New England Patriots (Last Year: 4-13)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
B+ GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Patriots won’t have their pick of the quarterback litter like the Redskins did beyond Caleb Williams. The Patriots may get their third preference, but that’s still an upgrade over what they’ve had in recent years at the position. New England has very little else on offense, so it needs to surround this new quarterback with as much talent as possible.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: There was pre-draft speculation that the Patriots could trade down with the Giants or Vikings, but they decided to remain in place. This was the correct decision, as they were able to land their new franchise quarterback, Drake Maye.
With an empty cupboard on offense, the Patriots had to spend tons of selections to help Maye. That’s exactly what they did, with their next four picks being used on that side of the ball. In fact, only one selection in the entire Patriots’ draft class was spent on defense, which was a steal in Marcellas Dial as a sixth-round choice.
I’m not a huge fan of all the offensive players the Patriots acquired, as tackle Caedan Wallace was a bit of a reach, while Joe Milton was a waste. However, I liked the approach, and I was a fan of Ja’Lynn Polk at No. 37, especially after New England traded down.
I wouldn’t call this a great draft class for the Patriots, but it was very good. It’s certainly a step in the right direction in New England’s post-Brady and Belichick rebuilding process.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
3. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina – A- Grade
There was great speculation that the Patriots would trade out of this pick, but they were never going to accept any offers that wouldn’t blow them away. The reason is simple – the Patriots were desperate for a franchise quarterback and happened to be in position to draft one. Drake Maye is riskier than the two quarterbacks chosen before him, but he has immense upside. The Patriots made a wise decision to draft him over any of the other options.
37. Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington – A Grade
I love when teams can take a prospect at a spot, but trade down and still get that player. This is what the Patriots did, so they should be graded highly for it. Ja’Lynn Polk makes sense here as a second-round prospect, and he fills a need. New England did well to move up into Day 2 and still acquire him.
68. Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State – C- Grade
This reminds me of the Bill Belichick days when Belichick would just throw his arms up in the air and draft players way ahead of schedule because his big board was blown up. We had Caeden Wallace firmly as a third-day player, so this is a reach for sure. I like adding a lineman for Drake Maye, but Wallace could have been chosen later.
103. Layden Robinson, G, Texas A&M – A Grade
Teams are off to a great start to begin Day 3. The Patriots need to protect Drake Maye because their offensive line has been so dreadful lately. I’ve had Layden Robinson slotted on Day 2 of my mock draft, so I love this value.
110. Javon Baker, WR, Central Florida – B Grade
I can’t hate on any pick that gives Drake Maye a weapon. Javon Baker is probably best served as a fifth-rounder, but I can buy him in the fourth. New England has nothing at receiver, so adding another one without reaching is a solid move.
180. Marcellas Dial, CB, South Carolina – A+ Grade
The Patriots are taking a break from addressing the offense to go to defense. They’re getting a stellar value, so it’s easy to understand way. Marcellas Dial could have gone in the third round with no complaints, so this is a steal.
193. Joe Milton, QB, Tennessee – C- Grade
This is a stupid pick. Joe Milton has a massive arm, but his decision-making in the pocket is horrendous. He’s a long-term project, but the Patriots will be developing Drake Maye. New England should have given Maye more to work with instead of competition.
231. Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State – A+ Grade
I thought Jaheim Bell would go two or even three rounds earlier than this, so I love the value. I also like the need fit, as Hunter Henry is now in his 30s and will need to be replaced soon.
Season Summary:
The Bill Belichick era is finally over. Belichick’s final season featured a disastrous 4-13 record, and now New England must completely rebuild with a new quarterback it’ll likely select at No. 3 overall.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Quarterback: Mac Jones is done, so the Patriots will use the No. 3 pick on a new franchise quarterback.
- Two Wide Receivers: Two new wide receivers must be added to complement the new franchise quarterback. Demario Douglas performed well last year, but two outside receivers are needed. Signed K.J. Osborn
- Four Offensive Linemen: That would be two tackles and two guards. The Patriots had good tackle play last year when Trenton Brown was healthy, but Brown and Mike Onwenu are entering free agency. The guards struggled and must be upgraded, though Cole Strange is likely to get one more chance.
- Safety: Kyle Dugger is New England’s top impending free agent. Re-signed Kyle Dugger
- Tight End: Hunter Henry is hitting free agency, so he must be re-signed or replaced. Re-signed Hunter Henry
- Running Back: Depth is needed behind Rhamondre Stevenson with Ezekiel Elliott heading for free agency. Signed Antonio Gibson
- Kicker: Chad Ryland was a disaster as a replacement for Nick Folk.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
New England Patriots Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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