5 Players Bill Belichick Needs to Target in the Transfer Portal

5 Players Bill Belichick Needs to Target in the Transfer Portal

Bill Belichick, the legendary New England Patriots head coach, has long been known for his ability to adapt and innovate, often making the most out of the players he has available. However, with the ever-evolving landscape of college football and the introduction of the transfer portal, Belichick finds himself facing a new challenge: how to find the right players who can elevate his roster. The transfer portal has opened up a new way for teams to acquire talent, and with Belichick’s eye for value, this could be a game-changer for the Patriots. Here are five players he should target to help the team compete in 2025 and beyond.

1. Spencer Rattler, Quarterback, South Carolina

While the Patriots have Mac Jones, there has been ongoing speculation about his future in New England. Bill Belichick has often been willing to move on from players who don’t meet his vision for the team, and if Jones’ performance continues to falter, Rattler could be a perfect addition.

Rattler, once a highly touted recruit at Oklahoma, has shown impressive growth during his time at South Carolina. His arm strength and ability to make big throws downfield would add a new dimension to the Patriots’ offense. Rattler’s mobility also provides an added advantage in today’s NFL, where quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs are becoming increasingly important. If Belichick is serious about finding a future franchise quarterback, Rattler should be high on his list.

2. Brock Bowers, Tight End, Georgia

The Patriots have long relied on tight ends to dominate their offensive scheme, and with Bill Belichick’s system, that role is crucial. While Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith have had their moments, neither has been able to consistently fill the massive shoes left by Rob Gronkowski. Enter Brock Bowers, the 2024 Mackey Award winner, who has taken the college football world by storm with his exceptional athleticism, receiving skills, and blocking ability.

Bowers is a complete tight end capable of stretching the field, creating mismatches, and providing a reliable target for any quarterback. He would be an ideal fit for Belichick’s offense, both as a receiving threat and a blocker, helping to improve the Patriots’ red-zone efficiency and overall offensive production.

3. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Cornerback, Alabama

Defensive back is a position where Belichick has always prioritized elite playmakers. The Patriots’ defense has been solid but lacks the lockdown cornerback who can take away one side of the field. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama’s shutdown corner, could be just the player Belichick needs.

McKinstry’s size, speed, and ball skills make him a premier corner in college football, and his ability to neutralize top receivers would allow the Patriots to focus on other areas of their defense. Belichick’s system, which often asks cornerbacks to take on a variety of responsibilities, would play well to McKinstry’s skill set. If the Patriots are serious about becoming a defensive powerhouse, McKinstry should be on their radar.

4. Zach Evans, Running Back, Ole Miss

The Patriots have historically been successful with a stable of running backs rather than relying on one star. With Damien Harris heading into free agency and Rhamondre Stevenson becoming the clear leader of the backfield, adding a dynamic back like Zach Evans could provide a much-needed spark.

Evans is a highly talented running back who has the ability to make defenders miss in space and take it to the house. His balance and vision would complement Stevenson’s hard-nosed running style and give Belichick the versatility he craves in the backfield. The Patriots could greatly benefit from Evans’ ability to contribute as both a runner and a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

5. J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge Rusher, Ohio State

The Patriots have had mixed results in terms of pass rush production over the past few seasons. While Matthew Judon has been effective, there’s still room for improvement on the edge. J.T. Tuimoloau, the Ohio State standout, is a force to be reckoned with. His combination of strength, quickness, and pass-rushing technique would help bolster the Patriots’ defensive line, providing a reliable bookend opposite Judon.

Tuimoloau has been one of the most dominant defensive players in college football and would add much-needed pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His ability to create havoc in the backfield fits perfectly with Belichick’s defensive philosophy, and with the right coaching, Tuimoloau could quickly become one of the league’s top edge rushers.

Conclusion

Bill Belichick has always prided himself on finding value and making smart personnel decisions. With the transfer portal now available as a resource, the Patriots’ roster could undergo a significant upgrade. By targeting players like Spencer Rattler, Brock Bowers, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Zach Evans, and J.T. Tuimoloau, Belichick can inject youth, talent, and versatility into the roster, potentially leading the Patriots back to their former glory. While it’s never easy to predict which players will succeed at the NFL level, these five names would represent a smart and exciting future for the franchise.