farm free agency is their option.

Several key free agents are still available. My personal favorite is Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos. Castellanos had a career year in 2021 belting 34 home runs and knocking in 100. Adam Duvall of the Braves and Tommy Pham of San Diego are still unsigned. Renfroe’s bat will be sorely missed. Free_ agent Kyle Schwarber is still available will be too expensive.

Japanese free agent Seiya Suzuki is a possibility. Suzuki is the best player on the market. He has a lifetime average of 309 with a 402OBP and 189 home runs. He would also be an asset defensively.

Conclusion

With the lockout still on hold, the team is not much better than last seasonWith the lockout still on hold, team is not much better than last season. Replacing Hunter Renfroe’s bat will be difficult. However, his twelve errors were the worst in the league. Resigning Kyle Schwarber will be tough even if the Luxury tax increases a little after the strike. Look for the team to pursue Seiya Suzuki is the most logical candidate.