The Patriots got the QB they wanted, and got him a bunch of weapons as well
Now that the dust has settled, and we know what the New England Patriots’ entire draft class look like, it’s time for some grades. You might think it’s early — and in certain aspects it most definitely is — but this is also an exercise in finding out how the team addressed the holes on its roster and the prioritizations it decided to make.
Also, you know you love reading all the draft grades. So, let’s get into it!
Round 1
1-3: QB Drake Maye (North Carolina): The fastest way to turn your franchise around is to get a top 10 quarterback in the NFL. That’s exactly what Drake Maye has the potential to be. He’s not a finished product, and him developing is going to be dependent on his work ethic, and the talent that the Patriots put around him both on and off the field. The ceiling, however, is something that Patriots fans should be extremely excited about. This is the type of home run pick that you want to see your team make. Hopefully it works out in the long term, but this was unequivocally the correct decision. | Potential alternatives: N/A | A+
Round 2
TRADE: Patriots send 2-34 and 5-137 to Los Angeles Chargers for 2-37 and 4-110: The Patriots move back a few spots in the second round and the Chargers come up to take the receiver that they wanted, Ladd McConkey. The Patriots also move up 27 picks on Day 3 as part of the transaction.The Patriots remained in reach to get the guy that they wanted at 37 as well. | B+
2-37: WR Ja’Lynn Polk (Washington): They clearly needed to add some playmakers to their receiving corps, and they did not wait long to get some. They went out and grabbed Ja’Lynn Polk, who was one of first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.’s favorite targets last season. He is a solid route runner, and he uses his technique and positioning to get open. He doesn’t have breakaway speed, but he’s a hands catcher, and almost always comes down with the deep throws that came his way. Even if he’s not the most flashy receiver, he’s reliable, and he excels at what Drake Maye does well. | Potential alternatives: DT T’Vondre Sweat, DB Cooper DeJean, WR Adonai Mitchell | A
Round 3
3-68: OT Caedan Wallace (Penn State): The Patriots are in serious need of a left tackle, and it appears they tried to address it here with Caedan Wallace. Wallace played right tackle at Penn State, and is an older prospect. He is pretty athletic, putting up a 9.10 RAS thanks to great vertical and broad jumps. The Patriots want to try him at left tackle, but it is simply a projection. This looks like a reach, but when you read his scouting report, almost everyone agrees that he could be a first-year starter as well. Whether or not he’ll be able to do that at left tackle remains to be seen, but I don’t hate the fact that they saw a guy that they liked and went after him. | Potential alternatives: OT Kiran Amegadje, WR Roman Wilson, OL Dominick Puni | C-
Round 4
4-103: G Layden Robinson (Texas A&M): The Patriots obviously felt like they didn’t have enough on the offensive line, and so they went after another interior lineman. This time it’s Layden Robinson, a guard from Texas A&M. He wouldn’t have been my first choice at pick 103, but the Patriots seemingly thought he was the best one available. He does play with good power, and showed some real talent at times, but he needs some coaching to reach his full potential. If they can coach him up, he could end up being a really good player. He might even push for a starting job right away. | Potential alternatives: OL Tanor Bortolini, TE Erick All, OL Mason McCormick | C+
4-110: WR Javon Baker (Central Florida): The Patriots decide to double-dip at receiver, and they do so with one of the most exciting players in this year’s draft. Baker had five receptions of 50 yards or more last season, and says that when the ball goes up, he’s he the one to come down with it. He is a perfect complement to Ja’Lynn Polk, as he is also a deep ball specialist — making him another receiver that can take advantage of Drake Maye’s strengths. He has a chance to play early this season, and, if he does, you better have your popcorn ready. | Potential alternatives: OL Tanor Bortolini, RB Bucky Irving, RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. | A
Round 6
6-180: DB Marcellas Dial (South Carolina): Dial is an intriguing prospect, who has decent speed and some good athleticism. His didn’t force any turnovers this past year and his hips are a little stiff, which may lead him to having to play deep safety instead of outside cornerback, but with the Patriots’ needs, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Whether it’s corner or safety, I don’t mind taking a chance on a guy that they like at a position of need. | Potential alternatives: WR Johnny Wilson, WR Casey Washington, TE Tanner McLachlan | C+
6-193: QB Joe Milton III (Tennessee): The Patriots already drafted their quarterback of the future, now they can have some fun. “Bazooka Joe” has a crazy arm, and he’s fun to watch play. His accuracy is, well, not great, and I don’t know if he can ever actually play QB in the NFL, but he is a really interesting personality and seems to be a strong locker room presence as well. There’s a chance that he will never be a competent QB, or even a main backup, but, if he can somehow figure it out, the arm talent is very real and he has some solid athleticism as well. One of the most fun picks the Patriots have made in quite a while, despite the unclear projection. | Potential alternatives: RB Dylan Laube, OL Christian Mahogany, DT Khristian Boyd | C-
Round 7
7-231: TE Jaheim Bell (Florida State): At 6-foot-2, Bell isn’t your prototypical tight end, but he is an interesting prospect nonetheless. His ability with the ball in his hands — not just after the catch, but carrying the ball on a handoff as well — makes him a guy that can change the offense. One comparison I have heard is Jonnu Smith, and while that might not excite Patriots fans right now, he had a very good season in Atlanta and is a player that can be successful if used correctly. Alex Van Pelt does a good job exploiting the matchups on defense to get tight ends the ball frequently, meaning that this would be a slam dunk of a pick if Bell could turn into that type of player. | Potential alternatives: RB Frank Gore Jr., OT Anim Dankwah, ED Jalen Green | B
Final grade
The Patriots filled multiple holes in their roster, with Eliot Wolf being able to add some high-quality offensive players in his first ever draft as a team’s main man. There is some projection with a few of the prospects, and some curious selections sprinkled in as well, but, overall, the quasi-general manager had a successful three days running the show at One Patriot Place.
If New England hits on none of the picks other than Drake Maye, it will still be a successful draft. However, I’d be surprised if there weren’t a few potential cornerstones all over the Patriots’ haul.
At the very least, the rebuilding Patriots appear to be on the right track.
FINAL GRADE: B+
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