I love how Bill Belichick wheels and deals on a draft day, but when he picks players, especially in the second round, I want to scream - WHY?!!! I wish I could see any logic for drafting some of these players who show little worth of such high selections. Do you?

Ken Kannapan

I would say that like every other team the Patriots have had their ups and downs in the draft. Yes there have been some questionable second-round picks that haven't done much for the team like Ras-I Dowling, Cyrus Jones and Duke Dawson. But there have also been some very productive second-round picks like Rob Gronkowski, Matt Light and Patrick Chung. Lately, the draft as a whole hasn't been as strong as Belichick typically has enjoyed during his time in New England. But overall his track record has been exceptional and I believe there will be some more productive classes in the years ahead.

Paul Perillo

I read how hard the Patriots scouts work, and I am buffed why all that hard work did not translate into better picks especially in the second round in the last seven years or so? If he just took safe picks in the second round like a guard or tackle or even linebacker, they would likely stick. Can you explain why he reaches for suspect DB players over and over?

Stan C.

Another draft-related question criticizing the second-round picks. While I acknowledge some of the struggles, as mentioned above, I'm not sure I understand the philosophy of targeting "safe" players. In fact, I'm not really sure what a "safe" player in the draft is. Why is an offensive lineman considered "safer" than a defensive back? It's not like the rate of bust for linemen is less than DBs. Plenty of second-round picks don't necessarily work out and some of those in recent years have been offensive lineman. I think people don't look at them as busts as much as other spots because we don't really evaluate them with statistics as easily as other spots. So while the Giants took Will Hernandez in the second round in 2018, few rip the pick because he started as a rookie. But he received a lot of criticism in New York last year despite continuing to play every game. So, on the surface he sees plenty of action, but in reality he hasn't really played well. On the flip side the Patriots took Joejuan Williams last year and he saw only spot duty. Because he didn't crack the lineup he's viewed as another defensive back bust while Hernandez would be considered the "safe" pick. In reality neither guy has proven anything at this point, but I don't feel Belichick reached for Williams while ignoring players one might deem safer. There are obviously a ton of talented players that teams pass up in every round, every year and the Patriots have been guilty of that for sure. But I don't think it's due to poor philosophy or a desire to reach. In fact, I'm sure many would say the team reached for Rob Gronkowski in the second round many years ago because the tight end didn't play in his final year at Arizona. That risk paid off, and some others haven't, but it's all part of the business come draft time.

Paul Perillo

Just wondering if any of you have heard anything regarding the Pats new uniforms and when the announcement will be made? Also wonder which uniforms each of the cast likes most.

Freddie Molina

I have been hearing rumors about new uniforms for 2020. Is this true and if so, when will they be revealed?

Jack Higgins

The uniforms will be unveiled shortly before the draft and they will include just some subtle changes and ones that you are already familiar with. As for which of the many variations of Patriots uniforms are my favorites, I would say the red, white and blue of the late-1970s would be the winner. I love the red pants the team wore with the road white jerseys as well as the stripes on the sleeves for both the red and white tops. I know many fans love the nostalgia of the old Pat Patriot logo but truth be told I have no particular affinity for it, nor for the current flying Elvis for that matter. I'm not sure what my preference would be for a new logo and helmet, but unquestionably my favorite uniforms are those from the Chuck Fairbanks era teams of the late-70s for sure.

Paul Perillo

How have the Patriots gotten themselves in what seems to be a crippling cap space situation? The last big splash in the free agent market was the move to sign Stephon Gilmore. That turned out well but was not without growing pains. With all the free agent departures this year one would think there should be lots of cap space available. Can someone please explain to me how the team finds itself in this position?

Bryant Smeeth

I'm not really a big proponent of "crippling cap situations" and other such descriptions. Some teams have more cap space than others in any given year. In 2020 the Patriots are not blessed with a ton of extra room, but as the situation stands now they should be in line to have plenty of space in 2021. Neither case is really all that important. The actual money spent is the real factor – even in the case of Gilmore, who you admit was a big splash, the cap hit of his contract has been altered periodically in the short time he's been here – but the actual cash spent has not. So, creating space is not really the issue, but make no mistake all teams have budgets on the actual money they spend. But that's more of an administrative technicality and it really doesn't answer your question. Specifically, why do the Patriots have such a so little cap space? I'd say some recent missteps in the draft has caused the Patriots to hold on to more veterans than normal, and that has led to aging players making larger salaries than is normally the case. In many instances those players are still quite productive – players like Devin McCourty and Dont'a Hightower as examples. In a perfect world players like Cyrus Jones or Duke Dawson, two fairly recent second-round picks, would have developed enough to replace a quality veteran like McCourty for far less money. But instead those players never panned out and McCourty continued to produce and has been making money big money for several years. McCourty has played well, so he's kept his position. But the price for that, and many others similar, is the current cap situation. The Patriots have pushed a lot of money into future years, including Tom Brady, and now some of the bills have come due. It's not a huge issue, but it will require some creativity as the team rebuilds and finds its next course of action.

Paul Perillo

What do you think on who will be at quarterback, and why bring Brian Hoyer back?

Candi Reutenbuch

My feeling is Jarrett Stidham will ultimately be the Patriots next starting quarterback. But he will need to win the job with a strong offseason and training camp first. I think Hoyer was brought back to provide some veteran leadership for Stidham to lean on as the youngster learns the ropes and goes through his first experiences playing in the NFL. And if he stumbles, then Hoyer will be capable of stepping in if needed. Stidham obviously needs some time to develop but he has some athleticism that should help and he showed flashes of ability during the preseason last summer. If that promise continues, I believe Belichick will give him every opportunity to develop.