Good question after the Patriots re-signed Kyle Dugger to a lucrative deal and continue to add Jabrill Peppers to the roster. In particular, retaining Dugger would block Mapu’s path to becoming a major contributor. Due to the overlap in skill sets of these three, it is questionable whether they can coexist on the field. My guess is that Belichick saw Mapu as a long-term Dugger replacement, with the idea of either letting Dugger walk this offseason or potentially playing another year on the franchise tag before passing the torch to Dugger. Let it be given.
Instead, the new regime opted to re-sign Dugger, leaving Mapu at risk of becoming redundant without a clear role despite being a high draft pick. Along with being a key contributor on special teams, Mapu can play a Swiss Army knife role on defense. He can play as a “big” slot in nickel, as a three-safety dime package player guarding the tight end, or as a coverage linebacker at the second level in obvious passing situations.
With snaps available in the slot-protection capacity, the Patriots are moving on from Miles Bryant this offseason (74.8% snap rate in 2023). Although they have very different skill sets, Mapu can wear some of the same hats that Bryant wore in specific packages.
Q: What will the Pats’ bread and butter offensive look be this season? – CJL
I liked this question. The Browns ran a heavy three-receiver attack (11 personnel) last season. A year ago, Cleveland was 11th with 68.2% of snaps in the ’11, the second most used group was the ’12’ at 10.6% (29th in the NFL). Formally, they were above league-average in under-center usage (29.2%) and primarily spread the field with an average width of 26.1 yards (ninth-highest), so they didn’t buy into the condensed formations we see. Others look from the West to coast offenses like the Rams, Niners, Dolphins and Packers.
My guess is that the Patriots “base” starting offense will have a 60-40 split in favor of three-receiver sets on heavy groups with a significant portion of snaps under center. But it features a lot of tight end sets and obviously a lot of play-action. Cleveland ranks seventh in 2023 with a 14.9% play-action rate. One should expect that number to increase from AVP, especially with Mays, a rookie, under center.
Q: Every college team in the country has a left tackle. Yet, every year, when it comes to the draft, we are told that only a handful of these OTs will make it to the pros. Why? Why is this particular situation so difficult for college programs to develop? -Jim L
This is a great question with a very long answer. In short, only humans over 300 pounds have the athletic ability to play tackle at the NFL level. From an athletic profile standpoint, the ceiling for playing in college is much lower than in the pros.
Second, pass-blocking in college is different than in the pros. For example, you may only see a half-dozen pro-style pass-blocking reps on a college tape for a pro prospect because they may be in an air raid or RPO-heavy scheme. In a college-style air attack, lineman splits are much wider with more space between blockers, and the ball is designed to come out quickly, so you’re not getting those pulled reps on the island. RPOs also limit the amount of actual pass-blocking reps he gets in college. Then, they get to the pros and are expected to pass blocks 30-plus times on an island – a huge adjustment.
From there, we must discuss the lack of live practice reps for developmental prospects. With fewer and less padded practices, there is less time to adjust to the pro game and drill techniques to make the jump in footspeed, playing strength and essential fundamentals. Offensive line technique is a learned movement. It’s not something that comes naturally to us, like throwing, running or catching a ball. This is a learned skill, so it takes time to perfect. That’s why I’m in favor of a spring league featuring NFL players who need live reps.
From a player’s perspective, you can understand why he’s cut back on padded practices altogether in training camp. But line play, especially in regards to serviceable depth, has suffered. Finding ways to get reps for guys who don’t play significant snaps in games would be helpful.